J.S. BACH
Cello Suites
Heinrich Schiff
EMI Double Fforte CZS 5741792
[Total: 124:59 * Disc One: 55:12 * Disc Two:
69:47]
Crotchet
This Double Fforte EMI Classics reissue presents the six Bach solo cello
suites on 2 CDs and sells at mid-price. The music was recorded in 1984 by
the cellist Heinrich Schiff, about whom the booklet tells us nothing. Indeed,
the booklet is fronted with an irrelevant painting by an artist who was born
53 years after Bach died, while the notes draw heavily on Wilfrid Meller's
book Bach and the Dance of God, without really giving us any particular
reason as to why. A newcomer to this music would not learn that these suites
are considered among the most profound of all classical works, though he
or she would gather something about the court of Prince Leopold, including
the fact that the prince once had Bach imprisoned in order to prevent him
leaving the royal service. And musicians think they have it tough today.
Still, the important thing here is the music. The recording is very good,
the instrument well focused in the warm acoustic of the Evangelical Church
of Seon, the ambience not being allowed to swamp detail with surplus
reverberation. As for the performances: this is, however theoretically, dance
music and Schiff, a musician whose ability is not in doubt, approaches the
scores with considerable technical skill, though in places at such brisk
tempos that the sense of rhythm is subsumed under the forward momentum. Schiff
takes fractionally under 125 minutes to perform the 6 pieces, whilst many
other musicians take 130 or even 140 minutes - for instance the 1998 Channel
Classics account by Pieter Wispelwey (Channel Classics CCS12298). However,
what Schiff loses in grace he regains in drama, giving a somewhat stern though
forceful account. This is considered musicianship and must be respected as
the thoughts of a major solo performer one of Bach's greatest works.
Even so, I doubt very much that this is ever going to be regarded as one
of the great versions of this music, and there are far too many rivals equally
worthy of attention. On the other hand, at 2-1 price this set does offer
good value, and may serve as a worthwhile introduction to the Suites for
anyone wary of buying a full-price double of someone playing a cello for
over two hours. Personally I'd go for Rostropovitch, also on EMI (CDS5553632),
but at full price. Nevertheless, recommended as a good budget choice.
Gary S. Dalkin
