Six Suites for Cello

[Scania9s]

I'm working on Six Suites for solo Cello by Bach (edited by D. Markevitch). Besides the fact that the Bach/Sauer arrangement is written a 4th down, is there any reason to bother buying it when I already have the original work for cello? The key and sound of the original, I think, is preferrable to the Sauer edition.

[pulseczar]

If it sounds good, go for it.

[eupher61]

Except that the Sauer edition has all the double/triple/quad stops worked out. Which note makes the line? Which are harmonies? Do you arpeggiate those, or choose a single note? Your interpretation may turn out to be a lot different than an edited-for-single-note instruments. But, it's easier to pick up the edition and not work at figuring the line.

[Peach]

Except that the Sauer edition has all the double/triple/quad stops worked out. Which note makes the line? Which are harmonies? Do you arpeggiate those, or choose a single note? Your interpretation may turn out to be a lot different than an edited-for-single-note instruments. But, it's easier to pick up the edition and not work at figuring the line.

Exactly the reason to use a Cello edition.


The Sauer edition is good I guess (I have a copy), but if you're used to hearing these on Cello, you'll really want to work through your own version IMO.

[Scania9s]

Right on. I'd be curious to compare recordings - if there are any tuba recordings of either edition.

Thanks for your input!
Dave

[windshieldbug]

Actually, I used those suites as etudes... from the 'cello edition, and worked out multiphonics for all the multiple stops.

Good head and ear practice all 'round!

[Chuck(G)]

Is Martin Jarvis' magnum opus out yet that purports to show that old Johann didn't write the suties, but Anna Magdalena did?

Has anyone read it?

Just curious.

[Peach]

Right on. I'd be curious to compare recordings - if there are any tuba recordings of either edition.

Thanks for your input!
Dave

Don't think anyone has ever recorded the lot on tuba.
John Fletcher used to play them (and other unaccompanied Bach) - he recorded the Minuet II & Courante from the first suite (in G). Fabulous playing. Available on 'Best of Fletch' which everyone should own anyway...

An euph player (whose name escapes me) has recorded a couple of the suites in complete form but I don't care for it. Lindberg has recorded the 2nd suite which works very well in his hands. Worth hearing anyone's version on a single-line instrument to see how they interpret them.

Everyone will have their favourite Cello recordings of the suites - mine is Robert Cohen. Have got a variety of recordings (Casals, Wispelway, Rostropovich, Ma, etc etc) and always come back to the Cohen. I think he plays cello like a tuba player would (check-out the 4th Prelude for example...)! I know some cellists pick holes in his technique but I love the lot.

Great pieces though and well worth a lot of study.
Good luck!

[james]

The good thing about the Sauer arrangements is that they are very comfortable on CC tuba. If you are used to playing the original suites on F tuba, then the fingerings are exactly the same and one can achieve quite a nice cross-training exercise. The down side is that, for the purist, the new key can be a little tough to get used to. I say buy the book and use it as a cross-training routine for developing the same line/musicality on the big horn as you do on the small horn up a fourth.

[The Impaler]

Is Martin Jarvis' magnum opus out yet that purports to show that old Johann didn't write the suties, but Anna Magdalena did?

Has anyone read it?

Just curious.

Haven't heard. Interesting supposition though. The oldest surviving manuscript is actually in Anna Magdalena's handwriting, supposedly copied from Johann's autograph, although saying that she wrote them seems like a big jump for me.

Sorry for the thread jack. Check out the Mark Lusk edition. Although done for trombone, it's very insightful and has all the multiple-stopping worked out from the standpoint of keeping the line intact. Very good, imho.....

[pwhitaker]

Being old and lazy I like to play them an octave down on my Miraphone 1291 BBb using the 36MM Titanium bird bath that G&W made for me. - The low C's on that horn with that mouthpiece are awe-inspiring.