Guy Fishman: Bach Suites at MFA Boston

Bach composed his six suites for unaccompanied cello in 1720. That he gifted such undisputed masterworks to an instrument that at the time was still slowly being recognized as capable of virtuoso expressions equal to those of the violin elicits both awe and curiosity. But it also elicits gratitude on the part of cellists and their audiences, that the former may spend a lifetime mining the treasures contained in this magnificent music, and the latter may enjoy listening to them do so. Almost entirely forgotten after their composition, first published as mere exercises 100 years after they were written, and performed complete starting only in the 20th century, these works now occupying the top tier of every cellist’s repertoire, regular performances, and dozens of editions and recordings. Guy Fishman, principal cellist of the Handel and Haydn Society, surveys all six suites on his baroque cello, built in Rome in 1704, as well as on a five-stringed baroque cello, over two concerts in one day.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

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