1007 J. S. Bach Cello Suite No. 1 in G major BWV 1007 All of Bach

00:28 1. Prelude 03:02 2. Allemande 06:48 3. Courante 09:40 4. Sarabande 12:29 5. Minuet I II 16:02 6. Gigue 18:14 Commentary: Harmony Takes Time 25:29 Commentary: Slovenly Slurs 28:51 Commentary: The Fat Lady Cellist: Lucia Swarts YEAR Between 1717 and 1723 CITY Köthen Bachs first cello suite became his most famous one. The cellist begins the wellknown, comforting prelude in a gentle, radiant G major. The first bars are dominated by the single G, D and A strings, resulting in great resonance. This most friendly of suites is suitable for beginners and amateurs, even though it presents challenges to professionals as well. For instance, do you build up the climax leading to the end of the prelude tempestuously or with an even flow And how should the bowing be done The Anna Magdalena Bach manuscript in which these suites have been handed down notates the slurs above and below the notes very freely and with apparent inconsistency. Is this a question of sloppiness, or did the composer actually want the