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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Ophelie Gaillard renders Bach Suites

Post Subject: Something differentPosted by Romy the Cat on: 6/18/2012

I never hear Ophelie Gaillard but am always am open for new takes on Bach. If you would like to try something different then you might try what I have been listening for the last few months – viola rendition of the suites. Viola is kind of shadowy instrument but I am discovering that for right music, in context of proper listening objectives and in good hands it might be very rewording instrument. So, try to find Lillian Fuchs plays the whole 6 Suites for Cello Solo by viola. This is old recording that very much no comply with what Hi-Fi people consider as “quality” but that is phenomenal play and very slick transition to very different instrument with slightly different expressive characteristics. It took for me a bit time to get accustomed to slightly higher pitch of viola and perceived narrowed dynamic range but I went over it very fast and nowadays feel that dynamic starving is beneficial to the suites as it highlights the structural and chromatic beauty of the work. It is no surprise that Casals after he heard Lillian Fuchs noted “it sounded even better for viola”.

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