Johann Sebastian Bach:
- Cello Suites Nos. 1-6, BWV1007-1012
Performed by Isang Enders (cello)
I became interested in this recording, because I had not previously heard of this performer, and I wanted to explore his playing more fully.
“Bach is immortal,” writes Isang Enders in the foreword to his new CD of the six Suites for solo cello. “They say that Bach is the beginning and the end of all things, immortal, incomprehensible and even holy.”
Given this enormous challenge, no musician can be blamed for being plagued by doubts when one first approaches works of such caliber. And yet Enders also says:
“Bach’s music is so human and thus always contemporary and pure. The suites should speak, they should sing and dance, hunt and contemplate – altogether subjectively and characteristically, now that I have overcome my doubts. The subjective aspect of this recording is the result of my firm conviction.”
These are the words of a young cellist, who previously led the cello section at the Dresden Staatskapelle in Germany when he was only twenty years old. Later, he gave up this position for a solo career.
While cellist Isang Enders has youthful energy, solid technique, and seemingly a sensitive understanding of Bach’s works, my listening led me to conclude that he needs more experience. Let me explain:
Here is Isang Enders in the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1. My personal view is that his tempo is way too fast; I want to feast and reflect on these sounds of Bach. Yet — in the way he performs this work – these wonderful sounds go by too quickly. For me, I’d like to see this selection played at a much slower tempo.
See what you think:
And next, here is Ernest Bloch’s “Schelomo – Hebrew Rhapsody”, with Isang Enders, cello and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra:
Tags: Isang Enders, cello, Bach Cello Suites, Ernest Bloch, Dresden Staatskapelle