J.S. Bach composed the 6 Suites for violoncello senza basso during the years he was “Anhalt-Köthen Prince’s own musical director” at the court of Köthen between 1717 and 1723.
At that time, music was prohibited in the church (organs were removed from churches). During his years in Koethen, Bach’s compositions were intended for the court. Among them, the Violin Sonatas and Partitas, the Brandenburg Concertos, the secular cantatas, Well-Tempered Clavier (BWV 846-869) and the Cello Suites.
J.S. BACH’s original manuscript of the Cello Suites has not been found. However, these sounds were arranged foa large number of other instruments ad thus became very familiar.
Here is Cellist Yo Yo Ma to play these suites for your enjoyment:
