Cello Suites

Photo: Marco Borggreve

For cellists, Bach’s solo Suites are both standard literature and a lifetime challenge. Can you tell us in a few words about your fascination with the Suites?

It’s very difficult to describe a lifelong love in a few words! The Suites give us the ability to fly away with our small, four-stringed instrument and travel to the most incredible, diverse worlds. A unique experience!

In Leipzig, you’ll be playing all six Suites on one evening. What musical development is there from Suites 1 to 6?

The first, in G major, teaches us the nature of harmony; for me, the second, the Suite in D minor, is a human reflection. In the third suite, in C major, I see the pure expression of human joy, while in my view the fourth, in E flat major, is a search for the meaning of life. I’d define the fifth, in C minor, as an investigation of the unfinished or nothingness, and lastly, the sixth, the Suite in D major, I feel is the expression of an irresistible faith in universal love.

A complete performance of all six Suites comprises over 40 individual movements. Do you have one favourite movement that you’ll especially be looking forward to during the evening?

Of course, the Allemande from Suite No. 6!