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"Canadian cellist Winona Zelenka gives Bach’s solo cello suites a stylish ease that we don’t often hear on modern cello. Sarabandes sound like graceful dances, not constipated sacred cows, and Zelenka’s modest vibrato and tasteful use of open strings give her access to affects that sometimes get left behind – reflection, say, or melancholy – for more intense ones, especially in slow movements." - Elissa Poole, Globe & Mail
This two-CD
release reflects Winona Zelenka's exploration of the Bach six unaccompanied
Cello Suites. In some ways the journey has been typical of a cellist
of her generation: from the ultra-romanticism of Casals, to the modernist
logic of Starker, to a European school that has been more open to historical
performance practice.
In her search for Bach's intellectual and emotional meaning, Winona
presents a powerful and expressive performance that is both true to
the composer and uniquely her own.
Winona
Zelenka is one of Canada's finest cellists, known for her gorgeous,
luminous tone and expressive brilliance. She electrifies audiences with
her impeccable musicality, superb technique and elegant style. "Some
of the most beautiful singing… came from the cello of Winona Zelenka.
Her opening solo…was breathtaking - floating with effortless musicality."
- National Post
The cello
used in this recording was made in 1707 by Joseph Guarnerius of Cremona,
Italy. The Cremonese instruments of this period are considered the summit
of achievement and this Guarneri proves the rule. It is known for its
rich magnificent tone.
Read Winona's thoughts on
Bach and on the making of this recording.
Read or print the CD notes in pdf format.
Catalog: MAR 509
Available on Amazon
Track Listing
CD
1
Suite #1 in G Major BWV
1007
1. Prelude (Listen)
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Menuet 1 & 2
6. Gigue
Suite #3 in C Major BWV 1009
7. Prelude
8. Allemande
9. Courante
10. Sarabande
11. Bourrée 1 & 2
12. Gigue
Suite #5 in C minor BWV 1011
13. Prelude
14. Allemande
15. Courante
16. Sarabande (Listen)
17. Gavotte 1 & 2
18. Gigue
Total playing time: 67:57
CD 2
Suite #2 in D minor BWV 1008
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante (Listen)
4. Sarabande
5. Menuet 1 & 2
6. Gigue
Suite #4 in E flat Major BWV 1010
7. Prelude
8. Allemande
9. Courante
10. Sarabande (Listen)
11. Bourrée 1 & 2
12. Gigue
Suite #6 in D Major BWV 1012
13. Prelude
14. Allemande
15. Courante
16. Sarabande
17. Gavotte 1 & 2
18. Gigue
Total playing time: 77:26
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