Decoding the music masterpieces: Bach’s Six Solo Cello Suites

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Solo Cello Suites are some of the most iconic classical music works. They have inspired not only cellists and audiences but other artforms as well, and they have been featured in ballet and theatre productions, even in films. Zoltan Szabo, University of Sydney

Bach – Matthäus Passion: Erbarme dich (Guillon)

Accompanied by the Choir and Orchestra of Collegium Vocale Ghent, the French countertenor Damien Guillon sings “Erbarme dich, mein Gott” (English: Have mercy, my God), an aria for contralto, solo violin, strings (originally 2 violins and 1 viola) and basso continuo, from the sacred oratorio “Matthäus-Passion” (English: St Matthew Passion), BWV 244 written by Johann …

Delibes: Flower Duet, Devieilhe & Crebassa

Accompanied by the period-instrument orchestra Les Siècles under its founder, François-Xavier Roth, French operatic soprano Sabine Devieilhe and French mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa perform “The Flower Duet” (French: Duo des fleurs / Sous le dôme épais), a famous duet for sopranos from Léo Delibes’ in three acts, Lakmé.

Brahms: Violin Concerto [Kavakos]

Accompanied by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra (DRSO), Greek violinist and conductor Leonidas Kavakos performs Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77, a piece composed in 1878 and dedicated to the composer’s friend, the Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim (8 June 1831 – 15 August 1907). Conductor: Fabio Luisi. Recorded in 2017.

Piazzolla: “Primavera Porteña” [Guitar & Arrangement: Marco Salcito]

Italian classical guitarist Marco Salcito plays “Primavera Porteña” from the Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas, also known as the Estaciones Porteñas or The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a set of four tango compositions by the Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger Astor Piazzolla. (Buenos Aires Spring). Arrangement: Marco Salcito.

Bach – Harpsichord Concerto No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056. Adele Daunoraviciute, harpsichord

Accompanied by Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian pianist Adele Daunoraviciute performs Johann Sebastian Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056. Conductor: Robertas Bliskevicius.

Lucie Horsch performs Vivaldi’s Flautino Concerto

Accompanied by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, young Lucie Horsch performs Vivaldi’s Flautino Concerto in C Major (RV 443) (G major transposition for soprano recorder). Music director and conductor: Anne Manson, concertmaster: Karl Stobbe. Recorded on April 27, 2016.

Ravel: Piano Concerto [Argerich, Krivine]

Accompanied by the Orchestre National de France, Argentine classical concert pianist Martha Argerich performs Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major. Conductor: Emmanuel Krivine. Recorded on July 9, 2022, at the Kolarac Concert Hall in Belgrade. The piece was composed between 1929 and 1931. It is in three movements and is heavily influenced by jazz, which the …