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Re: Bach solo pieces for Violincello

Author: Francesca
Date: 2004-06-05 18:16

The biggest thing about performing the 'cello suites on a wind instrument is the phrasing. Obviously string players can go forever without breathing. We are not so lucky. Most of the same phrasing rules apply that you use for any piece: don't breathe under a slur, don't breathe on a bar line, take your time and emphasize cadences. What I love about performing these pieces is that you can be so free with tempo and note stretching.

Two bits of advice on these pieces: 1. Taper cut-offs and then take your time starting the next phrase. A cello string would still be vibrating, so you have to create that effect. 2. Related to that, really stretch the lowest note in a note grouping. Again, the cello string would still be vibrating as it continued the passage. You have to fool the audience into thinking the note is still being played. Happy practicing. I just adore the Bach 'cello suites, if you can't tell.

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