This album was produced by Steven Epstein and recorded from March 3-8, 2016, at The Barn in Washington, MA, with engineering by Richard King.
Interpretation
Chris Thile's mandolin takes on the roles of harpsichord, lute, or piano, while Yo-Yo Ma's cello embodies a chorus of human voices and centuries of string-playing styles.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johann Sebastian Bach, revered as a creator and craftsman, was also a humble artisan and prolific composer, eager to find every outlet for his immense skill.
Compositional Technique
The trio uses a technique called hocket, where musicians interrupt each other to form a continuous musical line, transforming the central section of the E-minor Fugue into a chase scene.
Performer Biography
The trio of Chris Thile (mandolin, guitar), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), and Edgar Meyer (bass) first played Bach together as encores during their 2012 tour for the Goat Rodeo Sessions.
Interpretation
The Ma/Thile/Meyer trio's interpretation of Bach balances revisionist and historically informed approaches, finding a voice in the middle of the interpretative spectrum.
Compositional Technique
Bach's music is highly adaptable to various instrumental combinations, with individual parts forming satisfying narrative threads that allow for diverse voices to tease out separate lines.
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J.S. Bach: Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528: II. Andante (Perf. on Sheng, Viola & Double Bass)
Niccolò Paganini - Terzetto concertante for alto, guitar & cello
