Pablo Casals, at 73, ended his silent protest by opening each of the six major programs at the 1950 Prades Festival with a Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suite.
Composition History
The first Prades Festival in 1950 was conceived by pianist Mieczyslaw Horszowski and violinist Alexander Schneider to honor Bach's 200th death anniversary and persuade Pablo Casals to return to public performance.
Critical Reception
Critics praised these live recordings for their risk-taking and excitement, contrasting them with the 'play-it-safe musical world' of modern studio recordings.
Historical Context
After World War II, cellist Pablo Casals refused to play concerts while Francisco Franco ruled Spain, protesting those who tolerated the regime.
Historical Context
In 1957, after suffering a heart attack, Pablo Casals established another Casals Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which ran simultaneously with the older one in France.
Interpretation
Pablo Casals's 1955 performance of Bach's C Major Cello Suite, recorded when he was nearly 80, is noted for its fervor, rhythmic vitality, and faultless bow control and intonation.
Recording & Production
This 13-CD collection includes five CDs of material that had never been commercially released before this issue.
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