J.S. Bach devoted himself almost exclusively to instrumental music during his employment at the court of Anhalt-Cöthen between 1717 and 1723, a period that yielded many significant works.
Cultural Impact
Pablo Casals, a renowned cellist, single-handedly brought Bach's Cello Suites to the music world's attention after they had been considered mere studies for a century.
Composition History
Between 1721 and the early 20th century, no important concert pieces were written for solo cello by major composers.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's concept, 'hypersuite,' integrates contemporary solo cello works directly into Bach's Cello Suites, with Bach acting as a narrator.
Performer Biography
Cellist Darrett Adkins is praised by critics as 'stunning' and 'intensely involving' for his performances of contemporary music.
Instruments
Darrett Adkins performs on a cello made by Johannes Tononi in Bologna, Italy, in 1681.
Performer Biography
Darrett Adkins has premiered many important cello works, including the first New York performance of Arne Nordheim's concerto, Tenebrae, and the first American performance of Rolf Wallin's concerto, Grund.
