J.S. Bach: Cello Suites, BWV 1007-1012 (Arr. for Viola)

Featuring

Lillian Fuchs
Joseph Fuchs
Johann Sebastian Bach
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Bohuslav Martinů

Did you know?

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Recording & Production

The Bach Suites 1 & 3 on this album were recorded in May 1954, Suites 2 & 6 in May 1951, and Suites 4 & 5 in May 1952, all for US Decca.

Historical Context

Some scholars suggest that Johann Sebastian Bach, the composer of the Suites on this album, may have originally worked out these pieces on the viola, an instrument he himself played.

Composition History

Bohuslav Martinu, a composer featured on this album, wrote his Three Madrigals for Lillian and Joseph Fuchs after hearing them perform the two Mozart duos.

Interpretation

Lillian Fuchs, the violist on this album, was most proud of her pioneering recordings of the Bach Suites, believing she had a "pretty good bow arm."

Performer Biography

Lillian Fuchs and her brother Joseph Fuchs, both performers on this album, founded the Musicians' Guild in 1947, a flexible chamber group that lasted 11 years.

Performer Biography

Lillian Fuchs, a violist on this album, played for two decades from 1925 in the Perolé Quartet, which performed a full program every Sunday on the WOR radio network.

Performer Biography

Lillian Fuchs, a violist featured on this album, was encouraged by her teacher Frans Kneisel to switch from violin to viola despite her diminutive size.