Jitka Vlašánková is a member of the Martinů Quartet, an ensemble known for its contribution to the Czech quartet tradition, which has toured extensively and received awards for its recordings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach intentionally composed the solo cello Suites as a true cycle, ensuring no key of the individual pieces is repeated.
Composition History
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his Six Suites for unaccompanied cello around 1720 while living in Köthen, where he also composed the Brandenburg Concertos and the first part of The Well-Tempered Clavier.
Performer Biography
Jitka Vlašánková, the cellist on this recording, studied with legendary cellist William Pleeth in London and participated in master courses with world-famous cellists like A. Navarra and B. Greenhouse.
Instruments
Jitka Vlašánková plays an 18th-century cello by Master Januarius Gagliano, an instrument previously owned and played by her teacher, the great Czech cellist Miloš Sádlo, and now belonging to the National Museum in Prague.
Interpretation
Jitka Vlašánková's interpretation of Bach's Cello Suites was strongly influenced by the 'thought pictures' evoked by the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, a German poet.
Compositional Technique
Bach's Cello Suites adhere to a classical four-piece form (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) but also include an introductory Prelude and additional dance pieces like Menuet or Bourrée.
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