Bach - Cello Suites / Rostropovich

Starring:Mstislav Rostropovich
Studio: EMI Classics
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This is one of the most important recordings of the 20th century, both for its content (considered by many the greatest cello music of all time) and for the intense devotion, careful preparation, and towering technical skill that went into the project. It was a brilliant idea to make a video as well as an audio recording. Cellists will welcome the chance to study Rostropovich's bowing and fingering techniques, close up and at leisure. And music-lovers will welcome the visuals of the recording location, a French church whose architecture, statues, and flickering candles complement the music.

Mstislav Rostropovich knew, loved and practiced the Bach suites from his teen years, when the legendary Pablo Casals gave him a private performance of one of them. But he did not feel ready to record the complete set until he was 63 years old. Then he found an ideal location for the recording; he carefully chose his recording technicians, and he supervised the sessions besides playing the cello as only he can. Each note is carefully considered and given its unique shape. The music's structures are made clear, its emotional overtones powerfully conveyed. The conventional structure of a baroque suite--an elaborate overture followed by a series of dances--comes vigorously to life. And Rostropovich gives a spoken introduction to each suite (in Russian, with English subtitles) playing illustrative passages on the piano or organ.

Amazon.com

This is one of the most important recordings of the 20th century, both for its content (considered by many the greatest cello music of all time) and for the intense devotion, careful preparation, and towering technical skill that went into the project. It was a brilliant idea to make a video as well as an audio recording. Cellists will welcome the chance to study Rostropovich's bowing and fingering techniques, close up and at leisure. And music-lovers will welcome the visuals of the recording location, a French church whose architecture, statues, and flickering candles complement the music.

The result may appeal mostly to specialized tastes (unaccompanied cello is not everyone's cup of tea), but this video is a landmark. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Nice DVD but component output / hdmi upconversion fails.......2007-01-23

I have a Sony upconverting dvd player and there is a strange purple hue when the upconversion is enabled. I have experienced the same effect using the component outputs on another dvd player. It makes it basically unwatchable. It looks normal without upconversion or over svideo. It's upsetting for such a fine dvd. It would be 5 stars otherwise.

almost 5 star, falls short on video quality.......2007-01-10

If you study cello, or enjoy solo cello, this is great. This is unique, and can't be found elsewhere.
My complaint is the video taping technique and quality. It had dropouts, indicating it was either filmed or analog-taped. Some close-ups are not necessary and not steady, other times the person is too small. Guess the cameraman felt he had to do something. And the result is annoying. My opinion is that it is best not to do anything and just let the camera roll. Shame on the camera crew.
Despite the video drawbacks, the content is highly valuable, especially if you are a cellist.

Peerless.......2007-01-06

This is a breathtaking DVD. While the playing is scintillating, I was struck by Slava's remarks about the music. It is so illuminating to hear him speak about the energy in the phrase and demonstrate on the piano. This a disc for all the senses not just the ears and eyes. Not since Casals have we had such wonderful marriage of musicianship and scholarship in one package. Bravo!

A Must have DVD.......2006-04-28

I saw Rostropovich perform all six suites in Vienna during the mid-70s at the time he initially moved to the west. It was the first time he performed all six in one sitting. I also met the man after the concert, truly one of the greatest musical evenings I ever experienced. This man, a giant of his craft, makes these suites "sing". The recording was made inside a cathedral and to my eyes and ears, gets the visual and aural tone just right. These pieces are arguable at the apex of western music. The soloist quality of the performance is also an excellent entry point for anyone, particularly those with a jazz background, who want to "get into" classical music. "Slava" is at the top of his game in these recordings. A total must have for any DVD collection. Next stop: check out Rostropovich's CD interpretation of the Britten suites or Jacqueline DuPre's DVD of the Elgar Concerto. Cello heaven!!

I'm Blown Away ..........2005-12-04

I really don't know what to say about this DVD set. It is by far the wisest purchase I have made all year. I wont repeat anything that has already been stated, but this is so definitive, so incredible, so informative that it will leave anyone stunned and in need of some alone time with your Cello or Piano or Violin, take your pick.

The sound quality is superb. I listened to it with the DTS for enhanced quality, while there was also a choice of Dolby Digital Surround Sound and PCM 2.0 (default) for regular TV sets. Listening to Rostropovich talk about about Bach (in subtitles) was incredibly engrossing. I had to watch the entire set twice, to make sure I wasn't imaging how good this was. It was like taking a music history / theory class directly from Rostropovich himself.

I'm completely sold on Rostropovich and his philosophy with Bach and the interpretations. You'll see why.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Slow Burn

Ancient Secrets of the Bible

Marianne's Temptations [1972]

DVD: Sabotage

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi - Vol. 3