Bach Cello Suites

What is it about the Bach cello suites that draws us in so deeply? AMN Founder Lolly Lewis asked several of our mentors why they thought that was, and got a wide variety of answers! Some felt it’s because the sound of the cello corresponds so closely to the human voice. Some thought it was the character of the solo music: introspective and intimate. Maybe there isn’t any one answer but Lewis says that for her, hearing any of those preludes is like opening the door into a new universe of sound. Kind of like smelling an amazing rose; the vivid and evocative fragrance just transports you.

In our series, Six Suites in Six Weeks, you’ll meet six professional cellists who will each share one of the suites in an hour-long session of playing and conversation. You’ll learn about the music in up-close and intimate encounters with these artists’ interpretive process and personal musical experiences.

Our cellists come from all walks of musical life. Some are active solo artists, others are performers and teachers, some are orchestra players – and all of them play and love the Bach suites and have lived with them for years. Each brings his or her unique sensibility to the music and, remarkably, each continues to find new inspiration every time they revisit these works.

We know you’ll be inspired, too!