Masterly   Christophe Coin – Cello

Nothing in the world is more precious to me than these suites. Mstislav Rostropovich

Few works are as inextricably linked to the cello as Bach’s immortal cello suites. They are a centrepiece of musical literature and, with their timeless beauty, a permanent presence in the lives of all cellists. What is both astounding and unique is the fact that they were only rediscovered by chance in 1890. The 13-year-old Pablo Casals found the sheet music for the Six Suites pour Violoncelle Seul in a thrift shop in Barcelona. They were long considered virtuoso practice pieces rather than masterpieces for the concert hall. Another 40 years were to pass before Casals’ numerous recordings in particular ushered in a renaissance. For Casals, they were the quintessence of Bach’s oeuvre, and Bach himself the quintessence of all music. With this concert, Christophe Coin – one of the most prominent musicians in the world of Early Music – completes the cycle begun last season. His interpretations of Bach’s suites are unique.

Christophe Coin – Cello