Johnny Gandelsman plays JS Bach's Complete Cello Suites (transcribed for violin)

Recorded on October 30th, 2020 at Oktaven Studio, Mount Vernon NY
Recording engineer: Ryan Streber
Video Editor: Michael Nicolas

Big thanks to Robert Cassidy and the entire team of Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series, and to Avi Stein and the team at Helicon Foundation for providing this opportunity to record the suites on video.

Thanks for watching. Stay safe, healthy and be kind to one another.

[U]

Having enjoyed the CD for many times, I also appreciate the video recording, bravo ! Thought I would mark the movements here for reference :
Suite N° 1
00:00 Prélude
02:00 Allemande
04:59 Courante
07:24 Sarabande
09:38 Menuet I & II
12:23 Gigue

Suite N° 2
13:49 Prélude
16:49 Allemande
19:19 Courante
21:09 Sarabande
24:50 Menuet I & II
27:11 Gigue

Suite N° 3
29:34 Prélude
32:30 Allemande
35:18 Courante
37:57 Sarabande
41:19 Bourrée I & II
44:22 Gigue


Suite N° 4
47:08 Prélude
50:11 Allemande
53:08 Courante
56:20 Sarabande
58:59 Bourrée I & II
01:03:19 Gigue

Suite N° 5
01:06:07 Prélude
01:11:10 Allemande
01:14:28 Courante
01:16:13 Sarabande
01:19:21 Gavotte I & II
01:23:28 Gigue

Suite N° 6
01:25:21 Prélude
01:29:11 Allemande
01:34:39 Courante
01:38:01 Sarabande
01:42:23 Gavotte I & II
01:45:47 Gigue

[jeffhall]

I just saw him play these live in La Jolla, California (Valentines Day 2022), He did all 6 suites flawlessly from memory without an intermission!

[MrRepublicking]

Love this violin version of Cello suites, your the only One so far those can play these pieces on violin spectacularly with clarity and excellent sound. I discovered you playing this live and I’m super excited that you’re playing the full suite again ... I tried practicing the prelude, which is favourite and I can say, it’s not easy to play as composed.

[teklacunningham]

So beautiful Johnny. Nice way to start Bach's birthday!

[rachelgauntlett]

Beautiful - your interpretation of the 6th suite is like a burst of joy! Thank you.

[Stephen]

Amazing interpretation, tone quality, technique and stamina. Listening to this makes me feel good all day long.

[ralphnjackson]

This is glorious playing. I feel a direct communication from Bach himself.

[Peter-vdwi]

Great inspiration. I play these suites on guitar and have just begun to thinking about playing them on the violin.

[maryvale]

fantastic sound, interpretation, and memory....impressive

[gesu]

Hats and masks off to you, spectacular!

[iantrousdell]

Thanks! So well done and now a great resource. Only one I found...

[textodeprueba]

You deserve more views i like your bow holding style and your dancing

[jpbroadwater]

Simply brilliant. The opening to the Courante from Suite 1 (4:59) was inspirational!

[ladyhope]

Merci pour ce moment de grâce, de beauté et de bonté

[ceciliabaltierra]

Thank you for your performance!. Bravisimo!!!!

[_mehdi_]

1:43:54 It'll be much better if you play this part with a lower tempo.
Btw, nice job!

[virginiedeltorre]

Magnifique , étonnant cette tenu d'archet.

[cybviolin]

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing performance! Can I ask about your instrument and bow. Thanks, again

[virginiedeltorre]

Finalement on dirait que c'est écrit pour le violon. Bravo!

[ofsabir]

Full range of emotions and subtleties this performance has...
Kind sir, wouldn't you happen to keep the scores for these intricate pieces ready at your hand and hath the mind for sharing them with -an enthusiast of Bach's music and admirer of your virtuosity- me?


Lol, sorry for the archaic language in the comment, I couldn't help but write it :D