Bach: 6 SUITES A VIOLONCELLO SOLO SENZA BASSO / GABRIELLI: 7 RICERCARI PER VIOLONCELLO SOLO

Mauro Valli (Cello & Cello piccolo)

Bach and the focus of this recording is an unusual musical match involving the famous 6 Suites for violoncello solo by Johann Sebastian Bach and the little-known 7 Ricercari for violoncello solo (1689) by Domenico Gabrielli of Bologna, the first example of a work for unaccompanied cello in history, and thus the only precedent and possible model for the Bach masterpiece. In what ways are the two series of compositions linked? Cellist Mauro Valli is convinced that there is a connection between the two for a number of reasons, including the preponderant correspondence of the keys.

Bach assiduously performed and transcribed works by Italian composers, not only those of his contemporaries but also of earlier musicians, so it is highly likely that he was familiar with Gabrielli’s works, in particular with the Ricercari.

Mauro Valli provides an intriguingly new interpretation of Bach’s six masterpieces by heralding each one with the corresponding Ricercare. The outcome is strikingly fresh and original, with a wealth of courageously personal diminutions and embellishments that derive from Valli’s deep knowledge of the Italian baroque repertoire. Bach was fascinated by composers such as Frescobaldi, Albinoni and Vivaldi, and it certainly makes good sense to perform his Suites in the Italian style!

Bach, J S:
 Cello Suites Nos. 1-6, BWV1007-1012
  No. 1 in G major, BWV1007
  No. 2 in D minor, BWV1008
  No. 3 in C major, BWV1009
  No. 4 in E flat major, BWV1010
  No. 5 in C minor, BWV1011
  No. 6 in D major, BWV1012

Gabrielli:
 Canon à due Violoncelli in D Major
 Ricercar No. 1 in G minor
 Ricercar No. 2 in A minor
 Ricercar No. 7 in D minor
 7 Ricercari for solo cello

"Valli’s interpretation cascades with the splendour of the Italian style; no repeat is left unadorned and small gestures are as vivid as the emotions frozen in Bernini’s sculptures…the French movements shimmer with the gleam of Versailles…Valli wears his scholarship lightly and his conviction is catching – reminding us that notions of authenticity are far from tied to a single time and place."
BBC Music Magazine - May 2019 ****