My son's cello teacher (and the orchestra director where I teach) urged me to read this book, and I'm not sorry I did. I purchased Rostropovitch's recording of the cello suites (not, interestingly enough, one of the recordings Siblin recommends) a year or two ago, and I often listened to one of the suites while reading this book. The combination was quite enjoyable.As an amateur organist, I've been a Bach fan for 30-plus years, but I never knew very much about his life. Siblin's book weaves a fascinating biography of the composer together with the story of Pablo Casals, the cellist who resurrected the cello suites early in the 20th century. The alternating structure of the book (it also had sections on Siblin's research process and attempts to experience Bach's music first-hand) kept it lively. The book leans toward personal anecdotes and catchy quotes, but it has enough musical criticism and solid historical research to keep it from being superficial.An interesting echo for me: I recently read a biography of Einstein and was struck by some parallels with Casals. Both were geniuses, at their peak in the early-to-mid 20th-century, who despised authoritarian governments. Both made their marks politically and ended up as revered worldwide celebrities.I came to this book as a long-time classical music lover, but Siblin worked as a rock music critic for much of his career. This book represents his discovery of (and immersion in) the world of classical music. So I recommend his book to both sorts of readers: those who have gravitated to classical concerts for years, and those who know next to nothing about classical music but are open to discovering its riches.P.S. I'm now quite tempted to buy the Casals recording of the suites, scratchy though they may be, and maybe even one of the other recordings Siblin recommends. I now feel so cultured! I actually read a book about Bach, Casals and the 6 Cello Suites! I knew nothing about Bach, Casals nor the Cello Suites and now I do!! That is the great thing about books...make the story interesting enough and people will learn! This book tells the story of Bach (his life) and intertwines it with Casals discovery of the Cello Suites. We also learn about Casals life and about all the great classical music that Bach wrote. A very interesting read for anyone who is interested in getting their classical groove on!!
What do You think about The Cello Suites (2009)?
I finished this book within 48 hours of buying it and it made me oddly emotional.
—Chelsea
A new appreciation for Bach and how passionate musicians can be.
—Iand25
from a denver post review, sounds intriguing!
—lisa
