Cello Suite no. 5: Sarabande

^{Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)}

^{Cello Suite no. 5 in C minor, IV. Sarabande (ca. 1720)}

^{Until Pablo Casals popularized them in the early 20th century, Bach’s six Cello Suites remained largely out of the public eye. Written sometime during his residency in Cöthen (1717-23), it’s not known for whom or in what order they were composed, and there is no surviving autograph score in Bach’s hand. Regardless, today the Suites stand at the heart of the solo cello repertoire, noted for their beauty and the depths of expression they tap.}

^{Perhaps the most severe and profound of the six Suites is the C-minor Fifth, at the heart of which stands this dolorous Sarabande. It is one of only four movements in any of the Suites that involve no double-stops or chords, featuring but a single melodic line. That line traces a wide-ranging arc that starts in the cello’s upper register before plunging into the depths and rising again from them. It’s a seemingly simple concept – and a deceptively straightforward tune – that packs an emotional wallop like few other pieces do.}

^{© Jonathan Blumhofer}

^{Reproduction Rights: This program note may be reproduced free of charge in concert programs with a credit to the author.}