Bach: 6 Suites a Violoncello Solo Senza Basso

There’s a growing trend among violinists to record the six Suites Bach wrote for solo cello, and the Italian Giuliano Carmignola throws his hat into the ring with this stimulating set. Carmignola plays a historical instrument of Bach’s own period, and that pays particular dividends in dance movements such as the “Gigue” closing Suite No. 1, which can sound clumsy on the cello. Suite No. 6 is another beneficiary of the violin’s agility, the “Gavotte” light-footed and elegant, the finale joyfully athletic. The crystalline textures of Carmignola’s playing are beautifully caught by Arcana’s recording, which is an aural pleasure from start to finish.