Our Summer BAL 14: Bach's Suites for Solo Cello (Merged threads)

[pastoralguy]

...me too. I always rated him in his Halle days but not everyone liked him. I think he went on to Munich but he has been off the radar for many a year. I guess he must now be 80+.

For me, his Brahms/Halle discs were my introduction to this wonderful music. I still think it stands up very well against 'bigger' names.

I'm told he was known in the profession as 'sweaty Jimmy' due to his propensity to perspire whilst conducting. Wasn't he involved in a bad car crash?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

For me, his Brahms/Halle discs were my introduction to this wonderful music. I still think it stands up very well against 'bigger' names.

I saw him conduct the Hallé many times in the 70s and early '80s. Much of my introduction to the mainstream orchestral repertoire was from his performances.

[pastoralguy]

cloughie,

Why bother listening to even one of his 'cello suites when you could be getting an earful ( sorry, two earfuls ) of Mahler, Bruckner etc. & the the rest of the awful so - called ' Romantic ' period stuff

Good luck, gamba

Good luck, indeed!

I often listen ( very quietly) to the Bach 'cello suites when I'm alone in a hushed hospital ward writing notes at 3 in the morning. They are such good company. Bruckner and Mahler would probably get me shot!

[MickyD]

I've loved it for years, gamba...am I right in thinking that it is also a younger Anthony Rolfe-Johnson who sings on the earlier Harnoncourt recording?

[gamba]

Hi ! MickyD,

According to my old catalogue it is A. R-J, with great praise not only for his singing but the 'cello playing of Harnoncourt.

I have to admit to not being entirely happy with Felicity Palmer on my recording, too hard & shrill at times. Have heard better.

[BBMmk2]

Slava did another recording for EMI, which I find rather good!