Richard Tunnicliffe - J.S. Bach: Cello Suites - All Music

As a skilled performer on both the cello and the viol, and as a respected leader of Britain's movement for period practice, Richard Tunnicliffe brings a wealth of scholarship to his tasteful performances of J.S. Bach's Cello Suites, and his knowledge is of critical importance in his interpretations. Many cellists with romantic inclinations, who often follow the liberating example of Pablo Casals in his landmark recordings, tend to treat these extraordinary solo works as vehicles for rhapsodic expression and play with too much freedom, ignoring the essential nature of the suites. Tunnicliffe, as a clear-headed interpreter who observes historical research and understands the forms and particular characteristics of Baroque dances, plays with a clear rhythmic emphasis and always keeps in mind the pronounced styles of the allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and other dances Bach employed. This distinguishes his performances from many popular sets on the market, and even though other cellists have greater name recognition, Tunnicliffe should be appreciated for his artistry and given a thorough hearing. Linn's sound is resonant and warm, and the cello is close-up and clear, but has little grittiness.