Bach Cello Suites: Upper Chapel, Sheffield, 27/10/23

Gemma Rosefield, cello: Bach, Cello Suite No.5 and Cello Suite No.6

I had been to one of the other two concerts covering the Bach Cello Suites but missed two of the suites out – probably 3 and 4. It was good to hear this performance of the 5^th and 6^th suites. Though I have a recording of them I wouldn’t say I play it that often, so it was a pleasure to hear these, not exactly as though they were new (I recognised some of the movements, particularly the Gavotte, from the 6^th) but because I was never sure what was coming next……so one of the enjoyments in my listening to this performance was just of the fertility of invention of these works. They are very distinct in terms of their colours and feel: the 5^th in C minor is dark and brooding, melancholy, abrupt and harsh on occasion, particularly in the Allemande, while the Sarabande is full of aching pain; the 6^th is in D major, full of Bach’s dance tunes, and with a beautiful Sarabande as the 4^th movement that is reflective, certainly, but with the contentment of things achieved rather than pain and losses felt, and things left undone.  The soloist repeated it as an encore.

Ms Rosefield’s playing was always compelling, though occasionally sounding a bit scratchy and in need of maybe slower, more shaped, playing at times– certainly by comparison with the recording I’ve got, [played by someone I’ve never heard of, Victor Yoran]. The echo effects in the Prelude to the 6th suite were not very contrasted with the first articulations, I felt, for instance. But live performances are always preferable and I thoroughly enjoyed the hour spent in the Upper Chapel. The melody in the Prelude to the 6th suite will be ear-worming me all week………….