J.S. Bach - Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor BWV 1011 - V. Gavotte I + II - VI. Gigue

[pbaron23]

Actually J.S. Bach wrote this suite ( V. suite ) with scordatura ( it means that we have to tune off the A string to G so the tuning is : G, D,G, C and not like on the first 4 suites A,D, G, C, ) .

And an other thing : the VI.th suite was written for 5 strings cello .

[Samoriah]

@pbaron23

You do not have to tune it like that, and the 6th suite is fully playable on a 4 string cello.

[pbaron23]

@Samoriah Of In the time of Bach was a lot of innovations in musical instruments such as the 5-string cello or violoncello piccolo or the scordatua tuning. Of course, the 5-string pieces can be played on 4-sting cello,but that is not the real sound. Bach was wrote with scordatura , then it should play like that! - why should change the music?! - this is myopinion ( and alsaw it is a different sound in normal tuning.. I prefer the real one )

[Samoriah]

@pbaron23

It's not exactly the A string that makes the suite sound different. It matters as if the strings are tuned in baroque or classical style - or if the strings are gut or steel. Also simply the timbre of the instrument can make a drastic difference.

There are tons of arguments for authentic performances and interpretation performances. PERSONALLY, I prefer a mix of both. I like baroque instruments, but I also like unique twists and emotions.

[pbaron23]

@Samoriah you are wrong. On a modern instrument down tuned A string it sounds different! so.. yes the down tuned A string it makes the sound different. and you know why? : because the push of the string is much smaller and the vibration of the string it is different than the other strings vibration. --> the sound is diferent.

[Samoriah]

@pbaron23

I am a cellist. I know the sound of the A string produces a different timbre if it is tuned down to G, but my point is it's not *just* the tuning. It also depends on the type of strings used, and what pitch the overall instrument is tuned to. If anything, it doesn't effect the pitch at all, it just makes the tone a little bit more mellow.

[pbaron23]

@Samoriah Ok. But it makes it mellow! so I am right. :) aniway I like this tuning ( the original )

[hypsophilus]

there are 4 strings

but 3 pegs!

[pbaron23]

@hypsophilus Actually J.S. Bach wrote this suite (  V. suite ) with scordatura ( it means that we have to tune off the A string to G so the tuning is : G, D,G, C and not like on the first 4 suites A,D, G, C, ) .

And an other thing : the VI.th suite was written for 5 strings cello .

[firebreeze]

Incroyable rendition of one of my favourite cello suites! Has he recorded anything? I'd love to hear more.