Pablo Casals: Bach Cello Solo Nr.1, BWV 1007 (8.1954)

(written by win081, June 10, 2011)
In August 1954, at age of 77 Pablo Casals (1876-1973) performed Bach's G-Major Cello Solo at Abbaye "Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa", a Catholic monastery located south of the small border town Prades in France (Catalonia of Spain on the other side of border). Pablo Casals settled in Prades in earlier 1940's after the Spanish civil war in 1930's, and he came back to Prada as the conductor and cellist at "Prades Festival" in 1950's. A small museum in Prades is dedicated to the memory of Pablo Casals.
Pablo Casals was one of very few politically active classic music musicians who aligned themselves politically with the American government. He was an ardent supporter for Second Spanish Republic in 1930's. At age 85, he played at White House for J.F. Kennedy who rewarded him the "(American) Presidential Medal of Freedom" two years later in 1963.
Arguably this filmed 1954 performance probably is not at the best of Pablo Casals. Most critics consider that the best performances of Pablo Casals on Bach Cello Solo are back in late 1930's and that exist only in audio recordings under EMI label.

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[Capcoor]

He practiced six hours a day even in his old age.When asked if it was so he could keep up,he said,"No.So I can get better."

[TheFiddler79]

I'm atheist, but this music let me feel what is God..

[lajuje05]

:) sublimeeeeee :)

[servandogof]

Yo creo que toca con el corazón

[Esther Almuni Tapias]

aquesta música arriba a l'ànima, és magnífica

[MoKk80]

Disfruto mucho Courante minuto 5:34

[MoKk80]

Gracias

[Farah Beal]

Thank you for posting this!

Casals found an old copy of these suites in a shop he visited with his father in his teens.

he was so awe struck by these suites that he practised them on and off for twelve years before he dared to play them in public.

To the best of my knowledge he was the first to do so.

We are blessed that Casals came into this world.

[Jessica Brianna]

His full name is Pau Casals i Defilló.

[Jessica Brianna]

I'm not sure what rendition I like best, Ma, Rostropovich, or Casals.

[Derick Wade Grover]

When God was young and plagued with low self esteem, he too was an atheist. Until he learned to believe in himself.

[82Circa]

I love this..beautiful