Josephine Vains • More

Experience Bach’s mastery come to life in this intimate performance of his greatest works for cello.

The beauty of Bach is on full display in this intimate performance of the great composer’s suites for solo cello in the Primrose Potter Salon. Featuring three of the total six – No.6 in D, No.4 in E-flat, and No.1 in G – each performed by a different, and highly distinguished cellist, this celebration of Bach’s mastery is the perfect performance for classical aficionados and those looking for a beautifully relaxing night out.

Opening the performance, with the longest and most intricate of the Suites, Josephine Vains shares her take on Bach’s Cello Suite No.6 in D. Using the unique 5-string baroque cello, Josephine’s ‘expressive soloist’ (The Age) talents are on full display from the moment she takes to the stage and until the final note. This uplifting piece features elegant French dance movements that are lively, and joyous and will put a smile on anyone’s face.

The complex, yet incredibly rich structure of Suite No.4 in E-flat follows with the internationally celebrated Richard Narroway. Having recorded all six suites in 2017 to critical acclaim, including being described by Gramophone as ‘riveting… an adventure in expressive possibility,’ Richard returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for arguably the grandest of all six. With its imposing prelude to open, the following movements offer a striking, and introspective, contrast.

Finally, Principal Cellist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, David Berlin, closes the performance with one of the most recognisable pieces of classical music ever written: Bach’s Cello Suite No.1 in G. With its famously serene prelude, this Suite’s melodic simplicity and emotional depth craft an environment of reflection and tranquillity that is perfectly suited to round out 75 minutes of unforgettable music.

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