Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Suites for Unaccompanied Cello I-IV (BWV 1007-1010) :

Arranged by Haim Avitsur and Robert Cuckson


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - unaccompanied

At least six editions of this standard repertoire are currently available. This new edition is based, according to the editors, on recent scholarship. This however, is not a scholarly edition, source references are not included. At least 11 individual notes differ from the Anna Magdalena source as played by Rostropovich, presumably reflecting some use of the alternate Kellner source. Editorial insertions, such as articulations, phrase marks, and dynamics are used relatively sparingly. Notes in the trigger-pedal range are given as sole option, their incorporation into routine practice of these pieces is of course especially beneficial.

In the Gigue of Suite 1, Avitsur uses a key signature of G minor instead of G major. This results in 59 accidentals instead of 17, but I do find it to be more intuitive and easier to play than it is in the major key. Probably the most significant differences from other editions are in the interpretation of multiple stops; the Sarabande of the 4th Suite in Avitsur’s version is especially beautiful. 

Problems with this edition: page numbers are not the same as .pdf file numbers, which can lead to wasted paper when printing; and at 100%, the print is one size too small for comfortable reading by middle-aged reviewers, but likely no problem for the average student. 

Haim Avitsur is Trombone Professor at West Chester University School of Music (PA) and at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, NY. Robert Cuckson is a UK born composer; he teaches at The Mannes College of Music in New York City and The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada