Bach: Cello Suites CD review – a definitive account from David Watkin

Using two historic instruments and playing on gut strings, David Watkin gives a definitive period instrument account of Bach’s six solo Cello Suites. It should be in any Bach lover’s collection. One can only marvel at Watkin’s range of colour, his elegance, his verve, variety and spontaneity – above all his understanding of line and pulse. He has long been one of the top cellists around, as soloist, quartet player and principal cellist of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This is his final statement as a soloist. A shoulder condition has forced him to stop playing. He will devote his energies, in part, to conducting. Whatever our regrets, we can expect this phenomenal musician to make a mark on the podium too.