The 6 Cello Suites (CD)

These recordings of Bach's "Suites for solo cello" sound like they were a heartfelt labor of love. Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses has made a handful of recordings in the past -- one thinks immediately of his Brahms' "Double Concerto" with Mutter and Karajan and his Tchaikovsky "Piano Trio" with Salerno-Sonnenberg and Licad -- but in all of them, he has been so differential that he seemed almost like a sideman at his own sessions. But there is no place to hide in Bach's solo cello "Suites" and Meneses steps forward to deliver performances that sound both deeply meditated, utterly spontaneous, and completely convincing. Meneses' strong touch, sweet tone, and supple technique can handle anything the "Suites" throw at him. But, better yet, Meneses has the heart, the soul, and the spirit to make the "Suites" come alive under his fingers and bow. The joy, the sorrow, the ease, the intensity, the tragedy, and the sublimity of the "Suites" sings in Meneses performances. And if his performances do not make the listener forget the transcendent performances of Casals, Starker, Fournier, Schiff, and Bylsma, Meneses' performances are still well worth hearing. Avie's sound is cool, clear, and vivid. James Leonard, All Music Guide