Mauro Valli – Bach in Bologna (2019) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Bach and Gabrielli: the focus of this recording is an unusual musical match involving the famous 6 Suites for violoncello solo by Johann Sebastian Bach and the little-known 7 Ricercari for violoncello solo (1689) by Domenico Gabrielli of Bologna, the first example of a work for unaccompanied cello in history, and thus the only precedent and possible model for the Bach masterpiece. In what ways are the two series of compositions linked? Cellist Mauro Valli is convinced that there is a connection between the two for a number of reasons, including the preponderant correspondence of the keys. Bach assiduously performed and transcribed works by Italian composers, not only those of his contemporaries but also of earlier musicians, so it is highly likely that he was familiar with Gabrielli’s works, in particular with the Ricercari.
Mauro Valli provides an intriguingly new interpretation of Bach’s six masterpieces by heralding each one with the correspondingRicercare. The outcome is strikingly fresh and original, with a wealth of courageously personal diminutions and embellishments that derive from Valli’s deep knowledge of the Italian baroque repertoire. Bach was fascinated by composers such as Frescobaldi, Albinoni and Vivaldi, and it certainly makes good sense to perform his Suites in the Italian style!

Tracklist:
1. Ricercar No. 1 in G Minor 04:10
2. Ricercar No. 6 in G Major 06:30
3. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: I. Prélude 03:15
4. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: II. Allemande 04:57
5. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: III. Courante 02:57
6. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: IV. Sarabande 04:14
7. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: V. Menuet I – II 03:24
8. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007: VI. Gigue 02:01
9. Ricercar No. 3 in D Major 04:16
10. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: I. Prélude 05:06
11. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: II. Allemande 09:12
12. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: III. Courante 04:05
13. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande 05:19
14. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: V. Gavotte I – II 05:07
15. Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: VI. Gigue 04:31
16. Canon a due violoncelli in D Major 02:17
17. Ricercar No. 7 in D Minor 07:07
18. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: I. Prélude 03:36
19. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: II. Allemande 03:24
20. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: III. Courante 02:13
21. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: IV. Sarabande 04:34
22. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: V. Menuet I – II 03:22
23. Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008: VI. Gigue 02:40
24. Ricercar No. 4 in E-Flat Major 06:12
25. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: I. Prélude 03:53
26. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: II. Allemande 04:06
27. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: III. Courante 04:11
28. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: IV. Sarabande 05:28
29. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: V. Bourrée I – II 05:29
30. Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010: VI. Gigue 03:21
31. Ricercar No. 5 in C Major 02:20
32. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: I. Prélude 03:57
33. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: II. Allemande 03:39
34. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: III. Courante 03:42
35. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: IV. Sarabande 05:38
36. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: V. Gavotte I – II 03:44
37. Cello Suite No. 3, BWV 1009: VI. Gigue 03:28
38. Ricercar No. 2 in A Minor 11:01
39. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: I. Prélude 06:34
40. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: II. Allemande 05:45
41. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: III. Courante 02:20
42. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: IV. Sarabande 04:05
43. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: V. Gavotte I – II 05:10
44. Cello Suite No. 5, BWV 1011: VI. Gigue 02:54