Yasunori Imamura presents the second instalment of Bach’s Cello Suites arranged for theorbo (Volume 1 is available on 8.574617). The theorbo is the most important plucked instrument in the lute family, with a range very similar to the cello. Certain technical elements, such as the playing of arpeggios are, in fact, easier on the theorbo whose unique timbres bring a new sonic quality to the performances heard here. These elements are most evident in Suite No. 6, composed for a cello with five strings, but which sounds totally idiomatic when played on the theorbo.
Works:
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Bach, J S: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008 (Arr. for Theorbo by Yasunori Imamura)
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Bach, J S: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009 (Arr. for Theorbo by Yasunori Imamura)
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Bach, J S: Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012 (Arr. for Theorbo by Yasunori Imamura)