Sara Sant'Ambrogio - J.S. Bach: Cello Suites 1, 3 & 5 (2009) CD-Rip

Most of Sara Sant'Ambrogio's recordings have been as cellist with the Eroica Trio, but she takes on the odd numbers of J.S. Bach's Six Suites for unaccompanied cello in this 2009 solo outing, and it's an ambitious undertaking. This album faces comparisons with several great recordings of the suites, and this young cellist likewise faces scrutiny for playing works associated with such names as Casals, Fournier, and Rostropovich, past masters of the instrument. There is a level of technical accomplishment cellists are expected to reach before attempting the suites, and emotional maturity and depth of expression are prerequisites for making them communicate. Sant'Ambrogio certainly has the acumen to play them well, favoring a fluid, linear approach rather than a more rhythmically articulated style, and her lyrical expressions are earnest and sincere. This appears to be the first of two volumes, with the suites programmed unusually as Nos. 3, 1, and 5, so one must await the even-numbered suites before judging the whole cycle. Yet even though this album is unlikely to win over listeners who have already chosen a favorite set, Sant'Ambrogio's loyal fans will enjoy it and appreciate her risk-taking.