This edition of the Bach Six Suites is appealing to both the scholar and the performer. The genesis of this edition was the alignment of the relevant manuscripts for easy comparison and study using a line-by-line layout. It has resulted in the ultimate scholarly approach to the study of these manuscripts, and has led to many discoveries more...concerning notes, trills, dots, dynamics, and rhythm. In the scordatura version Suite No. 5, pitch names are given above the notes for the re-tuned top string, clarifying confusing elements in the notation. Fingerings and bowings in this edition reflect those used on the DVD set of Starkweather's performance of the suites. Reference to the Manuscript Edition makes it possible to visually assess the ambiguity of many of the slurs and reach one's own conclusions. David Starkweather has done a superb job of clarifying many of the disputed elements in the Bach cello suites. I believe this will become the best edition, and Starkweather's performance is first class. |
