"The Cello Suites by Johann Sebastian Bach"
A new source-critical edition in three volumes. Unrecognised levels of meaning in Bach´s articulation text – keys to understanding and interpretation.
by Jonas SEEBERG
04
July
3:00 pm
Cimema LE RIO
48 Rue Sainte-Cécile 88500 Mirecourt
A PRESENTATION - LECTURE RECITAL
The aim of this lecture recital is not so much to present the numerous new musicological findings but above all to convey the interpretational possibilities and food for thought that result for the performer.
What becomes clear is the origin of Bach's articulation language in 17thcentury principles of affect, which were characterized by the need for the representation of maximum emotional range – contrary to the aesthetic of the later 18th century of levelling and smoothing the tonal speech, which is still present in most editions of the Cello Suites today.
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In this presentation, passages from Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin are introduced and contrasted with strikingly similar examples of articulations of the Cello Suites that can be reconstructed from the comparison of sources.
These have so far almost always been editorially altered and smoothed. Principles and patterns of the variation of articulation come to light. They are presented and explained and in depth as well as textual variants between the two transmission strands of the Suites.
The lecture recital is concluded by a performance of the Sarabande of the 2nd Suite in the possibly earlier of the two reconstructed versions of the Suites, which not only strikingly illustrates Bach´s principles of rhetorical articulation language, but also exhibits remarkable differences from the more familiar version of the Cello Suites.
Duration: 1h
Reservation required; Free admission depending on the places available
Free entry with priority access for the holders of the WEEKEND pass
Jonas SEEBERG
The cellist Jonas Seeberg studied in Munich with Horatiu Cenariu, in Berlin with Josef Schwab, and in the USA with Bernard Greenhouse, cellist of the legendary Beaux Arts Trio and a master student of Pablo Casals. After holding principal positions in several European orchestras, he has devoted himself exclusively to solo and chamber music projects since 2023. Inspired in part by his acquaintance and collaboration with Anner Bylsma, in 2023 he published a newly conceived three-volume Urtext edition of the Suites, which is regarded internationally as the foundation for a new critical engagement with the Suites; his recording was released in 2025 on Et’cetera Records. He plays a cello by Matteo Goffriller, Venice, c. 1700, strung with unwound gut strings, as were still in use until the mid-20th century. This allows for a completely different sonic experience compared to the metal strings commonly used today. “Seeberg conveys deep emotions with effortless ease, playing with great virtuosity yet playfulness, crystal-clear and with impeccable intonation – a soloist of the highest calibre.” (Rheinische Post)
