Posted by Mike Solms on November 07, 2003 at 09:06:23:
In Reply to: Bach cello suites(please respond Mr.Yeo) posted by Chris Barrett on November 07, 2003 at 01:03:48:
As far as changing octaves goes, there is some (although far from conclusive) scholarship that suggests these pieces were originally written for viola. Several fine violists have recorded the Suites and they sound wonderful, albeit different, up an octave. Keep in mind that, although these pieces were not written for dancers, they are closely based on Baroque dance forms. The more you know about the structure of the dances, the more sense these pieces will make. Check out the link below for some good information to start with (in case I can't get the link to work, it's: http://www.cello.org/Newsletter/Articles/mansbridge/mansbridge.htm
Keep in mind what one of my teachers said to me, over and over again, about playing any music; "If it doesn't make me want to dance, you're wasting my time."