Bach - Cello Suites / Rostropovich

Purchased the CDs when they were released----and they remained in my stereo for at least six months. Rostropovich's interpretation is simply beyond words...so imagine my surprise over 10 years later, taking cello lessons. My cello teacher loaned me a couple of cello DVDs---we wondered aloud if Rostropovich filmed his monumental recording. It would be understatement in the extreme to say how delighted I was when I found he did. These DVDs are even better than the CD recordings, for the artist described each piece in detail. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I have a Sony upconverting dvd player and there is a strange purple hue when the upconversion is enabled. I have experienced the same effect using the component outputs on another dvd player. It makes it basically unwatchable. It looks normal without upconversion or over svideo. It's upsetting for such a fine dvd. It would be 5 stars otherwise.

If you study cello, or enjoy solo cello, this is great. This is unique, and can't be found elsewhere.
My complaint is the video taping technique and quality. It had dropouts, indicating it was either filmed or analog-taped. Some close-ups are not necessary and not steady, other times the person is too small. Guess the cameraman felt he had to do something. And the result is annoying. My opinion is that it is best not to do anything and just let the camera roll. Shame on the camera crew.
Despite the video drawbacks, the content is highly valuable, especially if you are a cellist.

This is a breathtaking DVD. While the playing is scintillating, I was struck by Slava's remarks about the music. It is so illuminating to hear him speak about the energy in the phrase and demonstrate on the piano. This a disc for all the senses not just the ears and eyes. Not since Casals have we had such wonderful marriage of musicianship and scholarship in one package. Bravo!

I saw Rostropovich perform all six suites in Vienna during the mid-70s at the time he initially moved to the west. It was the first time he performed all six in one sitting. I also met the man after the concert, truly one of the greatest musical evenings I ever experienced. This man, a giant of his craft, makes these suites "sing". The recording was made inside a cathedral and to my eyes and ears, gets the visual and aural tone just right. These pieces are arguable at the apex of western music. The soloist quality of the performance is also an excellent entry point for anyone, particularly those with a jazz background, who want to "get into" classical music. "Slava" is at the top of his game in these recordings. A total must have for any DVD collection. Next stop: check out Rostropovich's CD interpretation of the Britten suites or Jacqueline DuPre's DVD of the Elgar Concerto. Cello heaven!!