6 Cello Suites

"Of the many recordings of this great masterpiece this is the one we love the most yet it is one of the least well-known. All too often these works are either played with too much of the 'furrowed brow' or else come across like blankly efficient technical exercises. Ter Linden brings a lifetime of experience with the baroque cello repertoire and these wonderful works are played with impeccable intonation and warmly singing tone. Indeed these readings occasionally sound like transcriptions of Bach's vocal music for baritone or bass. Nothing is ever forced or overplayed, the music is drawn out from the cello rather than imposed upon it from outside. Beautifully recorded in a warmly resonating acoustic, Ter Linden seems to revel in the opportunities this sixfold set of sometimes highly abstracted dances provide for a variety of musical characters from the wistful to the humorous, from deep sadness to untrammelled joy. We highly recommend this disc." (Keith@Marbecks)

"Jaap ter Linden's […] traversal of the Bach cello suites is exceptionally fine; right across these discs, his playing never falters. His painstakingly researched interpretations are vividly spontaneous, yet unusually acerbic and philosophically probing. Not since Anner Bylsma …has another cellist wrought comparable magic, bringing that rare amalgam of fantasy and stylistic probity to this music." - Classic CD

"...playing that celebrates the advantages of period instruments rather than demonstrating any limitations - gorgeous woody cello sound, absolute clarity of line, flawless tuning, and Linden shows no fear when it comes to interpretation. He lets Bach off the leash, never afraid to give the phrases time to blossom, and the recording's a beauty - clear and with plenty of acoustic, without ever obscuring the part-writing. Great Bach, and a clear bargain in this new form as a twofer in slimline packaging from Harmonia Mundi."

BBC Radio 3