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I first got excited about the cello suites about a year ago when I found a recording by Yo Yo Ma at the library. I probably wouldn't have given this book a serious look except the praise for it from Simon Winchester printed on the front of the dust jacket. This book tells the story of the rediscovery of the suites in a second hand music store by Pablo Casals in the early 20th century and how he revolutionized the role of the cello with his world famous performances of it. (He practiced it for 12 years before he performed it) It is also a history of JS Bach. Given the fanatical interest in his life by researchers and Bach-nerds, it's surprising how much we don't know about him and have to guess. Makes one wonder how scientists can speak with such assurance about what happened 25 to 30 million years ago.

If you think you might enjoy some solo cello music, check out a recording. Discovering how much interest there is in just this one work was enlightening; yet for me it addresses some of the fundamental issues I have about the role or position of classical music. Here is one thought brought out by the book:

Some 'purists' want Bach to heard as closely as possible to how it was heard in the 18th century. But how can that be, when today's audience has a knowledge of jazz and blues (and other things) that Bach's audience didn't?