Paul Cortese, Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major Review

Violist Paul Cortese is part of the Larsen Strings Family and is active in the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona as a viola professor and chamber music professor. Cortese also brings his musical knowledge to social media as the administrator of the largest group on Facebook dedicated to the viola, with more than 10,000 members-Facebook Violists. His lyrical technique and discerning musicianship have carried him through many chamber music performances and teaching opportunities all through Europe. Cortese has been a Posh Boy recording artist since 1995 and has also recorded for Chandos, ASV Digital, and Crystal. He is one of the foremost interpreters of Paul Hindemith. Cortese is starting 2022 with a new project on Posh Boy called Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major.

Bottom Line:  Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major is Cortese performing all six movements from the famed Suite No. 1 on solo viola. Bach wrote six cello suites with Suite No. 1 becoming his most famous one as both cellists and audiences revel in the beauty and comforting and resonating G major. The Six Cello Suites are a required study of cello literature as the music naturally flows around the instrument’s tuning. Cortese effortlessly translates Suite No. 1 to viola, which gives a brighter and fresh vibrancy to the music. Although there is still some debate whether the originals were solely composed for cello, the music’s structures and sonorities are equally handsome on the viola. “Prelude” finds Cortese performing the well-known melody with clarity and beautiful combinations of slurred and articulated passages. The resonance of the Key and open strings are well-recorded and make for an impactful opening selection. The flowing prelude is followed by a faster “Allemande,” in which Cortese performs with joy and thoughtful flurries and embellishments. The double-stops in the “Sarabande” movement are well-performed and resonate with elegance as the melody is built through the section. Culminating in a lively “Gigue,” Cortese ends the suite with a powerful and energetic interpretation for the climax and closing statement. The countermelodies are clear and dance with a rhythmic joy that swings and enlivens. Overall, Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major offers a fresh perspective on a well-known suite by Bach. Cortese’s viola skills are excellent and give new characteristics to the entire suite. That’s the short of it!

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