Gabriel Martins
Cellist
Bach Cello Suites
I always felt that when I make my first recording it will have to be of the Bach Suites. This music is the reason why I continue to obsess over this art form. I recorded these Suites one at a time, over the course of a year. The album is entirely self-produced. Already I am looking forward to the next time when I will record a second set.
Released September 2024
Cassadó
In a brief repose before continuing on with the Bach recordings of the Violin Sonatas and Partitas, we visit a cherished work of the 20th-century solo cello repertoire. Gaspar Cassadó was a prominent Spanish cellist and composer. His Solo Suite is by far his most played work, and has now been accepted as a standard work in the cello repertoire. Being written by a cellist, it uses the instrument in a natural way, allowing for the performer to freely explore many aspects of color, sound, dance, and soul.
Released November 2024
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Bach: Violin Sonatas & Partitas (Arr. for Cello)
I have been experimenting with playing the Bach violin works on the cello since the pandemic of 2020. It started with wanting to play the Chaconne, as I think many cellists have a desire to. I then began learning the other movements as a sort of exercise to deepen my understanding of the Cello Suites. As time went on, I eventually notated all of the Sonatas and Partitas and published an edition of them. I am very pleased to now release a companion recording of these six great masterworks, following my release of the complete Cello Suites last year.
In adapting these works, I tried to stay as close as possible to Bach's original text. One dilemma was the question of key. While I considered doing them down an octave, in the original keys, I ultimately decided that down an octave plus a fifth was more natural. This way I was able to keep Bach's use of the open strings, and the positioning thus remains largely similar to that of the violin. Although I would never begin to suggest that these versions are in any way superior to the original, I do think that the lower sonority gives the ear time and depth to appreciate new parts about Bach's incredible writing.
Released October 2025