EXCLUSIVE: Video Premiere: Inbal Segev – ‘Prelude’ from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major from ‘Bach: Cello Suites’

Cellist Inbal Segev‘s new recording of Bach’s Cello Suites comes out on the Vox Classics label on September 18 in the U.S. and November 6 worldwide. Today we present an exclusive first look at the cellist’s video for the Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major.

In her liner notes Segev describes Bach’s Cello Suites, which were probably written in the early 1720s, as “the cellist’s bible. They encompass a vast range of expression, from pure to passionate, from lighthearted to somber, they are structured, yet free. Masterpieces by perhaps the greatest composer who ever lived, they give every cellist who plays them not only a lesson on the magnificent possibilities the instrument offers but also a glimpse into the world beyond, which was, of course, Bach’s inspiration.”

The cellist wanted to show not only her fully realized performances of these seminal works, but the process a classical instrumentalist goes through as she undertakes such a large project. An accompanying documentary does just that (see the trailer here). Fans who contributed to her PledgeMusic campaign (that’s right, PledgeMusic campaigns aren’t just for singer-songwriters and hipster indie bands) got first looks at clips and outtakes from the documentary, among other bonuses.

On the recording, which she describes as “one of the biggest challenges I have had as a cellist,” Segev worked with Grammy-winning producer Da-Hong Seetoo. “It is the culmination of years of studying the suites,” she says. “Ultimately, the challenge for me was to find a way to incorporate the ideas I learned from Baroque practice while being true to my musical language, which is rooted in this century. I wanted to create an interpretation of this great masterwork for the contemporary listener – to say, ‘Here is what Bach has to say to people in the 21st century.’

“In this recording I strive for simplicity while trying to keep a sense of freedom. Da-Hong and I worked at capturing a pure and warm sound. It is a distillation of everything I love about the suites.”

For more, see our premiere of the “Allemande”.

Pre-order the CD here or at the link below.