Cello Suites (Bach) facts for kids

This is the original title page from a very old music book, written by Anna Magdalena Bach.

The Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello are super famous pieces of music written by Johann Sebastian Bach. They are some of the most well-known and loved solo songs ever made for the cello. Bach probably wrote these amazing suites between 1717 and 1723. At that time, he was working as a Kapellmeister (a music director) in a place called Köthen. The original name of the music, from a book written by Bach's wife, Anna Magdalena Bach, was Suites á Violoncello Solo senza Basso. This means "Suites for Solo Cello without Bass".

These cello suites have been played and recorded by many of the world's best cellists. Some famous names include Mstislav Rostropovich, Jacqueline du Pré, and Yo-Yo Ma. In fact, Yo-Yo Ma won a special award called the Best Instrumental Soloist Grammy Award in 1985 for his popular album of these very suites.

What Are Cello Suites?

A "suite" in music is a collection of different dance-like pieces. Bach's Cello Suites each have six parts. These parts are usually:

• A Prelude (an introduction)
• An Allemande (a German dance)
• A Courante (a fast French dance)
• A Sarabande (a slow Spanish dance)
• Two Minuets, Bourrées, or Gavottes (popular court dances)
• A Gigue (a lively dance)

Bach wrote these suites for a single cello. This means there is no other instrument playing along. It's just the cello, showing off its beautiful sound and the player's skill.

Why Are They So Special?

Bach's Cello Suites are considered masterpieces. They are special because they make the cello sound like a whole orchestra. Even though it's just one instrument, the music feels full and rich. Bach used clever ways to create harmony and melody at the same time. This makes the music very deep and interesting to listen to.

How Were They Discovered?

For a long time, these suites were not very well known. They became famous much later, especially in the 20th century. Cellists started to play them more often, and people realized how amazing they were. Now, they are a must-learn for any serious cello player. They are also enjoyed by millions of listeners around the world.

Images for kids

• 

  The first page from the manuscript by Anna Magdalena Bach of Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007

• 

  Violoncello da spalla

• 

  The arpeggiated motion in the prelude to Cello Suite No. 1

• 

  Open strings of the viola pomposa.

See also

In Spanish: Suites para violonchelo solo (Bach) para niños