Bach: Suites for Solo Cello, Vol. 1

This recording simply takes my breath away. I have been listening to it again and again, noticing more nuances every time. Ms. Sant'Ambrogio caresses the notes and the phrases in ways so moving that Bach must have intended them. The fast movements dance and sparkle, and the slow movements swirl in rich and undulating waves that, unlike some recordings, are never labored. I can scarcely contain myself until Ms. Sant'Ambrogio records Suites 2, 4, and 6!

The interpretation is decent, but I can't get over the tight, condensed sound of which there is little variation. Have some advil on hand if you want to listen.

I cannot believe the amount of drama she infuses in the prelude to suite no 3, I have not been able to stop playing it since I bought it. The whole album is totally amazing and I lose myself in it everyday.

This recording makes the listener feel as if she is in the room playing just for you! The performances are incredibly passionate and her cello sounds amazing! Fantastic sound quality. I totally recommend this CD not only for a first time listener to bring these pieces alive but also to fill out any audiophiles collection.

This album kicks butt. I would love to hear Sara perform Brian Crain's "Piano and Cello Duet".

Magical...been on repeat for the last couple of days! And the cover art is gorgeous.

I would give this less stars but I'm not sure if I should. It's a very odd reading of the Bach Suites and that's an understatement. Sant'Ambrogio seems to be concerned with the melody only at the exclusion of everything else. She takes the tempi with great liberty almost playing every other measure in another marking. It's weird. Gone is the sense of pulse and counterpoint that is central to the works. It goes agains everything we know about how these works should sound. She treats this almost like a late romantic work. It might be an interesting excersise but she's no Glenn Gould and her constant intonation problems do not help her cause. This just didn't work for me and I can only assume that it won't work for you. If this is your first exposure to these masterpieces stay away from this recording first until you've heard the accepted accounts.