J.S.Bach, Cello Suite No.2 in D minor, BWV 1008 (János Starker)

J.S.Bach, Cello Suite No.2 in D minor, BWV 1008, with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score) Performance: János Starker (cello), 1963/04/15 Stereo, Ballroom Studio A, Fine Recording, New York Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan 00:00 I. Prélude 03:15 II. Allemande 06:04 III. Courante 07:28 IV. Sarabande 11:08 V. Menuet I & II 13:44 VI. Gigue OVERVIEW Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor is the second of his six solo cello suites. It is written for unaccompanied cello and follows the typical Baroque dance-suite structure. The suite has six movements: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuet I & II, and Gigue. Unlike some of the brighter suites, this one has a darker, more introspective character due to the minor key. It is admired for its emotional depth and its elegant, singing melodic lines. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Bach wrote the six suites around 1717–1723, during his time in Cöthen, when he worked as Kapellmeister. This period was one of the most productive in his life, especially for instrumental music. The cello at the time was still developing as a solo instrument, and these suites helped define its solo repertoire. No original manuscript from Bach survives; the version we use today comes from secondary copies, most famously the manuscript copied by his wife Anna Magdalena Bach. Because of this, many interpretive details—bowings, dynamics—are debated among performers. MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE The suite is known for its somber, reflective, and sometimes tragic tone. The Prelude has a wandering, improvisatory feeling, setting a serious mood. The Allemande is calm and expressive, often interpreted as introspective or melancholic. The Sarabande is the emotional heart of the suite—slow, bare, and deeply expressive, with a sense of vulnerability. The two Menuets contrast with each other: the first retains the dark tone, while the second offers a lighter, more hopeful moment. The Gigue ends the suite with energy, though still colored by the minor key. Overall, the suite shows how Bach could explore powerful emotional worlds using simple melodic lines and pure counterpoint. It remains one of the most frequently performed works for solo cello and a cornerstone of the cello repertoire. 🎹 Mozart Piano Sonatas    • W. A. Mozart - Piano Sonatas   ✨ Beethoven's Masterpieces (sorted by Opus)    • L. v. Beethoven's Masterpieces   🎶 Beethoven Symphonies    • L. v. Beethoven - 9 Symphonies   🎹 Beethoven Piano Sonatas    • L. v. Beethoven - Piano Sonatas   🎹 Schubert Piano Sonatas    • F. Schubert - Piano Sonatas   ✨ Chopin's Masterpieces (sorted by Opus)    • F. Chopin's Masterpieces   🎶 Chopin Mazurkas    • F. Chopin - 19 Mazurkas   🎶 Chopin Polonaises    • F. Chopin - 19 Polonaises   🎶 Chopin Nocturnes    • F. Chopin - 22 Nocturnes   🎶 Chopin Waltzes    • F. Chopin - 19 Waltzes   ✨ Prokofiev's Masterpieces (sorted by Opus)    • S. Prokofiev's Masterpieces   🎹 Prokofiev Piano Sonatas    • S. Prokofiev - Piano Sonatas   🎹 Piano Sonata Collections    • Piano Sonata Collections   🎹 Piano Concerto (Piano & Orchestra) Collections    • Piano Concerto Collections   🎻 Violin Concerto (Violin & Orchestra) Collections    • Violin Concerto Collections