Six Evolutions — Bach: Cello Suites, Yo-Yo Ma (2-CD)

“Bach’s Cello Suites have been my constant musical companions,” Ma writes. “For [over] six decades, they have given me sustenance, comfort and joy during times of stress, celebration and loss. What power does this music possess that even today, after three hundred years, it continues to help us navigate through troubled times?”

Ma is more convinced than ever of the suites’ ability to create shared meaning that extends far beyond the here and now. The suites’ collective vision — at once divergent and coherent, empathetic and objective — reminds us of all that connects us despite an increasingly discordant public conversation. This release of also signaled the beginning of a 2-year, 6-continent journey in which Yo-Yo Ma devoted himself to Bach’s music, playing all 6 Cello Suites in a single setting in familiar and unlikely locations.

Six Evolutions — Bach: Cello Suites offers not only an essential encapsulation of what this music means now to one of the world’s most celebrated artists, it begins a new chapter in the cellist’s longtime relationship with this music.

Bach Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007

Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008

Bach Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009

Bach Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010

Bach Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011

Bach Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012

Discs: 2
Record Label: Sony
Release Date: August 17, 2018