This 2-for-1 set of baroque specialist Jaap ter Linden’s Bach cello suites reintroduces yet another contender to an already overstuffed field. Just a few weeks ago, I reviewed Ivan Monighetti’s disastrous Dux set; then, I mentioned Starker, Bylsma, and Fournier’s versions among the leaders. However, I didn’t include Linden’s HIP version, one that for many listeners certainly is a top choice. It wasn’t an omission of error; in revisiting this 1996 recording, I find myself less enchanted by Linden than at this set’s first issue. He certainly has gorgeous tone, but he lingers over his rich sound far too often. As a result, the tempos are often slack and you lose the sense of melodic line and harmonic voicing that makes this music such a prize. In other places, the opposite phenomenon is true: the gigue from the fourth suite, with its furious string-crossings, becomes harried, and we hear the sheer effort of Linden’s execution far too clearly. (Some listeners also might find the out-of-sequence tracking annoying–Suites Nos. 1, 4, and 5 are on the first disc, the others are on disc 2.)
Even so, there is much to admire here: I especially love Linden’s treatment of the gigue from the first suite and the courante from Suite No. 4; he captures the gossamer-light, elegant dance feeling very well, and his aforementioned tonal beauty speaks for itself. The sound is great as well: smooth and vibrant. Really, this is one of those recordings whose ultimate impression depends wholly on a listener’s individual taste. At this price, if you’re not already familiar with Linden’s approach, go ahead and test it for yourself. Even if it doesn’t become your standard bearer, it will make a worthy addition to your library.
