Best Vinyl Bach - Solo Cello Suites recording?


Hi All,

Been looking for this out on the bay, but there are so many, i'm not sure which is best. I've already read that Starkers interpretation is the "best" -- that is, most accurate, lively, etc. I'm not after this though -- I want the "best" recording of it. Starkers version is $100+ for a 3lp set, Casals 25-50, YoYoMa $70ish. Do you have any experience with these recordings? What are your thoughts?

Thx,
mm
128x128martinman
Well, who knew?

Here's a modern (2012) all-analog recording, mastering, and limited edition pressing of the Bach Suites performed by Rocco Filippini on 180g vinyl at less than half the price of the Speakers Corner Starker.

I have no direct experience with this artist or recording, but it certainly looks promising.

What prompted me to search for alternatives is that I just heard the 4th Suite by Luigi Piovana, and it's fabulous. I couldn't turn the radio off. It's a digital recording available (AFAIK) only on CD, but to this vinylphile it sounded *really* good and the performance is quite compelling, as in, it compels you to sit in the sweet spot and listen to the whole thing.
The Rocco Filippini recording on Fone is a fine recording. The performance, however, is in a style of strict adherence to meter and it loses my interest rapidly. Color me a bit disappointed by Filippini, but I like his Haydn concerto on Fone.

The Starker, Helmerson and Bylsma performances are much more interesting to my ear.
Rushton, thanks for the input, as I have no direct experience with the Filippini.

I am, however, intrigued by the Piovano. Although it's CD and download only, the performance and digital mastering qualities may make it a compelling acquisition. I really like his interpretation and the reverberant ambience of the recording. And I say this as an ardent Starker/Mercury fan.
I purchased the Speakers Corner Starker, thank you all for advice.
Thanks for letting us know, Jeff1225. Hope you enjoy!
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