Cello Suites

Yasunori Imamura presents the second part of Bach's cello suites, arranged for theorbe. The theorbe is the most important plucked instrument of the lute family and has a range that closely resembles that of the cello. Certain technical elements, such as playing arpeggios, are actually easier on the theorbe. Its unique tonal color gives the performances on this album a new sound quality. This is most evident in Suite No. 6, which was composed for a five-string cello but sounds entirely idiomatic on the theorbe. Imamura is recognized as one of the most leading lutenists, both as a soloist and as a continuo player. His solo recordings have been distinguished with numerous awards, including a Diapason d'Or for "Weiss: Lute Sonatas". He is also praised for his recording of Bach's complete works for lute. Imamura has collaborated as a continuo player with artists such as Cecilia Bartoli, Teresa Berganza, Marc Minkowski and many others.