The interpretation of the fifth cello suite BWV 1011 by Johann Sebastian Bach [1685-1750]

Abstract

The interpretation of the fifth cello suite BWV 1011 by Johan Sebastian Bach (1685- 1750) deals with the interpretation of a baroque suite for solo cello on modern instrument and in the modern age. It is a master thesis from the Agder University, Faculty of fine arts, the classical department, written in English language by Nemanja Markovic. Keywords are: Baroque style, interpretation, the modern cello. Trough these studies on interpretation seen from my point of view and made through current literature, recent research within the early music field and my own experience of performing the suite, I have tried to explore how much and even in what manner we have distanced from the original meaning (if there is a certain original meaning) of these suites. The first section is an introduction with my aim for writing the thesis and displaying the methods I will use. The second section is an overview of the Baroque style and Baroque suite form. The third section is an analysis of the fifth cello suite BWV1011 by Bach. The fourth section is about the interpretation and approaches to the material. It consists of a difference between baroque and modern instrument and the bow, a comparison of the recordings and I will express my point of view regarding the interpretation. The fifth section consists of note examples that I am using in my thesis. The sixth section shows the literature I have applied in my thesis.