BACH, J.S./CAGE: CHORALES

Julius Berger writes of his new release: "Johann Sebastian BachAEs suites for cello solo are arguably the purest form of music, works that require no explanation or background knowledge. Johann Sebastian Bach made one of his most profound affirmations, a Gradus ad Parnassum, which in six stages sets out an intellectual and technical challenge that is and will probably remain peerless in the history of music for our instrument. My colleague and friend, Prof. Peter Langgartner from the Mozarteum University of Salzburg pointed out to me that the Prelude of the first suite contains LutherAEs chorale oVom Himmel hoch, da kommAE ich hero (from Heaven above, from thence I come). I had always presumed so and was grateful for confirmation that the cello suites make allusions to chorales and religious messages. I have therefore found a musical way of opening a spiritual door to the suites and added chorales to Suites 1, 3, and 5 in the mould of sounds from John CageAEs work One 8, chorales that in my opinion are definitely consistent with messages conveyed in the suites. I find that John CageAEs music shares similarities with BachAEs. His music allows for inner reflection, providing a contemplative point of calm. Cage said the purpose of music is oto cleanse the soul and bring it peace, thus making it amenable to divine influenceso. My son Immanuel intones the chorales to this special music; each chorale is followed by two Bach suites