Yo-Yo Ma's recording of the Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites represents, for me, a perfect storm in the world of classical recording. The balance of dazzling technique, depth of emotion and warm, rich sound on this 2-cd set from CBS(Sony)Masterworks is impeccable. This is one of the finest & best-loved performances of these pieces that you can possibly find. This 1983 album from Ma is the very first cd release I ever owned, so the set holds some very fond memories for me. Years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing Yo-Yo Ma play all six suites one long afternoon in New York City (complete with a dinner break.) These recordings will always remind me of what a magical afternoon that was, as well as what a brilliant musician Yo-Yo Ma continues to be to this very day. This is a very highly treasured set of cds for me, and I recommend them to you all as a very highly treasured listening experience. Enjoy them, as I have for many, many years!

The years that this set has remained in the catalogue attest for the level of interpretation and expertise that Yo-Yo Ma imbews here with these great "soulful" pieces. My first exposure to these works was this recorded set, and I certainly will say that I "struck it right" with this addition to my music collection. Are there better versions...? Well, there are other Interpretations, of course. But, from what I determine, Mr. Ma is playing Bach's music as written, with his own natural inflection, of course. Could you ask for more....not much! A Fine Recording Overall, Fine Interpretation, Fine Warm Ambiance (as it strikes me) as if Yo-Yo is playing these in your living room, just for the two of you. And I like this feeling a lot. Greatly Recommended. ~operabruin

~I happened to see on Amazon here, that this set has been remastered, so I would think that the new set would be pretty nice! I'll be checking it out!

The most exquisite classical recording you will ever buy. I have owned the vinyl for years and bought the CD's for convenience - car, kitchen. Ma is the best, and the sound quality is extraordinary - you can sometimes hear him breathing!

It would be harsh - with such great exponents of these suites recorded before him, to compare Mr. Ma's playing with other great cellists.
I agree that if you concentrate on the dances in the suites, you will find the best of Ma's interpretation. They are musical, soulful and beautiful. Elsewhere, like in Preludes, the required depth and nuance are some what missing. Listen to Rostropovich, for example, an immediate difference surfaces.
Even so, a 4 star rating is still well-deserved, bearing in mind that Mr. Ma was not yet 30 years old when he recorded this album.

Although some would call this performance "straightforward," it lacks the depth and richness of available recordings by Fournier, Casals, and Rostropovich. Before purchasing, take the time to listen to the Suite No. 1 Prelude of all four cellists. Whereas Fournier, Casals, and Rostropovich are movingly expressive, Yo-Yo Ma's is "on point" but lacking emotion.

I wanted to buy this CD but had no performer in mind. I first chose Yo-Yo Ma just because I'd heard of him. After a quick review of other customer comments and my own test runs, I decided to buy Fournier, Casals, AND Rostropovich, just because I was excited to hear a familiar piece played so beautifully in three different ways. Note that Yo-Yo Ma didn't make the cut.