The recording and performance of all six Bach Cello Suites is a dream pilgrimage for many a cellist. Still considered the pinnacle of unaccompanied cello repertoire today, the music holds an almost sacred status and has inspired countless recordings, over 100 printed editions of the sheet music and an international best selling book by popular music critic and author, Eric Siblin. Although Martens’ achievement is noteworthy, it begs the question, “Why another recording of these works?” Martens provides the simplest of answers in the CD booklet, “I have recorded these works, because like so many other cellists, these works have captured my imagination, my heart and my soul in an indescribable way... Every time I play these works I am humbled to be given the opportunity to do so and this recording is simply a testament to my quest to be continuously involved with the greatest music written for the cello.”
 |
Martens cannot remember a time when he was not working on Bach and will continue to do so untill the day he dies. The launch of his new CD will take place at the Endler Hall at 19:00 on 9 March as part of both the Woordfees and Endler Concert Series. The CD is released on the 2Pianists Records lable and follows the highly sucsessful recording of the complete Beethoven Cello Sonatas with pianist Luis Magalhães. This CD won the 2011 Best Poular Clasical Album SAMA. The concert on 9 March will be streammed live in what is in all likelihood, the first live streeming ever of a live performance of all six Bach Cello Suites. A link for the live streaming will be found on www.twopianists.com.
Tickets for the concert are available from Computicket and from the door and cost R125 and R90. The concert will have 2 intervals and during the first, wine and snacks will be served. These refreshments are included in the price of the ticket!