I. S. Bach suites for solo cello in arrangements for viola: specifics of the genre

Abstract

The article deals with the editions of the Sixth Suite for solo cello by Johann Sebastian Bach, their similarity and distinction, peculiarities of interpretation, dynamic gradations, stroke and fingering variations. It presents the historical context of creation, connected with the composer’s invention of a new five-string instrument, the viola pomposa. The center of attention is given to viola versions of the work by M. Kuperman, Yu. Kramarov, Br. Jurann, S. Rowland-Jones. Particular emphasis is placed on the popular among performers version by Fritz Spindler. The main stages of his creative activity are highlighted, the author’s sources are indicated, and the directions of the research are defined.