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Bach Cello Suites: inspired by Bach’s feet

2026-08-07T09:24:00

Getty Bach Thomaskirche Leipzig-cr Markus Friedrich

Could Bach’s experience as an organist have influenced his decision to write the Cello Suites? Markus Rathey examines the role that pedal technique may have had in the creation of these revolutionary works

When discussing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suites BWV1007–12 with postgraduate students, I am often asked, ‘Why did Bach write the suites?’ And my answer, usually delivered with a smile, is always the same: ‘We don’t know.’ Whereas there is a lot of information about the circumstances of the composition of his vocal works for the churches in Weimar and Leipzig, his reason for creating six suites for the cello still remains shrouded in mystery…

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