Henrik Dam Thomsen: Bach

The Strad Issue: October 2024

Description: No lack of personality in these fine modern-instrument accounts

Musicians: Henrik Dam Thomsen (cello)

Works: Bach: Six Cello Suites BWV1007–12

Catalogue number: OUR RECORDINGS 8.226921/2 (2 CDS)

Danish cellist Henrik Dam Thomsen stands by his conventional late 20th-century training and standard ‘modern’ instrument (a 1680 Francesco Rugeri) and bow to deliver all six suites. Another positive outcome from the pandemic shutdown, when Thomsen could devote time to study these works anew, these warm and crystal-clear recordings were captured in the pleasing acoustic of Copenhagen’s Garnisons Kirke. Regrettably, some breathing, percussive finger-stopping and other extraneous noises occasionally obtrude.

Thomsen’s accounts combine seemingly effortless virtuosity with fine musicianship – he overcomes with accuracy and evident ease the added difficulties of playing no.6 on a four-stringed instrument – and they are characterised by a free, relaxed rhetorical approach. Some may find his interpretation of no.1’s Prelude over-phrased and somewhat stop-start, with a consequent loss of the shape of the extended line, but his rhythmic flexibility, light bowing and precise articulation are otherwise positive attributes elsewhere. No.2’s Prelude is more deeply felt and no.5’s, essentially a French ouverture, is stylishly and extrovertly despatched.

Tempos for the stylised dance movements are largely appropriate. His Allemandes are graceful and poised, but he tends to scamper through the Courantes, especially those of nos.1, 2 and 5. His Sarabandes, reflective rather than self-indulgent, exhibit his sustained lyricism and eloquent phrasing, especially that of no.3 and the poignant nos.5 and 6, and the Gigues are consistently buoyant and spirited. Of the ‘galanteries’, the Menuets are very fluid, the Bourrées well contrasted and the Gavottes characterfully played, especially no.6’s folky second Gavotte. Repeated sections are mostly literal, with little (if any) additional ornamentation.

ROBIN STOWELL