New video: Abel Selaocoe performs ‘calm and serene’ Bach

Cellist Abel Selaocoe presents a music video of the Sarabande from Bach’s Cello Suite no.6 in D Major, BWV 1012. While the original was written with a five-string cello in mind — though nowadays most commonly performed on a cello with four strings, posing plenty of technical and musical challenges! — Selaocoe performs an arrangement for cello and string orchestra by Fred Thomas.

’This piece I really, really love because it speaks of singing in a different way; with a soulfulness that is universal,’ Selaocoe said of the work. ’When you hear the beginning, you become very calm and serene, as if it is creating that space just to sit back and reflect.’

Selaocoe is accompanied by the strings of Manchester Collective. The work is the first single to be released from Selaocoe’s upcoming album, Hymns of Bantu, set for release on Warner Classics on 21 February 2025.

Playing

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The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.