David Russell - 1st Lute Suite, BWV 996 by J.S. Bach - Omni On-Location from Spain

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David Russell plays the 1st Lute Suite, BWV 996 by J.S. Bach recorded in the monastery of Celanova, Spain. This video is presented by the Omni Foundation's Omni On-Location series, Concerts from Historic Sites.
Watch the pre-performance interview by David Tanenbaum here:
• David Russell Intervie...
1st Lute Suite, BWV 996 by J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
2:09 Prelude and Presto
4:35 Allemande
7:07 Courante
9:25 Sarabande
12:44 Bourrée
14:00 Gigue
Intro music: from David Russell's 2008 recording of "Arioso" from BWV 156 by J.S. Bach found here: • J.S. Bach: Ich steh mi...
Performance by David Russell
Guitar by Matthias Dammann
Strings: D’Addario Normal Tension Pro-Arté Dynacore
Audio and Video by
David Russell and Maria Jesus Rodriguez
Premiered June 26th, 2021
Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts Series Sponsors:
D’Addario, Augustine Foundation, Hill Guitar Company, Guitar Salon International, Guitar Solo
These videos are made possible by your support. To make a donation, please visit: omniconcerts.com/online-series.
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[@chrisandersonguitarist2400]

I watched the premier on Saturday night. At the time, I was hesitant to stake a claim, but after a few days of thought, and watching it again now, I believe my initial reaction was correct. This is the finest Bach ever played on the guitar. I believe it will be included with other guitar history landmarks: Segovia’s Paris debut, Bream’s “20th Century Guitar” recording, and the 1975 Toronto Guitar Competition with Sharon Isbin, Manuel Barrueco, David Leisner, and Eliot Fisk winning prizes. It doesn’t just set a new standard of guitar playing. It is music of the very highest order.

[@micktulk]

What a superb performance

[@tbgtbg6311]

@John Strozzi You need to see a doctor ASAP.... an ENT or Neurologist would be a good start.

[@nickrobinson2023]

The devil is in the detail. The clarity and evenness of the trill as well as the other ornamentations are perfect. Your reflexion is absolutely correct. All the best.

[@Soytu19]

you kidding, right? he is rushing, his excessive use of trills is annoying, his guitar sounds nasal, absolute lack of tone differences. Yes, he is technically perfect, but nothing else for me. The live recording of Yepes of this suite belittle this.

[@mer1red]

​@@Soytu19 I think you have some good points. He's technically very good, this should not be a surprise for anybody who knows him. But with all respect, I would never play Bach like this. This simply just doesn't sound as Baroque music. I play not only guitar but also viola da gamba and have listened a lot to harpsichord music of that time. His ornamentations are strange. It's a suite, which means: dance music. Some passages of the performance just don't reflect the nature of those dances. And a lot more.

[@kimbatteau1]

This is the greatest performance of the Bach lute suites in history. Astonishing.

[@datdang9113]

2:09 Prelude and Presto 4:35 Allemande 7:07 Courante 9:25 Sarabande 12:44 Bourrée 14:00 Gigue

[@lucasjuliancarballeira6392]

Da real mvp

[@adriyansetiawan5225]

Did you know the piece in the beginning of video?

[@sleazebee]

@@adriyansetiawan5225 I think it is a cantata, bwv 156

[@franciscoabreu5159]

Thanks

[@dawinybastos]

@@franciscoabreu5159 cantata 156 - arioso

[@cdickson01]

I just want to thank the Omni Foundation for providing all of these beautiful classical guitar performances. As a beginner, but aspiring to get better, this is so inspiring and moving. Thank you!!

[@Rodrigo-me6nq]

It's hard to believe he's nearly 70, this is one of the best interpretations of this suite I've ever heard. There are plenty of young artists who can play with the same level of virtuosity, but few have such clean execution and gorgeous tone. His fingering choices and ornamentations are also very tasteful.

[@lucasjuliancarballeira6392]

Def gonna steal them all 👌

[@goscott444]

_Ida Presti!_ 😁

[@ultragukuss1325]

Simply amazing and also a lot of work into the pureness and whole phrasing of this suite. It all makes sense when listening as whole piece. It’s definitely my favorite interpretation of this suite as well. You can definitely hear what Bach was to say with his music. And david is also a truly nice human being, had the chance to organize a concert where he played. Unbelievable musician and really interesting person!

[@davideperduca1066]

That’s true! But try to hear the version of Marcin Dylla! Superb

[@spoolstring1853]

His tempo is insanely consistent, and somehow it's all so gentle

[@adamgoad4131]

Man, that Gigue is absolutely incredible. I've personally met John Williams, Pepe Romero, Chris Parkening and others and I can safely say that David has a seat at the table, of the greatest masters of our age. He has the power of a freight train but can dance across the strings with a lightness I can't comprehend. Bravo sir

[@tardx]

I am astonished and ashamed that, having enjoyed the playing of Segovia, Bream, Williams, and Lagoya for decades, I had never heard of David Russell until now. He clearly ranks with these masters. Thank you for this performance.

[@RobertoMartinez-kv5tp]

✔

[@b.berggitarre]

He is one of the best interpreters, perhaps the best interpreter, of Bach's music!

[@kimbatteau1]

This is Bach, without a doubt, of the absolutely top order. Fantastic...

[@ricardolemus5937]

I share the same feeling. Just a few years ago I didn't know of him.

[@NylonStrings83]

David is the absolute best

[@IntellikronTech]

The best performance I've ever heard in the last 30 years. I studied classical guitar for 10 years and remember the conversations about David Russell on 1987 in Alicante, Spain where he was a legend amongst the students. He was also famous for reading music at first sight perfectly.

[@baddogmintz]

This is precisely why he's David Russell and everyone else is everyone else. It's deeply gratifying to listen to this.

[@alexkomodore5241]

David- Is always the guitarist we can aspire to , and the soulful man who communicates the utmost that humanity has created.

[@paulhennessey51]

Fantastic. No one does baroque ornamentation on guitar as cleanly, precisely, and with as much feeling as David Russell. Wonderful video.

[@JMBailo]

My favourite person in the whole world. I have no words to say how much I've always admired him, and of course I still do. A trully legend among the guitar players, and an absolute gentleman.

[@OmniFoundation]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the live premiere!

[@vikennazikian6903]

What is the introductory background music during the opening 30sec of this video please ?

[@robertom.gonzalez9031]

@@vikennazikian6903 IE J. S. Bach: Arioso BWV 156

[@vikennazikian6903]

@@robertom.gonzalez9031 Thank you so much. I wonder if it's also a David Russell transcription & recording, & how I would find it ? With much appreciation. V

[@robertom.gonzalez9031]

@@vikennazikian6903 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIK5q4Npma-op9E

[@OmniFoundation]

@@vikennazikian6903kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3-5YXtmeb6gj5o

[@JimMcFerry]

This is an old piece for me, 55 years at least. An old friend and mentor, unfortunately gone, performed this suite surely and convincingly. I've since been pursuing this all my life. I am now 70 and promised myself not to leave the game before mastering this lautenwerk suite, one of the most elegante and beautiful from JSB's legacy. Others will follow. But this rendition and especially David Russel's technical approach will be of great help and inspiration. A huge thanks from Porto Portugal!

[@astrodad656]

My favorite rendition of the Gigue is this performance. DR is truly a living legend. And despite his age his playing is still in top form. Respect!

[@tonato17]

Best version of 1st lute suite I've ever heard. David Russell is the brightest star in the guitar firmament

[@kitnewell]

Lightning-fast ornamentations and passing tones. The apotheosis of baroque performance.

[@antoniomattana6706]

Out of this world. Unbelivable.

[@allanwells4886]

Terrific playing. He's fortunate he can still play the guitar at 70 years of age. Many great artists suffer from medical issues when they reach their 50's to 60's.

[@homosapience6949]

This Virtuoso of the Guitar allow me to experience of essence of baroque pluck instrument again. Ever since I knew David Russell, 20 years ago, I always appreciate of his special performances of different times. I think he is a magnificent virtuoso of the guitar.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

In addition to guitar, I teach general college music courses (theory, form & analysis, counterpoint, etc.) and use this recording as an example of the baroque suite, binary forms, etc. According to my students (not just guitarists), David not only blows all other guitarists away, but in addition they favour his baroque interpretations over those of other instrumentalists, too. An almost impossible feat. Of course the oboists and French horn players in my classes have no idea (nor do they care about) how insanely difficult it is to accomplish such a feat on the guitar. It makes me proud to be able to present a guitar recording not as a curiosity but as a genuine choice of a musical recording of a musical genre. Thank you, David and producers!

[@Larry30102]

Watching this whole series of Russell playing Bach requires only one word, from the production, to the best performance of these pieces: perfection. These will endure forever as jewels in classical performance and guitar.

[@florentvauxion3664]

I have liked to be here, sitted nearby him on a corner of that beautiful church... And listening the echos of the Master.

[@bariswheel]

This is beyond exceptional, especially the Gigue needless to say. Unparalleled level of playing with so much feeling, such great tone and ornamentation, and for a man who’s played as such for almost 6 decades now, to maintain that fitness, perhaps to even new levels, it’s hard to find the words to describe such unprecedented levels of achievement. There will never be another David Russell. I can’t wait to hear the next 3 suites, what a time to be alive! Thank you David and the Omni foundation for sharing this with the world!

[@fidemservavi3128]

Perfect acoustic and interpretation😊

[@user-wu3hb3ck6u]

This is called, with good reason; an extraordinary journey.

[@hrburrell7587]

One of THE best players in the baroque style.

[@kingtutt61]

Great to see Russell still displaying his unique style and passion for life.

[@GustavoDB]

For me, my best classical guitar player ever. ❤ Thak you Mr David. And thanks to my music teachers and companions in the school for introduce me David Russel. Heard Bach, Mangore and more great composers from his hands for so many years, and always refreshing me. ❤

[@hoursk]

Never seen this gigue played so fast and clean at the same time... very impressive

[@kitharodia1952]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoTZpJeGms55oK8

[@user-uh5re3co6j]

Absolutely I agree.

[@christianadamsson5745]

Wow, at this tempo 🙌

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

Very very impressive the ornamentations are so damn smooth, almost doesn’t even sound like a guitar. The counter point on guitar as well. That’s just crazy

[@FlexingClassicalMusic]

🌟 Classical music, a celestial dance of notes and rhythms, is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity. It's a symphony that paints emotions in the air, inviting us to partake in the grandeur of artistic expression. 🎨🎶

[@telmymacallister4420]

THANK YOU dAVID! SO BEAUTIFUL

[@FatherKeeg]

I can hardly believe what my ears have heard and my eyes have seen,, flawless perfection! Each of the voices of the piece are presented with full clarity within a composition so complex it's amazing to see it actualized on a Guitar. Bach himself would probably be impressed.

[@victorhugomontecinosfernan4117]

Muy hermoso. Los adornos muy bellos. Brillante interpretacion de esa suite de J. S. Bach

[@gjtube37]

That was breathtaking! Thank you so much!

[@joecolella4980]

Excellent! We loved it!❤️

[@LongTrout]

The pipes...The pipes are calling.

[@rkatz0]

Great Stuff! Thanks so much!

[@marctucciaronemusic7738]

It doesn’t get better than this !!!! Thank you David

Was about to like the video, but found I've already liked it before. Shame it can't be liked more than once.

[@hongteeguitar]

Extraordinaire! Love it!

[@cliffjamesmusic]

Magnificent. Thank you.

[@johnsmall9729]

Such accomplished work. Thank you.

[@albinodino5050]

Goddamn those cross string ornaments are the cleanest I’ve ever heard

[@jwaldo3]

Thank you. Enjoyed very much.

[@brucegelman5582]

These suites should set the world on fire and bring joy to nations.Alas too few know what Mr. Russell has accomplished and the level he has reached.And so it goes.

[@woodysatyadarma4901]

Thank you. It's so beautiful.

[@leondfuego9580]

cuanto Arte, gracias! saludos desde Argentina.

[@Betterthantelly]

Astoundingly beautiful art on so many levels. Thank you so much.

[@javierchacon5064]

Absolutely amazing

[@saidtinat985]

Just magnificent performance! Thank you David Russell. ❤️🙌

[@michaelschmidt5356]

Fantastic! A living legend

[@Astromott]

Absolutely magnificent crystal clear sounding and embellishing! Many thanks !

[@claudiobiglino2885]

Fantastico il Maestro, fantastico il video, le riprese, l’audio. Grazieeeee!

[@LorenzoMicheli]

What a marvelous performance! Thank you

[@leforain]

Simply exquisite!

[@halvey123]

There are no words to describe this well done production. Thank you for posting.

[@hngi26]

What an incredible journey into the distant historical architecture adorned by a wonderful rendition of Bach’s suite #1 by David Russell. I can only describe this virtual experience as a transformation into time and space, an experience which few, or none can match! Mr.Russell’s masterful performance of this Baroque suite deserves a place in the permanent display of the Celenova monestary.

[@kirklynde3810]

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The performance and the setting were exquisite.

[@iakamuri]

thank your for your wonderful performance, dear David!

[@Remi-B-Goode]

His ornementation technique is the most perfect and adequate, this is astonishing how it sounds good. He is incredible.

[@davidharrismusician]

Absolutely insane. 🔥

[@petermorrison957]

Absolute perfection.

[@jespersgard3487]

Bach maestro! Simple as that stranding out with clarity and superb technique. An absolutte joy to listen to. Thank you for this fantastic video!

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

Majestic. Solace for the broken heart! And so clean... Thank you, maestro.

[@kennethfuquay5126]

The purity of the found and the acoustics ! What a thrill!! Bravo Maestro, Bravissimo!!

[@oscarlueb1522]

It is a pleasure know again of David Russell, I had the opportunity to see him play on a concert. He's an incredible performer. I hope the best for him.

[@gesualdo1613]

Gracias Maestro por compartir esta extraordinaria interpretación.

[@andredesrosiers6487]

Magnifique!

[@yakubekartawidjaja]

Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing

[@margaretmurraymiller1556]

Fantastic, David! ❤️

[@guitarreroknight]

Excellent production! Superb and flawless interpretation by a gifted guitarist.

[@theobenjamin]

Such a beautiful interpretation by the Maestro!

[@raffitorossian6994]

Excellent performance of Bach....Mr Russel is a super artist. Thanks for uploading.

[@StanichPlays]

Insanely clean performance !

[@hjns62]

Amazing musicality... Russel turns everything fluid even in the sharp angular movements in this suite... Thanks the opportunity to listen!

[@llp0001]

No words ! Great performance and production. Filmed in my beloved Galicia it is a plus

[@DarwinsChihuahua]

Fantastic!

[@brianbowersox8392]

Thanks so much for doing this David and Omni Foundation. I'm actually working on the Allemande from this right now and it's great to see your hands in action on this as I learn it. Thanks!

[@MarcosdiazGuitarra]

Sublime interpretación!! Bravo, David!!

[@OrganicGuitarExplorer]

Gorgeous tone and trilling ornaments sounding like the baroque guitar, lute and even harpsichord. Always am thrilled and inspired by Maestro David

[@KeepThatConfidence]

Such a great performance! And very nice introduction to the history of this place.

[@amigosXcorrespondenc]

David its truly a big inspiration to start working on our own Bach transcriptions working with the original scores 😊

[@doublezero5925]

A Master at work 👏👏👏♥️

[@LongTrout]

Love it....Great Vid

[@jdpazmino2010]

The intro really set the mood and provided wonderful context to connect with the piece in a much better way. And what beautiful perfect technique!!! Bravo!!!!!

[@nahuelromero6191]

Realmente increible!!!!!! Russell no deja de sorprender!

[@johnrodgelatenemusic7262]

An absolutely riveting performance. The best I've seen. A masterpiece of playing.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Well done big Davy Russell! Love it.

[@davematson939]

Thank you Mr Russell

[@fhulkster]

brilliant concert , beautiful music played in beautiful surroundings,

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Phenomenal clarity! David is one of my favorite guitarists. There are so many great musicians out there and I’m thankful that KZbin gives people a platform to put their music out there. Plus it gives us more access to the already accomplished musicians. Great playing of some beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

[@daisyfanning612]

Thank you Sir.

[@MacMic333]

Really brought this to life , more than any other version.

[@hervebarzic5169]

Artiste dans une interpretation à couper le souffle! Merci monsieur David Russel, la grande classe. :-O

[@wimbronkhorst7382]

We need to study Bach more. And Russell. He is such an anointed musician.

[@javbas1]

Pero qué interpretación más sublime, realmente no tengo más palabras, solo muchísimas gracias por compartirlo

[@sergiocantella2583]

grazie David, una vera meraviglia