Cellist
Peter Gregson's
Bach Recomposed versions of
Bach's unaccompanied cello suites appeared in 2018, featuring rather ambient arrangements of the works for a complement of six cellos, with synthesizer layers added by
Gregson. These performances of
Gregson's pieces were recorded in early 2021 and have found commercial success with the
present EP. It's possible that that success is due to the fact that listeners can get an idea of what the set is like in just 14 minutes, but
the EP will also be of interest to admirers of
Gregson's original work. Most noticeable is the transfer of the recording venue to Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, which provides an ideal ambiance for
Gregson's music. Many of
Gregson's original arrangements retained a good deal of
Bach's melodic material, but here, he has selected some of the more minimal items from his original group, heightening the meditative quality imparted by the Capitol studio. As before, the music is accessible to anyone, from aficionados of pop electronics to those interested in the application of experimental electronic techniques to the classical repertory, and the music is worth the time for anyone. ~ James Manheim