Cellist Ailbhe McDonagh releases a new album on the Steinway & Sons label titled Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites - some of the most beautiful, challenging, and intricate works composed for the instrument. This is the first published recording of Bach's complete Cello Suites by an Irish cellist.

As Ailbhe writes in her album notes, "Bach’s Cello Suites are some of the most beautiful, challenging, and complex works composed for the instrument. Bach’s ability to create counterpoint on a solo instrument is astounding. He really makes the cello sound like an orchestra rather than just one instrument. Composers the world over (myself included) have been inspired by him to compose solo suites for the cello. The variety of characters, moods, rhythmic interest and phrase structure heard in these suites keep the performer engaged and eager to perform these works over and over again."

Release date February 2, 2024. This album will be made available worldwide on all download and streaming services. This album was supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

About Ailbhe McDonagh

Irish cellist Ailbhe McDonagh is an international soloist, chamber musician and recording artist who performs worldwide. According to Fanfare Magazine, “she plays with flawless technique, faultless intonation, and a strong yet meltingly sweet tone”. Ailbhe has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Yale Norfolk Festival, and the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival, as well as being a celebrated concerto soloist. Ailbhe has given performances for the Irish President at Áras an Uachtaráin, appears regularly on national television and radio, and her multiple studio recordings have been broadcast worldwide. Ailbhe is also a published composer and teaches at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Album Credits

Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites / Ailbhe McDonagh • STNS 30232
Recorded August 15 - 22 2022 at TU Dublin Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland.
Producers: Orla McDonagh, Ailbhe McDonagh
Engineer: Ben Rawlins
Executive Producers: Eric Feidner, Jon Feidner
Art Direction: Jackie Fugere
Design: Cover to Cover Design, Anilda Carrasquillo
Project Coordinator: Renée Oakford
Photograph of Ailbhe McDonagh: Marshall Light Studio