Mischa Maisky teaches Bach's Cello Suite No. 5

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Mischa Maisky takes us on a deeply personal journey through J.S. Bach's intense and beguiling Fifth Suite. From the famous Prélude with its “French Overture” and fugue, to the austere Sarabande and the stately Gigue, the Fifth Suite is a tour de force of Bach’s compositional power— and Maisky is the perfect guide.
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WHO IT’S FOR
Beginner — Advanced
For aspiring cellists, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding and interpretation of Bach’s music and grow as musicians.
WHAT YOU WILL GET
9 Video Lessons + Supplements
Each movement of the suite is covered in a dedicated video lesson with accompanying annotated scores, workbooks and more.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Master The Entire Suite
Starting with a general overview, Maisky covers all 6 movements, going into detail on difficult passages and interpretations.
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What's Inside the Course?

9 video lessons
24-page workbook
Free annotated edition
  • 1. Introduction (11m 56s)
    Mischa Maisky cannot answer which of Bach’s suites is his favorite; he likens it to selecting a favorite child! However, the fifth suite tends to hold a special place in his heart. In the first lesson, Maisky outlines the concepts that guide his interpretation, why Bach shouldn’t be labeled a “baroque” composer, and why faithfulness to the composer isn’t his only goal.
  • 2. Prelude (19m 38s)
    This masterful Prelude is a prime example of Bach’s experimentation, and in this lesson, Maisky describes his approach to performance, development, phrasing, and more.
  • 3. Allemande (14m 10s)
    Over time, Maisky’s interpretations have changed quite a bit. In this lesson on the Allemande, he explains this movement’s connection to numerology, why repeat signs give the wrong idea, and what it means to play with heart.
  • 4. Courante (3m 52s)
    Every performer will discover their own personal process for solving the technical challenges of a movement like this. In this lesson, Maisky explains how he keeps the pulse and differentiates it from the Allemande.
  • 5. Sarabande (11m 24s)
    The central movement of the suite, many concert-goers have mistaken it for a modern piece! In this lesson, Maisky imparts the importance of tempo and why we should be critical of our habits.
  • 6. Gavotte I & II (8m 10s)
    This suite’s two Gavottes have different characters but should be connected by tempo. With brilliant demonstrations, Maisky highlights the contrast and shares why it’s so important to play the repeats differently.
  • 7. Gigue (3m 33s)
    The final movement of this suite is incredibly rhythmic, and Maisky finishes off the course with a vibrant demonstration of this special character.
  • 8. Casals, Rostropovich, and the Magic of Bach (47m 23s)
    Maisky explores the relationship between great cellists throughout history and the vibrant music of Bach.
  • BONUS: Interview (67m 57s)
    As a Bonus you will receive an in-depth 60 min interview with the legend talking about his life in music and sharing invaluable bits of wisdom.
Click on a lesson to preview, scroll to view all lessons.
Lesson Sample: Lesson 1 of 9 — Introduction.
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What You Will Learn

In his first ever online tutorial, Mischa Maisky guides you through the technical and musical challenges of Bach’s Cello Suite No.5.
Discover a new approach to Bach’s music
Take your interpretation to the next level
Develop your musical personality
Learn from one the greatest cellists in history!
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BONUS: Free 22-page workbook and annotated musical scores!

Avoid misinformation online and learn classical music the right way. tonebase brings together acclaimed instructors and expert in-house musicians – who curate annotated scores and PDF workbooks, plus support a dynamic Community – all for a complete, well-rounded learning journey you can trust.
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MEET YOUR NEW INSTRUCTOR

Mischa Maisky

Mischa Maisky has the distinction of being the only cellist in the world to have studied with both Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky.

Rostropovich has lauded Mischa Maisky as "...one of the most outstanding talents of the younger generation of cellists. His playing combines poetry and exquisite delicacy with great temperament and brilliant technique."
Mischa Maisky, in his first-ever online course, exclusively for tonebase.
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Mischa Maisky
In his first-ever online course, exclusively for tonebase.

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