J.S. Bach: Three Cello Suites

Joshua Ranz is thrilled to release his premiere recording, THREE SUITES FOR CELLO by J.S. Bach, arranged for bass clarinet. The suites have had a significant impact on Ranz’s approach to the bass clarinet; they were a formative influence throughout his studies with virtuoso bass clarinetist Dennis Smylie at the Yale School of Music and the Aspen Music Festival . Many bass clarinetists over the years have learned and performed various movements of the suites. Ranz is excited to be the first of these artists to produce an album of complete cello suites; three of the six written by the composer. Ranz has chosen these three suites based on their fluidity on the bass clarinet and their beautifully contrasting musical styles.

Ranz would like to give special gratitude to audio engineer Laszlo Mezo, who spent countless hours editing, re-editing, and communicating at all hours with him. The project would not have been possible without his passion and knowledge, as both a brilliant engineer and cellist.

Ranz would also like to thank Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Executive Director Ben Cadwallader for facilitating the funding for this project and Board members Leslie Lassiter, Ann Mullally, and Ruth Eliel for their generous support. Special thanks to Terri and Jerry Kohl for their very generous gift to help make this project a reality.

Ranz would like to thank his wife, Lelie Resnick, for her patience and emotional support throughout this engrossing two year process. Finally, the artist offers gratitude to his parents—to his mom, Esther Waters, for giving him the drive to pursue the career in music, and his dad, Jules Ranz, for his deep passion and appreciation for the genius of J.S. Bach.