Bach's "Unaccompanied Cello Suites" are considered among the most valuable works in the history of music.
Almost forgotten for nearly 200 years since its composition, the work has finally acquired an aura that captivates audiences around the world.
Through this work, Bach takes us on a spiritual journey that begins with joy, passes through tragedy, and finally reaches ecstasy.

World-renowned cellist Stephen Isserlis, who has received acclaim for his recording of Bach's cello suites, delves deeply into the history and emotion of these suites in this book, which draws on his entire performance experience.
It is certainly a useful guide for everyone, from casual audience members to professional performers.
Steven Isserlis explores the world of the "Unaccompanied Cello Suites" with keen insight, allowing us to appreciate the work more deeply.

This book is intended for anyone who loves music, from casual music lovers to professional musicians.

---From the first sentence of this book

The truth lies in the emotional, dramatic, and spiritual narrative of this suite, which takes us on a vast journey that begins with peaceful meditation, passes through the deepest pain, and reaches radiant exaltation.
It is precisely this journey that I want to explore in this book.

--- p.13

How wonderful it would be if Bach could visit us here, even for just a few hours, to enlighten us.
But since that's unlikely, all we can do is examine the various differing views and questions surrounding the Cello Suites and try to get as close to an answer as possible.
--- p.33

By now you've probably realized that when you come across a pale, haggard person on the street muttering to himself, there's a good chance he's a cellist exploring Bach's cello suites.

--- p.67

As the 19th century, with its relative lack of musical interest in unaccompanied cello works, began to unfold in the 20th century, a growing number of important works emerged (Kodaly, Hindemith, Max Reger, Bloch, Dallapiccola, Britten, Dutilleux, etc.), all of which showed, to a greater or lesser extent, the influence of the great Leipzig master.
I hope Bach, sitting in heaven, is a little satisfied.

--- p.102

The song takes us on a journey from pastoral joy through profound tragedy to ultimate joy and triumph.
Of course, each listener may experience this journey differently.
But everyone who listens to this piece by Bach will experience a change in their life in some way.

--- p.134

Bach's religious beliefs were of a different dimension, as we can feel through his words and art.
He seemed to have held faith with all his heart, every day of the week, every hour of the day and night.
Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that his works with religious lyrics are not the only ones that express his faith.
All of his music was likely an expression of religious devotion, and the cello suites are no exception.
--- p.164

Even if Bach did hide some meaning in his cello suites, this is not very important in the overall composition.
What is truly significant is that one can sense that Bach has built a temple through the extraordinary structure and sound of this prelude.
Glory to God alone.

--- p.199

Ah, how it feels to finally reach the end of a six-piece cycle by performing this movement! As I neared the finish line of my final performance at Wigmore Hall, I blurted out to the audience the words that had been swirling around in my head.
'This is the greatest music ever composed.' This gigue, with its final radiance, travels through all realms of the human mind, ultimately leading us to a state of transcendent ecstasy.
At that moment, we feel (as we should) that we have reached the end of a great, life-changing journey.

--- p.278~279