MATT HAIMOVITZ

“Haimovitz’s ingenuity, inventiveness and the sheer range of sounds he is able to produce from his instrument is jaw-dropping”
– All Music Guide

“Hearing a cello played with such fervor
and commitment—not to mention high
artistry—is a priceless experience”
– Los Angeles Times

“It was some of the most moving and soulful playing heard by this listener”
– The New York Times

“…a musician who positively thrives
on challenge…”
– The New York Times

“…in his hands, Bach’s music turns into quotidian sound, a music fully part of the now.”
– The New York Times

“..calls forth a dazzling spectrum of sounds from the depths of his instrument.”
– The New Yorker

“Haimovitz’s unstoppably committed, enthusiastic playing, superbly controlled in tone, attack, vibrato and more.”
– The Strad

MATT HAIMOVITZ

WATCH

Crypt Session, Philip Glass – Overture
Suite I in G Major, BMV 1007 – Prelude
In the Studio with Vijay Iyer – Overtures to Bach

LISTEN

 

Matt Haimovitz, Solo

 

THE BACH SUITES: A MOVEABLE FEAST

Acclaimed cellist Matt Haimovitz now offers a brilliant musical variation on the concept of A Moveable Feast. In advance of releasing the complete set of Bach Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, he’ll offer a unique experience- unparalleled in the classical music world.

Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (1717-1723) are some of the most moving and spiritual compositions for a solo instrument in history.

Matt Haimovitz begins the feast by performing three of these in separate locations around the community or campus. Each suite is a masterpiece on its own, but, in addition to the suites, overtures by Philip Glass, Du Yun, Vijay Iyer, and others are performed. Ideal locations for each of these mini-concerts (each runs about 35 mins) are galleries, libraries, chapels, or other locations with excellent acoustics. It is encouraged to use social media to promote these mini- performances and to motivate audience/community members to follow the music and attend each of the programs. No tech other than a chair is required. The visit concludes with a formal recital of the balance of the suites in the concert hall.

Recent Moveable Feasts have been hosted by; the Ringling International Festival, SUNY/Purchase, UA Presents in Tucson, the University of Utah and BYU, Soka University in Los Angeles, Miller Theatre at Columbia University, and the Beaux Arts Museum in Montreal.

The list of composers who have been commissioned to write the Overtures for the Bach Suites are as follows:

Bach Suite I – Philip Glass
Bach Suite II – Du Yun
Bach Suite III – Vijay Iyer
Bach Suite IV – Roberto Sierra
Bach Suite V – David Sanford
Bach Suite VI – Luna Pearl Woolf

A possible example schedule:

Day 1.
Overture & Bach Suite #1- library- noon
Overture & Bach Suite #3- rotunda of county courthouse, campus Hillel, lobby of the medical center- 3pm
Overture & Bach Suite #5- local church, campus chapel, campus student center- 5pm

Day 2.
Masterclass with cello students or early music students
Overtures and Bach Suites #2, #4, #6- Concert Hall