Extract from Stroud News and Journal Review (21 January 2015)
Bach's six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello are accepted by cellists as some of the most demanding in the repertoire, but not perhaps, the most romantic. However, Benjamin Dry, a young local cellist who has recently moved to Stroud from South Africa, enthralled a capacity audience at the Christian Community Church last Friday (16 Jan) with a performance of the 2nd and 3rd Suites that had drama, excitement and romance in abundance. The two suites are quite a contrast – No 2 in D Minor is dark and full of passion, whereas No 3 in C Major is happy and energetic. Ben gave each movement its own character, with plenty of fire in the Allemandes and Courantes, deep feeling in the Preludes and Sarabandes, and an infectious sense of fun in the final Minuets & Gigues. Altogether one of the most heartfelt performances of the Suites that I have heard, and I hope he continues with the final three in the not too distant future.
Jim Hutton
Postcard photo of Gypsy boy with his cello
Bach's six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello are accepted by cellists as some of the most demanding in the repertoire, but not perhaps, the most romantic. However, Benjamin Dry, a young local cellist who has recently moved to Stroud from South Africa, enthralled a capacity audience at the Christian Community Church last Friday (16 Jan) with a performance of the 2nd and 3rd Suites that had drama, excitement and romance in abundance. The two suites are quite a contrast – No 2 in D Minor is dark and full of passion, whereas No 3 in C Major is happy and energetic. Ben gave each movement its own character, with plenty of fire in the Allemandes and Courantes, deep feeling in the Preludes and Sarabandes, and an infectious sense of fun in the final Minuets & Gigues. Altogether one of the most heartfelt performances of the Suites that I have heard, and I hope he continues with the final three in the not too distant future.
Jim Hutton
Postcard photo of Gypsy boy with his cello