Yasunori Imamura, whose recording of Bach’s complete lute works has been described as a ‘magnificent interpretation’ (Naxos 857393637), turns his attention to the Cello Suites. Imamura has chosen to perform these iconic suites on the theorbo, the most important plucked instrument in the lute family, with a range very similar to the cello. Certain technical elements, such as the playing of arpeggios are, in fact, easier on the theorbo whose unique timbres and resonances bring a new sonic quality to these much-loved works.

Yasunori Imamura has recorded Bach’s complete lute works on 857393637: ‘Magnificent interpretation of Yasunori Imamura’ wrote Ritmo, while Record Geijutsu wrote that it was ‘a new era’s masterpiece album!’

Imamura is recognised as one of the prominent figures of the lute, both as a soloist and as a continuo player. His solo recordings have been awarded numerous accolades, including a Diapason d’Or for Weiss’s Lute Sonatas Vol.1 on the Claves label. He received the Cultural Achievement Award from the Canton of Solothurn (Switzerland) in 2010. Imamura has collaborated as a continuo player with artists including Cecilia Bartoli, Teresa Berganza, Marc Minkowski and many others.