3 Things to Know About Yo-Yo Ma’s 1983 Bach Cello Suites Recording

It was his first complete recording of the six suites Yo-Yo Ma recorded the Bach Cello Suites in 1983 for CBS Masterworks, marking his first of three full recordings over his career.

He later recorded them again twice Ma revisited the suites for later releases, showing how his interpretation evolved over decades.

The 1983 version set a standard This early recording remains a benchmark for classical cello performance, though Ma’s later takes are more nuanced.