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Presented by the Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Experience the complete lute suites of Johann Sebastian Bach as performed by David Russell, brought together in a single presentation with continuous music. This curated collection showcases Russell’s masterful interpretations of some of Bach’s most profound and enduring works for plucked strings.
These four suites—originally written for lute or lautenwerk—have become cornerstones of the classical guitar repertoire. David Russell’s expressive depth, unmistakable tone, and refined ornamentation bring each movement to life with vivid clarity and nuance. The performances were beautifully captured against the stunning backdrop of historic churches in Spain.
Works Featured:
1st Lute Suite in E Minor, BWV 996
0:00 - Prelude-Presto 1:20
2:32 - Allemande
5:03 - Courante
7:21 - Sarabande
10:40 - Bourrée
11:57 - Gigue
2nd Lute Suite in C Minor, BWV 997
14:43 - Prelude
18:08 - Fugue
25:26 - Sarabande
30:10 - Gigue-Double 32:43
3rd Lute Suite in G Minor, BWV 995
35:28 - Prelude
41:00 - Allemande
46:18 - Courante
48:11 - Sarabande
51:28 - Gavottes I and II 53:17
55:29 - Gigue
4th Lute Suite in E Major, BWV 1006a
57:28 - Prelude
1:01:37 - Loure
1:05:15 - Gavotte en Rondeau
1:08:16 - Minuetts I and II 1:09:46
1:12:28 - Bourrée
1:14:15 - Gigue
About the Artist:
David Russell, Grammy Award-winning guitarist, is internationally acclaimed for his artistry, precision, and poetic musicality. His interpretations of Bach have set a standard for guitarists worldwide.
Presented by:
The Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts, dedicated to presenting the finest classical guitarists in San Francisco and on YouTube.
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📝 Transcript
Transcribing... This may take a few minutes.
Top Comments
@danielotazo1042
In my opinion, this is one of the best performances of the complete lute suites on guitar. We are fortunate to have access to this wonderful interpretation on YouTube.
96 likes
@m00ftak
We are very lucky to have over an hour of David Russell playing Bach!
88 likes
@guyhirst7352
In an age of machines, Bach makes me believe in being human.
17 likes
@nasigil5928
This is as definitive as it is for the classical guitar rendition of the lute suite. Bach's music, David Russell's playing, Dammann's guitar, Omni Foundation's recording, It doesn't get better than this.
37 likes
@gustavolorenzoleo6205
This takes thousands of hours and it’s worth every one
5 likes
@eduardoalvescoelho
17:44
David made the guitar sound like an harp. What a masterclass.
8 likes
@yvessouchon9708
This man is truly in a class of its own.
I discovered him through his integral recording of Tarrega, and was immediately smitten.
Why ? Because he has BOTH the perfect musicality and the flawless technique, and that is unbelievably rare.
When musicians practice an instrument enough to reach a technical peak, the arduous and repetitive work tends to erode their musical ingenuity, resulting in a 'impeccable but somewhat spiritless' interpretation.
Then there are those whose musicality is wonderful and uplifting, but with the odd technical flaw here and there.
But him ? He is way above this glass ceiling, now, as he's managed to totally transcend the technical challenge and focus on LISTENING to what he's playing. That, to me, is the ultimate achievement for a musician and that's why I consider him the greatest living classical guitarist.
6 likes
@bariswheel
This might be the best video on YouTube. That Gigue BWV 996 might be the best version I've heard anywhere, David does not mess aronud. Just exceptional
22 likes
@Yuval_L1974
This is the yardstick from now on. Breathtakingly superb continuity, dynamics, and ornamentation. Simply exceptional and deserving of the highest praise.
21 likes
@christoph98-n3q
From the first note, you know it's a cut above anything you've heard before. Truly uniquely marvelous!
12 likes
@loveclaasiclguitar2402
Those cross string trills are sublime, David Russell wins the "who does it best" @ Bach, Tremolo, and Cross string trills
5 likes
@o0o0oo00oo00
The best classical guitar video in 2025 🎉
38 likes
@unluckyvicky9
The finest Bach performance—clear and majestic
29 likes
@therealandrecorbin4050
Incredible playing, almost harpsichord sounding, wonderful setting, everything is amazing here.
6 likes
@sergiospinola707
It is a statement against today’s orthodoxy that want to play only on the instrument the music was written for and it is
also a statement on the kind of performance is requested today. Bravo David.❤❤❤