The Enduring Power of the Sarabande in Bach and Handel

The slow,central sarabande is frequently enough considered the heart and soul of suites by Bach and Handel,a dance believed to have originated in Spain. In the works of these composers, the sarabande transcends mere movement; it becomes a moment of profound contemplation and emotional depth.

The Sarabande: A Moment Suspended in Time

In Bach’s cello suites, the sarabande possesses a unique ability to seemingly stop time. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s performances exemplify this quality. His interpretations often convey a sense of deep introspection, as if entering a hypnotic state. Ma demonstrates the sarabande’s versatility, performing it in diverse settings, even amidst the natural sounds of a river rafting trip, as showcased in his latest Bach recording.

Handel’s Sarabande and its Cinematic Revival

Handel’s D-Minor keyboard Suite features a sarabande widely recognized as the theme from Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon.” The film is experiencing renewed attention with a new 50th anniversary 4K restoration, screening on Saturday night at the Egyptian Theater.

A Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Ma and Kidjo

The handel sarabande also served as an opening number for “Sarabande Africaine,” a recent collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and Afropop singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo at the Hollywood Bowl. Thier connection began seven years ago at a World War I commemoration event in Paris. This encounter prompted Ma to re-examine the music he had long internalized.

Discovering New Depths

This exploration led Ma to a moment of realization, exclaiming before performing the sarabande from Bach’s Second Solo Cello Suite, “Who knew?” This sentiment encapsulates the enduring power of the sarabande to reveal new layers of meaning and emotion with each encounter.

Key Takeaways

• The sarabande, originating in Spain, is a central movement in suites by Bach and Handel.
• Yo-Yo Ma’s performances highlight the sarabande’s ability to create a sense of timelessness and introspection.
• Handel’s sarabande from the D-Minor Keyboard Suite is iconic as the theme from “Barry Lyndon.”
• Collaborations like Ma and Kidjo’s “Sarabande Africaine” demonstrate the sarabande’s capacity for cross-cultural resonance.

The sarabande continues to captivate audiences centuries after its creation. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke profound emotion and inspire artistic innovation.As musicians continue to explore and reimagine this timeless form, the sarabande promises to remain a vital and relevant part of the musical landscape for generations to come.