The six Cello Suites of J.S. Bach performed on the solo viola by the American violist Lillian Fuchs (1901-95). Also featuring the Mozart Duo for violin and viola in B flat, K424, and the Three Madrigals for violin and viola by the 20th-century Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů with Lillian’s brother, the American violinist Joseph Fuchs (1899-1997).

Originally released on America Decca LPs in 1950-54, these recordings have been digitally re-mastered from the original source material. The recordings of the Mozart and Martinů works appear on CD for the first time. The Martinů  works were written for Lillian and Joseph Fuchs.

Lillian Fuchs, one of the mighty atoms of the viola, was proudest of her pioneering recordings of the Bach Suites. Bach himself played the viola, and it has been suggested by some scholars that he may have originally worked out the Suites on the viola rather than the cello for which they were written. Lillian Fuch’s sinewy, athletic yet always sensitive interpretations certainly make it sound possible. These recordings have become legendary and unsurpassed. Tiny in stature she may have been, but Lillian Fuchs was a giant of the viola.

Bach Suites 1 & 3 were recorded on 14, 17 & 26 May 1954 and first issued on US Decca DL 9914; Suites 2 & 6 were recorded on 3, 7 & 8 May 1951 and first issued on US Decca DL 9544; Suites 4 & 5 were recorded on 16 May 1952 and first issued on US Decca DL 9660.

Mozart Duo no.2 in B flat and Martinů Three Madrigals were recorded on 12 June 1950 and first issued on US Decca DL 8510.