If you're a viola player looking to dive into Bach's iconic cello suites, this edition is a solid choice—especially if you're around Grade 5 or higher. The music itself is sublime, and adapting it for viola adds a rich, sonorous depth that’s incredibly satisfying to play.
One major plus? The editing by Watson Forbes keeps things clean—no clutter of excessive bowings or fingerings, which I appreciate. It feels like a blank canvas, letting me interpret the music my way. Perfect for those late-night practice sessions where I just want to lose myself in Bach’s genius.
But here’s the catch: some copies suffer from printing issues. My first edition was crisp and easy to read, but a replacement I ordered had faint, shrunken noteheads—like a bad photocopy. Super frustrating when you’re trying to sight-read! If you get a good print, though, it’s golden.
For beginners on 12"-13" violas or even pros prepping for auditions (hey, Berlin Philharmonic aspirants!), this is a fantastic resource. Just double-check your copy’s print quality when it arrives. When it’s right, the hours of joy it brings are worth every penny.