A Bachian Dilemma: Should You Go with Four or Five Strings?

The article explores the approach to playing composer Johann Sebastian Bach's Sixth Suite using a five-string cello. Philharmonia Baroque principal cellist Tanya Tompkins suggests using a string crossing instead of shifting up for notes when doing the Sixth Suite on a five-string. Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra principal cellist William Skeen recommends the E string and discourages the thumb position. Music specialists speculate that the Sixth Suite should be played on the shoulder.