Pablo Casals is credited with the monumental revival of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Cello Suites, now considered cornerstones of the cello repertoire. At just 13 years old, Casals discovered a copy of the suites in a second-hand music store in Barcelona. While these works were previously viewed as technical exercises rather than concert pieces, Casals recognized their profound musical and emotional depth. He dedicated over a decade to studying them in private before performing them publicly, believing that such masterpieces required deep understanding and maturity to interpret fully.

Between 1936 and 1939, Casals made the first-ever complete recordings of the Bach Cello Suites, which became legendary in the classical music world. These historic recordings, though not technically flawless by modern standards, are celebrated for their expressive phrasing, rhythmic vitality, and spiritual insight. Casals’ interpretation of the suites helped transform public and professional perception of solo cello music, elevating it from a supporting role to a central artistic voice in classical performance.

Casals' dedication to the suites not only reshaped the cello repertoire but also inspired countless generations of cellists, including Yo-Yo Ma and Mischa Maisky. His performances gave new life to Bach’s compositions, bringing them into concert halls and onto global recordings. Today, the Bach Cello Suites are seen as essential works for any serious cellist, thanks in large part to Casals’ vision and advocacy. His legacy lives on in every performance of these suites, which continue to captivate audiences with their timeless beauty and expressive range.