Michelle Ross and Caitlin Sullivan's New Single, "Quasi Una Sarabanda"

Released on Long Echo Records, the single features a commissioned work by composer Michelle Barzel Ross

Composer and violinist Michelle Barzel Ross and Cellist Caitlin Sullivan have released a new single on Long Echo Records, titled Quasi Una Sarabanda. The single features the commissioned piece "Quasi Una Sarabanda," an homage to the heart and soul of the six Bach Cello Suites – the Sarabande, a movement found in the center of each suite.

Commissioned in 2021 by Caitlin Sullivan, Michelle Ross was then tasked with writing a solo cello piece inspired by the Sarabande movements of the Cello Suites.

"The Sarabande represents to me the emotional core of the suites as a whole," shared Caitlin.

"This cello piece is very special to me, because it was the first time I formally merged my love of Bach, improvisation, and the architecture of composition," shared Michelle.

Watch the trailer below:

To listen to the album, click here.

Caitlin shared, "I'm fascinated by the history of the Zarabanda. Beginning with Spanish, pre-Columbian American and Arab roots, this dance was wild, uptempo, and involved singing and castanets. It later became a slowed-down couples dance in Baroque European courts, and further transformed into just music, no dance. For me, the alluring soul of the Zarabanda remains at the heart of every iteration along the way."

This collaboration resulted in "Quasi Una Sarabanda," a piece that allowed both artists to express their shared love for blending the past with the present.