Since childhood, I have been enticed by the beauty of the sound of the cello and have been particularly moved by the Unaccompanied Suites of J.S. Bach. These works provide a unique vehicle of communion between musician and instrument. I have always believed that had the marimba existed during Bach’s time, he would have been interested in composing for it given its rich sound and depth of musical character. As a musician in the field of percussion it was a joy for me to take the time to devote myself fully to the marimba and delve into the study and adaptation of these pieces. It is with great excitement and passion that I present this CD to you. This release represents the realization of a dream I have had for many years - it has been an amazing artistic journey! ----- Fernando Meza (Director of Percussion Studies - University of Minnesota) has performed throughout Latin America, Europe, Japan and the U.S. with a wide variety of artists and groups including the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra among many. He was one of the original percussionists for the Broadway production of Disney's "The Lion King" and has been on the faculties of the National Conservatory of Music of Costa Rica, the University of Costa Rica, The Ohio State University, and since 1993 the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Since 2003 he has served as percussion coach for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas during the summers and is currently on their Educational Board. His work can be heard in various recordings on the Sony, Denon-Columbia, BIS, Equilibrium, Turtle, Reference, and d'Note labels.