Title : Classic Yo-Yo
Author : Bach, Johann Sebastian
Release Date : 20010918
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $8.88
(53
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : Except for one 'previously unreleased' recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end.
Buyer Reviews : I must confess- I stumbled upon Yo-Yo Ma while perusing the classical section. Had no idea who he was (he is the Michael Jordan of Cellists!) It only took a few minutes of listening to this CD, and I was hooked. Yo-Yo's music is not felt by the heart or the head- but by the gut. It vibrates at the deepest level, and is incredibly passionate. Listen to his first piece-Cello Suite No. 1, and you'll see what I mean. I also really appreciate the diversity of this CD, as it is my first ever classical music CD I've purchased. Gauranteed not to disapoint.
