Title : Classic Yo-Yo
Author : Bach, Johann Sebastian
Release Date : 20010918
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $8.88
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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 : Many people seem not enjoy this varied collection of Yo-Yo Ma's music...I think just the opposite! I loved every moment of this CD; to me every piece was the 'best of the best' of Yo-Yo Ma's music. The CD begins with a Bach cello suite, which brilliantly showcases Ma's rich-sounding cello-playing in stunning solo. His samplings of tango music are not to be beaten either-the 'Libertango' is filled with the exotically exciting sounds of many different instruments which complement the perfect 'tango sounding' cello. Gershwin's famous first prelude gets a new twist with brightly swinging cello and fitting piano accompaniment, and 'Simple Gifts', with Alison Krauss singing, is a simple yet deeply feeling arrangement of a timeless hymn-certainly not to be missed! Last, but certainly not least, some highlights of Ma's Appalachian CDs are included and showcase this uniquely American form of music wonderfully. OK, I'll admit that the order and compilation of this music is a little different...but I think you'll find, like I have, that each piece is like a beautiful gem-shining and stunning and able to stand on its own.
