Title : Classic Yo-Yo
Author : Bach, Johann Sebastian
Release Date : 20010918
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $7.75
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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 : As previous reviews have stated this CD is a sampler from previous albums. So if you are a long time Yo-Yo Ma fan this CD is not going to pleasurable and you may actually find it jarring. But if you are just trying out Ma and don't know what to get or to try afterall, CDs are pricey, then get this CD.
If you are a huge fan of his _Soul of Tango_ then get this CD just for the unreleased cut of Piazolla's Tango Sensations: Fear (it is a great piece full of energy). You may also want to get this CD for the Alison Krauss cut of Simple Gifts.
For the truly thrifty who think that the MP3 or OOG version of the music (ripped on premium ware and played on a higher end stereo) will be satisfactory I would argue that you will lose a great deal of richness so, get the CDs of Ma's music for fuller quality.
This CD is good for the beginner and for those who compulsively collect Ma cuts but for the average fan it is a skip.
