Title : Yo-Yo Ma - Simply Baroque ~ Bach & Boccherini / ABO, Koopman
Author : Johann Sebastian Bach
Release Date : 19990209
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $8.99
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Editorial Reviews : It was only a matter of time before the remarkable Yo-Yo Ma went along with the tide and dipped his talent into the so-called authentic instrument movement. On this recital, abetted by Ton Koopman--one of the most respected names in early-music practice--Ma plays Bach and Boccherini. The Bach are all transcriptions and very fine ones, indeed--the alto aria 'Erbarme Dich' from the St. Matthew Passion; the equally famous 'Air on a G String' from the Third Orchestral Suite; Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; and six others, most less well-known. These are followed by two fascinating cello concertos by Boccherini, made all the more interesting by Koopman's cadenzas, which are pretty outrageous. Throughout, Ma's stunning virtuosity is matched by his taste and musicality. The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra plays handsomely, and the recorded sound is warm and full. 'Authentic' or not, this is mighty fine playing, and wait till you hear those cadenzas. --Robert Levine
Buyer Reviews : Last year I bought my mom a copy of 'Simply Baroque' because she was a fan of Yo-Yo Ma's music. Whenever I visited my parents' house in northern Minnesota, they would often play 'Simply Baroque'. The music immediately took to me like a duck to water. So I had to have a copy of 'Simply Baroque' in my cd collection. I don't normally listen to a lot of classical or baroque music since I am more into goth, industrial, and techno music. The louder the better. But every now and then I need to chill out to some soothing music after a long day at the office. 'Simply Baroque' is one of those cds I love to chill out too. I grew up on Bach's music as a child (before my ears became tainted from rock 'n roll). 'Simply Baroque' takes me back to the days when my parents would put on their baroque records. I especially adore 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring'. Yo-Yo Ma's rendition of my favorite Bach song is breathtakingly spectacular. He also does a wonderous job with 'Air On a G String'. The Boccherini segment of the cd was enjoyable. I am not really familiar with his work though. I found it a quite a contrast from Bach's moody music to the lighthearted sounds of Boccherini's music. Overall this entire cd is enjoyable to listen to on a cold Minnesota winter's night with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.
