Published on Feb 10, 2005
Yo-Yo Ma is a man with a fatuous sounding name, but is
definitely not empty-headed in any way. He is a soloist cellist who
has always been known for being diverse and for choosing music that
is intellectually stimulating and provides pleasant sounds for the
ear as well. He continually strives to grow personally and
musically, and his desire is that his music will communicate with
your imagination.
Beginning at the age of four, Yo-Yo Ma was taught the cello,
giving his first recital at five years of age. He studied at
Juilliard, and at 23 he won the Avery Fisher prize, given to only a
few of the world’s best musicians. He plays two instruments: a 1733
Montagnana cello and a 1712 Davidoff Stradivarius.
This time he has chosen to share his talents in the style of
Baroque. He brings old music to new listeners.
Simply Baroque is divided into two sections, honoring two
composers. The first is German Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750),
the second is Italian Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805). Both fashioned
their writings to coincide with exterior factors taking place in
the world at that time. Artistic expression was flourishing in
architecture, art, fashion and of course, music.
Yo-Yo Ma offers one of Bach’s better known pieces, “Jesu, Joy of
Man’s Desiring,” a piece that is frequently heard in classical
circles. It is methodic and beautiful. “Dein Blut, der edle Saft”
is a very short melody, not even one minute long. Society at that
time, dictated that music be dramatic, full of movement. And
although it is indeed somewhat solemn and heavy, I found it to be
one of my favorites.
My choice for Boccherini is, by far, “Allego Con Spirito.” As
the name suggests, this number was very spirited, characterized by
quick, lively musical notes. Boccherini was known for being a bit
of a show-off, but he was a virtuoso cellist, and reconized a
chance to create melodies that were individualistic and yet
contemporary. He strived to give his music life and form, and this
demonstrates his passion. I preferred Bach’s compositions to
Boccherini’s, but enjoyed them both.
Ma is an animated cellist. He loves his work and he knows that
often classical music is considered to be humdrum and monotonous.
He has proven, with this album, that it doesn’t have to be that
way. For those who love classical music, you will revel in this
selection. Baroque composer Johann Joseph Fux wrote: “A composition
meets the demands of good taste if it is well
constructed………combining brilliant ideas with perfect
workmanship.” Yo-Yo Ma has combined beautifully written music with
an instrument of grandeur. His works by cello are insightful and
entertaining.