Posted by Arno on May 26, 1999 at 00:23:37:
Today I had a delightful experience at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, MN. I was attending the open rehearsal for a one-night only performance with Yo-Yo, Bobby McFerrin, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. The precision of the orchestra was excellent and Yo-Yo was absolutely amazing. He is human though! He briefly forgot a part of Tchaikovsy's Andante Cantabile! I smiled, as did he. He also played Boccherini's G Major Concerto and Bobby joined him for the Vivaldi double conterto. They an amazingly creative and communicative duo. It was funny how Bobby pretended like he was actually playing the cello part with his left hand on the microphone!
There was one peculiar part to the rehearsal, though. They had Yo-Yo on a mic. This gave a sound like a recording and not a real live concert. It was beautiful, but it lacked a clear, crisp tone. I wonder what prompted this decision. I meant to ask him after the rehearsal when I got my autograph, but it slipped my mind. ( I guess I was in awe of being in his presence.)
Also, right after they finished, he gave his Montagnana to a young girl (about 10 yrs.) and let her play it for a while, as he signed away. What an wonderful person! Are there any of you who have played this instrument? I would have given anything for a chance to play it! Maybe I'll ask him next time...