Posted by Quentin on May 26, 1999 at 13:31:48:
In Reply to: why I like Yo-Yo Ma posted by Paula on May 26, 1999 at 12:33:30:
I was there too! I just wanted put in my two cents
worth. His performance of the Haydn was flawless,
with an amazing combination of musicality, precision,
and clarity of tone. This is the type of interpretation
I like when listening to baroque and classical music,
which is part of why I actually like his recordings
of Bach (and why I like Bach keyboard music performed
on a Steinway by Glenn Gould or Andras Schiff, not
on a wimpy sounding harpsichord--who cares what Bach
played on?)
One other comment about the performance (this is the
first time I've seen him live): the way he interacted
with the conductor, and even the musicians in the orchestra,
was very reminiscent of the way chamber musicians
"read" each other. I have never seen another concerto
soloist who had this degree of interaction, and it seemed to
result in orchestra and soloist being very together.
I can't help but think that Yo-Yo's involvement in chamber
music has benefitted him as a concerto soloist, which is
food for thought for young people considering options for
a career in music.