Vivaldi's Cello

The great Yo-Yo Ma has recently (in addition to his world music explorations) moved to the baroque cello, a so-called period instrument, and his transition has been remarkably smooth. He is indeed a musical polyglot, and this CD finds him solidly in the heart of the Baroque period, with music by Vivaldi. In addition to three concerti the composer wrote for cello, there are some fascinating transcriptions. The Largo violin solo from the "Winter" concerto of the Four Seasons is here beautifully played on cello, its darker tone added substituting gravity for chill in the wintry landscape. A concerto originally for viola d'amore, lute and strings has been transformed into one for cello, organ, strings and continuo, with Baroque expert Ton Koopman as transposer and organist (and sympathetic, energetic conductor throughout). And oddest of all, Koopman has created cello solos out of arias (one of which is helped by a perky bassoon) originally composed for female voice from a couple of operas, the oratorio Juditha Triumphans, and the familiar "Laudamus te" from the famous "Gloria." Leave it to these musicians to re-invent Vivaldi with respect and a clear ear for musical values--not to mention sheer entertainment and a forward propulsion which makes it all so invigorating. --Robert Levine Amazon.com

Clash of Civilizations Koopman Yo-Yo Ma

Look, this cd has its bright spots, but there is so much that just didn't work out with it. Firstly, the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra plays with its usual energy and authentic approach, but Yo Yo plays in a modern style. The two just don't mix. I keep expecting to hear some decorations to the cello line but there just aren't any. Some of the music is just played too fast such as the slow movement of the double cello concerto. It was almost as if playing baroque style for Yo Yo Ma just meant playing it faster. The slow movement of the winter concerto was completely empty of any kind of decoration or originality. It was just straight and flat.
And the transcriptions! Oh gosh, why transcribe music that is not suited to the cello? Vivaldi fans will miss the viola d'amore in the concerto RV 540. The virtuosic "Laudamus te..." from the Gloria is interpreted by a cello. How does one go from a soprano to a cello and call it a successful transcription? Sadly, it just isn't effective.
I'm sure Yo Yo Ma would have performed Vivaldi in a much better way with a modern orchestra and I am sure that Koopman would have done a fabulous job with a different cello player---as such it turned out into a clash of civilizations.
August 8, 2008

Excellent Collection Performed Well

Yo-Yo Ma, performing Vivaldi on a period Cello with accompaniment from Ton Koopman, offers unique and engaging renditions of a number of Vivaldi pieces. The clarity and power of the overall sound on this compilation are amazing.

I enjoy the tracks in the "middle" of the album (Concerto in B-flat Major for Cello, Strings and Basso continuo, RV 423/III. Allegro - Laudamus Te from Gloria, RV 589) the most.

Highly recommended as a lasting addition to anyone's "classical" music collection. May 26, 2008

Beautiful

Yo-Yo Ma is one of the greatest cello players of all times and he's playing Vivaldi. Is there anything more to say? I think not :) May 3, 2008

Always a Treat!

I have purchased Simply Baroque, Simply Baroque II, and Vivaldi's Cello. I am so pleased - Yo-Yo Ma and Ton Koopman's Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra have created something truly magical. I keep listening to these cds and each time seems like the first. I am a huge fan of baroque music - Bach and Vivaldi are favorites so perhaps I am biased here. Still, beauty is beauty and the arrangements on all three of these cds is just that- beautiful music. I think Vivaldi would approve of the work done here-sensitive, energetic, alive! Another reviewer hit the nail on the head in referring to this cd as Baroque III. If you enjoy music that soothes and yet isn't "elevator music", buy these cds. You are in for a great musical experience. February 7, 2008

Excellent!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoy this CD. YO-YO MA is wonderful, the cello is amazing. Highly recommended. January 2, 2008

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