Yo Yo Ma. Bach Cello Suites. Sony Classical 88697547232. re mastered re issue 2010. Recorded 1982, first released 1983.
Recorded Vanguard Studios New York.
Introduction.
This then, is the first of the three recordings of the Bach Cello Suites, undertaken by Yo Yo Ma. At the time of this recording he would have been in his early 20s. At that point, starting his meteoric rise to become perhaps the most successful living cellist with ten million CDs sold worldwide.
The Recording.
This recording illustrates to me two things. Firstly, it makes it very clear why Ma has been so successful. There is virtuosity in bucket loads.
Also, the re-mastering no doubt enhances the hugely dynamic sound in this edition. Audition of the faster movements, exhilarate. Slower movements display sensitive and sensual performances. The listening experience induces one to immediately sit up and pay attention.
The second thing that I am reminded of is that this recording is now almost 40 years old and comes from the time of Starker, Gendron, and Tortelier. Historically informed recordings were relatively few in number at that time. This is very much a mainstream recording with ample vibrato, big tone and lots of broad bows. There is plenty of rhythm and not as much flex with the tempo as his later recordings. However, there is minimal lightness of touch with the effect that instead of genteel 18th century dances the image I have is of modern rock audiences crowd surfing and going hell for leather!
Conclusion.
The phrasing reminds me of Tortelier in that it is very conversational with lots of statements and responses. Overall, this performance is never boring, it impresses with its impact but perhaps finds its subtler nuances buried under the onslaught.
Charles.