“I was listening to the radio one day when I was developing The Elephant Man, and I heard Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. I fell in love with this piece for the last scene of the film. I asked Jonathan Sanger, the producer, to get it. And he came back with nine different records. I listened to them, and I said, “No, that’s not what I heard at all.” All nine were completely wrong. So, he went out and bought more. Finally I heard Andre Previn’s version, and I said, “That’s it.” It was composed of the same notes as the others, of course, but it was the way he did it.”
Catching the Big Fish, David Lynch, Director.
Mine is an uneducated ear, but I think even I hear nuance with Yo-Yo Ma . . . a sort-of signature . . . slowing here, faster there, a distinctive energy that is different. The diversity of his musical interests and “the way” he plays music just gives so much joy. I appreciate Yo-Yo Ma’s collaborative efforts from Mr. Stern in the YouTube video above to his more recent work with Alison Krauss. If you’re a musician, maybe you and Mr. Ma would make for a striking musical partnership as well. Indaba music in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma is asking for contest submissions from musicians and the winner will play with Mr. Ma:
“Now Yo-Yo Ma is extending the invitation to you. In celebration of his album’s upcoming release, Yo-Yo would like to share the joy of collaboration with Indaba’s international community. To get you started, he has recorded the melody of the traditional song, “Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)”. Collaborate virtually with Yo-Yo by adding your own counter-melody or record an entirely new set of variations.” The deadline is December 31, 2008, 12 p.m. E.S.T. Complete information here:
http://www.indabamusic.com/contests/show/yo-yomacontest
Before you do that, check this out:
“Now here’s a cultural image for you to ponder as you listen: A seven year old Chinese cellist playing old French music for his new American compatriots.” Leonard Bernstein.
You’ll have to do some work to access this YouTube video. There’s a block to embedding both the video and the link, so I can offer neither here. It’s worth the time and effort to find it. Go to YouTube and type in Yo-Yo Ma 1962. What should come up is a video that is introduced by Leonard Bernstein. Mr. Ma is seven years old and is playing for Eisenhower and Kennedy. Priceless! Yo-Yo Ma is also featured as an adult and comments on that childhood performance, music, musicians, and stage performance. Good commentary, especially for young people.
Visit Y0-Yo Ma’s official website:
Filed under: Music/Musicians | Tagged: 馬友友, Indaba Music, Music Contest, Yo-Yo Ma
