Venue: Orpheum Theatre Reviewer: Lois Carter |
Dvorak Carnival Overture Op 92 |
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What does Yo Yo Ma have musically in common with Mick Jagger?. At one time I would have said absolutely nothing. For a start Mick Jagger sings I cant get no satisfaction and Yo Yo Ma exudes joy and contentment from the moment he walks onto the stage. Monday night was no exception at the packed Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. Dvoraks Carnival Overture under the direction of Bramwell Tovey, provided an exciting prelude by the VSO for the two cello concertos that followed. It was inspiring to hear the worlds most famous contemporary cellist Yo Yo Ma demonstrate profound musical insights into the virtuosity of Haydns writing . Mas playing was technically flawless, full of joy and he was totally at ease with the work as a whole. His ability to join in with the cello section for the parts in between his solos revealed a master who is able to connect with the orchestra and identify himself with the work as a whole. The VSO orchestra obviously enjoyed accompanying him and he was having the time of his life on stage. The Dvorak cello concerto in B minor described by Russian cellist Rostropovich as the King of all concertos written for the cello, is extremely demanding for even the most accomplished player. |
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Mas
concentration and his knowledge of the score made for an unforgettable interpretation of
Dvoraks immense musical landscape. The quality of the tone he produced in the slow
movement expounded his depth. His impeccable sense of spontaneity and timing without
departing from the composers integrity, reveals the true genius of Yo Yo Ma. So what does this have to do with Mick Jagger? Well, during a recent world tour, Mick Jagger was asked the secret to the success of his career. He responded by saying that for every concert, he has to be consciously at one with the rest of the band and completely connected with the audience throughout the show. Tonight, Yo Yo Ma was consciously at one with the Conductor and Orchestra and completely connected with the audience. Perhaps there are some who take offence at such an accomplished classical musician being paralleled with the world of Rock n Roll but maybe the small minded technical perfection that so often characterises classical musicians would start to be liberated by more players who go out and have the time of their life on stage. Tonight we shared in the secret of real success. © 2004, Lois Carter |