Yo-Yo Ma's Top Five Faves

by Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma has a reputation for embracing many styles of music, but he pared his current favorite recordings down to just five.

November 4, 2007 - Is there anything Yo-Yo Ma hasn't tried, musically? Working in genres ranging from romantic concertos to sensual tangos, from Bach to bluegrass to Brazilian samba, Ma has described himself as a "venture culturalist"—criss-crossing several continents and playing ancient Asian music with his band of musicians known as the Silk Road Ensemble.

For a man with a musical appetite as wide as the world, it could not have been easy to pick five favorite recordings. But he did, and he took the time to make a few comments on them.

Yo-Yo Ma's latest recording is 'New Impossibilities' on the Sony Classical label.

1. Johannes Brahms

Piano Concerto No. 1--1st mvt. "Maestoso"

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This is such a virile and full-blooded performance. Leon Fleisher plays the second theme of the first movement with a classical rhythmic groove that I've never heard from anyone else.

George Szell conducts the Cleveland Orchestra with pianist Leon Fleisher. (Sony Classical 63225)

2. Franz Schubert

Arpeggione Sonata--"Allegro"

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I studied with Leonard Rose from the age of 9 until I was about 15 or 16. He was such a meticulous artist, and he had a gorgeous, noble cello tone. I think if there is an ideal sound for the cello, he had it. And I know he was particularly proud of this recording.

Leonard Rose, cello; Leonid Hambro, piano. (Sony Classical 89749)

3. Edouard Lalo

Symphonie Espagnole--"Rondo"

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Isaac Stern at his best. There's nothing more to say.

Eugene Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with violinist Isaac Stern. (Sony Classical 64501)

4. Sergio and Odair Assad

'Baiao Malandro'

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This is a live recording of a concert in Brussels. I've known Sergio and Odair for years, and know what extraordinary musicians they are. I heard them play with their family in upstate New York, and it was such a wonderful concertthe warmth, the love and the virtuosity just roll off the stage.

Sergio and Odair Assad. (GHA Records 126 058)