Cello Recital by Yo-Yo Ma
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
November 9
Yo-Yo Ma is an artist of universal appeal. Whether its classical repertoire, Silk Road folk tunes or Argentinian tango, the cellist always reveals the beauty of any music he plays.
On Wednesday, when he performed half of Bach's six solo Cello Suites to a full house at the Cultural Centre, the 50-year-old master musician blended contrapuntal precision and lyrical beauty into yet another satisfying evening.
Various great cellists have offered their perspectives on these suites, ranging from noble elegance to restrained spirituality; Ma's approach, in turn, was warmly humane. His velvety tone and signature emotive phrasing were a joy to listen to, and his quicksilver eloquence in the fast passages was amiable yet technically awesome. Ma started the concert with the Suite No. 3, then proceeded to the profoundly tragic No. 5, and, after an intermission, ended the evening with the demanding No. 6.