Yo-Yo Ma: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Aug. 17, 2018 | Tom Huizenga -- Why did Laurence Olivier return so often to Shakespeare's Othello? Why did Ansel Adams keep photographing the Grand Canyon? Obsessed or awestruck, artists revisit great inspirations because they believe there is yet another story to tell - about life, about themselves.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma brought his great inspiration, and in turn part of his own life story, to an enthusiastic audience packed around the Tiny Desk on a hot summer day. Ma is returning, yet again, to the Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello by Johann Sebastian Bach, a Mount Everest for any cellist. He has just released his third studio recording of the complete set and is taking the music on a two-year, six-continent tour. Ma's first recording of the Suites, released in 1983, earned him his first Grammy.
Ma has played the music for 58 years and along the way it's become something of a practical guide to living, pulling him through hardships and celebrating times of joy. "It's like forensic musicology," Ma told the Tiny Desk audience. "Embedded in the way I play is actually, in many ways, everything I've experienced."
The undulating "Prelude" from the Suite No. 1 was the very first music Ma ever played. He was four years old. The soulful "Sarabande" from the Sixth Suite has served dual purposes, Ma explained. "I've played this piece both at friends' weddings, and unfortunately also at their memorial services." And the exuberant "Gigue," from the Third Suite, with its toe-tapping beat, reminds us that Bach was far from a stuffed wig. Such is this sturdy, versatile and benevolent music, offering a full range of the human condition.
And then there is Ma. Certainly one of the most brilliant cellists of modern times, he's also a thoughtful, curious humanitarian, with an endless thirst to understand, celebrate, and connect disparate cultures of the world.
He's also a true mensch. As soon as he arrived at our office to play, Ma unpacked his cello - a famed 1712 Stradivarius - and immediately handed it over, with his bow, and said, "Here play something." It didn't matter that I'd never held a cello. It was just another one of Yo-Yo Ma's warm and welcoming gestures, another way to open up music to anyone and everyone.
Set List
J.S. Bach: "Prelude (from Suite No. 1 for Solo Cello)"
J.S. Bach: "Sarabande (from Suite No. 6 for Solo Cello)"
J.S. Bach: "Gigue (from Suite No. 3 for Solo Cello)"
Credits
Producers: Tom Huizenga, Kara Frame; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame; Photo: Samantha Clark/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

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[@informant09]

"hold the entire culture back" imagine having this brainworm 24/7

[@LaggyMcStab]

This is not the vibe at all 😅

[@MsPuppydogeyes]

This is a weirdly placed comment like this is yo-yo ma we don't give af about your podcast...

[@hazenclough4212]

Get this off here

[@cellospot]

Yo-Yo Ma played at a concert with a meet-and-great gala dinner afterwards. I went to that and brought along my favorite CD recording of his to get his signature. At the end of the dinner, people were leaving and he was wandering around. I went up to him, got his signature, and told him that I was also a cellist and he was one of my greatest inspirations and asked for his handshake. Instead of a handshake, he gave me a big hug. That made my day for years. He's just such a sweet and humble man!

[@verkaufsenergizer-einmentor]

❤ how wonderful 🙏

[@andrewsmmm]

OMG. What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. Made me tear up. He is one person whom I'd love to meet.

[@basengelblik5199]

Lovely story, thank you for sharing.

[@TropicIslandMusic]

"Its not painful to learn something if you do it incrementally" I always use the metaphor of cake to describe learning a piece of music to students "cut it into slices and enjoy - or it'll make you sick"

[@hannahherrmann4921]

Imma tell thus to my teacher so she can tell her other students

[@nobody742]

I basically never comment, but I wanted to say that this is one of the best metaphors I've ever seen for the learning process. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@patrickbodine1300]

Kinda like socialism.

[@alainabrubaker948]

THIS. Thank you!! Literally changed my entire approach to trying to learn any new skill. I've been working on a novel for a few years and ripping my hair out at times thinking I'll never finish, but I kept this comment in the back of my mind and took it one day at a time, and now I'm almost done😊 So thank you so much for your wise words. No joke, changed my life

[@fjp9]

eating a cake without slicing it is one of the best things ever. you just eat it for pure enjoyment and without restraint . some musicians need to learn to let go of restraints because sometimes if you play without restraint you can put more passion and creativity into your playing and life. eating it by slicing it is also symbolic of following societal norms instead of being different and thinking or doing things outside of the box. also just because you don’t slice it doesn’t mean you are going to eat it all in one sitting.

[@freedomofsoundexpressionc4530]

I never had a father but I'm now going to picture him as this man

[@Jennyofthesky]

He’s more of a Ma

[@gaberodriguez7938]

@Demetrios Christopher very wise words

[@JohnDoe-vv3id]

That is biologically impossible.

[@JarodJesus]

@@JohnDoe-vv3id oh but is beautifully plausible

[@pb7353]

Good idea! Go with one of the best. 🕊🦋❤️

[@yoGELLY]

"Like yesterday, but a little different" yes the essence of life

[@jwxujerry]

yeah, thanks for capturing that.

[@elck3]

and like you but a little bit different

[@Fazejackrizz]

*was the essence of life

[@caveatlector1591]

No hint of condescension. Just wisdom and humility. He's my new favourite person.

[@edsmart5443]

And curiosity. You have to be profoundly curious to play like that.

[@bitterbum1]

"Oh so you work at NPR? What's your day like?" "Well, Yo-Yo Ma stopped by during lunch"

[@alikaostermiller]

Misterlascivious "then I​ went back to shilling leftist propaganda"

[@QuanNguyen-vi8bo]

*Yo mama stopped by during lunch

[@bsheridan4898]

In all of this I think we can all agree that leftist "propaganda" actually moves us forward while conservative propaganda just makes it's supporters think its finally ok to say the N-word and shoot up a pizza joint due to wack conspiracy theories, but you do you Alika

[@alikaostermiller]

B Sheridan leftist propaganda moves further left every day. Complain all you want about the right but the center hasnt moved much.

[@alikaostermiller]

B Sheridan oh and Idk why you thought we all would agree

[@tomitstube]

not bad, he's probably got a future in music.

[@tomcollingwood5300]

He’s ready now for his preliminary exam, he should scrape a pass if he does his very best

[@vmsmith35]

He's incredibly famous already. He's been widely known since before I was born. He is the future of music.

[@c4ptfr0zen80]

Victoria Smith way to pick up on the extremely obvious sarcasm lol

[@Phyoomz]

...One day

[@maplemen]

Victoria Smith r/whoosh

[@baxtercol]

I remember this great musician on Mister Rogers Neighborhood as a child. Maybe I, like so many, watched the show for much longer than was age appropriate. At any rate, Mr Ma is timeless and so I hope, are the Tiny Desk concerts.

[@totallynoclue]

I saw him live once and his passion was...palpable. You could feel the notes in your bones and almost taste it in the air. It felt like I held my breath for the whole performance bc I was afraid to disturb it in any way. Then he thanks the crowd and he seemed like the gentlest and most joyful musician.

[@nobodysmith8580]

Same. I saw him maybe 20 years ago and even to my novice ear I could tell he was one of the very best.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Well said. I have a small collection of his works in my sound system, and I feel that way every time I indulge in his work.

[@squarehff]

A precious recording. I still come to listen to this a few times a year, to contemplate, to heal, and maybe shed a tear.

[@iriereviews]

"It's not painful to learn something if you learn it incrementally."

[@TonyisToking]

Just like the pyramids were built, step by step. Nothing impressive is built in a day. Treasure the process and the process will garner treasures.

[@shanezenmusic]

@@TonyisToking aliens did it

[@expiate87]

but the aliens still didn't do it in a day. i think thats what tony's trying to say here.

[@WhompingWalrus]

Gotta measure yourself against who you were yesterday. Last month. Last year. It's the only metric that matters, because it's the only one within our control.

[@LFRALPHNSTUFF]

Nor should they. Why compete with somebody else when you can be yourself? @@potato9441

[@snovakattack1]

My Grandma died last year, and she loved listening to Yo-Yo Ma. We played his music for her all the time, especially at the very end. I'm so grateful for the joy he has brought to our family, even in times of grief. I believe he helped her leave this world with a peaceful heart.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

A beautiful thought. I have no doubt she left with peace and a happy spirit.

[@gabriellateresasc8904]

anyone else's first time hearing Yo-Yo Ma's voice?

[@kvercher12]

Lol yes!

[@jamien.5528]

He seems like a really cool dude!

[@DarlingGlitch]

I think there was an episode of “Arthur” with Yo-Yo Ma in it?

[@yoshinofamily8890]

I love Yo Yo’s performances, and, apparently, I also never knew I love his speaking voice, so soothing and calming. Thank you, NPS, for posting this performance, along with all your previous guests!

[@jessslater3948]

i got to meet him with a few other select orchestra students at jones hall in houston, and he was one of the nicest people i’ve ever met!

[@teletdf]

Many years ago I attended a Seattle Symphony performance that featured Yo-Yo Ma as soloist. Of course it was a beautiful experience. But then the evening closed with a fine rendition of “Bolero.” At the end of the piece the conductor was having the orchestra members take their bows; suddenly, he points to the rear of the cello section. Yo-Yo stood up in the last chair to thunderous applause; he had snuck in after his solos to sit in. What a man.

[@ArtbyAtlas]

No one plays the Cello Suite No.1 like Yo Yo Ma, and now that I know the story behind it, I can understand why. He's literally *lived* with that song in every sense of the word.

[@cmooreHD]

I never thought I’d be watching Yo-Yo- Ma on Tiny desk! This is crazy! The first time I heard of him was Watching Arthur lol. Ever since I’ve secretly been a fan!

[@Dohcaholic]

Courtney Moore you should check out the one from a few years ago with Chris Thile, Edgar Myer and Stuart Duncan.. incredible

[@samanthahenry4391]

Same! I love the episode

[@Harzeezreport]

I so remember that episode!

[@DanielleHenri95]

Yes! I loved the scene where D.W was like Yo Mama's coming to the library! 😂

[@jameelahadas4759]

"Yo Mama says he's coming!" "Yo-Yo Ma, dear."

[@takr797979]

I love how you can hear the squeaks and rattles.. reminds you how up close and personal the performance is. Another masterpiece by Tiny desk

[@sulilaanar531]

Oh what music can do...the melody of strings stirs my heart to rise and gently carry me through emotions of fear, love, pain and hope leaving behind a smile of life and beauty

[@skateboarderlucc]

The NPR sound engineers are top notch.

[@alexanderbraddock6543]

Cellos sound best from 10 feet away, I call the up-close noise the“working tone” and Yo-yo has a legendary working tone

[@sarajames3744]

it is rare to hear classical music played so up close and personal, thank you for sharing this jewel with us

[@user-74652]

Unless, of course, you play it yourself. And, of course, if we met in person, I'd be happy to play for you, and I'm sure Yo-Yo Ma would be as well.

[@binghamfan78]

I love how he hangs his arm around his cello like it's an old friend . . . . . . which it is

[@daedalus_20v]

Yo-Yo Ma is a world-renowned musician, he's played for presidents and royalty, he's won 18 Grammys, a Peace Ambassador for the UN, and I still feel like he'd give up his seat on the subway.

[@BeStrong86]

True definition of greatness. What MAKES greatness. Want to be great? Start by giving up your seat on the subway.

[@sandrafaith]

Can confirm that he is as awesome a human being as he seems to be. Spouse is a stagehand that has worked his shows.

[@quindurkin7339]

He sat next to my dad on a plane and gave his first class seat up to another musician he was traveling with, totally a stand up dude!!!

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

Performed for JFK with his sister at 7 and she was 11 and on piano!

[@VCT3333]

How many people a day do you guess that call him Yo Ma-Ma?

[@bean2345]

His face looks like he's reliving every good and sad memory he had playing Sarabande.

[@kaylascales2658]

The way he feels about Bach as a cellist is the way I feel about Chopin as a pianist. This brought me tears of painful joy this morning. Thank you

[@conancat]

I still struggle with Chopin :( granted I'm just a hobbyist lol but the Etudes kills me haha

[@samuelc6246]

'm neither a cellist or a pianist, but when I see a cello, I think Bach, when I see a piano, I think Chopin. My talents lie elsewhere, but I would have loved to be able to play the fantasie impromptu (among others) and the prelude to cello suite no1, just thinking about that music makes my imagination go wild.

[@evanwinther2722]

Chopin is the goat! Nocturnes and waltz are all fantastic!

[@jasprittshora5194]

@@samuelc6246 You echoed my exact thoughts!! I wish, I could play instruments :)

[@samuelc6246]

@@jasprittshora5194 Not all instruments make music, I'm currently playing the chisel and hammer, the thread and needle, the paint and brush, the paper and pen, and several others to create. I'm sure you have your instruments as well, or you'll discover and learn to channel them. It's never too late to create, and with all its collectively destructive force, humanity and all life needs it.

[@Rispolikid]

Has anyone mentioned how incredible he looks for his age?

[@josephmatveyenko153]

yeah he clearly moisturizes

[@CamKnoppMusic]

Nah he's just Asian

[@ciello___8307]

YELLOW DON"T CRACK lol

[@jonahwoodward3623]

Yellow stays mellow.

[@mcblahflooper94]

63! Wow

[@MrRenhoeck]

A TED talk by Yo-yo Ma at Tiny Desk. Do love it!

[@WVsilverzuk]

I am a fan of anyone that puts that much into their music. It was my pleasure.

[@skullsex5671]

Sarabande made my cry, it brought back a lot of memories from my life but I couldn’t tell if they were happy or sad. That was the beauty of it.

[@bychristopherewing]

This man is an amazing human being.

[@angelasherick-bright2691]

I am listening to this in 2024 and the feelings that it evokes in me are I am sure the same beautiful and heartfelt feelings that were felt by those who listened 9 years ago when it was first recorded.

[@sarenaramirez1732]

I remember my elementary school art teacher playing a video of Yo-Yo Ma the cello during class. I literally got lost watching him. He was so passionate and lighthearted when he played. Watching him made me cry. Of course I didn't talk like that then, but I remember it to this day. I fell in love with the cello. I was never able to play an instrument like my older siblings. I am 31 now. Today I talked about getting signed up for lessons. I am so excited.

[@sogasogaso]

i hope your cello journey has been progressing well!

[@bubbles_mc_rainbow]

I am a total hip-hop head, but Yo- Yo Ma makes me tear up.

[@ArtTube333]

He has the most hip hop name you'll hear

[@bklyncrook]

Female rapper, Yo-Yo sharked his name.

[@djpfarner9670]

Same bro. Music is weird like that

[@simonyricools]

It just means you enjoy music.

[@HM-se1ig]

Respect!

[@harrymullany3294]

Hey you guys at tiny desk never let us down in showing the world’s finest hip-hop, jazz, funk, pop, rock, and classical musicians. Thank you for going where no radio or venue would dare, serving up this variety of dazzling performances.

[@liveforlife2494]

I was lucky enough to watch Yo-Yo Ma perform live a few years ago. The very, very first thing he did/said, which was after he finished his first piece....was along the lines of standing up, take his microphone, gesturing to the rose bouquets on the far sides of the stage, and say "Aren't these flowers beautiful?" I feel that moment was very telling of his character. Both he and Yanni strike me very strongly as being world-renowned musicians who are also deeply invested in the very art and act of being human and celebrating humanity and the world we're lucky enough to live in.

[@kyleherrity8443]

The cello is an extension of himself. Such a wonderful sound. Unparalleled and child's play to him. I want to wear headphones and soak this into my bones.

[@yo-yoma653]

Thanks so much for your sweet words and support towards me

[@marcdemontreuil9871]

Wow.... let me just pick my jaw up off the floor

[@tamaraaispuro6976]

:)

[@cassiamonteiro988]

life gets better with this so

[@blueak]

In addition to his unprecedented talent, he's got to be one of the most charming people in the world.

[@CxViolet]

The Sarabande was absolutely breathtaking. And it was nice to hear a little ethnomusicological preface to provide some context

[@vladiinsky]

Caleb Joseph it's also quite difficult to play, but he makes it look (sound) easy

[@Jeremy.Bearemy]

-Click on video of Yo Yo Ma -Immediately hear him playing The Yo Yo Ma song. All is right with the world

[@nathaliej3768]

I like how he’s surprised they clap? He’s like, what am I good??

[@ISAIAHTheBook]

Silly, Hes expecting it lol

[@samsmith6169]

Maybe because he's grateful that his playing makes others happy? That was not polite clapping, it was enthusiastic.

[@Beokabatuka]

Oooh those meaty, gritty tones in the C and G strings. This is why I love the cello and bass so much.

[@saipitre9381]

You can tell how experienced an artist is just by how comfortable they are talking to the audience between songs. It just feels effortless and so natural like they were born to do this but it's actually years of them honing this skill. I'm in awe!!!

[@tearinmyheart1307]

.ujj

[@davemurphy5686]

I agree! It’s being a student and then teacher of music, rather than just a player of music

[@jchez0962]

Watching Yo-Yo Ma with his cello makes me feel like I’m watching a legendary samurai with the most perfect sword.

[@loyalwarriorsoul]

Love this comment ❤

[@sebastiandelatorre4469]

thanks, SugarDaddy91

[@lexfiddle]

SugarDaddy 91 or magical wand. Great analogy ,thanks.

[@mhlorenzo]

Soooo true

[@adamscott310]

One of the most humble, sincere & grounded persons I’ve ever encountered. Yo-Yo Ma, you always make me smile :)

[@LitchKB]

I've always found Bach to be the most emotive of the composers, and Ma's raw talent certainly does justice to that aspect. That was wonderful, thanks for posting this.

[@vicg2652]

YO YO MA RULES! I’m starting law school and I’m approaching my first midterm and hearing him reiterate that anything you learn is about taking it one bite at a time is really inspirational. Thanks, man. You’re awesome and you’re in West Wing. You truly do rule.

[@kcmedc]

Hope your law school years passed with easy. Noel. One of Aaron's finest episodes. Painful but telling, open and revealing. Just like Yo Yo.

[@Hoaxer51]

His fingers hitting the fret board are so clean and crisp that you can actually hear the thump when his fingers hit! Nice!

[@elreyvd]

Oh, dear, what joy, what heights music gives us with people like Yo-Yo Ma, with ideas such as the Tiny Desk Concerts... thank you all. You make us better people through music.

[@frequentmyfrequency7115]

I just don't understand WHO would click on a Yo Yo Ma Tiny Desk video, watch it, and then give it a thumbs down. I-just-don't-get-it. I guess 119 people have given up on life, because THIS is life!

[@anavonrebeur6121]

Jealous fellows

[@barnibusyenrab23]

They were expecting a yoyo tutorial

[@frequentmyfrequency7115]

@@barnibusyenrab23 🤣🤣🤣

[@JohnDoe-vv3id]

Thanks to your comment, I disliked the video.

[@lesliebrown6428]

You are so right. Maybe they never have heard a cello. I love ❤️ the cello.

[@MargauxDoll]

What a precious soul he is! I love him for his humility, expertise and sincerity. A master like no other.🥰

[@midnightsubduction]

My old viola instructor played many instruments and played alongside yo-yo ma. He gave me viola lessons for $25 because I paid for them on my own. He is a very sweet man! I owe Mr. Song a lot!

[@gt06wa73]

he played for the president in 1962 when he was tiny. this guy has talent!!

[@stevewisniewski5860]

Mr. Ma, you have been one of my inspirations for life. I’m 53 and ape Suzuki train cellist violinist pianist, classically trained chef from the CIA in New York. I work on boats and states, but the thing that gets me through is you you are learning Suzuki, the discipline, the music and the love for just musicand life. Thank you for holding me through and I’ve passed it along to my three daughters. I hope they pick up on it someday and realize just who you have been in my life and millions of billions. God bless you, sir. Please keep sharing your gift. Love and respect from Northern Wisconsin. Steve.

[@borrioboy6272]

Y’all really made yo-yo ma, the greatest cello player ever, play “the cello song”

[@Barde_Jaune]

Kinda wanted to comment on that also, but at the same time he explained why he played it and what it represents for him so I guess I can overlook the choice, this once. ;o

[@prasakodees6306]

I have a feeling they let him pick what he'd play. He probably just really enjoys it.

[@CrossoverGenius]

he has released three albums of this cello suite, he is revisiting it across his career intentionally. there’s some information about it in the description box, if you are so inclined.

[@jackcolson4745]

Dude, he would gladly play it any time he's asked to.

[@DanaConquersBoutique]

Yo-yo started at 4, I started at 8, and I idolize this man! So beautiful, effortless, and graceful.... One day, I hope to meet you!!!

[@bakilacat1]

You can tell he is a sweet and kind fellow. Thank you.

[@callumthomson5003]

This week has had Tower of Power, Erykah Badu and now Yo-Yo Ma. Someone needs a raise!!

[@caseyhamm4292]

yo-yo ma’s playing always brings a tear to my eyes. such beauty, such expression. he puts me into a mental state i have never known

[@Yoyomamusic007]

@casey Hello, how are you doing? It is nice meeting you here.

[@russellheuman2824]

Breathtaking, awesome, amazing. There is nothing more to say except Yoyo Ma is a gift to the music world.

[@wl9399]

Saw his very brief video clip playing cello alone outside Russia Embassy last week on YT, it tells a lot about him. What a respectful human being.

[@cyrahcontreras]

Imagine having Yo-Yo Ma play at your wedding tho

[@SepticXable]

Cyrah Contreras ...better than having him play your memorial.. ; )

[@theklamoris]

memorial will do for me too

[@HiThereImFootloose]

A Yo-Yo Ma CD played at my wedding ... does that count? :)

[@jm0122]

@@HiThereImFootloose YES.

[@Dan-vr7zs]

I'll need a boyfriend first pffffffffff LOL

[@AlsanPine]

i purchased the cd set when it first came out and have had to buy it again 3 times. by far my most favorite album. as for Yo-Yo Ma... all i can say is that the beauty of God is evident in you and your works... indeed... "you shall know them by their fruit"... thank you for bringing love and hope to us who love you dearly.❤

[@cdug7963]

I’m not religious but that’s beautiful :)

[@VivianInTheOC]

Sometimes I think the world is just a mess… and then I stumble on to this video. Thank you Tiny Desk Concerts. We’re going to be alright after all. 💓

[@Yoyomamusic007]

@vivian Hello, how are you doing? It is nice to meet you here.

[@yesismemomnahjustyouimagin3494]

With that BEAUTIFUL Prelude....you always get hooked.

[@kylegibbard]

Ya'll remember that time Yo-Yo Ma was on Arthur? Takes me back.

[@ericfricke4512]

With Joshua Redman too! And did you see the special with the Backstreet Boys? lol

[@emilypinching1731]

Eric Fricke Art Garfunkel as well!

[@StygianStyle]

I still think his Grammy-award-winning recording of the Bach Suites is the best of all time.

[@teelee12]

NPR needs to re-title this "Yo-Yo Ma: NPR Music Tiny Desk Master Class

[@docluv14]

A music Genius with that level of humility and excellent communication skills. What an incredible human being.

[@gwynwellliver4489]

I love Yo-Yo. His recording of these pieces have calmed me and my family for over 20 years. What a great teacher.

[@vvbb2243]

Hello there it’s nice meeting you here

[@JohnDoe-vq8qy]

did not expect to be moved to tears by his music, yo yo always pulls on the heart

[@speicaldark]

The first piece made me cry. The last piece made me grin and want to dance. I'm so grateful to be born after such music was created!

[@stylaaatya]

I feel like I have just stumbled across treasure and I am about to go on a divine adventure. How soothing and enchanting and wondrous and melancholy..

[@EdwinHeida]

Him mentioning Morocco briefly reminded me of the tragedy that has befallen that country recently. Listening to Suite 6 while thinking of all the people that passed away due to the earthquake is very touching. May they rest in peace. Wonderfully played, Mr Yo-Yo Ma.

[@jamesjean1223]

He’s like that one Teacher that Everyone Loves Because he has a passion to Educate, Inspire and Motivate his students to Learn How to Express themselves in their Own Unique, Spontaneous And Own Creative way😊🙏🏾

[@johnan3398]

As a high-school cello player, watching this is like watching a lvl 90000000 7 time world champion gamer play when you're a noob.

[@cellovator]

As someone who started 30+ years ago, he still makes me feel like a noob.

[@destructoooo]

Can you explain a bit more? To me it's just....good... I like all music, and some classical music sometimes, but I can't feel what's so special about him.

[@jackcolson4745]

@@destructoooo Pacing, and phrasing. Many string players always boast about intonation and how it's bad to be out of tune, as if intonation is the only important skill to master. It requires wisdom to realize that great music is made by speaking the words and sentences the piece conveys with your instrument, rather than speaking the notes as they are written. Yo-Yo Ma plays like he is telling a story.

[@gunnarstenger]

When I read Yo-Yo-Ma I had the feeling we would be listening to Bach before I clicked on the video

[@DashCo52]

Thank you Arthur for introducing me to this man

[@mwallace826]

Through a cello like a god through a burning bush. He literally stretches out the moments of time, and imbues them with meaning. It's mathematically magical.

[@Monk018_CS]

For me, the most impressive part of this performance is his intense focus. You can see in his face, each time he plays, an intense devotion to the music and full exertion into playing. He is solely focused on interpreting that piece of music for us. Just so amazing to watch.

[@sullivan2339]

Wonderful to hear him speak- what a lovely voice.

[@kpepperl319]

There is something so special and instantly recognizable when Yo Yo Man plays... It's like a warm hug. Thank you for this.

[@pollekem6459]

what an incredible gift to not only hear this man play this beautiful pieces of music but also hear him talk about them

[@bdup159]

Isn't it wonderful how after all these years he can still play that same prelude and still have that much passion for it and love for it and teaching it

[@stevenpowell9490]

True music lovers know good music when they hear it! Kudos to Tiny Desk! I am floored by the variety you keep giving us.

[@jordanl2403]

that opening, accompanied by the falling of man. A meteor plummeting, holding hands with your loved ones, watching it all in its awe-full splendour, the fires ravaging, a flower visited by a bee. I felt the perfection of form, in its beautiful sadness. The dual purpose. From life, from death. Another step, just another step

[@UKLeonie]

"Its not painful if you do it incrementally" 😣😰😍

[@abaranihei2608]

Feynman Method in a sense

[@SKATE87410]

Just like anal

[@shatteredsquare]

@@SKATE87410 just. Like. Anal. 😆

[@corrinemeggan]

im sobbing, this is my first time watching his tiny desk and at the comfort of my home and on the other side of the world, war is happening. Listening to Sarabande while offering a silent prayer to those lives lost. I hope they find peace.

[@Yoyomamusic007]

@corrine Hello, how are you doing? It is nice meeting you here.

[@leemiera84]

This man.... and his instrument are way beyond tiny desk or anyone of us. Thank you so much for an opportunity to be apart of musical greatness.

[@thesmartestanimal]

Ma has made so many records and still chose to play another, the OG of OGs: Bach. selfless artistry.

[@lapietrachicanta]

The Bach is one of my favorite pieces of all time, and I can't imagine a more perfect expression of it... held me suspended until the final draw of Ma's bow perfectly exiting the universe he had just created. Thanks, NPR, for recording these concerts!

[@vvbb2243]

..Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here..

[@theleost4674]

Thanks for that very interesting reflection about the connection between a wedding and a funeral.

[@openyourmind3763]

I head him play at an outdoor concert in New Haven, CT when I was a teenager in the 80s. Since then he has always represented class and beauty to me. Glad to see he is still playing so wonderfully. Goes well with a glass of red wine on a Friday night and all is well with this crazy beautiful world. Thank you Yo-Yo Ma for sharing your talents with the world.

[@basengelblik5199]

He was in a rush today. Still fabulous. In my humble opinion the only one that truly got the intent of this piece.

[@65gmb]

Yo-Yo Ma is not only one of the most inspiring people musically, but also through his words!

[@denise2169]

What a lovely lesson about life! He understands his responsibility to share his passion and gift with us all, making our world a better place. Thank you, Mr. Ma!

[@vvbb2243]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@trevorreniger5670]

What an amazing man. Hearing him speak is just as captivating as his unparalleled musicianship.

[@g4snk]

What a brilliant artist and seems like such a great person.

[@pmlove24]

@nprmusic so whoever books or picks the people to preform on tiny desk needs a SERIOUS RAISE!!!! Yo-Yo Ma from Mac Miller to a female mariachi band. I want to be friends with this person so hard.

[@JohnJavierr]

i love npr. i love music. this is one of the best.

[@inkyxnee]

he is so expressive with his Bach suites. It brings out the full emotions of the music.

[@fennburcham5739]

I love how you can tell though he is putting a significant amount of love and beauty into each piece, he is not stressing his limits in the slightest. Everything he does here is easy for him after the work he has put in.

[@gabe4u22]

That's the most poetic thing I've heard him say. " He played this piece at his best friend's wedding, and funeral"