Rachamaninoff's Vocalise in honor of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In honor of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, my friend Sara Wolfensohn and I contributed a performance of Rachmaninoff's Vocalise to "The Eternal Aria," a virtual musical shiva.
May her memory be a blessing.
--
This video was originally released on September 21, 2020, as part of Yo-Yo Ma’s #SongsOfComfort project, which was launched at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide comfort in a time of anxiety and fear. The project inspired thousands of people around the world to upload their own songs of comfort in the months that followed.

[@laurastrom9857]

RBG, may your spirit of dissent at anything unjust, always inspire us to action. Thank you YoYo Ma, for this music, lifting RBG up. Truly a comfort.

[@aaronbegg3827]

May her memory be for blessing.

[@josianebesset9090]

Merci pour nous offrir cette sublime musique : délicieux instant de rêverie où je suis dans un nuage . Grand merci Messieurs.

[@carringtonlefayette8644]

God and the Universe were showing off when you were made. My Heartfelt gratitude for your music. Beyond perfection. Australia 11.28pm 7 February 2021

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

Well said!

[@hasarde]

Thank you so much Yo Yo Ma for offer to the world your lovely art in this precious gift of peace and solidarity

[@MarionFiedlerMusic]

And are still showing off.

[@gaycrouch4947]

Amen!

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

I am in tears from the sheer beauty of this piece and the way it was played. “Thank you” doesn’t quite encompass the complexity of emotions your playing brings, but its the best I can do. Your music is a gift.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️💐 Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@sharondurkee9770]

I felt exactly the same way, what a gift this gentle, extraordinarily talented man is to the world💚💛🙏🏻

[@marydonohoe8200]

I love these comments. I must add that the pianist is also a great artist, and the ensemble was exquisite. Thank you both for a moving performance.

[@yoyoman1719]

Thank you so very much for your unconditional love and support where are you watching from?

[@ellenmeshenberg2791]

This piece holds special memories as when our mother passed away in 2015 my sister collected a series of photographs of her and created a video of her 88 years with Vocalise as the musical accompaniment.

[@silviaarguiz2743]

May God love her and keep her😢😢😢😢😘😘😘😘😘👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😘👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@linatroshka]

Such a touching performance! Thank you, maestro, and bravissimo!!!

[@MarionFiedlerMusic]

❤

[@LambieSamba]

A musical Shiva, nothing could be more appropriate!

[@elizabethfreedman2953]

Thank for this deeply moving music performed in memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This accompaniment created a sacred restful space suspended in time.🙏🎼💐

[@robbabcock_]

So very beautiful! What a fitting tribute to an incredible woman.🙏😪🇺🇸

[@ql-r8910]

Herzlichen vielen dank für die schöne Musik. 马先生：周末愉快！健康快乐！

[@joycestewart4893]

As the mother of daughters and granddaughters, I pray they all have her wit, wisdom and grace. She is a guiding light for all humans be they male, female or otherwise.

[@lindseywarren44]

Hauntingly beautiful. Thank you, Mr Ma. My heart is comforted. Bless

[@v880813]

Thank you so much for making this elegant piece of music in honor of Justice Ginsberg! May she rest in peace and may her bravery always live in us.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@MarionFiedlerMusic]

I am moved to tears. Music has the power to overcome you and open your heart in ways nothing else can.

[@mcmelody9216]

Touching...

[@anthonychristie7781]

Bravo! And thank you both. And thanks to the great Sergei Rachmaninoff, the last and greatest of the Classical-Romantics (Idk, Brahms was pretty great too, but not last). For another heartbreaking treatment of Rachmaninoff by these wonderful artists, search "Yo Yo Ma Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata"

[@bobkay8806]

Dear Mr. Ma, thank you for lifting our spirits. Wishing you good health and blessings. There's a fine young man called Zhou Shen who sings like a nightingale. His voice has brought comfort to many during this difficult times. Lang Lang has collaborated with Zhou Shen a few times. Wu Tong also knows him. It would be great if you would consider collaboratiing with Zhou Shen virtually for your #songsofcomfort.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

The Notorious RBG strongly concurs with this most beautiful, haunting piece. It is our privilege that you shared it with us. Thank you, maestros. ❤

[@olivialousada8101]

Dear YoYo Ma The musicality of your generous and compassionate soul shines through as you let us into your ordinary clothed self that brings us deeper into your heart that rings out through your fingers into the resonance of your beautiful cello. It is for us to be able to say thank you to you YoYo. The spirit of your friend will be listening too

[@ran9148]

なんと美しい音楽なのでしょうか。ささくれ立った私の心を温かく包み込みます。ありがとうございました💐👏💓

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@c-wrongakas8tanictattooist707]

Your technique has always brought me to tears Yo-Yo Ma but when I actually watch you play, the expressions on your face have me crying and blubbering all over the place. Thank you for sharing with us a piece of your soul.💐………and RIP RBG

[@violinist-tiffanyg3276]

Breathtaking. Thank you.

[@susanafernandes530]

It's like your mind makes a journey to the universe, stop in the more beautiful places there is, and then moved on, way through this journey... And, close to the end, the magical sight of our blue planet! My journey through the Universe!

[@leeannschaffer1433]

Most of the special experiences we have in life are only appreciated later; but once in a while there are experiences that - even in the grips of the moment - we appreciate not only for the present, but because one day they will be the kind of memory for which we will spill the "idle tears" that Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote of. This piece makes me think of those moments, the ones you never want to end because you know how much you'll be wanting them back for the rest of your life.

[@Person-mh6xq]

So beautifully said. So very true. This music makes me yearn for those moments.

[@R.Meijer]

I have twice had the pleasure of seeing and heating him performing live in The Netherlands, decades ago. Those concerts are still the most memorable classical concerts I have ever experienced. Absolutely brilliant. His talent, passion, emotion and humbleness are from a different, better world. He was born to make our lives better. Thank you once again, mister Ma.

[@落合るみこ]

素敵すぎていつも楽しみに聴いています。またいつか日本で聴けることを楽しみにしています。

[@jovy2598]

beautiful and comfortable

[@katekenyon8525]

Thank you ❤️

[@eringoldsmith2677]

Thank you ☺️

[@МаринаРобертовна-м8н]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@beyondtheshadow1224]

Tks a lot from 🇧🇷🇧🇷✨♥️🙏✨♥️🙏

[@leesai1728]

Beautiful, RBG, we need her spirit and courage, thank you for this

[@4P.M.]

1995년 내한공연 후 당신과 악수를 나눈 추억이 떠오르네요 그 따뜻했던 손으로 여전히 아름다운 음악을 선물하는 당신에게 감사합니다

[@katherinag.]

Thank you for this beautiful piece of art. God bless you

[@Magnetron33]

Thank you for being a wonderful Human Being!

[@PianoAngelicus]

Oh I love this piece so so much. First heard a recording of Emil Gilles playing the piano transcription and it moved me to my soul. This is so wonderful from the dream team. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️💐 Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@christahofemann4816]

Yo-Yo , Má, como sempre, sensível, fantástico, ❤❤❤

[@aatt3209]

Thank you so much for this wonderful piece honoring RGB. From the gift shop in the Contemporary Jewish Museum located in San Francisco, CA, I got this item with a saying - 'RBG May Her Memory Be A Revolution.' Whenever I look at this saying I rattle inside and stand in silence.

[@TheDaisytails]

That's beautiful. I will think of RGB everytime I hear this and her bravery and focus. Thank you.

[@lilianatamborini8049]

Gracias por ese amor, Maestro Ma.

[@罗美芝]

来自日本的黄河小浪滴，爱您的音乐，感谢，愿上帝保佑您～

[@meab5300]

i think YoYo Ma genuinely is the most talented musician of our, if not all, time. i’ve never heard someone make such gorgeous sound and emotion. i’m so grateful to witness it.

[@baviagalab4944]

Goodevening from japan 🇯🇵 Thank-you for your mind. Thank-you! 🍬

[@carringtonlefayette8644]

Hi from Australia

[@dennisng4627]

The angels wept to such beautiful & sorrowful mourn to the noble RBG 😔

[@fumiyohirano8323]

What a joy! I meditate with your music and the sound streams into my body, heart and spirit.

[@fumiyohirano8323]

Thanks for replying to mail from @officialYo-YoMa. I am doing well with my aging body of 87 years old, and still enjoying to be with your music for a nourishment of my heart and soul🙏🪷🧘🏽

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

You are amazing!Thank you for sharing your talent with us!💕

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@annkipp9401]

I love your bowing. You have such a command of technique that you make look effortless. Thank you for every broadcast you've made during these times.

[@claudettedelphis6476]

You are the greatest gift 🎁 to the music 🎶 world 🌎 What an absolute pleasure to listen to you 💐🌺🌸🌼🌻💫 Thank you for your gift 💝 and your presence in our world 🎻🎼🛍🎀🎊

[@peterbrenton410]

I like how he plays the repeat in one section an octave higher. Effective and adds extra pathos

[@singing-sands]

Oh, how I wish I could give a LIKE every time I listen to this! Magic!!

[@danielshade710]

The composer, the players and the honoree all belie their years because this sounds like the combined wisdom of a thousand years. Like the incredibly dense matter weighing millions of tons per teaspoon in the core of a collapsed star, this performance really packs it all in.

[@backintheday5350]

Thank you ❤️ So moving and she would have loved this tribute. Thank you both for this healing 🙏❤️ Love you!

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@natalierobinson143]

Heartfelt, inspiring and much appreciated. Thank you for this moment of quiet beauty and reflection.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@JulieAnne17-dn]

I tried unsuccessfully to find the name of this beautiful piece while watching a PBS special. I could never find it til now. It is both sweet and stirring. I love your performance of it so much! Thank you! Bravo!

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@kpepperl319]

Thank you so much for you music. You provide so much comfort in difficult times. RBG was and always will be my hero.

[@desireebonfiglio1702]

You add another dimension to already beautiful works. I so much appreciate it. Thank you indeed.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@yellowlynx]

Came across your performance with Ms. Wolfensohn - a rare gem from the garbage feeds from social media - I just hope people can listen to more of this.

[@bridgetlake]

There no words to describe how moving and masterful this piece was presented. Bravo Maestro!

[@worapong8221]

Hello Yo-Yo Ma.I’m watching you from Thailand. I’m a big fan of all your works . You are my inspirations.

[@CatsPajamas23]

😥💔❤️ So beautiful. (Thank you for these uploads.)

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@maramorrison3144]

She will hear this and weep at it's haunting beauty. May she always be revered for her courage and strength.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️💐❤ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@yekware]

Yoyo ma and rachmaninoff what a combination ❤️

[@tianyuelin9641]

Thank you

[@ndectablet4473]

Yet another sublime moment,...hesitate to say, but will share I sang this on my masters recital so many years ago, thank you deeply for your tribute to RBG and now to all so affected by this tragic event in eastern Europe, impacting all of us globally, again, thank you,,Martha

[@lunagrace8717]

Thank you Mr Ma

[@DuangRungsaengchan]

Thank you for the beautiful music.

[@lisaclausen1502]

❤

[@bertalannelengyel398]

Thank You, Merci, Danke, Köszönöm szépen- Maestro💖🌞🙏🇹🇯

[@laurafigueroa4613]

¡Qué bella música y qué interpretación tan dulce! Gracias, gracias, gracias.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@yingsters]

@@yo-yoma8433 ooops, so sorry i thought this was a spam

[@tracybyrdvevo4762]

@@yingsters Hello, you can message ne using that mail . Thank you my fan ❤

[@katherandefy]

Nothing says honor quite like Rachamaninoff. Beautiful.

[@reginaameliabritodesouza1859]

Thank you Yo Yo Ma for your wonderful work, it warms our soul and our heart❤

[@juliahna4988]

Thank you for such soothing beauty. Thank you with all my heart. May God's blessings be with you and your loved ones.

[@yubaihe7866]

Thankyou!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@禰刀一人]

素晴らしい実力を持ちながら、とても謙虚なあなたが大好きで、尊敬しております。 芸術という高みを見つめ続けていて、感動します。

[@julieandrews730]

I love this so much. Just listening now because I have been watching/listening to Yo Yo and Manny with songs of comfort for ukraine. And due to the wonders of internet this popped up in my youtube. How did I miss it before? Simply wonderful.

[@josemotta9560]

Muito obrigado. Sempre maravilhoso.

[@elderlourenco-biomusica3644]

Vejo a música com sua forma e cor e sinto muito a presença de uma consciência em tudo isso.

[@bertalannelengyel398]

Lélekemelő nagyon köszönöm 🌟💖🙏

[@DrCarolFrancis]

Thank you so much for the gift of heart, soul and kindness in your language of music.

[@DrCarolFrancis]

@@OfficialYo-YoMa thanks. I look forward to seeing you soon in Los Angeles. Love your talent, heart and productions. Thanks for sharing you.

[@Rubin4749]

THIS is just an *INCREDIBLE* gift during the Covid. We can *NEVER* "re-pay" Yo Yo Ma his kindness to us, at the SAME TIME his own people are being persecuted in America, *WE LOVE YOU YO YO MA!!!!!*

[@moumarques]

Gratidão, Mestre. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💫✨🌟

[@ジョージア州に住んでるよ]

Every piece he plays is soulful. Just beautiful.

[@fancyfree8228]

Somehow he always knows exactly what music to play for any occasion.

[@samanthacat1211]

Great musician needs gorgeous instrument to express every spot of the musical details for listeners to hear, feel and bring entire personally going through the situations from composers’ intentions. Also an excellent instrument needs a great musician to be able to demonstrate why excellent instrument will bring great musician artist into remarkable boundaries and atmosphere into perfection by perfect matching together.

[@samanthacat1211]

@@OfficialYo-YoMa Thanks, Yo Yo-Ma. I am okay and just working hard daily. I’ve loved to work hard and working makes me happier. Sometimes, I also have tried hard to bring our country together for getting things done right and quickly together peacefully, but I am only a little potato citizen and knowing nothing about governing and very afraid saying wrong things by misunderstanding, because I love our country America 🇺🇸 and have tried hard to appreciate our country America’s greatness and kindness nature to take care of family and build our country America together as Americans together. Rarely one thinks my thoughts are correct. Only praying and wishing doing better things myself. You are a great musician. Many of my family members loved and learned music as playing piano, singing opera, playing violin…etc. None of us could be great musicians. Only played as learning experiences and felt happier, or being forced to play as little children and later loved to play musics. My sons are still playing guitar or love to compose music songs nowadays. Thanks. I heard your father was a great musician. Came here decades ago, knew you are a great musician too. People say that there is fathers, there is son with similarities. I guess learning opportunities for learning experiences. Also it depends on each child’s own willingness and ability to learn things. At least, you have a great musician father led you into music field to achieve your dream of being a great musician and you made and achieved it already to make all audiences happy and relaxed as after working pleasure and relaxation. Surely more audiences wish they will be able to play as good as you do too as their own dreams for efforts. Wishing you very best and very healthy always.

[@Tibursia84]

Absolutely fabulous, magnificent piece, even more with these performers....musicians,,,,, beings of love expressing their essence through music, in perfect alignment with the muses, the universe and its sounds....... marvelous. thanks Yo-yo !! thanks

[@MarieKrantz]

Magnifique et réconfortant ... une très dédicace aussi ! merci de tout coeur Maestro .

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting 💐💐 Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@yumikooshima-ryan9508]

Ruth G still lives, Rach lives, Ma lives .... our souls will never go away. Thank you for this music!!

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@e-spy]

I love the look of pure joy on Yo-Yo Ma's face. Beautiful.

[@lisalie1445]

I was moved to tears … Such a touching performance✨🎼✨ Thank YOU so much for sharing🍀🙏🏻🍀 ～from Tokyo🗼🇯🇵 - With Love and Respect🙏🏻

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@sarahdavis3805]

Thank you so much. It is a comfort to see her honored and remembered this way.

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@美智子渡辺-u3q]

YOYO-Maさん貴方のチェロ🎻を聴けて私は本当に嬉しいです❣️😊💕🎻🫶💗ありがとう😘💕💗いつもいつも聴いていますよ❣️🫶🫶❤❤❤

[@asmith8815]

It is stunningly beautiful and heartfelt.

[@rosariosebastianleon5116]

Que linda música,no me canso de escuchar, regala calma interior.👋👋🎶🎻🥰

[@oriyashperling7199]

Thank you! A nice peace! 🥰

[@cjmac2766]

Stunning performance by both of you! Thank you for sharing these amazing gifts during a time when the light of music is so much needed. 💙

[@yoyoman1719]

Thank you so very much for your unconditional love and support where are you watching from?

[@cjmac2766]

@@yoyoman1719 I'm watching from Arizona in the U.S., Maestro. I was a professional flutist for many years, and music is everything to me! I had the honor of playing the Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme with Leonard Pennario years ago. So many lovely exchanges between the cello and flute! I think I fell in love with the cello then! Your Songs of Comfort, with the glorious diversity and artistry, have been food for my soul, and I have enjoyed sharing them with my family and friends. 💙

[@yoyoman1719]

@@cjmac2766 oh that's great... How is life in the USA? Hope you're keeping safe? Dear I want to know you more.. are you on hangouts or email...? Text me on my personal email address: [e-mail]

[@annemiebock7292]

Sehr berührend und bewegend! Großen Dank an die beiden hervorragenden Interpreten!

[@lesliemeeks2895]

Beautiful! RBG would have loved your performance! TY! 🌹💐🌹

[@yo-yoma8433]

Hello 👋 Thanks for your comment and supports. Your comments and constant support has brought me this far, I greatly appreciate you...It's been a journey through the years. Keep supporting ❤️ Kindly Text me via: [e-mail]

[@margaretlynch341]

Just beautiful....thank you 💕

[@lookingglass7512]

Beautiful! Thank you very much. Hope you are always healthy.

[@darrenmacmartin9392]

Thank you for this gift.