Yo-Yo Ma Answers Cello Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

[@AC-dz9yq]

Do y’all realize that we are watching a literal living legend sit down and speak with us as if we’re old friends? That is so incredible. What a time to be alive.

[@AC-dz9yq]

@@MarsPriest lol ok, gustavo 🤏🏻

[@OfDaSouth]

@@MarsPriest in a legendary fashion

[@julio.thecrustysock]

Gustavo, you literally reviewed a book on KZbin. You aren’t better than Yo-Yo Ma.

[@edwinsanchez642]

@@julio.thecrustysock ☠️☠️☠️

[@edwinsanchez642]

@@julio.thecrustysock leave it to a white guy with long hair to downplay pure talent, skill, and dedication.

[@IAmAndrew1]

To me, Yo-Yo Ma speaks about music in the same way Steve Irwin spoke about animals and Mr. Rogers talked about... everything. He’s a treasure

[@miriammoriarty8588]

That love for what they do.

[@jamesbailey4304]

Like Adam Savage talks about shop equipment.

[@kennedyjojackson1202]

@@jamesbailey4304 the way Bob Ross talks about happy accidents

[@beckstheimpatient4135]

That is a very precise description and you're absolutely right!

[@justafloatingcoconut1368]

the way Bill Nye talks about planes

[@MichaelBblahblah]

Was genuinely nice to hear him give a positive response to the Suite No. 1 question when so many musicians have disdain for "overexposed" music.

[@samdajellybeenie14]

I’m a bass player and we play the 1st suite a lot too. I also feel kind of tired of that piece, but hearing Yo-Yo’s really sincere explanation of it was so inspiring and made me appreciate the piece again.

[@jacobtech7]

I am still head over heels for that piece. I don't even mind Canon if I get to listen to the rest of the orchestra

[@darkstudios001]

His answer was extremely pretentious

[@naiknaik8812]

@David well art is subjective!

[@tommatt2901]

@@samdajellybeenie14 when I think of suite No. 1 I think of a wedding, yo gave me a very intresting new perspective on this piece, I completely agree with u

[@gustavsturksteinwall4027]

When Yo-Yo Ma won the Birgit Nilsson Prize earlier in 2022, he requested a meetup with ten young promising cello players in Sweden (that’s where the prize was given out) and I was one of them. I got to travel south to Stockholm and talk with Yo-Yo Ma as well as listen to him rehearsing with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra. It was a wonderful experience and he was extremely nice to us and seemed genuinely interested in us as people. I will never forget how amazing he was.

[@jasonbendiksen9290]

That's so great! I hope you keep playing and can be that same person to other youth in the future.

[@Sdority905]

That's amazing! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@jevinday]

That's amazing

[@E_FoxSnowspirit]

[@Fluffypantaloons]

Wow, what a stand up person and impactful memory!

[@gyrozeppeli4095]

Yo-Yo Ma is like an optimistic grandpa everyone have to have. He really is adorable

[@sarikatimmi]

he doesn’t seem that old.

[@gyrozeppeli4095]

@@sarikatimmi yes, he doesn’t

[@killroy.99]

@@gyrozeppeli4095 asian dont raisin 💯 and his brains too brilliant and active to slow down

[@anikabhatnagar4626]

@@sarikatimmi actually he's 65 years old lo

[@elmore707]

@@anikabhatnagar4626 and looks it. Don't get me wrong, love this guy. But he is 65 and looks it, and there 8s also nothing wrong with that.

[@jerryjing9184]

Yo can I hire Yo-Yo Ma as a therapist, this man's words hit different.

[@geraldbal7945]

_plays Suite no. 1 during session_

[@sydney6405]

@@geraldbal7945 istg he played it so beautifully

[@ShonaMcCarthy]

I was thinking... some of what he was saying wasn't just good advice for wannabe cellists. It was good life advice for anyone doing anything I think.

[@c9inglul129]

@@ShonaMcCarthy successful people will often have that advice if you're willing to listen

[@DaysAreForgottenBaby]

Indeed

[@rfresa]

I love how Yo-Yo Ma just takes a cello with him everywhere. I've never seen him do an interview without a cello. His instrument really is part of him.

[@isaiahd9947]

I'd be more surprised to see an interview of him WITHOUT the cello. I have nothing against him but interviewers only care about yo-yo ma the cellist, not yo-yo ma the personality.

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

He even takes it on Splash Mountain. They cut 8 bucks off the ticket price if he rides the cello instead of their log.

[@yumyummarbles]

I think a lot of musically inclined people that is his age carry their instruments everywhere with them just so they can play and enjoy themselves anywhere that they can share their musical talents. My dad (around his age) was a musician in the 70s and 80s and my mom once told us he spent 3 months rent on a guitar and another 3 on the case itself so he could bring it everywhere without it getting damaged.

[@profile2047]

If only I could afford the tickets to see him.

[@Noise_floorxx]

Duh? Lol

[@Grivian]

"Why do they always play suite no. 1 in every movie?" Most musicians: "I know right. That piece is so overplayed, there are many other pieces that are better and more impressive" Yo-Yo Ma: "Because that piece is amazing"

[@here_be_dragons9184]

Because it's public domain.

[@agnidas5816]

well you won't catch cellists saying that ... most of us play it daily

[@leiajiang7877]

@@here_be_dragons9184 most classical music are no?

[@sexymanicou3403]

@@leiajiang7877 Can a cello be restrung ( inverted tuning- CGDA left to right), as a left handed person wanting to play but the symmetric seem very odd.

[@Eliza-yd7fi]

ofc it is IT'S BACH FOR FUCK'S SAKE

[@vincevvn]

Never heard him speak in 20 years of hearing his name. Dude is pretty cool

[@troy5094]

His accent is so good as well

[@richardzhuang5958]

@@troy5094 yikes

[@richardzhuang5958]

@@troy5094 your accent is pretty good too man

[@troy5094]

@@richardzhuang5958 ?

[@richardzhuang5958]

@@troy5094 you have a fairly accurate american accent is all I'm saying lol

[@clearlyrebecca]

Big ups to this man for carting his cello along to his vax appointment and playing a mini concert for everyone in the place while waiting the obligatory 15 minutes after the shot.

[@dani.munoz.a23]

@WIRED fake WIRED. First of all, for other people who see this kind of stuff and don’t want to fall for it, there’s no gray highlight on their name which would indicate it’s the video’s creator commenting. Secondly, if you click on the profile you would see they joined 9 months ago and have no vids or subs. Thirdly, any kind of fishy looking account that has characters in between letters or anything of that fashion should instantly be regarded with suspicion because it is a way around the filters in place.

[@blanktester]

@@dani.munoz.a23 all great points. Only thing to add would be to always report spam when you see it.

[@rosiemwhit]

too pure

[@fimbulvetr721]

Tru the guy with the guitar in my waiting room was amazing, made waiting a lot less boring

[@penname8441]

+

[@maryncozart5764]

IDK what I thought Yo-Yo Ma would be like, but I was definitely not expecting this chill, kind, and humble human being that appeared in this video.

[@mr.windmill4892]

Idk I kinda expected him to be all of those things being a notorious Cello player lol.

[@alexlasher2525]

you should check out his tiny desk concert

[@HiThereImFootloose]

I’ve met him a bunch of times and he is just this kind and articulate every time I’ve seen him. Hard to find a nicer, more down to earth guy.

[@hoofhearted4]

Same haha

[@jiranika]

@Maryn Cozart You should watch his Documentary The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble.

[@Mwilke3789]

My father is a professional Cello maker and the cello warm up sound snapped me right back to my childhood. It was always a joyful sound because it meant he just finished a Cello and we were going out for pizza to celebrate (the only time our very large family went out to eat). P.S. The cello is the most beautiful instrument because it's very close to the human voice.

[@peggynunez391]

That is the sweetest story. I bet your father's cellos were amazing.

[@radoskan]

A heart-warming story indeed.

[@tanman99]

Thank you so much for sharing this precious memory with us.

[@TheJstaten1]

Your father is an excellent maker!! Quite famous in the community.

[@jennyjohnson5428]

Your P.S. is what I tell people when they seem to be wondering why they love the sound of the cello so much! The range & timbre are so reminiscent of the human vocal range 💜💙💚

[@JohnnyBautista]

There is nothing like listening to people who are absolutely passionate about what they do.

[@rushjl92]

I swear

[@midnight.ramen.]

Seriously, and especially long time professionals that know such minute details like the thing about air molecules. I could listen to that kind of info all day

[@chanchanchan7031]

“I play out of tune anyways” says one of the best cello players alive

[@Frostbitten.]

Literally one of the greatest of all time lmao

[@MANTARD]

There's no frets to worry about, so he can adjust easily on the fly.

[@joyceyang6976]

So talented and humble! 👍💕

[@spider_sf]

Truly a based chad.

[@fasuto8656]

@@spider_sf saying "based chad" is pretty cringe, but not with Yo-Yo Ma. He is THE chad

[@MichaelJONeill333]

It annoyed me that people are bothered that musicians move when they play. I’m a pianist and I move because I’m feeling the music, sort of like dancing in a way.

[@Thndrstrike]

for me, sometimes you really do get lost in the music, like when i'm jamming along to a song on guitar (especially if it's a song i'd previously been struggling to play) it kinda takes over. that can help me hold the rhythm too

[@shiaominglee]

sometimes it is needed to keep the time. I guess they wont understand until they play an instrument and with a band/other people

[@MichaelJONeill333]

@@Thndrstrike yes exactly!

[@TheRandompaint]

@@shiaominglee I don't play an instrument but I have enough appreciation for classical music that I can feel the flow and I try to decipher what the musician is trying to convey. When I see musician swaying to the music I can tell that the artist not only has an appreciation for his craft but also the very essence of the music.

[@angelina3087]

I feel like every musician who enjoys what they’re doing moves when they play

[@loveline119]

How can you be the best at playing something and still not have a SINGLE tone of brag in your voice? He's so charming.

[@johnmayer6533]

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

[@annette222]

​@@johnmayer6533 you're not real Yo-yo Ma

[@sacrilegiousboi978]

Because to get where he is requires being self critical and willing to reflect on and improve his playing when practicing. People with fragile egos or who think they’re the best tend not to do well at this.

[@von0312]

a lot of classical musicians are pretty humble and kind people. hilary hahn, ray chen and yoyo ma are only some examples!

[@charliepearce1886]

@@annette222 now he’s John Mayer 😭

[@MiloPaulus]

Protect this man at all costs! Yo-Yo Ma is an absolute treasure, and just a delightful human being. I'm happy to be alive at the same time as him.

[@AnnapurnaMoffatt]

Me, too.

[@LuxuFoo]

Same

[@taracochran-patrick784]

He is

[@roberttranceedm]

That's well said. Very well!

[@aarontheperson6867]

Amen

[@joerichardson2278]

"The idea of being a musician is that you're there to transcend technique in order to express." What a powerful idea.

[@advocate1563]

problem is your technique has to be strong enough to allow you to transcend it and thats where the effort goes. Technique sets you free ....

[@LeVezz]

I recommend to you Benjamin Zander's masterclasses here on youtube, he has a similar way of thinking. I don't see music like i did because of him.

[@marceli1109]

Bach's Suite No. 1 was my alarm tone for years, and hearing him play it gave me a pang of anxiety.

[@Lampey22]

Hahha XD that piece is called “shoulder exercise” among cellists :)

[@davidjiao2517]

What a horrible way to ruin a melody

[@Spherehead123]

That's why I never use my favorite music as my alarm tone

[@tdsims1963]

😂

[@KPG113]

Why would you do that to Bach

[@pigpig252]

you can tell he's a genuine master of his art because he's not afraid of talking about his imperfections. He revels in them. It's brilliant

[@yoyoma8797]

It's a pleasure to give my best to all my wonderful fans. Thank you very much for your love and support. So tell me dear, how long have you been a fan?

[@sylviamaxwell504]

​@@yoyoma8797love to hear you speak and play..thank you for sharing your gift so humbly ❤

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@sylviamaxwell504 It's not Yo Yo Ma.

[@therachellllcat4444]

I honestly just want to hug him. He seems like such an encouraging and kind person. He has such a sparkle in his eye when talking about music and talking about other people learning. He gives me the nicest dad vibes 🥺😊

[@americanoexpress69]

This is my new comfort video. So relaxing, informative, and passionate.🥰 I love when you can see the sparkle in peoples eyes when they talk about something they deeply love. Yo-yo Ma has got nothin but sparkle!

[@ItsWayMoreThanMusic]

He falls in the same ranks as Bob Ross, Mister Rogers, and Rick Steves-aka the epitome of gentle masculinity ☺️

[@AK-og6hn]

I'm with you on that. It's the first video with the guy, but it feels like I know him already. My First cello is still on its way to me for New Year's resolution, but I am ready to give it everything I have. The sound and freedom it provides are something I want to explore.

[@darcyferrigno]

This man literally is the definition of being joyous in what he does. How many people love their craft the way he does? I could listen to him talk about and play the cello for hours!

[@jacobhendrickson8371]

I will never get tired of musicians such as him talking about their craft. The emotions are almost tangible to some extent.

[@vq20]

"The idea of being a musician is that you're there to transcend technique in order to express." So inspiring and liberating. Truly words to keep in your heart when you're practicing and pummeling yourself for not playing "perfectly."

[@FancyUnicorn]

I feel that quote applies to all artists. Reminds me of the paintings of Picasso or Pollock.

[@batchimegdamdindorj8557]

He’s one of a kind but I think you must perfect the technique first before you even try to attempt to go beyond the technique and the flow state

[@jsizemo]

Within any art, you have to learn the orthodoxy, before you’re allowed to defy it

[@gonggonglive]

True, we musicians use technique and rules to impress, and then break those to express our own

[@Vincent-yv9ng]

I love how salty his impression of a showy cellist tuning on stage is. He definitely knows a guy like that.

[@momomay1404]

It's actually fairly common for classical string players to do a bit of tuning before they play, you see it all the time or hear it before an orchestra starts performing. However, he confirmed my suspicion that at least 90% of the time it's totally not necessary! Lol, I wished I could show this to my old teacher...

[@kemimin4950]

@@momomay1404 i used to be super anxious before concerts, so my teacher told me it's okay to just go over the strings (not tuning, just as a check) to know everything is fine, set the posture and calm down. it really worked :)

[@greatvib3s]

@@kemimin4950 that's a pretty useful technique that is perhaps underrated by a lot of players. One of my favorite examples is in this Bruckner 4 recording at 0:50, you can hear the horn player checking that very first horn call opening. Even the pros get nervous- it's part of being human! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZSlmGCqjdNjnNU

[@Krmpfpks]

@@momomay1404 You do play open strings so you need the strings to be tuned correctly. Usually an orchestra checks the tuning of the different instrument against each other, which is easiest to do on stage an is only a few seconds for an experienced orchestra. There might be a piano on stage that has drifted slightly due to temperature changes and the orchestra has to align perfectly. What he is talking about is solo or smaller group, they usually warm up before coming on stage and should already have tuned everything. But on some occasions they might have been sitting on stage waiting for their turn for some time. Their instruments change tuning with temperature so they might do a quick recheck if they are in tune before they play. Might not be necessary, but feels reassuring nonetheless. Even if it's just a ritual to cope with stage fright, respect the musician. If someone goes out on a stage an plays for you, don't judge the non-important stuff.

[@mikhailakippenbrock3833]

He's so right, it's mostly unnecessary. In orchestral playing, the orchestra tunes before the piece starts, and I have for sure had times where my tuning slips while walking onto stage, but honestly, it's so hard to tune accurately when you're being watched anyway lol. I played a whole concert with an out of tune cello because it slipped right in the beginning of the first piece. That's where years of practice pays off and you just adjust your hand position and don't play any open strings so you can play in tune still! Also, there is a way to tune on stage as a soloist. A quick, subtle touch up over each string is one thing, but it KILLS me when people go out there and tune like there's no tomorrow lol. When I practice I tune quietly and adjust everything quickly, there is no reason to tune like you're putting on a show lol!

[@JadenNeko]

Why is nobody talking about his voice! Has anybody notice how he hugs the cello like it's a partner? So sweet and caring!

[@HerbaMachina]

As a Cellist myself that's just a natural resting position to hold the Cello so it doesn't fall to the floor.

[@eidechsearts]

The way it rests there helps us keep it upright! But I can say we do bond with our instruments just like theyre people!

[@onm7864]

His voice reminds me a lot of that of Werner Herzog

[@dk418]

His cello is probably more expensive than an Enzo Ferrari. Who wouldn't hug something like that. lol

[@manubishe]

Projecting feelings over another's behaviour? Unless you've seen how he hugs his partner, I dare say you make an argument for loving things, and using people.

[@danivee8572]

This man needs to narrate an audiobook.

[@ruru7458]

THIS

[@artransformeraqe5692]

@@devonbiere Thou art a hero!!!

[@ericolens3]

Or play the back ground music. Im not sure if you've listened to dramatic audio books. Like where they have Background music, multiple voice actors (or at least change their voice), and sound effects.

[@deadsetmassascared]

@@devonbiere THANK. YOU.

[@zactownsend1099]

Uhhh he did lol. It’s on audible. It’s his life story.

[@JeffStevens]

I never was interested in the cello or Mr. Ma but I gave this ten seconds and now I love him. He is so very delightful, passionate, engaging, and grounded. I had never heard a musician say that playing is about expressing emotion through music or that it is normal to seek those states of mind and emotion through music. Yo-yo Ma is a treasure.

[@deborahchasteen3206]

I'd never encountered him either, though his name is so prominent as crossword clues! I will now follow him and catch up. This has been perhaps the best music lesson I've ever experienced. I play guitar, but have never known why they have hardwood backs and spruce tops.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

Even when Yo-Yo Ma just casually throws out the Bach just to make an example, it's still one of the best performances recorded!

[@varunsathya1912]

@WIRED no one cares

[@skippymagrue]

It was the first piece he learned when he was five years old.

[@madelinerodriguez8583]

Ugh I just love his Bach so much. Every time he stopped I kept yelling at him to keep going!

[@Drnaynay]

He just casually threw out that he plays out of tune. Wait, what?? This is THE Yo-Yo Ma!!

[@f52_yeevy]

​@@Drnaynay The position of your left fingers on the strings determines the frequency at which the strings (and the air) vibrates, thus also the note you're playing. On a cello string there is a point for each note it can play, but there's a space in between these points that correspond to notes outside the normal scale we use. Playing out of tune means that your fingers are not very well aligned to the points on the string, meaning that you're playing one of those notes that doesn't fit in the standard musical scale (for example, you could be playing something between an F# and a G). Yo-Yo Ma actually plays beautifully and not a lot out of tune, but he's just referencing in a humble way the fact that's impossible to find the exact spot when playing a piece, not only because of the huge difference a tiny movement of your finger makes, but also because he's simply taken away by the emotion in his music. I don't know whether I was clear or not, but I hope it helps :)

[@lxttx12]

“I play out of tune anyway”😂😂😂

[@jennamedlyn]

Now I have an excuse not to play in tune

[@hopegold883]

Jenna Medlyn 😂

[@zatchbeltguy]

I had a friend who's violin was out of tune during an audition by accident and he actually got the gig because they were impressed that he could still find the right notes

[@killroy.99]

@@zatchbeltguy thats rockstar af

[@zhousun8626]

@@zatchbeltguy happened to me too

[@DIBZ111]

This guy could be a great new host of jeopardy imo. It seems he has the same energy that Alex trebeck did. He also seems to have the same level of intellect while not acting snooty or acting like hes above you or better than you because of his intelligence.

[@L3French]

I think he'd kill at it but I'd still rather have him spending his time pumping out more cello perfection.

[@Wtahc]

no

[@LittleB2007]

Why should one of the very best cellists in history host a stupid game show??

[@hiatusfromtheworld]

Wow yes

[@seanthompson1337]

@@LittleB2007 maybe at least once. It would be interesting at least.

[@margierojo8445]

Thank you so much. Loved this I started playing Cello at age 72 during COVID lockdown. I envisage flying through skies and mountains when it sounds good. So beautiful. I love it. Thank you 💕

[@warui-michi7295]

Your words are also beautiful.

[@crypticshadows]

wow! How’s it going? You doing suzuki method?

[@susanmathew9176]

You’re giving me inspiration for learning a new instrument

[@陳慧如-c3o]

I thought I started late learning cello at age 56, but you are an example that no learning is late as long as there’s a heart for it. 😍

[@HopUpOutDaBed]

what do you imagine when it sounds bad? A plane crash?

[@flutechannel]

The main question should've been "Do you practice 40hrs a day?"

[@additionalsky]

NEVER SKIP PRACTICE!

[@rumblefish9]

Do you Ling Ling 40Hrs!?... oh wait, wrong reference.

[@T2uyu]

lingling meme never gets old

[@ElBacanDelgado]

He is the one making Ling Ling practice 40 hours a day

[@ciello___8307]

apparently he only practices for a short time, but he practices every day

[@rome8180]

That one person who said other musicians don't move obviously hasn't watched a lot of musicians. Violinists and pianists are all over the place.

[@CLSGL]

Seriously! I kept thinking about drummers, bassists, guitarists, but it works just the same with violinists and pianists. If you feel the music, you move around.

[@longnamenocansayy]

those opera singers really come loose too.

[@cerenademe9433]

How does one play music and NOT move? Who wants to see that? lol

[@amundbjerve]

That's individual. Vladimir Horowitz seemed almost immobile and had the same facial expression most of the time.

[@joannewakeland4447]

Heifetz was an exception. He stood very still.

[@lamblaine9116]

"For 60 YEARS" and here I thought Yo-Yo Ma was 45 years old. He looks super young for his age.

[@Turnpost2552]

yeah he certainly does

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

This man looks to be in his mid 50s at most. I can't believe he is over 60.

[@UrLocalArticTherianBestie]

He started at a negative age. Only explanation possible

[@lamblaine9116]

@@UrLocalArticTherianBestie agreed lol

[@culture4519]

Clean living it is no secret, don’t drink or smoke, exercise and eat healthy

[@RobWhittlestone]

I'm blown away to see one of my heroes being so accessible and warm and friendly. Who noticed the fragments of Elgar's Cello Concerto he used for demonstrating? His performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto is one of my all-time favourite performances. Thrilling video! All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@TheLadyBlerd]

I've never clicked so fast and liked so instinctively.... Yo-Yo Ma is a treasure on so many levels. They say never meet your heroes... ngl I was terrified to meet him when I was 16, and over 16 years later... the man stays just as genuine, passionate, informative, and insightful.

[@kluvcomicz]

I agree with you about clicking so fast and instinctively ... I also met him when I was ~13.. Definitely one of the most humble, genuine, and kind musicians whose presence radiates so much energy and passion for music...!

[@thequeenofboba6583]

When you hear this level of enthusiasm in someone's voice, whatever they are talking about, you will be drawn to it without a doubt.

[@TheDGomezzi]

“You are only interesting as far as you are interested.”

[@toni_aloni]

He’s the reason I ever even considered playing an instrument. Age 8 I started cello, now age 24 I can’t imagine my life without being able to play music. And I have my parents and Yo-Yo Ma to thank for that 💙

[@kirstencorby8465]

I tried a few different instruments but none of them stuck. I just don't have the music in me.

[@tayloriousmaximus]

@@kirstencorby8465 Or you've just not found the one for you. Find something that helps you to put yourself into the music

[@MsContralto]

@@kirstencorby8465 Same! Zero talent on music I guess.

[@janetlettrich2705]

This man is a national treasure. One of my favorite humans on the planet.

[@yoyoma8797]

It's a pleasure to give my best to all my wonderful fans. Thank you very much for your love and support. So tell me dear, how long have you been a fan?

[@mysteriumxarxes3990]

I think of him as an international treasure

[@carizley]

I really don't understand the dislikes in this video. He was extremely personable, tried hard to explain things, and was never condescending. Love his personality and his music

[@TheJcfclark]

The dislikers failed at mastering the cello -- at a very young age.

[@strawberry.teapot]

hella unskippable ads, but i didn't dislike tho

[@alyssaurus17]

@@strawberry.teapot that's a KZbin issue. Just get an ad blocker.

[@ralphalcala7219]

Speaking as a luthier who actually makes basses and cellos, his knowledge on making cellos has major gaps. He’s an amazing cellist and I love his music but what he said about how cellos are made is completely wrong

[@JA-gp7ce]

@@ralphalcala7219 in what ways? I’m curious

[@Qtoyghs]

The idea that the musician *is* crying out for joy through their performance rather than through a verbal cry is such a shockingly profound observation.

[@austinflores7185]

Lmao

[@douchopotamus3755]

Is it though?

[@bronwyn4553]

I started outright crying when he said that, it resonated so deeply with me and I think that that's an idea I'd like to carry with me

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@douchopotamus3755 is it not tho?

[@douchopotamus3755]

@@DefenestrateYourself no, it's not. It's pretty obvious.

[@Tallness1000]

I love in his example of “when you play a note and stay still” he still couldn’t keep his body still. Love this man love this musician.

[@ericolens3]

YoYo Ma: Here's how you stay still. His Body: (continues to move with the music)

[@Tore_Lund]

@@ericolens3 He is the king of expression. He was only rivalled by Stejphan Hauser in obscene celloing when he was younger.

[@ShrimplyPibblesJr]

I love how such a talented cellist is still trying to get it right. I think that’s why I love playing music so much. always reaching for new perfection

[@gateauxq4604]

Why has this national treasure never gotten a children’s television show? He’s like the Levar Burton of music.

[@elliel8626]

the first time i saw yo yo ma was when he was in an episode of arthur! i think he was a rabbit

[@lofi_Insomnia_]

because he is Asians. Asians have been getting less opportunities since forever

[@choiboix]

He has been on Sesame Street and other children shows in the past.

[@selalewis9189]

Cuts in PBS funding.

[@caswanden454]

@You love KZbin too?? Yo-Yo Ma, at least three times a day: wait a minute! what would Leonard Bernstein do?

[@chelyzmarx7477]

not just a master but a grandmaster. he even knows the science, the engineering, philosophy, advice, etc... very knowledgeable and i learnt a lot. i dont play cello but i can relate cos i play guitar haha.

[@canterlevi]

Cellos are the only instruments you get to hug while you play. I always imagine the sound reverberates throughout your body as you play. 😊😊

[@pressyboy]

It does and it feels wonderful. Everyone should play the cello

[@TheBereangirl]

Yes! This comment...yes, you are absolutely right!

[@joshgoesbananas1]

Hey don’t forget about BASS

[@ThaineFurrows]

Was just about to say. I hug my double bass often and regularly.

[@livioribeiro]

With classical guitar you get to hug your instrument while it sits on your lap

[@emilyx8377]

I wish I had a father or a grandfather like this man. Just listening to him talk, let alone play music, makes me feel so safe and relaxed.

[@johnmayer6533]

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

[@K34N4N]

I never really got into Yo-Yo Ma, even as a cellist back when I was in an orchestra in school. After having heard what he has to say, I wish I had. He gave some great insight not only to cellists but to anyone who is or wants to be a musician. As he says, there's a deep connection that's formed between the musician and the music, and I admire that he even acknowledges that there are things that even he is not as proficient at compared to others, despite being a world-renowned cellist. It's all about whatever feels right to you!

[@mrpowderog8778]

YoYo Ma is one of the most pleasant and talented human beings alive. What a blessing to be alive the same time as him....

[@nihiasquith2281]

I totally agree, he is an awesome cellist

[@teaanjay]

Love the way he talks so much. And how can he give off the sophisticated yet incredibly down-to-earth vibe at the same time😂 So cool.

[@rnnyhoff]

This artist is a treasure and represents all that is transcendent of the human species. I just learned so much about the cello taught and related by a gentleman in touch with the flow of life and music. Thank you Yo-Yo.

[@forsaken841]

That’s Mr. Ma to us plebes

[@Ed_Okin]

Agreed. Humans were created to be unique and to express the greatness of creation. I’d like to see PETA interview a genius cow who plays a musical instrument with such joy and zeal.

[@shibatokenhermitmcdermitt3620]

Holy crap what a cool guy... Can anyone else imagine him narrating something along the lines of an historical music documentary about the cello (or any stringed instruments) as well as playing some of the music in said documentary? Mr. Ma I hope you consider this. You could be the David Attenborough of classical stringed instruments.

[@blueak3111]

You could be the David Attenborough of classical stringed instruments. --- Yes, yes, yes.

[@rdear]

Well that was way more enjoyable than I would have ever thought. I could easily watch another hour of Yo-Yo Ma answering questions like that. Beautiful.

[@ex2044]

What I’m most impressed by is not only his playing, but also his great knowledge base. Talking about things like materials, sine waves in order to make music more understandable for people, and despite being arguably the best cellist in the world, he shows such humility and willingness to be true and real to life, unlike much of the showy celebrities these days.Such a beautiful musician, teacher and most importantly human.

[@gustavgnoettgen]

What he's trying to say is that Bach's cello suite no. 1 is basically the official cello jingle.

[@triethylborane49]

It's not basically the official cello jingle. It _is_ the official cello jingle. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@jeffjacobson59]

It’s the Smoke on the Water for Cello

[@wezerd]

The Für Elise of the cello world

[@nathanielandre2568]

"Anyway here's Suite No. 1"

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

OK, just don't call it jingle, pls.

[@caseyk.1386]

Thank god for that Arthur episode, turning so many of us into Yo-Yo Ma fans all those years ago.

[@tylerblack5838]

Thank you for confirming I didn't make this up in my head lol

[@averosmonopolis]

yes! this is literally the best comment!

[@muriaal]

I didn't even realize he's a real person and an actual cellist until I Googled him years later

[@IronMaiden1164]

That is the primary source of how I know him

[@DavidPerez-ex3jn]

YES! Thank you for the great flashback

[@esotericist]

Many many years ago, a friend of mine had organised a YoYo Ma concert in Bangkok. I arrived early to pick up my free ticket! (as you do) and my friend told me to very discretely and quietly go into that room over there.... I crept in and there was YoYo warming up. In a tiny room. Him and me! So I just sat down in the corner and enjoyed this unique musical experience for quite a while. Didn't even get to say hello, as far as I remember. Perhaps just exchanging a voiceless, but mutually understood Thai wai! The actual concert was also magical!

[@ajlove_34]

There is no way that this man is 65 years old! I refuse to believe it! Yo-Yo Ma's skin and smile are gleaming out here!

[@farhannavas2690]

he looks fking old.. dude

[@ajlove_34]

@@farhannavas2690 not to me, hence the point of my comment. I don't know what old looks like to you, but he's not it.

[@marshalravello]

@@ajlove_34 well said mate

[@elizabethmayberry3414]

He looks mid 40’s at most to me.

[@laraking804]

65 is not THAT old.

[@trudidolder6122]

Being a trained singer and a Cellist, I must say that Bach has been my favorite Composer in soooo many ways. One ting I have to say is: Bach is relentless in his music. He pulls every single and last bit you possess out of you and then some. then you listen to what you just done and it seems, that Bach stands there and tells you: so, you tried, but now show me what you really can…… That man has my full admiration….

[@markiangooley]

“Bach never spared the performer,” as someone (perhaps the cantata expert Whittaker?) put it.

[@dropkickmurphy4114]

That probably explains why Cliff Burton was so obsessed with Bach: they were both complex and deeply intelligent .

[@netele]

I could listen to him talk all day. He's so genuine with his answers-- there's absolutely no faking his talent and expertise!

[@cristaguthrie2726]

When yo-yo ma says “i play out of tune anyway” we are all screwed lol

[@ermenegildogutierrezpanter9993]

I think i'll start tuning poorly on purpose for the excuse. This man has advice for everything!

[@j.walker6845]

This is like when the swordsman says, 'Oh by the way, I'm not left-handed'

[@gaberodriguez7938]

@@j.walker6845 I see what you did there

[@Phoneixrising99]

My thoughts exactly lol

[@matthewmccarthy7842]

When you play with a lot of feeling you end up just making it in tune with the tensions with the fretting hand.

[@kevwang0712]

As a baroque cellist and viola da gamba player, that part about gut strings is absolutely true: they can be a real pain in the gut because they take so long to stretch out and become stable. People who use gut strings will always have another set of used gut strings, if not a set of strings with a metal or nylon core (most often we change out our strings long before they break, since the sound quality degrades over time), since if a string breaks on stage, you need to put on a string that has already been stretched out; if you put on a new gut string, you'll need to retune every minute. Also, I think the first question goes the other way around as well: because the first Bach prelude has been used so often, it often is the first (if not only) piece non-cellists know about the cello, and thus they always ask us to play it. Better than Pachelbel's canon, I suppose. (Never ask a cellist to play Pachelbel's canon.)

[@genesispi95]

Yes, if someone asks me to Cannon, blood may be spilled lol

[@poodlemeister22314]

Isn't it just three notes over and over?

[@kevwang0712]

Pachelbel's canon? It's the same 2 bars, 8 notes, played 28 times.

[@annied5246]

Obligatory Pachelbel’s canon and gut strings... *laughs in pedal harpist*

[@lawnerddownunder3461]

The sound of gut is just amazing though isn't it? I described to to my husband the other day as sounding like dark chocolate

[@evan]

Yo yo ma was used in one of my fourth grade standardised tests as an English comprehension exercise and I don’t know why but it has always stuck with me and I loved this vid :)

[@paperboxes]

He’s got mad charisma

[@MaliaMydnight]

My mom taught dance and she was a cellist too. We always warmed up to Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 as played by Yo Yo Ma. She adored him. So I listen to him when I miss her. This made me smile to watch. 💜

[@EllaGP22]

I love how he can just break into song without any prior warning. It’s genuinely lovely.

[@snowthefbiman2805]

Yo-Yo Ma was my dads friend he is such a sweetheart, makes the music shine through the instrument and it gains a whole new meaning Unfortunately my dad passed away but he has said many great things about him.

[@DomenicVermillion]

My mother took me to see Yo-Yo play in the mid 1990’s at a free concert in the DC area, I was near the front row and looked down at my holographic Golbat Pokémon card the whole time. So embarrassing.

[@rasm0225]

Crobat and I’d understand, but yeah, that’s embarrassing.

[@thombran]

It could probably buy that entire Stadium what with today's prices

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Too young to have appreciation! She should have had a sitter for you and just go by herself. I see events by myself sometimes because i dont know people who are sophisticated enough for the event. Just a fact of life.

[@pipapo3424]

@@paulazemeckis7835 Humblebrag

[@leoslego5965]

Oh no....

[@TheDGomezzi]

Is nobody going to talk about how wholesome his rap collab answer was? Loved the reasoning for why he’d collab with Common!

[@kieranmclain9992]

I’ve met him briefly and I have to say that Yo-Yo is the kindest and most caring man I’ve ever met. I’ll always remember seeing him in concert!

[@lakeninevah]

I love this man. Truly transcendent, musically and spiritually. I had the joyous experience of meeting him, the day after 9/11, when he played in Boulder, Colorado. A few of us were treated to his morning rehearsal and then met with him afterwards. A peak experience in my life.

[@victoriavvc]

I've heard his name for most of my life, never seen his face, heard his voice, or heard him play. I love wired, because I saw the title, and knew I was in for a good time.

[@kirstencorby8465]

You probably have heard him play but didn't know it. In movie soundtracks, on the radio, etc.

[@ambivertical]

Same! But I listened to his music in my youth. Hes so much more awesome than i would have expected.

[@Xioxio000]

This man's been playing cello so long that his voice and mannerisms are just cello incarnate.

[@noneyabis]

No they're not.

[@mootoast8614]

@@noneyabis Yes they are.

[@Sonali-bn8xd]

When he said “For 60 years...” I Googled his age and he is 65 years.Yo-Yo Ma has been playing since he was 5. A Ling Ling indeed. Edit: I got a notification a month after posting this comment and it feels good to find these many TwoSetters.

[@Caughtinthedarudesandstorm888]

LING LING FORTY HOURS

[@sallykristinevarne]

I knew I was not the only Twosetter in the comments!!

[@Sonali-bn8xd]

@@sallykristinevarne Yeah 🙌. Bro, are you Indian?

[@sallykristinevarne]

@@Sonali-bn8xd Dude yes! How did you know??

[@the_red_piano455]

If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly

[@NickSealPueo]

“It takes you places. Music is a mode of transportation.” Wow what a powerful and true statement.

[@larryphotography]

Yeah I loved that! So true (I'm a violinist)

[@ArtbyAtlas]

Them: "Why do they play Cello Suite No. 1 every time?" Yo Yo Ma: "It represents the infinitude of everything we have IN THE WORLD." Me: Wow.

[@berulan8463]

Also, first tune played in this video....

[@DanaCat24]

Same

[@JosephDutra]

“When you’re young - you’re first of all, a mortal - you think you live forever.” I’m only 25 and this honestly hits hard. I don’t know, I guess I’m reaching a part of my life where I’m realizing I only live once and got to make the best of it.

[@alexdeleon1463]

Same!

[@Birdnerd1968]

Learning this at 25 is a gift. Some people don't learn this lesson until it's too late and all they have is regret. I hope your life is a full one and happy.

[@JosephDutra]

@@Birdnerd1968 Thank you, you too.

[@bing4131]

Can i get a time stap for his answer ? I have missed it somehow.

[@JosephDutra]

@@bing4131 8:45

[@orionisalnitak]

i feel like yo-yo ma is the tony hawk of the musical world. i've known his name since i was 6 but i didnt know him till he said "hello im yoyo ma"

[@Grinnar]

What an amazing and humble guy he is. I didn't expect this. His love for his craft and down to earth but still positive attitude is breath taking.

[@deanmarana1683]

He is probably the closest thing to a real life Iroh we'll ever get.

[@kloodledoodle]

Omg yes!!!!

[@littlelion8219]

iroh was a war criminal?

[@cumbob]

@@littlelion8219 iroh is great in retirement but I'm sure he caused a lot of death. Part of what makes him a great character is how much he changed to redeem himself but I never see that mentioned in internet comments like these

[@atzl26]

so true :)))

[@monke2229]

@@littlelion8219 hes also fictional

[@glossaria2]

Ah! I played violin for 15 years and never realized there was an acoustic reason for the maple to be in the back, and the spruce to be in the front! (Also, thank you SO MUCH for the Bach 6 Cello Suites and Silk Road albums. Two of my all-time favorite classical albums!)

[@megtesh1202]

SCREAMS “YO-YO MA NEEDS A KZbin CHANNEL” Wired needs to get the word to him 😌

[@GnomaticReverie]

He does.

[@serenalizinnqui8474]

He has a KZbin channel.

[@YN_Productions]

I love how when he plays 'unmoving' he still is clearly putting emotion and movement behind because it literally isn't possible to do otherwise

[@gdiluvthesepeaches3911]

I first saw him play as a child. I was instantly a massive fan. Not only is he amazingly talented, but he has the most beautiful soul. It is literally like light shines out of him.😊

[@dannnsss8034]

Brave of you. Kids these days are shy to admit that they are fans of classical music.

[@ahmedsudaisbatuaan]

He's a psychopath, do your research

[@gdiluvthesepeaches3911]

@Mike You can't?

[@LivingGuy484]

I've never heard this man speak before, but it only took five seconds to know that he is a magnificent human being

[@Billkwando]

Us lucky Mister Rogers watchers got to hear him speak way back in the day.

[@madelinerodriguez8583]

I honestly could just listen to him talk about Bach all day long. Bach just transcends into pure emotion and Yo-Yo Ma expresses this so beautifully.

[@rileygreen2807]

Thanks so much for the morale push. its has been your prayers and support that has kept me at my best. May the good lord bless and guide you.💛💕

[@mattypants]

Just as you begin to doubt the abilities of humanity, you witness someone like Yo-Yo Ma express their ability and it takes your breath away. Masters like this prove humanities beauty.

[@ChefMimsy]

I've had a crush on Mr Ma since he first became well known... has it been 40 years already? More? I love seeing him in concert as he becomes the music. His facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission.

[@umiyuki5566]

I love how he holds his cello like they are beer buddies

[@pyotrilyichtchaikovsky3733]

Pretty sure his cello is worth 2,5 million so i get it

[@beatm6948]

It's kind of a natural position 😁. It's also a big thing, so wrapping yourself around it does protect it a bit

[@poisonmantis4191]

you either hold your cello like a *very* attractive woman or you hold it like your beer buddy and there's no in between.

[@painovoimaton]

The instrument should be its player's greatest friend. I love my instruments and hold them like I would a friend. It's just a kind of natural connection that forms as a player advances... Sometimes it's hard to leave an instrument behind when it is time to get a new one!

[@Synikax]

He's like the bob ross of music. Or bob ross is the yo yo ma of painting.

[@dbell582]

True, true

[@dustinoneil7874]

Ok, this is a little assholish, but that analogy is bad, and bob ross was the best at 30 min landscapes, but YoYo Ma is the Da Vinci of painting!!!!!!!

[@hungryhermit2072]

I wrote the exact same thing, only to notice your comment after!

[@kaseywahl]

I don't know why I always had this impression that Yo-Yo Ma was a super unapproachable, stern-faced, serious musician who only appeared on stage to communicate with us virtuosically through music and then vanish into the mist, but man... He is so cool!!!! What an awesome human, and a legendary musician!

[@caroline7420]

I thought the same thing until I had the incredible experience of seeing him live earlier this year. He was making hearts with his hands when we clapped and he left the stage so quickly after he finished his set. The conductor had to drag him back out so we could clap for him longer. He was so sweet and wore the tshirt for a local charity helping struggling kids pursue music over his dress shirt. It was an amazing experience.

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

Judging people frequently can lead us to inaccurate representations.

[@caveatlector1591]

for some reason I didn't think Yo-yo ma is like this. I think I found my new favorite person

[@PrincessSakuno]

Ikr I thought he was just a major nerd lol i take it back

[@renelynvives9266]

Me too! He is refreshingly (and surprisingly) very down to earth and funny.

[@jenny123311994]

I need a Yo -Yo Ma and Two Set Violin Collab in my life 😭

[@anonymouslyanonymous9646]

Yay another two setter :) I definitely would love to see a trio or quartet with them and maybe someone playing viola. Would be a dream. We should definitely petition for that haha

[@cellocello1762]

He should do a ling ling challenge!

[@gretaleonard598]

Yes!

[@j.c.5749]

@@anonymouslyanonymous9646 I'd "play" the viola for that quartet! All I'd have to do is keep the viola quiet! And well....sit still, and not get too excited! Hahaha!

[@anonymouslyanonymous9646]

@@j.c.5749 haha yes! It would be very hard to be calm when you’re with the one and only Brett and eddy :)

[@AmandaSheila]

Mr. Yo-Yo Ma seems like a very smart and warm teacher that would share any information you need happily because he'd love to see you success.

[@suz5191]

yoyo ma is so humble, he's a cello legend but he still says that he plays out of tune and can't figure out finger placements

[@joelcastro-reyes1667]

Definition of a player who "feels" the music rather than fully understand every note as it's "supposed" to sound

[@CHOCOLATIONZ]

Me seeing the thumbnail: "what on earth is Bach Suite no.1?" Me at 0:48 : "oh"

[@joshuagoodman5267]

Kinda funny...he played that number in the Russell Crowe movie “Master & Commander”!

[@nerizariellebangad1452]

Same 😂

[@carolbuzelim]

Even not knowing the name i just KNEW that was this one hahaha

[@ethanorr6093]

In my house, I am the piano player and my sister the cello player; she always plays Suite No.1 to the point where it’s annoying.

[@SH-wk6po]

I wonder how many people asked about the Jaws theme, and the editors are like "Nope!"

[@buddy3635]

This man played for Presidents Kennedy and Eisenhower. LEGEND!!!!

[@gandhisaad1]

You mean the presidents had the honor of listening to this man ;)

[@lawnerddownunder3461]

As a 7yo, let's not forget

[@katjoe1974]

And president Bartlet

[@elizabethmayberry3414]

That video is on KZbin, he tunes his cello onstage too. He’s really a tiny but serious button.

[@Chaosflyex98]

As someone who's played the cello for about 15 years now, this is so dope to see the GOAT do a Q&A.

[@ilovemydog6847]

Yo-yo comes across as such a warm friendly kind caring person, someone who you could just sit down with and enjoy a drink or a meal with and talk about anything not just music. Yet he is one on the most brilliant and sought after musicians of our time a true legend. But that’s what people of his calibre are like. The truly talented people are humble. They make their instruments do the talking. They don’t need to be boastful and most of the time as in Yoyo’s case they are not like that any way. He’s just such a wonderful brilliant man.