Yo-Yo Ma performs Bach in Alaska

Bach's Prélude from Suite No. 2, amidst the melting permafrost on Lower Tanana Dene lands in Fairbanks, Alaska, where I was brought by Princess Daazhraii Johnson. She writes this:
"Our relationship to our birch relatives, our salmon relatives, and all the beings of Alaska are sacred. Our traditional stories tell us that at one point we all spoke the same language ... we still do. If we find the time to truly listen, we might recognize ourselves in the melting permafrost or the fallen birch, but we might also recognize ourselves in the songs of the birds or the freshness of the Arctic breeze. There is still hope when we experience life. We should all fall in love with the places we live and let this love drive our determination to protect the waters, the salmon, the caribou, and all our plant relatives so that future generations may also experience such joy and sustenance.”
Video by Austin Mann and Taylor McKay
Audio by Christopher Moretti and Jesse Lewis

[@Cellopedia]

This is very powerful synthesis of the beauty of music and the power of the cause. Thank you, Yo-Yo Ma for making this planet a better place to live on!

[@Jessica-rw6nr]

Hey Cellopedia! Love your vids!

[@benjamMin278]

Agreed! Next in Ukraine and on the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russian territory please. 🙏🙏

[@beethovensg]

Listen and shut up with your planet problems.

[@nancychace8619]

The "cause"? Could you please elaborate?

[@hollish1010]

​@@nancychace8619 reading the video description may help you. I think this video is about paying attention to the nature around us and taking better care of it. It was posted for Earth Day.

[@zeniascreativespace3890]

I am from Alaska and I have deep indigenous ancestry here, (settler and indigenous) and I would never call any other place in this world in my home, though I am well traveled. This piece moved my heart, and the way it was presented is a beautiful remark and statement upon the way it has changed, even from when I was a child. Thank you, Yo-Yo Ma and everyone who made this happen, I am grateful for our home to be shown in such a bittersweet beautiful way. I have been a fan of yours since the early PBS days from childhood.

[@daniadejonghe4980]

we are fortunate to be alive at the same time as this man.

[@jenniferpatt4355]

a completely realized enlightened soul sharing his gifts of bliss

[@daniadejonghe4980]

@@jenniferpatt4355 exactly

[@franciscomorilla5406]

Siiii,tienes toda la razón!!!

[@nathanbickel4362]

Anyone here from We're Here?

[@thex9000B]

Because we're here

[@thebeaglebeagle]

@@thex9000B Because we're here

[@dasiavou]

@@thebeaglebeagle because we're here

[@dennismayhem4894]

What what and what what?? lol Yo Yo Ma so godd!

[@iwasntreadyforitall]

​@@dennismayhem4894We're Here is a newsletter from the vlogbrothers Hank and John Green

[@timothymalone7067]

Two great Masters, Bach and Yo Yo Ma, such melancholy beauty!

[@NeonMyloXyloto]

And Stradivari :)

[@asteinarts4316]

And Mother Nature?

[@Artoliva]

Yoyo Ma inspired me to learn the violin at age 9 before I even knew his name… thanks to a school field trip to listen to him… all by himself at the Guzman Hall in downtown Miami…over 50 years ago..he is truly an amazing treasure to humanity

[@dh3279]

Yo-Yo Ma is a genuine national and global treasure!

[@joncaju]

The d minor prelude is solemn, dark, melancholic, introspective, and mournful. By the end, it also refreshes the spirit and for that I am grateful to J.S. Bach for this music.

[@NeonMyloXyloto]

The prelude of Bach's suite 2 is one of Yo Yo Ma's first piece he ever performed on stage when he was little

[@rhijulbec1]

@NeonMyloXyloto Thank you for the information I've followed YoYo for many years. My children would hear a Led Zeppelin album playing and next a Yo Yo compilation. Both pleased them 😊 They've developed a love for classical music in general, which pleases me. And now my grandchildren are also listening. Although I have not seen him in person unfortunately, he has been instrumental (pun intended) in making classical music available to people who may not have been interested in that particular genre of music, in a way few others have. I sigh when I hear him play, sort of like exhaling the days trials and just listening to a master.

[@Jude74]

@@rhijulbec1I love reading posts like this. My parents introduced me to Bolero, The Music Man, Muddy Waters and ELO all in the same week when we got a new stereo. I was 3 1/2 at the time and I just turned 50 and I still remember hearing that music for the first time. It opened my mind to all music not just what was playing on the radio. Those are some of my favorite memories. And I bet those are some of your kids favorite memories too.❤

[@allisoneldredge.cellist]

Yo-Yo Ma + Bach + woods of Alaska = ❤❤❤❤❤

[@michelewhite36]

Absolutely beautiful! The perfect Earth Day performance.

[@ethnicmusiclover]

Cello is music of the heart and soul.

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

Magnificent. Handsome birch set in the beauty and mystery of Aladka . Thank you for your music.

[@SanDra-zr9he]

I love how he lets his surroundings flow into what he gives us

[@emersonpinto1802]

The genius of Yo-Yo Ma is ageless.

[@beatrixvantil8623]

magnifique , on EARTH DAY, thank you 🙏

[@elliechoi._.]

I love Yo Yo Ma’s connection to nature. A truly beautiful performance

[@es416]

THANK YOU SO MUCH YO-YO MA! I’m Alaskan native, and my family is from lower tanana! I appreciate that you came to alaska! I’ve been a fan of your work for a few years and it truly makes me happy that you came to alaska :) happy earth day 🌎 🌱

[@CSharpListenSharper]

:'D

[@lisahish8449]

Thank you! Powerful. I bet the white birches were happy to be serenaded.

[@isaackirondelwanga5821]

His performances are mesmerizing & he conveys emotion in how he plays. I'm from Kampala Uganda and his work always brings a smile to my face.

[@jeanninej224]

Pure beauty…

[@KianShirazi]

Yo Yo Ma + nature = best combo

[@user-vs4tg7yb9k]

Although your hair color has changed, your beautiful music is still as youthful and beautiful as ever. Thank you for bringing beautiful colors to this world.😊

[@Lilimango1270]

Thank you for reminding me that there is still so much beauty in our humanity.

[@Marksviolin]

Wow! The calmness of this piece. Thank you, Yo-Yo Ma

[@Odetojoyous]

Places us as part rather than apart from Nature. Thank you❤😊

[@carolynwheeler8475]

The depth of that cello is astounding.

[@darlafetterman3598]

As soon as this started I completely relaxed. Almost all of the tension left my body.... Thank you!

[@desib5396]

This profoundly mirrors my current feelings of sadness, grief, sorrow.

[@desib5396]

@@CatyBee This is one aspect of of music and the filters of perception I suppose. Depending on circumstances it triggers different emotions in/ has different meanings for/ gives different things to different people.

[@desib5396]

@@CatyBee No. Thanks. This might be right for you. I actually do not share this view on things. I rather decide for myself what I want and need and what not.

[@desib5396]

@@CatyBee I can relate to that. I too attempted to be empathetic and nice in a lot of different ways. A lot of the times only to find out that things don't work the way I thought they do.

[@phillully4472]

Beautiful performance Yo Yo. Moving and embracing.

[@janetrobertson9199]

"There is still hope when we experience life"

[@MystearicaClaws]

Three of my favorite things all on one place 💚💚💚💚💚

[@FoxTwoWolf]

I do not have the words required for such Beauty and tone. I am privileged that men like Mr. Ma are still creating. Still beating with the World around them. A damned privilege. ❤

[@dennisharris2942]

Thank you, and thank you for your performance at the memorial for the World Central Kitchen workers.

[@ran9148]

ヨーヨー・マさん、チェロ、バッハの音楽、自然、地球、宇宙、スタッフの方達、全てが美しく一体となり私の心を震わせます。

[@elizabethtallman3280]

Thank you Yo Yo,along the same lines a young organist has been going around rural churches in England and playing the organ.Ben Maton plays with all his heart just like Yo Yo and honors the places and people and prayers that were sent up over the centuries.We need to honor these sacred places and no better way than to bring back music to these areas.

[@nochiffonnokneading]

深沉苍凉中透着悲悯细腻，人、景、音乐，浑然天成。

[@psycthom]

Beyond beautiful I'm still stoked and privileged to have seen Ma perform Bach in NZ 2019 (seems like just the other day not 5 years AGO)

[@banirbn]

So relaxing listening to the beauty of this masterpiece, especially performed by Yo-Yo Ma, who is one with both music and nature.

[@enidsnarb]

So beautiful like nature itself ! Such a gift to all who see and hear !

[@JDH_MUSIC]

Alaska might be the most beautiful place on Earth

[@mandascruggs2245]

Yo-Yo Ma is amazing. That is such not enough way to explain this performance, where he played it, and why he did it. Why he did this for us. Thank you so so much!

[@KateMoriarty]

❤I love his way of playing ❤

[@Mag-he1yk]

Every time when I hear you play, the interpretation is more beautiful and profound ❤

[@ahtaeva]

Bach, prelude, You, nature of Alaska ... Great performance dear Yo Yo. Wonderful! Amazing! Enjoed your palaying and Bach... Thank you both:) God bless You! My full support! Sub! and best regards!

[@thomasliangus]

Mr. Bach, you make this world divine!

[@adventurecreations3214]

Yo-Yo!!! You're a rockstar! Exquisite. Thank you

[@TheLapiel]

Magnífico, sublime y enternecedor...

[@AbeKenney]

What an awesome place, performance and person!

[@honestexistence]

My heart moves with your cello.

[@CosmicFreedom7777]

I found so creative this interpretation of a deep composition from Bach in the midst of a gray tree trunks' bed, with the unique expression of Yo Yo Ma, within the global sadness of what is happening in the world. It reminds me THE PIANIST when he started to play in the aftermath of the war, that scene, that face. The Princess' message is the cherry on top. Thanks, Yo Yo Ma 🩶💚🍀🍀

[@fabianmaraschi]

Esos árboles muertos...este Preludio, como un rezo... esta interpretación desde el alma... siento la mano sanadora del arte para salvar a este planeta...Gracias Maestro Yo-Yo Ma...

[@oscaregana2304]

Yo-yo Ma ha logrado interpretar el sentir, de los días grises y fríos que vive nuestro planeta, a través del preludio N° 2 de Bach...no es una casualidad en él, haber elegido Alaska y su frío para reflejar una cierta deseperanza😢 me encantó su interpretación maestro!

[@EvanBradleyEDB]

The KZbin algorithm brought me here; some faith in technology has been restored

[@katiabarcenas8002]

No existe en la música ninguna combinación de ornamento que el músico genio no sea capaz de reproducir. Busca la forma más enérgica del color de la música el contenido es maravilloso para el mundo!!! Gracias maestro. ❤❤❤

[@ricardoaguilar4750]

Amaizing performance thanks máster Yo Yoc Ma!

[@MarianelaMachado-wo6om]

Las cosas más hermosas de la vida, la música ❤

[@FOXKING504]

Absolutely beautiful

[@sheilaathay2034]

Beautiful..Thank you so much 🫂💖

[@MrMurphrey]

Two things I love - my home and Yo-Yo Ma's playing. I would have loved to met him when he was here, better to have been sitting there while he played!

[@lindachen668]

為何聽著聽著眼淚在打轉，整個人進入一種放空的模式，這音樂有一種魔力❤❤❤非常喜愛❤❤❤

[@calebhans]

This is hauntingly beautiful

[@johncronin2929]

Exquisite, I learned to play this a few years back. I must go back and find it again, this music and Yo Yo’s playing is an homage to being human.

[@All-Home-Home]

Una maravilla!!!

[@ScubbaSteve-np5un]

No birds, no life, no one siging along. Says a lot yy-ma. Who's there when everything is gone 😔

[@DanutaBoron-wm1ju]

Odważne,urocze, potrzebne.Swietne połączenie -----mysl przewodnią naszych czasów.☘️☘️🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

[@MegaFount]

Exquisite! Thank you for sharing your brilliance and talent. Love your interpretation of this moving piece.

[@MorrisDeanMoristotle]

My friend Bob Boldt, who sent me a link to this recording, commented: “I don't believe in Heaven, but in a good life, well lived. Bach is the best argument I have yet to find for the existence of God.”

[@lfscruggs1]

Amazingly beautiful. 🙏🏻

[@user-xz3lz4ew5c]

A Cold spring in alaska. ❤

[@entirelybonkers8832]

I live in alaska this is beautiful

[@SewlockHolmes]

Absolutely stunning! Your episode on The West Wing is still one of my absolute favorites and my parents are big fans. I'm gonna send this to them right away!

[@claudineansermet1871]

Immense merci à Yoyo Ma de témoigner son amour pour notre planète qui se meurt: les accents de son interprétation sont pathétiques et sublimes.

[@christophernoto]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. ❤🙏 I have a question, though, as to how the recording was made, outdoors, with only the sound of the instrument being recorded? My guess is a contact microphone on the back of the instrument… Help, please? 🙏 And all the best to everyone who was a part of this project! ❤❤❤

[@CreativeSteve69]

Beatufiul as always Ma. HOpe to see you perform live someday.

[@SaintTimothy23]

Amazing performance. The precision and clarity matches the whimsical movements of the environment perfectly. This is as good as cello gets.

[@hanyoshiko195]

Thank you for your love and music ❤ Please play Bach on top of Mount Fuji 🗻!!

[@lowcedar]

I’d like to think this is the first time those birches have ever heard a cello singing through their branches 🎵

[@francescodefendi3201]

Deep, spiritual, love this 🙏🏻

[@marybrewer2203]

I give thanks to the Creator for the instrument you are. May you be blessed in large and in tiny ways.

[@elderlourenco-biomusica3644]

Obrigado pela sua música que traz um sentimento nobre de empatia e fraternidade.

[@womanofacertainage5892]

Love.

[@lynnmoss2127]

Thank you

[@heatherbuechelartistry]

I've listened to you for years and you continue to inspire me. This is beautiful.

[@Beethoven-nj4ne]

Amazing

[@northernpianomusic]

Beautiful. Thank you. 🙏❤

[@seanmccaul3034]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@lotnik1976]

Pure beauty! Thank you!

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@waterhousewhistler]

Amazing! Thank you so much!

[@roanthedestroyr131]

Beautiful.

[@george-st-george]

Excellent !!!! Thank You !!!

[@TheWickedJizzler]

Thank you! Great stuff yet again

[@yny13xx]

Watching in 38°c weather in asia. Thank you for making it feel cooler.

[@call-me-C]

thank you!

[@marinavoronova4579]

- Спустя столько лет? - Всегда.

[@Ashleybmakingvideos]

Fantastic, thank you

[@mellissadalby1402]

I have always loved your playing. I still do!

[@walterguercio4578]

🌺🌼🐝🌏 Yo Yo MA 🎶🎵 Gracias 🙏

[@unacarezzaperlanima]

Che potenza emotiva❤