Customer Reviews

Simply Baroque

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4 star:		(2)
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The Baroque Period in Europe originated in the early 17th century and reached it's peak in the early 18th century. The English word "baroque" is translated from the Italian "barocco", meaning "bizarre". "Passionate" is probably more like it. Johann Sebastian Bach is the most celebrated of the Baroque composers, although George Frederick Handel and Antonio Vivaldi are also famous for their Baroque music.

Yo Yo Ma's Simply Baroque (1999) brings the Grammy Award winning master cellist together with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra (Ton Koopman) to perform mostly Bach pieces from the 18th century late Baroque period. You might recognize some of this music even if you don't know your classical music. It is thoughtful and soothing, even sounding sacred at times. Yo Yo's rich and soulful cello brings a sad beauty to these beautiful melodies, and his skillful perfection is satisfying and impressive. Enveloped by the A.B.O., Ma brings these great compositions to life, and once again a new generation hears the music of Bach and Boccherini.

You don't have to know anything about classical music to enjoy Simply Baroque; it's quite enjoyable just as it is. It's relaxing, reflective and interesting. It's simply... wonderful!

This is simply a beautiful cd. I find myself carried away by the arrangements-just wonderful! I must admit this is my first cd by Yo-Yo Ma. It will not be the last. If this is the kind of quality one can expect from this artist, I am a fan!

I have listened to this cd 3/4 times and it still amazes me. I become a part of the music. If you enjoy classical music with arrangements that are intelligent, played with sensitivity, and a joy to experience, buy this cd.

Great album of YO YO Ma's ......as usual he is a master of the instrument.....I have to say , however, that Simply Baroque II was a greater listening pleasure for me simply because the music was more uplifting and in the style of baroque I prefer....but this is also a fine album for Baroque lovers.

I can only say, that as far as I am concerned, this is just some of the best music I have ever heard.... Im guessing this is the way Bach intended his music to sound in the first place, and who better for that than the AMO and Koopman...and of course YO YO... if u love classic music, you are absolutly going to LOVE this cd..I highly recommend it

I bought this because I love to listen to cellos. On my Mark&Daniels,the sound is first rate, overall. ButI would have loved to have the cello given a bit more prominence, audio-wise. The accompanying instruments are aggressive enough to drown the cello out in the musical pictures, except for the first selection which is just fabulous.

Yo Yo Ma is a consummate musician. If you love baroque music, you'll love this CD. It offers a sublime musical experience.

Simply Baroque by Yo-Yo Ma is an excellent addition to anyone's collection of Baroque Music. The rich Cello tones strike a proper balance between showcasing Yo-Yo Ma and letting the rest of the musicians play the music. This CD is a beautiful collection of Baroque music. If you like Baroque, get this CD.

I find it very relaxing listening to this,more specifically when you have visitors over for dinner for instance, it is beautiful music for your background.

Yo-Yo Ma has given us a real treasure here. In this album, he and Koopman blend marvelously to give us some real intimate playing. While some may complain about the more relaxed environment of authentic instruments, I do not find this to be a problem. There is a special atmosphere that is gained here, that is equally satisfying as a full orchestra would be. The first half of this CD is transcriptions of various Bach pieces. Some of these, such as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and the Air on a G-string are quite well known. The following Boccherini concerti are likewise quite satisfying. As others have pointed out, special attention should be given to the fabulous cadenzas.

This certainly should be added to your collection if you do not already own it. If you are pleased with it, I would strongly recommend the follow-up album Yo-Yo Ma - Simply Baroque II ~ Bach & Boccherini / ABO, Koopman, which I find even more satisfying.

If you love Bach this is a must. The selection of works is excellent. Yo-Yo Ma does a fantastic interpretation here.