Search - Anonymous, Japanese Traditional :: Japanese Melodies

Yo-Yo's Early Crossover

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recently, Yo-Yo Ma has received massive critical and popular acclaim for his numerous projects combining classical music and a variety of folk and indigenous music - from the hills of Appalachia to the Silk Road of Asia. But before the success of his collaborations with Tan Dun, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor and others in the late 90s, Yo-Yo Ma made "Japanese Melodies" in 1984 with harpsichordist Patricia Zander and Pro Musica Nipponia, under the direction of conductor and arranger Michio Mamiya. This CD features ten selections of traditional Japanese compositions arranged for Ma's cello and orchestra. Overall, the music is quite enjoyable - as a personal aside I have made it my official dinner music when I get sushi carry-out. My reason for withholding a fifth star is this is certainly not the greatest music Ma has committed to disc, and the CD itself features no liner notes whatsoever. Considering how much Ma has had to say about his Silk Road Project lately, it would have been interesting to read his thoughts on the music of different cultures in 1984 at the time of this recording. Alas, "Japanese Melodies" is highly recommended as is."

Relaxing, beautiful renditions of classic Japanese sound

S. Arellano | WI | 01/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yo-Yo Ma's beautiful sweeping cello work with traditional Japanese intruments and percussion in the background.This may be simpler work than most Ma fans are looking for, but I believe the simplicity is part of what makes this cd perfect background dinner or mood music. I still can't get over how sad Sakura sounds to my western ears. It's a really beautiful cd to own."

Neo Traditional

Marie | 01/10/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I doubt the kids in Japan are listening to this, but it's great for a dinner party or a different spin on traditional Japanese music with a splash of modernism."