WOW! I'm a little out of breath, but I better write about this
interview anyway. Tonight I interviewed Yo-Yo Ma, the world
famous cellist. Ok, so this was interview number 2 for me. I
was nervous. I had been listening to about 8 different Yo-Yo
Ma CD's over a 2 month period of time, so that I could literally
feel the music and understand enough to ask good questions and
not disappoint the teen classical music fans who were writing
in. Sony Music's www.crouchingtigersoundtrack.com
provided a heavy duty intellectual interview with Yo-Yo Ma and
Tan Dun, the great composer of the soundtrack.
At 13, I couldn't possibly ask those kinds of questions because
my musical training is very limited. I get so many letters asking
about Yo-Yo Ma because he is loved by kids worldwide. Those
of us taking music lessons for years know who he is because
he is a role model to us regardless of the instrument we've
chosen to play. As one kid wrote to me, his mom used to say
"Do you think you are going to play like Yo-Yo Ma if you goof
off and play basketball instead of practice?". He's a young
legend who is fun and cool.
Yo-Yo Ma takes chances with classical music. He is not afraid
to play Tango, Bluegrass, Global sounds or do solos for Oscar
Nominated soundtracks, like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon!!
I think he sees music in the way the internet sees communication,
it's open to everyone! I also think notes for him are an international
language and maybe once you are comfortable with your great
skill, you can go anywhere with your music and speak to anyone
with your sound without feeling at risk. He is not a vain man.
Yo-Yo Ma is curious, he's generous, and he likes kids. And by
the way, like Ang Lee, you will hear, that he took special care
to reach out to me, a 13 year old kid. Hopefully you will see
a less mysterious side of this world famous cellist. Aside from
the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Soundtrack, which is up for
an Oscar nomination OF COURSE- I really enjoyed listening to
Appalachia Waltz, Liberty, Soul of the Tango, Simply Baroque
(good to listen to while you are writing or studying), and Appalachian
Journey (with James Taylor). Thank you Mr. Yo-Yo Ma I've been
practicing overtime on my drums; you are an inspiration to all
of us! Can't wait to hear you in concert live!
--John |
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