Too much Yo-Yo Ma?


Social Media recently lit up with a story of Yo Yo Ma playing at a vaccine clinic.  By all accounts he is a super nice guy and an accomplished musician, but is it possible I got too much of his recordings?  I now hear him playing and it's like hearing Tori Amos, in the sense that you just know it's him.  His signature style seems thick and immutable.  Is that really his style of playing, or his cello?  Do I need to listen to more recent recordings to change my mind?

And if you need a break from the fine gentleman, who are other cellists you might recommend?

Best,

Erik
erik_squires
Savall is great...

I listen to him much.... But it is very different than cello....
Try Miklos Perényi, one of Hungary‘s better kept secrets. There are some wonderful recordings with Andras Schiff on piano
btw, I do rate Yo Yo Ma‘s Bach solo suite as well as his Beethoven and Brahms with Emmanuel Ax
Moved on from Savall.  Current fav is Hille Perl.  She has plenty of recordings; seek some out.
Fantastic suggestions so far. 

OP, if you consider Yo Yo’s concept “thick and immutable”, try Elisa Weilerstein for a lighter approach and beautiful lyricism. For a very different, intense and romantic concept, Mischa Maisky is worth checking out.

Enjoy.