Celebrating Musical Instrument: Cello

[amirm]

Hello everyone. I thought it would be fun to discuss music where an instrument plays a central role. In this case, I am picking Cello. Something about it makes it different and unusual for me compared to other string instruments. Moreso, there are some modern usage of it that I don't usually associate with it. So here it goes.

Instead of a solo Cello, how about a full ensemble of it? And one of the most famous compositions for Cello: Bach's Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude.

 

[amirm]

Here is a duo called Brooklyn Duo (Cello and Piano), this time at Carnegie Hall, playing the cover of Take On Me (band a-ha) with Ensemble Connect. Beautifully shot:

 

[amirm]

Another one by Brooklyn Duo, playing one of my favorite tracks, Cohen's Hallelujah.

 

[amirm]

And one of my favorites of their work, John Legend's All of Me cover:

 

[amirm]

Here is the theme to TV series, "Stranger Things" delightfully as performed by Nicholas Yee (center) accompanied by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. When I first watched this, I thought they were not really playing as at times I heard music with none of them playing it. The explanation is in the notes:

"Edit (December 21, 2016): All sounds in this video were made using a cello. There are actually eight cello parts in addition to percussive sounds which were also made using a cello. Apparently some people seem to be quite offended that these additional parts and percussion are not shown physically in the video so I thought I would explain. Anyway, thanks for watching!"

 

[amirm]

"Say Something" (A Great Big World) Cello and Piano Cover by Caitlin & Max

 

[DonH56]

A guy I worked with went to school with Yo-Yo Ma. He (Mr. Ma) came to town last year but the tickets were so expensive (~$200 each) that we didn't go.

For something different, here's one of our own:

 

[amirm]

Here is one by Piano Guys again, but on the lighter side of things (Pachelbel's Canon in D-Major):

Reminds of Mr. Bean!

 

[amirm]

I better post some classical music before I get shot by fans of that genre. From one of my two top classical composers, Vivaldi: Cello sonatas RV40/42/46 - Roel Dieltiens (1991)

 

[amirm]

From the youtube channel, GnuS Cello, Cover of Chainsmoker's "Closer"

 

[amirm]

Another feast for the ear and the eye: The soundtrack of Game of Thrones, by Break of Reality

 

[amirm]

Back to Brooklyn Duo, La La Land

 

[amirm]

Bach's music is inseparable from Cello but finding which one to post is a challenge among millions. So I thought I go with this presentation by French musician, Ophélie Gaillard, due nice visuals: Prelude, Cello suite n. 1

 

[Thomas savage]

I have a album by apocalyptica that's full of tings like this .., ( hope it relates)

 

[Old Listener]

Haydn Cello Concerto in C, 3rd movement
The soloist, Danielle Akta, was 13 when this video was recorded. (She is 14 now.)

 

[Vincent Kars]

You can play the cello with 5 guys

 

[Frank Dernie]

My favourite performer and concerto, here with her husband conducting, though I prefer her recording with Barbirolli but there is no video.

 

[amirm]

You can play the cello with 5 guys

Wow, that is crazy and adorable at the same time. I had seen this done with guitar but not cello! Thanks for posting it.

 

[amirm]

My favourite performer and concerto, here with her husband conducting, though I prefer her recording with Barbirolli but there is no video.

The fluidity and emotion transcend the poor audio (and video) fidelity!

 

[amirm]

I have a album by apocalyptica that's full of tings like this .., ( hope it relates)

I must stay, at first I avoided this video thinking it would be hard rock or metal. Did not at all expect such a soft track and freshness of the approach. I think this is the first instance of seeing a shirt-less guy playing the Cello.