Best cello player (or who plays songs the best)

I truely believe that Anner Bylsma is just about the cello king. His rustic style and sometimes almost brutish approach is a refreshing aspect to the modern pristine, glassy cello playing. Sorry Mistislav, but you come in second in my book.

eh, I've seen him play, I still prefer Yo-Yo Mah's playing

Perhaps Ma (without the h) is a better player, but listen to Bylsma's recording of the Bach suites and it's clear who wins. I really like Ma's Silk Road Project, it's really cool. However, when playing Bach, you need a much more rustic tone ie. more open strings, fingerings staying within a strings normal 4 notes, and LESS vibrato. Anyone can make a song sound good with vibrato, but it takes a master to make a song sound good without it.

Anyways... any other great people out there

Ever since I heard Lynn Harrel, I think he's the best I've ever heard play live though everyone seems to think Yo-Yo Ma is the best.

I like Yo yo because he's so passionate when he plays, I just love performers who are like that

I don't know about 'playing songs the best', but as far as creative and interesting music is concerned Vincent Courtois deserves a nod (website en français). You won't find him playing any Bach Cello Suites , but as a creative musician/improvisor, there's not many in his league...

I vote for Janos Starker.

Hmmm... maybe we should narrow it down to which style you believe is better: Baroque or modern? Obviously I vote for baroque.

And steel strings, what's with them?

Also, sorry to be blunt, but wtf is Vincent Courtois trying to do. Iwatched on of his videos and it was a bunch of random squeeky stuff. If you like that then I guess all the power to you.

Random squeeky stuff? Musical closed-mindedness never ceases to amuse me!! I can understand why audiences and perhaps, at times, performers, would say such things, but composers?? NO WAY IN HELL! :laugh:

Explain it to me please! :dry:

maybe we should narrow it down to which style you believe is better: Baroque or modern?

And steel strings, what's with them?

Also, sorry to be blunt, but wtf is Vincent Courtois trying to do. ...a bunch of random squeeky stuff.

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ALSO, I recently found another fabulous cellist. I know Dave Holland 's work well as a jazz composer/bassist, but, he's also a VERY good (and creative) cello player...the vitamin guy might want not to check it out.

Dave Holland - Life Cycle

I vote for Janos Starker.

Likewise....

Steel strings are kinda destroying our instruments. Plus, gut strings are easier to use and sound better. They aren't tinny or tempermental (in the musical sence... gut strings are harder to control due to weather fluctuations).

I also find it quite humorous that the very people who despise Ligeti enjoy the creative brilliance of people like Vincent.

By the way, please tell me what you enjoy in Mr. Vincent, seeing how I am so musically closed-minded.

And I do enjoy alternative cello playing, like Apocalyptica and Rasputina.

Steel strings are kinda destroying our instruments.

I also find it quite humorous that the very people who despise Ligeti enjoy the creative brilliance of people like Vincent.

By the way, please tell me what you enjoy in Mr. Vincent, seeing how I am so musically closed-minded.

I don't know who mentioned Ligeti, I for one don't despise his work, though I'm not familiar enough to know better...

As for what I like? It's got NOTHING to do with cello playing/technique or otherwise. I like the intent behind the music. Creativity can't be measured by how 'well' a person plays...I listen for individuality rather than technical prowess.

I recommend listening to more of Mr. Courtois' work: check out especially the ECM record with trombonist Yves Robert In Touch (my GOD that's a good record). ...

Your comments are most perplexing. Steel strings exert such a great pressure on instruments that after a while they will must likely be damaged. Maybe not brand new ones, but for old instruments like Stradivari, Montagana, or Guadagnini, it's just too much. Plus, the steel strings don't let the cello show its true potential.

As far as Vincent, if you're not listening for technique, skill, or sound, why listen. You make it seem as if you yourself might not enjoy the sound of it rather the creativity. Maybe it is creative, but when I try to listen to it, my eardrums literally start to hurt. Perhaps he is creative, I'd just rather him be creative within an audible range.

Your comments are most perplexing. Steel strings exert such a great pressure on instruments that after a while they will must likely be damaged. Maybe not brand new ones, but for old instruments like Stradivari, Montagana, or Guadagnini, it's just too much. Plus, the steel strings don't let the cello show its true potential.

If they're literally damaging your instrument, I can't understand why ANYONE would use them? I'm assuming the gut strings cost more, but weigh that against the cost of repairing/replacing your cello. Also, if they're superior in sound, easier to use - why isn't everyone playing them?

As far as Vincent, if you're not listening for technique, skill, or sound, why listen. You make it seem as if you yourself might not enjoy the sound of it rather the creativity.

The sound of it is the creativity. ...but whatever.

Listening for technique? No.

Sound? Absolutely. Skill? Sure, but not in the same sense as you. I'm an improvisor. I listen for skill in improvising.

As for sound, I want an interesting and individual sound. Something new. I don't want pure sound, or flawlessly performed pieces.

Either way, different ears hear different things. You, as a cello player have a more technical point-of-view. Me, I come from a completely different perspective and thus listen for very different esthetic qualities.

...

Perhaps you are correct.

Again with the steel strings ^ ^, I am as dumbfounded as you. I believe most people transition to steel because they are most definately more weather adaptable and they don't require a dead animal.

Ok new topics... more people need to talk

How about cool cello songs or different techniques.

Elgar in E min, Dvorak, and Saint Saens concertos are awesome.

Jacqueline Du Pre's performance of the Elgar is phenomenal.

If they're literally damaging your instrument, I can't understand why ANYONE would use them? I'm assuming the gut strings cost more, but weigh that against the cost of repairing/replacing your cello.

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I think it depends on the age of the instrument. I'm in this situation with a viola, advised not to use steel strings (though it would only apply to the top one - A ), simply because the instruments were never made to take the tension of steel strings.

The alternative is synthetic fibre strings wound with nickel or silver (or both in alloy). Once settled they hold their tuning easily whereas gut strings take so long to reach stability they've about had it by then. You'll see performers retuning during pauses in multi-movement works. Two kinds of player use gut strings - traditionalists who've grown to like the sound; and players of old instruments who have limited choice.

M

I think I like Jacqueline du Pre the most.

The best cello player, for me, right off the bat, Yo-Yo Ma. No question. The Passion, the spirit, the sense of true love to music. Whenever I see him playing, I just feel so emotionally touched, his music is just so influencial. Definitely, I would vote for him as the best cello 'Legend'.

The best cello player, for me, right off the bat, Yo-Yo Ma. No question. The Passion, the spirit, the sense of true love to music.

And that is exactly why I love Yo Yo:wub: