Yo-Yo Ma plays Bach

I picked this up while browsing at the library.It caught my eye because I like Bach and because Yo-Yo Ma is reputed to be the superstar of the cello world.

It turned out that the entire CD is the cello playing alone.I don't think I've ever heard so much solo cello before.I'm used to thinking of the cello playing a supporting role in an orchestra or in chamber music or in jazz combos, with only brief solos, if any.

The CD is good.I find the music soothing.It's nice to play as background music while I'm working on the computer or reading because it creates a nice mood but is not instrusive or distracting if I'm doing something else.

But then if I stop whatever I'm doing and focus completely on the music, the close attention is rewarded.Bach is both complex and orderly, and I believe that listening to his music gives my mind a bit of a tune-up.