Yo-Yo Ma and Rostropovich

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He was a musical genius and remains one of the most acclaimed and influential of all composers. He wrote Cello Sonatas No. 4 at the period of time in which he experience ailments and difficulties including his deafness. The composition belonged to Beethoven’s last creative period and was composed seven years after his sonata no. 3 for cello and piano. (wiki)

Since then, there have been many variations of the composition piece. Two of which have been by Russian cellist and conductor Rostropovich and French-born Chinese-American virtuoso cellist and composer Yo yo ma. Each version is an interpretation of the original piece by the artist. There is no way to determine which variation is better; that part is purely up to the listen to decide. Each individual has their own preference of what sounds “better.” Personally, I like both versions. Each piece has its own unique attributes. It is obvious (by its construction) that each version tells a different story and I like both for that exact reason.

In the Yo-Yo Ma version, it starts out with both instruments playing softly. The cello then begins to grow stronger and more dramatic in sound. This creates a feeling of somberness and mystery as if wandering into the depths of the unknown. There is a darker mood as the sounds grow heavier, then the pieces changes again into a more gentle melody. The notes converse with each other and give off an air of curiosity as if suddenly stumbling onto something peculiar. The piece continues in a softer melody with occasional deeper sound cello excerpts.

The Rostropovich version starts out heavier, with deeper notes which build up the tension. It sounds as if the cello and piano are having a conversation with one another. The construction of the piece is reminiscent to that of a battle between the two instruments. It sounds as if the piano is trying to outdo the cello and vice versa. The rivalry starts off in a playful manner and builds up to be a fierce battle between the two to see which will top the other.