Obrigado Brazil Live in Concert (CD - )

This package includes a bonus DVD with three video selections from the original Obrigado Brazil release.

This selection is a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording.

The legendary cellist struck an incredible crossover chord with 2003's lush, exotic excursion Obrigado Brazil, which was the fastest-selling recording of his career and was nominated for four Grammys, including Best Classical Crossover Album. Inspired by working in the studio with clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, guitarists Sergio and Odair Assad, singer/guitarist Rosa Passos, pianist Kathryn Scott, percussionist Cyro Baptista, and bassist Nilson Matta, Ma gathered the group for an electrifying live show at Carnegie Hall -- which is the basis for this compelling multicultural concert disc. Reaching beyond the original repertoire, Ma opens with a rousing "Libertango" (the first of several Argentine tangos by Astor Piazzolla) and works with D'Rivera on some Latin-flavored originals -- the spirited "Merengue," the haunting and lyrical "Afro," and the jaunty "Wapango," which Ma and the clarinetist play like a frolicsome cat and mouse dance. Among a program of extraordinary depth are several familiar tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim -- including the swaying "Chega de Saudade" (featuring the graceful vocals of Passos) and, of course, an irresistible "Aguas de Marco" (Waters of March), where Ma matches Passos note for note while also swirling around her in spots. ~ Jonathan Widran

In 2003, Yo-Yo Ma convened a star-studded group of musicians to record the album OBRIGADO BRAZIL. Working with remarkable and versatile talents such as vocalist Rosa Passos, clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, percussionist Cyro Baptista, as well as pianist Kathryn Stott and the guitar duo of Sergio and Odair Assad, the acclaimed cellist offered a joyful celebration of Brazilian musical culture. Ma and company subsequently took to the road, and this release documents an electrifying performance at New York's Zankel Hall.

The set list presents many of the selections from the studio album, including Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Chega de Saudade," "Aguas de Marco," and "So Danco Samba;" Egberto Gismonti's "Bodas de Prata" and "Quatro Cantos;" and Jacob do Bandolim's "Doce de Coco." This recording also ventures outside of Brazil with the inclusion of works by Argentine tango master Astor Piazolla, as well as some Afro-Cuban-flavored tunes by D'Rivera. Highlights include elegant renditions of Piazolla's "Libertango" and Ary Barroso's "Aquarela do Brasil" and virtuosic performances of D'Rivera's "Merengue," "Wapango," and "Afro." Music lovers of all stripes should hope that the ever-brilliant Ma, unencumbered by genres, categories, or any other types of limitation, continues his journey of musical exploration indefinitely. minimize