Who is the best classical cellist out there right now?

Question

Who has the best color and tone in their playing, the best intonation, and overal musical interpretation.

Answer 1

I don't know what you guys are talking about. Yo yo Ma does get all the best attention, I believe, but there are so many better cellists out there. His interpretations are very (!) poor. He does release many albums, but they are not thought through. Really. Even his back up musicians make the music much more felt through. Du Pre is an amazing cellist as well, but I think she is (very slightly) overrated. Forgive me. I don't think it is fair to say that Ma is the best out there. He is not a complete musician. His recordings have enough notes that are not in tune. Just listen.

Just listen to his "Swan" by Saint-Saens.

And he smiles too much.

And does not seem to have the deeper whatever-it-is, can't put it in words.

And seriously, Yo yo ma sometimes pisses me off. Even watching him. He IS SO OVERRATED. You Americans just have a false reputation of being open minded.

You guys are not seeing it? Everybody votes him, because it's like the only cellist they know.

Or Americans just fall for charm.

Maurice Gendron is amazing (he died), Rostropovich definitely, too. It's technical perfection. There is nothing I could get on. Every note is taken care of. He really is the Mastercellist. What Balance. But, sometimes there isn't enough warmth in him for the listener. Things such as this are what the other cellists are mostly know for. Du Pre is also amazing. So much will power.

Lynn Harrel is fairly known, but his fame cannot be compared with Ma's. However, he is a far more interesting musician than him.

Daniil Shafran does not get the appreciation he deserves. Just listen to his vibrato, it goes straight to the heart. REALLY, look into him, if you're interested.

Daniil Borisovich Shafran (January 13, 1923, Saint Petersburg – February 7, 1997, Moscow) was one of the finest Russian cellists but is still rather unknown by the large public.

He began playing cello at the age of 6. Subsequently he continued his studies with professor Alexander Shtrimer (1888 – 1961) in a special music school for children at the age of 8. He won first prize at the USSR All Union Competition at the age of 14. At the time, he was below the age limit but the competition committee approved his entry. He was given the Antonio Amati cello made in 1630 as a prize. He used this instrument ever since for all of his career as a concert cellist.

The second cello concerto of Kabalevsky was dedicated to him. (My Favourite in his performance! His Bach is stunning also) He recorded the cello sonata of Shostakovich with the composer himself. Characteristic of his style was his inimitable rich tone, which, given the fact that he played a baroque instrument was even more of a wonder, his unlimited musical freedom, and his technical perfection.

Answer 2

Modern Cellists

Answer 3

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That´s an impossible question to answers, but two of the best cellists on my list are Pablo Casals and Rostroprovich A good classical guitarist would be Andrés Segovia, as well.

Answer 4

Look out for Paul Watkins - amazing cellist. I ahve a recording of him playing the Holst Invocation, and I heard him play the Walton concerto recently as well! Better than Cecily ;)

Answer 5

Ohh Its definately Yo Yo Ma

Answer 6

That's simple as I see it. It's still Yo Yo Ma. He's amazing, and not only does he bring out the instrument's every nuance, but he is so full of joy when he plays. I vote for him

Answer 7

Yo Yo Ma

Answer 8

People have already mentioned him, but watching Yo-Yo Ma play is a priceless, otherworldly experience. You can tell there is not one cell in his body that is not passionate about playing cello.

Answer 9

Definately Cecily Smith, has anyone heard of her? She is a great friend of mine, and plays Walton fantastically.

Answer 10

I think it's still Yo-Yo Ma.