John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma & Itzhak Perlman - The Chairman’s Waltz
(from Memoirs of a Geisha Soundtrack)
John Williams was absolutely genious in composing the soundtrack for this movie. Each song does exactly what its supposed to do - not overwhelm the scene but trigger your memory whenever you hear it thereafter.
The other reason this soundtrack is so genious is that Williams didn’t limit the genious talent to himself on this project. He brought in arguably the best cellist in the world to work with him (Yo-Yo Ma) and a violenist on par (Itzhak Perlman). I don’t know much about Perlman because I’m more of a cello girl myself, but from what I do know of Yo-Yo Ma…let me just say Williams wanted the best for the best.
I think a good percentage of people that REALLY appreciate music are those who have no musical inclination themselves. I SOOOO wish I could play an instrument. Alas…I grew up PO’ (not poor) and couldn’t afford lessons or rentals. And since VH1’s Save the Music hadn’t made their way to South Central yet, I was S.O.L. But…at some point I do plan on learning the cello. I just love the way it cries and sings. Such a beautiful instrument…beautiful track….beautifully performed. Enjoy!
-Calidre
