Performing on the Baroque cello (outfitted with gut strings and without an endpin, making it so that the performer has to clutch the instrument between the legs), Yo-Yo Ma delivers the warm, listener-friendly classical music that he has become known for. Supported by conductor Ton Koopman's period Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, Ma presents a wholly unusual interpretation of some of Bach's better known Baroque works, as well as some lesser known pieces by Italian composer Luigi Boccherini.

The sound of the Baroque cello changes the mood of each familiar piece to something warmer and more intimate. The string composition has a less dry tone than the usual wound string, and the absence of the endpin means that there is no sound traveling through the floor, therefore all of the sound comes directly from the body of the instrument. Ma's skilled handling of the pieces evolve Simply Baroque beyond an interesting experiment and into a beautiful listening experience.

TRACKLIST

SIDE A
1. Sei Lob Un Preis Mit Ehren, BWV 167
2. Erbarme Dich (From St. Matthew Passion)
3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
4. Ertöt' Uns Durch Dein' Güte, BWV 22

SIDE B
1. Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
2. Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel Herunter
3. Laß Mein Herz Die Münze Sein, BWV 163
4. Dein Blut, Der Edle Saft, BWV 136
5. "Air On A G String" (From Suite III), BWV 1068

SIDE C
Concerto In G Major For Cello And String Orchestra, G. 480
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro

SIDE D
Concerto In D Major For Cello And Orchestra, G. 478
1. I. Allegro Con Spirito
2. II. Larghetto
3. III. Rondo
4. IV. Rondo Comodo Assai