A Gathering of Friends, Williams/Ma (CD)

“It’s a treat to hear Ma lend his still-flawless technique to this selection. His light an transparent tone floats serenely above the Concerto’s dense harmonic landscape, and the arrangements of film themes are captivating, too.” — BBC Music Magazine

The 40-year friendship between two musical titans, John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma, reaches a new peak with A Gathering of Friends. The incredible warmth and brilliance of the composer-conductor John Williams is felt throughout this album of both his concert music (a newly revised Cello Concerto) and his legendary film music, including the iconic theme from Schindler’s List in a new arrangement, brought to life by Yo-Yo Ma and the New York Philharmonic.

Williams Cello Concerto
Yo-Yo Ma cello
John Williams conductor
New York Philharmonic

Williams Three Pieces from Schindler’s List
Yo-Yo Ma cello
John Williams conductor
New York Philharmonic

Williams Highwood’s Ghost
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Jessica Zhou harp
John Williams conductor
New York Philharmonic

Williams “With Malice Toward None” from Lincoln
Yo-Yo Ma cello
John Williams conductor
New York Philharmonic

Williams “A Prayer for Peace” from Munich
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas guitar
John Williams conductor

Discs: 1
Record Label: Sony
Release Date: May 20, 2022