THE MUSIC INSIDE US

By age 4, Yo-Yo Ma can play an entire Bach suite from memory.

Yo-Yo’s parents are also musicians, and they encourage his and his sister Yeou-Cheng’s musical talents from a very young age. Yeou-Cheng plays the violin, but Yo-Yo has his sights set on something bigger. Soon, his gift for cello takes Yo-Yo’s family on a journey from their home in Paris to New York City, where Yo-Yo studies under some of the greatest cellists in the world. His world grows, and so does his talent. He becomes the principal cellist in a children’s orchestra and performs at Carnegie Hall and even in front of the president. As he questions his identity (“What does it mean to be American and French and Chinese?”), his place in the world, and the interconnectedness of humanity, Yo-Yo finds his dedication to his music deepening into something that will ultimately shape his worldview. “Shy yet confident,” he travels the world, bringing musicians together to learn from one another in a mix of cultures and styles. He uses his music to teach others, to protest injustice, and to attempt to answer some of life’s greatest questions. Painterly, thoughtfully composed illustrations provide a remarkable depth of emotion and dynamism. Howe’s lyrical prose is a finely tuned pleasure to read, from overture to encore.

A harmonious tribute to one of music’s absolute greats.