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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

Yo-Yo Ma 'Finger-Synched' Inauguration Gig

Performers decided to play along to tape in 'wicked cold'

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(Newser) – The somber classical sounds that filled the Washington Mall ahead of Barack Obama's swearing-in came from a tape, reports the New York Times. When Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and the rest of the quartet realized that the freezing weather and strong winds would likely wreak havoc with their instruments they decided to play along to a recording they had made earlier.

Organizers stress that the intent was to avoid distracting slip-ups rather than fool people. The performers say using the tape was a last resort. "I really wanted to do something that was absolutely physically and emotionally genuine,” Yo-Yo Ma said. “We also knew we couldn’t have any technical or instrumental malfunction on that occasion. A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold.”

Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform during the swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol.
Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform during the swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Yo-Yo Ma rehearses for the swearing-in ceremony for the inauguration in front of the US Capitol.
Yo-Yo Ma rehearses for the swearing-in ceremony for the inauguration in front of the US Capitol.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform during the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington Tuesday.
Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform during the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, talks with cellist Yo-Yo Ma as they rehearse at the US Capitol in Washington a day before the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.
Violinist Itzhak Perlman, left, talks with cellist Yo-Yo Ma as they rehearse at the US Capitol in Washington a day before the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill & Gabriela Montero play along to John Williams Composition "Air And Simple Gifts" at Barack Obama's inauguration.   (spilzax)

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Truly, weather just made it impossible. No one’s trying to fool anybody. This isn’t a matter of Milli Vanilli. - Carole Florman, a spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies

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6 comments
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veloslug
Jan 23, 09 6:54 AM CST
It was an odd choice of entertainment anyway. They should have been at one of the Balls, not in front of a million people outside. Blame the organizer. Reply
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upshotmatt
Jan 23, 09 8:16 AM CST
i agree...i would have expected a big band sort of thing...as an upright bassist, i can completely understand why they played to a tape - in those temperatures, with those instruments are begging to be broken Reply
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christine_m
Jan 23, 09 10:32 AM CST
I loved it, it was absolutely beautiful. I would love a recording of it. And I can understand why they chose to use a tape. Reply
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riffran
Jan 23, 09 10:08 PM CST
well that kind of music "aint" my forte, but I recognize the skill and dedication it takes to become a "great one" in the field of classical music....and those instruments are not to be bought at your local discount dollar store....I don't blame them at all Reply
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inky
Jan 24, 09 12:36 AM CST
at least they didn't hire Ashley Simpson... I had a suspicion watching it live -- they were so on key in really cold weather. But I agree, it was lovely. And they DID play their instruments. I'd love to hear what it sounded like up close. Reply
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