Yo-Yo Ma, English Chamber Orchestra - Haydn* – Cello Concerti No. 1 (C Major / C-dur / Ut Majeur) / No. 2 (D Major / D-dur / Ré Majeur)

Released in 1980 on the CBS label, this recording features cellist Yo-Yo Ma performing Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concertos in C Major and D Major, accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra. At the time of this release, Ma was in the early stages of his rise to international prominence, having recently begun to record the core classical repertoire that would define his career. These concertos serve as foundational pillars of the cello repertoire, demanding both technical precision and a refined sense of classical-era elegance.

The recording is part of the 28AC series, which was largely marketed to the Japanese market as part of CBS/Sony’s high-fidelity classical initiatives. The production emphasizes the lyrical quality of Ma's playing, which was already being recognized for its expressive warmth and distinct tonal clarity. Critical reception during this period noted the freshness of his interpretations, as Ma sought to balance stylistic authenticity with the burgeoning virtuosic energy that would eventually make him a household name.