SECOND STAGE: Jiating Yu, cello | The Voice of the Cello Between East and West | Graduating Student Project

This recital explores the expressive voice of the cello across different cultures, styles, and time periods, connecting Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sonata for Cello and Piano blends Western classical form with elements inspired by traditional Chinese music and the aesthetics of the film. The cello imitates the sound and spirit of instruments such as the erhu, creating a deeply personal and narrative musical language.

The first movement of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor expresses introspection and emotional depth. Written after World War I, the concerto reflects a sense of nostalgia and quiet intensity, becoming one of the most important works in the cello repertoire.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata in D minor combines lyricism with strong rhythmic drive. The first movement presents a wide range of emotional contrasts, from intimate melodic lines to dramatic and powerful passages.

In contrast, Joe Hisaishi’s Memory offers a simple and touching melody, originally from the film Departures. Its direct emotional expression highlights the cello’s singing quality.

Charles Gounod’s Ave Maria, based on a prelude by J.S. Bach, represents a fusion of Baroque harmony and Romantic lyricism. The piece conveys a sense of serenity and devotion.

Finally, Felix Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words, Op. 109 reflects the idea of music as a form of speech beyond language. Its gentle and lyrical character brings the program to a calm and reflective conclusion.

Jiating Yu is a cellist currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he studies with Ole Akahoshi.

Prior to his studies in the United States, Jiating served as principal cellist of the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre in China. In this role, he participated in numerous performances and recordings that combined traditional Chinese opera with Western orchestral music, gaining extensive experience in cross-cultural collaboration and stage performance. He has also held the position of principal cellist in the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Minzu University of China.

In addition to his performance career, Jiating has worked as a cello instructor, teaching students of various age groups and helping them develop both technical skills and musical expression.

Jiating is a prizewinner of an international music competition held at Vienna’s Golden Hall. His artistic interests focus on bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions, using the cello as a medium for storytelling and cultural connection.