'The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble' A Review

The Music of Strangers is a documentary about cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his creation of the diverse and eclectic Silk Road Ensemble. The film touches on Ma's early career and his eventual musical boredom which instigated the formation of the ambitious and experimental Silk Road Ensemble made up of a variety of international master musicians endeavoring to buck classical form and create a vibrant amalgamation of cultures and traditions. The film moves from Ma to spotlight four other ensemble members, each with their own complicated history and compelling perspective. These individual profiles are juxtaposed with concerts, benefits, and presentations provided by the Silk Road Ensemble all around the world.

It almost goes without saying that the music in the film is incredible. A wide variety of traditional and cultural instruments come together in a completely unique way, taking classic and international inspiration, creating something infectious and inspiring. The stories of the musicians themselves are equally inspiring although with more heartbreak. It is astonishing in the face of personal and global tragedy that these individuals preserver and continue to change hearts and minds with their music.

To quote one of the ensemble members "Experimentation leads to possibility. Possibility leads to hope." And in this world of ours hope is in short supply.

Great for artists of any discipline or those in need of rejuvenation.

See It.