Hauser: Cello Impersonations: March 5, 2012

Humorous classical videos are hard to find, so we couldn’t pass this one up – especially as it forms such a perfect follow-up to last week’s Noteworthy Video, featuring cellist Mischa Maisky performing Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No.1 for 8 Cellos. This new video features Croatian cellist Stjepan Hauser – one half of the acclaimed duo 2Cellos (which specializes in spirited two-cello versions of rock songs). Mr. Hauser here takes turns doing his best comical imitation of 7 legendary cellists: Mischa Maisky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo Yo Ma, Natalia Gutman, Pablo Casals, Jacqueline Du Pre, and Daniil Shafran. Each cellist is “represented” with a short excerpt of a characteristic work (by Fauré, Brahms, Bach, Shostakovich, or Elgar) as Mr. Hauser alters his facial and body expressions, as well as his playing style, to conjure up the cellist in question – with often hilarious results. No doubt the jokes will be most telling to cellists, but we can all enjoy this tongue-in-cheek tribute – undoubtedly made with the utmost love and respect. Tell us what you think, and let us know if you spot other noteworthy classical videos!

Stjepan Hauser musically impersonates 7 great cellists