Beginner's Mind: Words + Music | Vol. 13

by Yo-Yo Ma

“I realize, perhaps for the first time that I had to learn the cello to become a musician, and that it was only through decades of musical exploration that I came to understand my responsibility as a human being.”

Journey with musical virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma as the iconic performer and global phenomenon delves into the world of self-discovery and our deeply interwoven humanity. This is Beginner's Mind, Ma’s extraordinary addition to Audible’s Words + Music series, blending vivid personal memoir and breathtaking exclusive performances with indelible lessons gained over a lifetime pursuing meaning, connection, and shared purpose.

Beginner’s Mind continues Ma’s passionate exploration of culture’s role in helping us to imagine and build a better future, asking each of us “to strip away preconceptions and reclaim a beginner's mind...one open to new questions, new connections, new explorations, and unexpected answers.” As Ma tracks his own profound journey through “four stories of beginnings,” listeners gain insight into his past and discover how the cultural visionary continues to find hope in the endless possibility of human curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Beginner’s Mind joins Audible’s ongoing Words + Music series, providing an outlet for musical icons to defy traditional formats with an innovative, and unprecedented approach to musical storytelling and personal expression.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Music

Audiobook

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Yo-Yo Ma (simplified Chinese: 马友友; traditional Chinese: 馬友友; pinyin: Mǎ Yǒuyǒu; born October 7, 1955) is a French-born American cellist, virtuoso, orchestral composer of Chinese descent, and winner of multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 2001 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
He is one of the most famous cellists of the modern age.

Reviews

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to Yo-Yo Ma was a date. We’d been out a couple of times, I knew he was particular and finicky, but this date really emphasized it. He’d purchased front row seats so he could lay a bouquet of flowers on the stage at the end of the show. He thought he could get a small beautiful bouquet at a gift shop in a nearby hotel. Nope. We were almost late to the show in his eager determination for the perfect bouquet. After several stops he finally find a less than adequate bouquet, but at least he had it. That seemed to be the most important part of this date/experience for him. Finally we were seated and my fist introduction to Yo-Yo ensued. I was mesmerized, and my love and admiration began that night. The date? Well he only lasted a couple of months, but I’ve always been so thankful to him for introducing me to Yo-Yo Ma.

Oh, and this short verbal (audible only) history with beautiful accompaniment? Absolutely stunning!!! it was like an hour and a half beautiful meditation.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 90 minutes, through one of Audible's Original Words + Music series, world renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma tells a condensed version of his rich and varied life, alternating with music featuring his cello. I decided to listen to this because I had just read a cool picture book bio of Ma, and here he writes and narrates his own story, featuring key turning points that became for him new beginnings. He gets the idea of a "beginner's mind" in part from Rachel Carson, who endorsed preserving child-like wonder at the world, which Ma in fact does preserve for himself and others.

Ma, a sort of virtuoso of sorts already at 7, met cello icon Pablo Casals, who told him: Be a human being first, then a musician, then a cellist, which he makes clear is advice he followed thought his life, taking him on world travels, celebrating world cultures and musics, leading to his two-decade Silk Road project. Music is always for him about connections, collaboration, dialogue. Well-written and inspirational, leading me to myriad You Tube videos of his various collaborations.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little gem is exactly what I needed to nourish my soul and mind. Yo-yo Mah explored the connection between his early upbringing, his love for people and cultures, and his passion for expressing through music. He emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind, a beginner’s mind, unfettered by what “should be”. The beginner’s mind allow us to be curious, to learn, and to practice.

[Matt Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone can benefit from thinking more like Yo-Yo Ma. Having had the good fortune to meet him in person, he is one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever come across, and his story rings true to the person I met.

[Thalía Aníd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great listen - especially when you're driving. The combination of speaking and music switching back and forth was perfect. Beautiful story.

[Betsy]

This is free with Audible membership.

[Sean Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and simple story with words and music by Yo-Yo Ma.

[Aaron Dearth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly beautiful. I'm keeping this around as sort of an "audiobook cleanse" to reset my ears and mind after long series

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Musical Story

Enjoyed this story of Yo-Yo Ma and his life. An absolute pleasure to listen to.

4 stars

[Shelley T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this !! Yo Yo Ma’s music and narrative were beautifully designed and played together! I loved learning about his early and professional life. A true genius

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, delightful.