Obama Inaugural Quartet Video
Below you can watch and listen to the Obama Inaugural quartet video. Masters of the quartet included Itzhak Perlman on violin, Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Anthony McGill on clarinet and Grabriela Montero on piano. The piece played was an original composition by John Williams, exclusively for the Inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama, titled "Air and Simple Gifts".
Air and Simple Gifts performed by Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill and Gabriela Montero at President Obama's Inauguration
If you recall, it was a very cold day in Washington, D.C. People in the crowd were bundled up in their longjohns, heavy insulated winter coats, mittens, scarves, hats - the whole nine yards. Yet somehow these four instrumentalists were able to play the piece while dressed only in their performance attire. Gabriela did have fingerless gloves, but I'd say my fingertips would have been numb. It would have looked somewhat silly if Itzhak had on a bulky down jacket and a wool beanie hat. Probably would be a little difficult to play that way too.
This is certainly a great moment for all of them to perform at such a momentous occasion. Yo-Yo Ma performed for President JFK when he was seven years old, as well as four other Presidents during his career and now President Obama. We all know the beloved Israeli-American violinist, Itzhak. That's all you have to say, is Itzhak. Even people who don't listen to violin music knows Itzhak. Sort of like Madonna in a good way. And then there is Grabriela Montero, the Venezuelan pianist and Anthony McGill, Chicago-born clarinetist that performs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Whether Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative, a bipartisan musical moment that joined all together as the music played. Inspirational and joyous, the violin, cello, clarinet and piano brought us a moment of peace and soothing sounds that only music can bring. Go ahead, watch the Obama Inaugural quarted video once more before you continue your busy day. You deserve it.
Learn to Play Violin Like Itzhak:
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