Thank you for your kind comments. I should have mentioned the camera I used. It was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 which I bought because it is very compact for travelling and has HD movie capability with stereo sound. I have been very pleased with it.
This was freaking magical. Makes me want to build a nice bonfire on a clear starry night, sit around the crackling, popping fire with my friends...and have you come over and play this. What, is that too much to ask? I mean, you'd totally do it, right? (ha ha)
After attending various music festivals and hearing lots of cello, I couldn't be more moved by your performance of Ashokan. There is so much beautiful tenderness in your playing that is unmatched by the talented musicians I see who are often too distracted by technical perfection to show their entire spirit. Your playing is so human and wonderful. Bravo.
David, The first time I heard this piece I sat by a fire outside watching the Ken Burn Series with my two young sons. Their mother was deployed away during Desert Storm. Ashoken Farewell has become a part of my soul, and I have been blessed by it. Thank you for your version of this music. I found myself reciting Sullivan Ballou's "Dear Sara" while you played. This I can do from memory.
Playing this piece on the violin later in my first competition, was feeling nervous but this has really calmed me down and inspired me to really play this piece from the heart rather that to compete :) thank you
I'm a wedding photographer. I shot a wedding in the rain about a month ago, and there was a string quartet playing this song. It really moved me. Most excellent. Thanks for putting this up.
"Ashokan Farewell was written in the style of a Scottish lament. I sometimes introduce it as a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx." - Jay Ungar. LOL! It's 'Celtic'. It's American. It's 19th century. It's modern (written in 1982). And it leaves someone in the room in tears before it's done.
One of the sweetest, melancholic music ever written. It brings tears to your eyes, especially when remembering the losses in the Civil War. Beautifully done and Thank You!
I love this piece, and I was surfing around on TH-cam listening to the different versions, and this one… this one moved me to tears. Something about the solo cello made the melancholy tenderness of this piece soar even higher.
While this piece may draw some Celtic influences, I'd argue to say that this piece is an American lament. It draws from alot of American roots, but when accompanied by guitar, you get the sweet yet sorrowful melody of the lament surrounded by a uniquely American sound. Beautiful piece nonetheless and I appreciate the video, magnificent arrangement and performance!
I just had my 80th birthday David and while guitar has been my major item for some years I have taken up the cello. Ashokan is one of my beginnings. Thank you for passing on your wonderful rendition.
+John Lyons I hope that the beauty of the Ashokan Farewell will inspire you throughout the challenges of learning a new instrument. It is worth it and you will revel in the results. All the best! - David
Mikesman1000 We are all Americans and wether we believe in Dixie or the Union takes nothing away from our brotherhood on this amazing continent. Not a country, but a people. Resilient and strong, bound by lore and tradition, patriotism and love, strength and bravery. Both sides had men who fell for America. Politicians chose to divide us, its up to us to decide whether they won or the American people did. ~ a man whose family served with the South
@@BonRain8734 dude, this was 4 years ago, I'm not even American what flag and what are you talking about? I think I was joking back then, and what flag and what unforgivness you're talking about??
This brings tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful but yet sad as well. I can't explain it...perhaps it is the thought of all the soldiers that died in the Civil War.
I used to play this song on the piano when I was 11 or so. I'm 36 now and I don't play much anymore, but I was missing this song and happened to come upon your beautiful performance. It's amazing what a powerful, visceral reaction that music can evoke. It made me cry...but I'm smiling too. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Dave, I thank the heavens for your retirement. The time you finally have benefits all of us through your music. And it must be said that our old friend Glenn Murray twigged me on to this. Thanks.
Dear David... I have heard & 'played' (a guitarist),many renditions of this over many years!! So far, this is the only rendition only played by a 'Cello' !!! and it is beautiful!!! I think people need to understand what it is about, (which I do!) to add depth!!! I'm sure 'you' know... but for others... it was written by 'Jay Ungar', who together with his lovely wife 'Molly Mason', wrote this piece at the end of one of their Ashokan countryside musical 'Camps', as he was sad to see that season 'finish'... Later, other local musicians actually wrote 'Lyrics' for it, that were relative to their 'Camp' Parting!! which can be found easily on Google. However, unrelated to that, a Movie Production Company heard it, and Contracted Jay Ungar to play certain pieces throughout an American Documentary about the Civil War! That Tune was the main theme throughout the 'documentary', and can be heard below when he himself, & Molly, & others, were playing together as per in the Movie!... th-cam.com/video/2kZASM8OX7s/w-d-xo.html Within that 'Civil War' Documentary, that tune is repeated often, but none more so than the eventual backing music to a 'reading' of a Last Letter sent by Sullivan Ballou, a soldier, to his wife, when he thought he would never make it home!!... That is real!! It's amazing how 'our' abilities to put things into 'words' were so different then, and the 'emotions' that went in to such dialog!!! The same music in the background here, CERTAINLY fits with what is being said!!!... th-cam.com/video/1VK1KcZoDu0/w-d-xo.html
David this. Would make Clive Roberts put his thumbs in hid pant braces and smile really big time. Beautiful. Donna Dykeman. Thanks for sharing your music this afternoon
Wonderful! I'm 70 just beginning to learn to play the cello and your playing of Ashokan has truly inspired me. Very taken with the deer's interest . . she has good taste in music:)
Ohhh... totally SWEET ! Thank you David! Had the surround sound on and I could feel the vibrations through the floor... that was utterly cool on the cello.... ^5s
Absolutely beautiful. I came looking for this piece on a memory from a teacher's memorial service in high school a few years ago that we were asked to play for, and this piece was the final one we played for the service. You did a beautiful job for the solo part, absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much.
Absolutely touching rendition. I started playing the cello at age 65 fourth year now and I'm working on ashokan farwell. Of course challenging for me. This inspires me. Thank you. I won't give up!
Wow! He really set the scene didn't he..some may think is strange in the woods but listen to the lyrics it speaks about the woods n the Asokan pines..a beautiful but sombering song
The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan The pines and the willows know soon we will part There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken And a love that will always remain in my heart My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter The magic of moving as one And a time we'll remember long ever after The moonlight and music and dancing are done Will we climb the hills once more? Will we walk the woods together? Will I feel you holding me close once again? Will every song we've sung stay with us forever? Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?
The cello is a beautiful instrument, but the woodland setting and the standard of play from the musician makes this video a pure joy to listen to. I am trying so hard to get it note perfect on my mandolin. thank you David (Maire from Belfast )
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL arrangement! Transports me back to 1960 when I worked in Kingston, NY & visited often in the Catskills & Ashokan areas. Thank you for posting ☆☆☆☆☆
I think your version on the cello is the best I have heard of this great song. The sound of the cello seems to underscore the pathos in the tune. Thanks!
Always associate with Ken Burns and his Civil War project, now 25 years old. I watched it again recently, and almost forgot how moving and instructive that project was; and how it taught me much about this torn country. This music immediately provokes those thoughts again.
I shared your video on a Facebook group upon hearing of the death of my favorite blues guitarist, Johnny Winter. It fit my mood and moved me to cry for my old friend. Just wanted you to know that it is beautiful, and that others in the Johnny Winter group liked it and commented on it as well.
regardless of all the commentary , this is not a civil war tune, and it certainly does align nicely with the notion of a celtic lament , you play it beautifully , and as with all musicians, put your own unique flow to it . Wonderfully done .
Someone set out a deer camera and a random cello and caught this guy in his natural element.
This may be the best comment I’ve ever seen
Gonna bait me an instrumental buck, with this here cello feeder
BEST COMMENT!!!!
Thank you for your kind comments. I should have mentioned the camera I used. It was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 which I bought because it is very compact for travelling and has HD movie capability with stereo sound. I have been very pleased with it.
This was freaking magical. Makes me want to build a nice bonfire on a clear starry night, sit around the crackling, popping fire with my friends...and have you come over and play this. What, is that too much to ask? I mean, you'd totally do it, right? (ha ha)
It feels like you are playing for the ghosts of those who fought the civil war. Truly haunting and beautiful. Thank you.
After attending various music festivals and hearing lots of cello, I couldn't be more moved by your performance of Ashokan. There is so much beautiful tenderness in your playing that is unmatched by the talented musicians I see who are often too distracted by technical perfection to show their entire spirit. Your playing is so human and wonderful. Bravo.
I am a bit overwhelmed by such wonderful comments such as yours. Thank you so much, Julia.
What Julia said. So moved by this. So well played.
Agree completely!
David, The first time I heard this piece I sat by a fire outside watching the Ken Burn Series with my two young sons. Their mother was deployed away during Desert Storm. Ashoken Farewell has become a part of my soul, and I have been blessed by it. Thank you for your version of this music. I found myself reciting Sullivan Ballou's "Dear Sara" while you played. This I can do from memory.
The greatest Civil War tune that isn't a Civil tune.
There's always round two 0_0
I realize I am kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to stream new series online?
@Nixon Jase Flixportal :)
@Braylen Jalen thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D Appreciate it !!
@Nixon Jase No problem =)
On my hit list to learn to play.
I don't really see preteens like myself listening to this beautiful piece. Amazing job. 👏
Playing this piece on the violin later in my first competition, was feeling nervous but this has really calmed me down and inspired me to really play this piece from the heart rather that to compete :) thank you
haunting....absolutely haunting. Thankyou for being one f the people who make the internet a magical place to visit.
taraterm3 memes do that already
One of my favorite songs on one of my favorite instruements.
I'm a wedding photographer. I shot a wedding in the rain about a month ago, and there was a string quartet playing this song. It really moved me.
Most excellent. Thanks for putting this up.
Thank you I closed my eyes and saw the lonely reservoir on a late fall day. Made my heart ache
"Ashokan Farewell was written in the style of a Scottish lament. I sometimes introduce it as a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx." - Jay Ungar.
LOL! It's 'Celtic'. It's American. It's 19th century. It's modern (written in 1982). And it leaves someone in the room in tears before it's done.
I would have never imagined that this would have been so gorgeous on the cello! Bravo!
I feel blessed to be able to hear such beautiful music in my lifetime. Thanks to youtube and you Mr. Nielsen!
One of the sweetest, melancholic music ever written. It brings tears to your eyes, especially when remembering the losses in the Civil War. Beautifully done and Thank You!
Wow! That wasn't only a gorgeous rendition of a beautiful song, but I'd like to think that deer stopped to listen too. Beautiful, just stunning.
Utterly beautiful
I love this piece, and I was surfing around on TH-cam listening to the different versions, and this one… this one moved me to tears. Something about the solo cello made the melancholy tenderness of this piece soar even higher.
While this piece may draw some Celtic influences, I'd argue to say that this piece is an American lament. It draws from alot of American roots, but when accompanied by guitar, you get the sweet yet sorrowful melody of the lament surrounded by a uniquely American sound. Beautiful piece nonetheless and I appreciate the video, magnificent arrangement and performance!
I just had my 80th birthday David and while guitar has been my major item for some years I have taken up the cello. Ashokan is one of my beginnings. Thank you for passing on your wonderful rendition.
+John Lyons
I hope that the beauty of the Ashokan Farewell will inspire you throughout the challenges of learning a new instrument. It is worth it and you will revel in the results. All the best!
- David
Beautiful..music..international. Language. Thank you
Finally someone who gets what emotion this sound produces to the human ear.This sounds great at the speed he is playing it..This is what I mean???.
Beautifully played, Mr. Nielsen. I do love the cello for its richness of sound and it works wonderfully with this song. Thank you.
absolutely gorgeous. I have been playing the cello for 6 years but never have come close to your expertise. Thankyou
Yeah; anybody capable of giving this the thumbs down is obviously incapable of anything else.
Mark harrison those are the confederates
They are not in a position to understand yet. Just accept this.
I think some people just hit the wrong button by mistake.
Mikesman1000 We are all Americans and wether we believe in Dixie or the Union takes nothing away from our brotherhood on this amazing continent. Not a country, but a people. Resilient and strong, bound by lore and tradition, patriotism and love, strength and bravery. Both sides had men who fell for America. Politicians chose to divide us, its up to us to decide whether they won or the American people did.
~ a man whose family served with the South
@@BonRain8734 dude, this was 4 years ago, I'm not even American what flag and what are you talking about? I think I was joking back then, and what flag and what unforgivness you're talking about??
Calming yet a haunting atmosphere of the Civil War and the soldier's of that period. Thank you for your music 🎶.
Beautifully done. I will play this several times for my family this week as we are experiencing/commemorating a great loss
This brings tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful but yet sad as well. I can't explain it...perhaps it is the thought of all the soldiers that died in the Civil War.
Trust me you aren't the only one
Weep no more, my ladies of the beautiful meadow South, and may heartless war never rise again. Beautiful rendition in that silent grove.
I can hear David McCullough's voice: "In 2011, David J. Nielsen took his cello into the forest. Viewers wept..."
It moves our eternal soul.
I used to play this song on the piano when I was 11 or so. I'm 36 now and I don't play much anymore, but I was missing this song and happened to come upon your beautiful performance. It's amazing what a powerful, visceral reaction that music can evoke. It made me cry...but I'm smiling too. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Man you made my head ache go away, thank you
Dave, I thank the heavens for your retirement. The time you finally have benefits all of us through your music. And it must be said that our old friend Glenn Murray twigged me on to this. Thanks.
I love it! The Cello was made for this music, this piece is perfect for the Cello. Absolutely wonderful. Thank-you.
Dear David... I have heard & 'played' (a guitarist),many renditions of this over many years!! So far, this is the only rendition
only played by a 'Cello' !!! and it is beautiful!!! I think people need to understand what it is about, (which I do!) to add depth!!!
I'm sure 'you' know... but for others... it was written by 'Jay Ungar', who together with his lovely wife 'Molly Mason', wrote this
piece at the end of one of their Ashokan countryside musical 'Camps', as he was sad to see that season 'finish'...
Later, other local musicians actually wrote 'Lyrics' for it, that were relative to their 'Camp' Parting!! which can be found easily
on Google. However, unrelated to that, a Movie Production Company heard it, and Contracted Jay Ungar to play certain pieces
throughout an American Documentary about the Civil War! That Tune was the main theme throughout the 'documentary',
and can be heard below when he himself, & Molly, & others, were playing together as per in the Movie!...
th-cam.com/video/2kZASM8OX7s/w-d-xo.html
Within that 'Civil War' Documentary, that tune is repeated often, but none more so than the eventual backing music to a 'reading'
of a Last Letter sent by Sullivan Ballou, a soldier, to his wife, when he thought he would never make it home!!... That is real!!
It's amazing how 'our' abilities to put things into 'words' were so different then, and the 'emotions' that went in to such dialog!!!
The same music in the background here, CERTAINLY fits with what is being said!!!...
th-cam.com/video/1VK1KcZoDu0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the generous compliment and thoughtful words.
my compliments on your playing, sir! masterful, but also with great feeling. you nailed it! i look forward to exploring the rest of your many videos.
David this. Would make Clive Roberts put his thumbs in hid pant braces and smile really big time. Beautiful. Donna Dykeman. Thanks for sharing your music this afternoon
Very mournful & a deeper sound from the cello. Absolutely stunning. Thank you. I can't do better than the other comments.
There is something about the Cello...appeals even to the animals! Thank you.
Can't help but be moved by this song. Excellent rendition.
Mr. Nielsen I don't believe I've ever heard a more moving rendition of this melody.
No better setting for this song to be played. Absolutely fantastic.
Wonderful! I'm 70 just beginning to learn to play the cello and your playing of Ashokan has truly inspired me. Very taken with the deer's interest . . she has good taste in music:)
very lovely played on the cello. Thanks so much for posting.
Brilliant piece of music ! Thank you !
So lovely, setting perfect. Each interpretation only adds to the beauty of this haunting, yet uplifting music. Thank you so very much.
Ohhh... totally SWEET ! Thank you David! Had the surround sound on and I could feel the vibrations through the floor... that was utterly cool on the cello.... ^5s
Perfectly beautiful. The trees got a tear in the eye at the beautiful sound.
What an amazing piece on cello , BRAVO , thank you !! :)
Just stumbled upon this and wanted to say thank you for sharing it really is beautiful even 10 years later
Beautiful rendition of a beautiful song.
This is probably one of the best versions of Ashokan Farewell I can find in TH-cam and there WERE good ones mind you :)
Absolutely beautiful. I came looking for this piece on a memory from a teacher's memorial service in high school a few years ago that we were asked to play for, and this piece was the final one we played for the service. You did a beautiful job for the solo part, absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much.
beautiful job, Mr. Nielson!!!! (Also enjoyed seeing the deer inspecting your cello! :)
I've watched this video so many times. It's hauntingly beautiful.
Absolutely touching rendition. I started playing the cello at age 65 fourth year now and I'm working on ashokan farwell. Of course challenging for me. This inspires me. Thank you. I won't give up!
Man oh man... I haven't heard this since I watched that same Civil War documentary... Such a good piece.
I really love the opening scene, it's like he's just walking through the woods and goes "Oh hey, an abandoned cello! Why not?"
Wow! He really set the scene didn't he..some may think is strange in the woods but listen to the lyrics it speaks about the woods n the Asokan pines..a beautiful but sombering song
I'm always moved by the beauty and depth of this
Thanks! I'm a beginning cello student (at 71) -- you give me heart!
An inspired and beautiful rendition - it's a cruel world.
A splendid performance of a superb piece of music
Beutiful is the only comment I can describe. I realize this video is 10 years old..so amazing
Thanks for taking the time to record and post this video, and of course for all the time and effort spent learning to play. You are appreciated.
Absolutely beautiful....what more can I say?
The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan
The pines and the willows know soon we will part
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken
And a love that will always remain in my heart
My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter
The magic of moving as one
And a time we'll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done
Will we climb the hills once more?
Will we walk the woods together?
Will I feel you holding me close once again?
Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?
Such a beautiful song. One of my very favorites. I want this to be played at my funeral. Thank you for your beautiful cello performance.
😢
How beautiful. My son plays this song on both the violin and the viola. He has just purchased his first cello. I just have to share this with him.
Beautiful tune and now I believe best played on cello
Wow!
Dreamy. And the backdrop the best possible platform!
So pure, so beautiful. Thank you!
Perfect combination of art, talent, and passion from your soul! Thank you!
wow!....... this is played with such wonderful conviction and care. Most excellent work, sir!
Fantastic rendition David ... and it so happens to be in the key of "D" ! Having a great time following along with my dulcimer !
Now that would be a wonderful combination.
Outstanding..The ability to create music enables you to also touch hearts and souls...Very well played
The cello is a beautiful instrument, but the woodland setting and the standard of play from the musician makes this video a pure joy to listen to. I am trying so hard to get it note perfect on my mandolin. thank you David (Maire from Belfast )
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL arrangement!
Transports me back to 1960 when I worked in Kingston, NY & visited often in the Catskills & Ashokan areas.
Thank you for posting
☆☆☆☆☆
Great to see a cello being played in such a beautiful location.
I think your version on the cello is the best I have heard of this great song. The sound of the cello seems to underscore the pathos in the tune. Thanks!
This is beautiful! So simple and pure, just like the setting. Thanks, David. I miss hearing you in person.
Very lovely. I enjoy the simple pure clarity you provide with your playing. Thanks for making the effort to share this.
This was wonderfull with the deep sound of the Cello ! Thank you !
David,
that's wonderful. Beautiful playing of a one of the best pieces of modern music.
Regards,
Andrew
A beautiful song played well. Good job!
Always associate with Ken Burns and his Civil War project, now 25 years old. I watched it again recently, and almost forgot how moving and instructive that project was; and how it taught me much about this torn country. This music immediately provokes those thoughts again.
Simply lovely. That's what it should sound like. I could feel it in my solar plexis as I listened. Thank you for sharing this.
Please someone, make more music like this. It appeals to so many people. Thank You!
Stunningly beautiful.
Absolutely lovely. Thank you so very much.
You played this beautiful piece with your cello, but also with your heart and whole presence...thank you so much
Thank you for posting this performance! Wonderful tone quality -- well done!
Oui
So simple, yet so beautiful! If you have a sad song you want to play, play it on the cello.
Very cool photo. I recently started learning this on my accordion , beautiful song, and you play it with soul. I love it.
Beautiful, one of my favorites. ❤️💚
I shared your video on a Facebook group upon hearing of the death of my favorite blues guitarist, Johnny Winter. It fit my mood and moved me to cry for my old friend. Just wanted you to know that it is beautiful, and that others in the Johnny Winter group liked it and commented on it as well.
regardless of all the commentary , this is not a civil war tune, and it certainly does align nicely with the notion of a celtic lament , you play it beautifully , and as with all musicians, put your own unique flow to it . Wonderfully done .
Thanks for this. It's just as nice on cello as violin. Makes me wish I'd've taken string lesson yesterday when I's young. Too late to start now.