"On one stave, for a small instrument, the man writes a whole world of the deepest thoughts and most powerful feelings. If I imagined that I could have created, even conceived the piece, I am quite certain that the excess of excitement and earth-shattering experience would have driven me out of my mind." - Johannes Brahms about Bach's Chaconne
you forgot the best part! 'If one doesn't have the greatest violinist around, then it is well the most beautiful pleasure to simply listen to its sound in one's mind.' Awesome quote though, thanks for sharing :)
You will often hear people say "Oh Bach is boring, emotionless, mechanical, overly-technical." Well, maybe if you've only heard the Well Tempered Clavier and the Inventions.. But one cannot say this about the Violin Partitas/Sonatas, the Cello Suites, the Organ Preludes/Toccatas/Fantasias/Fugues, the Cantatas, the Mass in B minor, the Passions.... etc. etc. Bach was never a composer who settled with pleasing others with simple tunes and melodies. Instead, he explored the depths of the human mind and spirit with boldness and authority that is rarely seen elsewhere in music. The Chaconne is so steeped tortured emotions and rigorous technicality that many have never dared to venture. It is such a summit of music writing that it can't help but being the standard in setting the limits of music, or to decry them.
To those people I would show them this, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Kyrie Eleison from Mass, the Passacaglia, etc. I personally think that Bach was (and will ever be) the greater composer of all time musically speaking.
AMPepin1992 I observe that people tend to hate Bach when they're kids learning violin/cello/viola/piano for the first time because it doesn't sound exciting or personal enough, but as they grow older they appreciate Bach more and more.
+crazeechickee11 I adore Bach. In fact, I think this Chaconne in particular is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. However, I would not go quite so far as to call Bach the parent of all subsequent (Western) music. Not *quite* a parent; more of a godfather and a dedicated tutor. Granted, the distinction is rather fine, but music would still have progressed similarly had he not existed (although it would be much poorer!). Similarly, but not the same, for he did indeed have a major influence on music. Bach continues to be a loving guide and teacher to musicians - even those unfamiliar to him. As a piano teacher, I hope to connect people with his work (and that of may other worthy composers), and point out what makes him so amazing.
this interpretation is just magical! the warm emotion combined with the perfect technique is so adorable! I can't even describe the quality of this performance
I'm not sure if you're joking, but you can put the bow on two, three, or even four (as the Chaconne requires) at once. But I agree, this piece has its rightful place as one of the classical violinist's most challenging works to play.
You cannot place the bow on more than 2 strings because of the curve of the bridge. However you can make it appear that you are playing more then two strings at once
Yeah... i dont know why the video is splitted too. The second part is just as important as the first. The calm that arrived after that very last note of the first part is very deep. No, every note on this playing of chaconne is deep as hell though.
Because when it was uploaded in 2007 TH-cam didn't allow more than 10 minutes of video. So instead of talking nonsense please inform yourself. Only verified accounts could do it starting from 2010. Also later TH-cam extended that limit to 15 minutes.
the chaconne tells the most beautiful story of a broken heart. this is the sound of pure grief, the beauty of sadness, a testament to how timeless the chaconne really is. I lost my father 5 years ago, my uncle died two days ago. it captures sorrow perfectly, memories, everything. in mourning we are all the same.
You might enjoy this. facebook.com/julia.fischer.page/videos/240785223826050/ I had the idea to do a "quarantine version" of Bach's Chaconne together with some other violinists. Here's what Augustin Hadelich says about how it started: "In early April, I was talking to my friend The Official Julia Fischer, and she told me about an idea she had during this quarantine: what if she played the first 8 bars of Bach's Chaconne and then asked friends and colleagues to record the other variations? I immediately jumped on board, and volunteered to compile the videos from everybody, and now the video is ready! Other members of the "cast" include (in order of appearance): Renaud Capuçon, Klaidi Sahatçi, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Nicola Benedetti, Andreas Janke, Daniel Röhn, Lisa Batiashvili, Lena Neudauer, James Ehnes, Stefan Jackiw, Rudens Turku and Vadim Gluzman! (And everyone plays more than once) It was really fun to work on something together, and this video will make for a lovely memory of this strange time in which we are living!"
A year and a half ago, I had the rare honor of being part of an accompanying orchestra for one of Itzhak Perlman's violin concertos he performed. The experience was incredible, and I hope it never leaves me.
Truly excellent interpretation, there is Bach/Busoni Chaconne for piano played by Helene Grimaud which is also great in my opinion. Such incredible composer, Bach in great part established the system in which Western Classical music flourished and he even reached 20th Century in some of the pieces like Art of Fugue in terms of musical structure and harmony, so I can only be amazed at this level of visionary productivity he had.
The best playing the best. Damn his tone is big. From this 'cellist's Bach perspective this is exactly what I'd aim for playing this too. Of course, I think only Perlman can really go this big without losing clarity or musical direction. It's like laser beam. But the sensitivity is also extraordinary. Maybe that is the real thing - the range of dynamic and expressed emotion with the apparent technical finesse. Mind blowing
Nothing to say, the chaconne has so many interpretations that are valuable, between fischer, Jansen, Mullova... But this one is my favourite. Perlman is for me the reference when talking about barock music (even though Jansen is really convincing too). His sound is so different from any other violinist, it's incredible how full and deep it can be.
+jean de la croix -- magical & meaningful! He doesn't let technique get in the way -- when I first heard this, I was so emotional & the thought occurred 'what if......Jimi Hendrix had learned violin' -- it's not that much of a stretch: Hahn, Mullova, & let's not forget Kennedy -- all perfect: But this is Badass!!!!!
Have you heard the extract from Lozakovich's performance ? I find it extremely moving too, and I heard it once more and in full when I went to one of his concerts, it was splendid. I don't like Hahn's interpretation, though she might be my favourite violinist (her recording of Beethoven vc is a wonder)
For some reason Perlman's version of Chaconne makes my soul move like no other. I think it's the "continuo" in the first bars that gets to me. It's so natural and flowing that makes Heifetz' slightly faster or Gideon Kramer's jumpy version seem shallower. Contrary to the popular opinion of chiaro/scuro Bach interpretations I like the subtle nuances of this interpretation,. The almost romantic version of Bach. I think Bach himself would approve.
if you listen to Hilary, she has the flow throughout the piece, from beginning to end. so much that it's unnerving how one can do it in a piece.like this
@Klippy Klop oh :( okay cool, I guess the 60 years he spent on the violin was a total waste too, sigh, thanks man for finally making me realise my errors
@Klippy Klop If you really don't see the irony in your own cycle metaphor then it doesn't need to me that has to point out who's the musical ignoramus here lol.
Working on this piece currently. I sweat it's the most dramatic, deep, and beautiful pieces of music written. I love Perlman's interpretation of this. Hilary Hahn is perhaps more perfect, but the meaning he give this piece is just...overwhelming
YOu might enjoy this facebook.com/julia.fischer.page/videos/240785223826050/ I had the idea to do a "quarantine version" of Bach's Chaconne together with some other violinists. Here's what Augustin Hadelich says about how it started: "In early April, I was talking to my friend The Official Julia Fischer, and she told me about an idea she had during this quarantine: what if she played the first 8 bars of Bach's Chaconne and then asked friends and colleagues to record the other variations? I immediately jumped on board, and volunteered to compile the videos from everybody, and now the video is ready! Other members of the "cast" include (in order of appearance): Renaud Capuçon, Klaidi Sahatçi, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Nicola Benedetti, Andreas Janke, Daniel Röhn, Lisa Batiashvili, Lena Neudauer, James Ehnes, Stefan Jackiw, Rudens Turku and Vadim Gluzman! (And everyone plays more than once) It was really fun to work on something together, and this video will make for a lovely memory of this strange time in which we are living!"
What sets this interpretation apart, for myself at least, from that of others(Hahn, Heifetz etc) is how smooth it is. Just in the opening minute, It seems that other players try to emphasize the contrast in notes while Perlman seems to blend them and make them come together to form a sweeter and smoother sound. I am not knowledgeable on classical music and have no idea how this piece is "supposed" to be played but I like this the best for that reason.
+Affair I personally think what sets this apart from the others is that Perlman doesn't rush the music. From the opening notes he takes his time letting each note resonate beautifully. He stretches the notes out and doesn't cut them off so it isn't choppy, even with the multiple stops. As you say, there is a smooth, mellifluous tone which shows his complete control over the music; everything is played so clearly and without being overly expressive but deeply emotional. Perfect to my ear.
It's just extraordinary how humans can create such a wonderful sound through using just strings and a wooden board. Not only that, I am so impressed with Bach to be able to "transcribe" his own emotions into piece of music. Just..wonderful..
Of course he can, because he is Perlman ;) If anyone has doubts on his velocity skills , he shall listen his Wieniawski or Sarasate recordings and he will get the answer ! This is the style Perlman prefers to play Bach...at least Perlman does not scratch the violin and he is not out of tune ! Perlman for eveeeeeerrr
this is a brilliant interpretation to the Chaconne...I can't say anymore. Everyone has their own opinion, and as much as I respect yours I believe that you don't need to play Bach in a baroque way (with baroque phrasing, bowing etc.) for it to sound any good. Perlmans interpretation is superb!
It's hard to do justice to the scope of this piece in a few words but I'm glad so many others seem to feel as I do about it. It's wonderful and satisfying on any level as a composition for one instrument. Impossible to listen to passively.
I don't know, but this version sure makes my chest feel real tight... Heard other versions, but this one makes me trembling real hard. It's downright amazing and I can't seem to find enough words to describe this wonderful music. It's soooooooooooo beautiful. Argh, beautiful is not nearly enough. Take the word beautiful and multiply it with 100! And then this Chaconne is still even better!
This is my favourite interpretation of this piece. Hahn runs a bit too much (But on the other hand her interpretation of the Caprice 24 is my favourite of all time). I don't have a favourite violinist, every one is good, but in this case Pelrman makes me truly 'feel' this piece, I don't know how to explain it, it's really emotional.
I've listened to the others play this piece, Hahn, Heifetz and Menuhin, but Perlman's interpretation has got to be - hands down - my ultimate favorite. I don't know how he manages it but Bach's Chaconne just plays like silk in Perlman's hands!
I have heard so many different version of chaconne by so many..but this is for me the peak of emotion and virtuocity...neither too fast neither too slow...divine !!!!
I have always been puzzled by this piece. Why hasn't anybody played a 'danceable' Ciaccona yet? I wonder, because a Ciaccona is foremost a lively dance, JS Bach liked 'fast tempi' (according to his son CPE Bach) and Ciaccona's by other composers are always played with a completely different dynamic. It would be very interesting.
I've heard every other rendition of this song that is even deemed worth listening to, and I have to admit: this version is by far the best, technically and emotionally.
Why is it that he is the only person that had enough common sense to play the first half and the second half of each chord the same length? It sounds so much better than playing it almosy as a grace note. Every other player I've ever heard does that.
wow, he really keeps all the strings playing throughout the chords...I think Perlman makes the most complete sound of all the interpretations I've heard. A very full and beautiful sound.
+Dany Stride She's a talented artist, but she is nowhere near classical musicians performing pieces like this. But you don't see Hilary Hahn putting on a *show* as Lindsey does. They're just different to a point where they can hardly be compared.
Honestly, I sometimes have trouble listening to Bach simply because there's just so much passion in his work. I can't help but feel like crying every time I listen to this.
Thank you for posting this here! I have been looking for ages for this particular recording of the piece. I heard it when i was 12 at a particularly sad time in my life, whilst escaping into the radio and recording bits and pieces on cassettes. I recognise this as the recording i heard then. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your comments ! The one I like most in this divine performance is the awesome arpegios in about the middle of the piece..they make u feel as if u listen to 3-4 violin the same time !!
Do you mean like "the gangsta pulled out his piece and popped a cap" or do you mean "I wonder if she will give me piece if I buy her dinner and a bottle of wine" or "I will piece together the meaning of life from the tribulations and trials of youtube posters" or "Piece lieb me alone" said the Mexican to Trump?
I uploaded one more version of Bach's Chaconne .. the one performed by Hilary Hahn a really beautifully played one.. Just follow the path : watch?v=5uCdKH_zHVs It is also posted as a video response to Perlman's above. Enjoy !
this masterpiece is the only classical music piece that could make my heart cries every time I hear it. truly brilliant. I wished I could've heard a soloist performing this live. would have made my day hands down.
durring his time, Bach's works went mostly unnoticed, including the sonatas and partitas. It almost breaks my heart to think that he wasn't around to see how much his works changed not only music, but the entire world.
The Ciaconna is one of the greatest masterpieces composed in history. The modern generation seems to revolve around simple music. True music like Bach needs no words to touch my heart. I can feel the grief, pain, sorrow, and at the same time, hope and joy, through just a few measures. There is so much emotion in every note. Pretentious rap music cannot even come close to this. After a rapper dies, will we remember him? Bach's language is foreign but will be eternally appreciated in everywhere.
音+心=意 (yi) music on top heart or mind below, thought frequency, means intention. 今+心=念 (nian) moment or today on top mind below, the thought arising from this moment, means thought. 艹+樂=藥(yao) grass on top music below, means herbs, 樂(le) means music and bliss, heavenly harmonious music is the best medicine. 艹+古=苦 (ku) suffuring and bitterness, grass on top ancient below literally, photographically 2 eyebrows are squeezed together and eye and nose in the middle with a wide open mouth.
what a great rendition! and the resonance this room, in particular, really compliments Perlman's tone and cadences really well. i wish both parts were included, but I appreciate you sharing it nonetheless.
do not hesitate in playing the original score for violin with just one hand on the piano: it is incredible and a very good exercise (and better than busoni, in my opinion)
Dedicated or not to the memory of his first wife, Maria Barbara, the chaconne is one of the most emotionally devastating pieces of music ever written. It contains all the struggle of a man against his and the world's suffering, at the same time glorifying that suffering as a means to achieve peace, beauty and spiritual elevation. Quoting the violinista Joshua Bell, the chaconne is 'one of the greatest achievements of any man in history'.
"The Partita in D minor for solo violin (BWV 1004) by Johann Sebastian Bach was written during 1717-1723. Professor Helga Thoene suggests that this partita, and especially its last movement, was a tombeau written in memory of Bach's first wife, Maria Barbara Bach (who died in 1720), though this theory is controversial. Yehudi Menuhin calls the Chaconne "the greatest structure for solo violin that exists".[2] Violinist Joshua Bell has said the Chaconne is "not just one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, but one of the greatest achievements of any man in history. It's a spiritually powerful piece, emotionally powerful, structurally perfect." He played the piece busking in L'Enfant Plaza for the Washington Post.[3]
When i first heard Hahn i didnt like either ! It sounded to me very slow and soft as if it was a slowly practised etude..but after long listening i realised that she doesn want the audience to miss even a note, and the slow gives her a chance to emfasize on each note separately !
I understand that Bach wrote this upon the death of his wife. It's one of the most emotionally heart rending, raw, beautiful pieces I have ever heard. Maestro Perlman's performance is magnificent. IMHO, he was able to channel Bach's weeping lament. ❤️
Well the same happens to me when I listen to Heifetz or Menuhin playing this... Dfferent versions of Chaconne touch differently each of us separately..creat different images in our mind ..but all versions are the same horonable...
The problem actually was not ur opinion on playing using arguments (that u havent still expressed) but ur conclusion about Perlman's personality and carrier whom considered as showbiz victim and other bullshits... plus ur phrase "turn on" that YOU first used being sarcastic shows simply that ur point is not to discuss but to goofy off... looking your page and the comments done on you gives me all the answers... your next sarcastic comment will be deleted ...simply :D :D
When Chaconne, together with others, was delivered into outer space in the '70s by the American's unmanned space probe the Voyager in search of possible existence of Aliens other than us humans, the scientist responsible in the music project was asked: "Why not send all of J S Bach's opuses?" "Aah," the person replied: "but would it not have been too boastful?"
Sublime! Y aún más cuando conocemos, el porqué de su composición: Amor y Desesperación, por la pérdida de su amada! Es una maravilla...hacia dónde a veces, lleva el Amor al ser humano que lo pierde!!💖🌈
Actually, Heifetz had a little more soul to it. Also, violinists from the 1900s play better then the 20th century violinits. If you look at like Issac Stern he actually plays better then the contemprary violinist. Just look it up.
@Concertanti : He was better known as an organist in his day. It was not until he was long dead that he began to be appreciated for his composing prowess. IMO, Bach was only ever matched in composing skill by Mozart.
so i was mistaken. i learnt about that anecdote from a doco on bach's music & his contribution to western classical music. however, if i say bach is the father of western music, would u disagree?
This is one of the most phenomenal pieces ever composed. It's no wonder that Brahms marveled at it and said that if he ever thought it was in him to compose such a piece, he would faint dead away from the shock.
@stupidstorm What do you say...better tone...it is a different tone because he is Milstein so has his individuality. But if you talk about tone...you have to know Perlman is MR.TONE period!. Now if you like it or not it is your problem but you should consider everything before you comment. His tone more than anyone comes from feelings! Technically he produces it right because no" labor" in his right hand attitude, but his tone comes from his hart as it should come if you're a great artist
@TeeJayMarsh it is murderously difficult on the piano. I have played the LIszt Transcendental Etudes and Busoni 's version is 10 times difficult more difficult than it sounds. I have been working on this month's and i have come close to abandoning it. Listen to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli's legendary recording from 1948 on Gys6's channel. it will leave you awe-struck. That said, this is truly a monumental perfromance by Perlman. Tears start flowing about 30 seconds into it.
it is very hard to compare violinists of different "generations" as such. e.g. heifetz, milstein etc were in one generation, perlman spans the end of the first and also is in the second with hahn, fischer, shaham, mintz and vengerov etc. people have their own unique renditions from one generation to another so it is very difficult to compare them. i personally prefer perlman's - it is intense and exciting.
I think both Itzhak and Heifetz hack through while playing Bach :| that's just my opinion though. Hacking's not supposed to be done in playing Bach's pieces. Maybe a little. Just a wee bit of crunch. But both Itzhak and Heifetz make too many crunches in their chords while playing Bach. Crunches would be more acceptable in playing something like a Sinding Suite. But not Bach. Bach's supposed to be more smooooooooth... Suave...
hey darkangel10001, go to google and type in WIMA..from there go to Werner Icking music Archive...click on composers, and then Bach, JS...then find works for solo violin and click on the pdf file of partita number 2 in d minor...the last part is called chaconne. Note: there are three versions in the pdf file...version 1 is just the notes...version 2 has some fingering tips to help you....and version three is for viola so watch you don't print the three versions lol...happy learning
@masked1one - Rubbish. Listen to Isaac Stern's rendition in my uploads. It's better than Perman's(as I'm sure he'd agree, light of the fact that Stern was his mentor and teacher. When they play together Stern was always first violinist and Perlman second) and certainly not 'cold as ice'. Also compare his other renditions of Bach's violin repertoire.
"On one stave, for a small instrument, the man writes a whole world of the deepest thoughts and most powerful feelings. If I imagined that I could have created, even conceived the piece, I am quite certain that the excess of excitement and earth-shattering experience would have driven me out of my mind." - Johannes Brahms about Bach's Chaconne
lmao
just read that quote in zia haider rahman's 'in the light of what we know' :)
you forgot the best part! 'If one doesn't have the greatest violinist around, then it is well the most beautiful pleasure to simply listen to its sound in one's mind.' Awesome quote though, thanks for sharing :)
Totally agree
You will often hear people say "Oh Bach is boring, emotionless, mechanical, overly-technical." Well, maybe if you've only heard the Well Tempered Clavier and the Inventions.. But one cannot say this about the Violin Partitas/Sonatas, the Cello Suites, the Organ Preludes/Toccatas/Fantasias/Fugues, the Cantatas, the Mass in B minor, the Passions.... etc. etc. Bach was never a composer who settled with pleasing others with simple tunes and melodies. Instead, he explored the depths of the human mind and spirit with boldness and authority that is rarely seen elsewhere in music. The Chaconne is so steeped tortured emotions and rigorous technicality that many have never dared to venture. It is such a summit of music writing that it can't help but being the standard in setting the limits of music, or to decry them.
To those people I would show them this, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Kyrie Eleison from Mass, the Passacaglia, etc. I personally think that Bach was (and will ever be) the greater composer of all time musically speaking.
Summary: Bach essentially gave birth to the rest of music.
who are the clueless idiots that make these claims? there is no more emotional and beautiful than bach.
AMPepin1992 I observe that people tend to hate Bach when they're kids learning violin/cello/viola/piano for the first time because it doesn't sound exciting or personal enough, but as they grow older they appreciate Bach more and more.
+crazeechickee11 I adore Bach. In fact, I think this Chaconne in particular is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.
However, I would not go quite so far as to call Bach the parent of all subsequent (Western) music. Not *quite* a parent; more of a godfather and a dedicated tutor. Granted, the distinction is rather fine, but music would still have progressed similarly had he not existed (although it would be much poorer!). Similarly, but not the same, for he did indeed have a major influence on music.
Bach continues to be a loving guide and teacher to musicians - even those unfamiliar to him. As a piano teacher, I hope to connect people with his work (and that of may other worthy composers), and point out what makes him so amazing.
this interpretation is just magical! the warm emotion combined with the perfect technique is so adorable! I can't even describe the quality of this performance
HOW IS THIS JUST ONE INSTRUMENT
I'm not sure if you're joking, but you can put the bow on two, three, or even four (as the Chaconne requires) at once. But I agree, this piece has its rightful place as one of the classical violinist's most challenging works to play.
You cannot place the bow on more than 2 strings because of the curve of the bridge. However you can make it appear that you are playing more then two strings at once
well technically you can if you press hard enough on the bow near the bridge you can play a 3 note chord all at once.
I think OP was complimenting the performance.
Cuz Bach was a Genius especially for composing pieces for solo instruments such as the violin and cello
one of the greatest and most emotional pieces, played by one of the world's finest violinists, split into two videos. this is nonsense.
yes
+tech niche On one of the best violins ever made.
Yeah... i dont know why the video is splitted too. The second part is just as important as the first. The calm that arrived after that very last note of the first part is very deep. No, every note on this playing of chaconne is deep as hell though.
It's cuz youtube doesn't allow to upload longer videos than 7 minutes sometimes.
Because when it was uploaded in 2007 TH-cam didn't allow more than 10 minutes of video. So instead of talking nonsense please inform yourself.
Only verified accounts could do it starting from 2010. Also later TH-cam extended that limit to 15 minutes.
the chaconne tells the most beautiful story of a broken heart. this is the sound of pure grief, the beauty of sadness, a testament to how timeless the chaconne really is. I lost my father 5 years ago, my uncle died two days ago. it captures sorrow perfectly, memories, everything. in mourning we are all the same.
Betrayal,Tragedy,Deceit!
昨年父を亡くした時に、シャコンヌが魂の救いでした。父はこの曲をギターでよく弾いていました。私も父を思いつつ練習しています。
i love this shit
Between hilary, heifitz, and pearlman, I would have to say that pearlmans interpretation had the highest emotion and technical perfection
+Tiger Whitten well, all of them are almost perfect
Vincent Kretschmer i would say Hahn had the highest technical performance. Pearlman is definitely more powerful opening
I want to add also Christian Ferras!
How about Gitlis?
So much so!!!!
This is the best version/interpretation of this piece I have ever heard. I play violin, and I know this is not easy to do.
one name. Gitlis
"...this is not easy to do." Understatement of the decade.
You might enjoy this.
facebook.com/julia.fischer.page/videos/240785223826050/
I had the idea to do a "quarantine version" of Bach's Chaconne together with some other violinists. Here's what Augustin Hadelich says about how it started: "In early April, I was talking to my friend The Official Julia Fischer, and she told me about an idea she had during this quarantine: what if she played the first 8 bars of Bach's Chaconne and then asked friends and colleagues to record the other variations? I immediately jumped on board, and volunteered to compile the videos from everybody, and now the video is ready! Other members of the "cast" include (in order of appearance): Renaud Capuçon, Klaidi Sahatçi, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Nicola Benedetti, Andreas Janke, Daniel Röhn, Lisa Batiashvili, Lena Neudauer, James Ehnes, Stefan Jackiw, Rudens Turku and Vadim Gluzman! (And everyone plays more than once)
It was really fun to work on something together, and this video will make for a lovely memory of this strange time in which we are living!"
A year and a half ago, I had the rare honor of being part of an accompanying orchestra for one of Itzhak Perlman's violin concertos he performed. The experience was incredible, and I hope it never leaves me.
PerfectPitcher13
Truly excellent interpretation, there is Bach/Busoni Chaconne for piano played by Helene Grimaud which is also great in my opinion. Such incredible composer, Bach in great part established the system in which Western Classical music flourished and he even reached 20th Century in some of the pieces like Art of Fugue in terms of musical structure and harmony, so I can only be amazed at this level of visionary productivity he had.
Most excellent rendition -- thanks for the referral, Irina Klyuev.
The best playing the best. Damn his tone is big. From this 'cellist's Bach perspective this is exactly what I'd aim for playing this too. Of course, I think only Perlman can really go this big without losing clarity or musical direction. It's like laser beam. But the sensitivity is also extraordinary. Maybe that is the real thing - the range of dynamic and expressed emotion with the apparent technical finesse. Mind blowing
The whole piece is beautiful but 5:09 is just wonderful.
Interpretation is a bit too much like Tchaikovsky for my liking but damn, what a sound.
Nothing to say, the chaconne has so many interpretations that are valuable, between fischer, Jansen, Mullova... But this one is my favourite. Perlman is for me the reference when talking about barock music (even though Jansen is really convincing too). His sound is so different from any other violinist, it's incredible how full and deep it can be.
+jean de la croix -- magical & meaningful! He doesn't let technique get in the way -- when I first heard this, I was so emotional & the thought occurred 'what if......Jimi Hendrix had learned violin' -- it's not that much of a stretch: Hahn, Mullova, & let's not forget Kennedy -- all perfect: But this is Badass!!!!!
Have you heard the extract from Lozakovich's performance ? I find it extremely moving too, and I heard it once more and in full when I went to one of his concerts, it was splendid. I don't like Hahn's interpretation, though she might be my favourite violinist (her recording of Beethoven vc is a wonder)
This piece takes my breath away and strikes the very depth of my soul.
For some reason Perlman's version of Chaconne makes my soul move like no other.
I think it's the "continuo" in the first bars that gets to me. It's so natural and flowing that makes Heifetz' slightly faster or Gideon Kramer's jumpy version seem shallower.
Contrary to the popular opinion of chiaro/scuro Bach interpretations I like the subtle nuances of this interpretation,. The almost romantic version of Bach. I think Bach himself would approve.
Toni Anzlovar I didn't like the comparably sleepy version of his arpeggio section or his wild liberties with tempo, but otherwise I agree with you.
if you listen to Hilary, she has the flow throughout the piece, from beginning to end. so much that it's unnerving how one can do it in a piece.like this
@Klippy Klop ok cool, then i guess I've wasted my life playing the violin :(
@Klippy Klop oh :( okay cool, I guess the 60 years he spent on the violin was a total waste too, sigh, thanks man for finally making me realise my errors
@Klippy Klop If you really don't see the irony in your own cycle metaphor then it doesn't need to me that has to point out who's the musical ignoramus here lol.
Working on this piece currently. I sweat it's the most dramatic, deep, and beautiful pieces of music written. I love Perlman's interpretation of this. Hilary Hahn is perhaps more perfect, but the meaning he give this piece is just...overwhelming
how long have you played the violin?
@@chriss6356 i play this piece too and im now playing 10 years
YOu might enjoy this
facebook.com/julia.fischer.page/videos/240785223826050/
I had the idea to do a "quarantine version" of Bach's Chaconne together with some other violinists. Here's what Augustin Hadelich says about how it started: "In early April, I was talking to my friend The Official Julia Fischer, and she told me about an idea she had during this quarantine: what if she played the first 8 bars of Bach's Chaconne and then asked friends and colleagues to record the other variations? I immediately jumped on board, and volunteered to compile the videos from everybody, and now the video is ready! Other members of the "cast" include (in order of appearance): Renaud Capuçon, Klaidi Sahatçi, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Nicola Benedetti, Andreas Janke, Daniel Röhn, Lisa Batiashvili, Lena Neudauer, James Ehnes, Stefan Jackiw, Rudens Turku and Vadim Gluzman! (And everyone plays more than once)
It was really fun to work on something together, and this video will make for a lovely memory of this strange time in which we are living!"
Itzhak Perlman's interpretation and playing of Bach's Chaconne is an absolute joy for my heart. Thank you!
this is the piece that sherlock was going to play on "the last problem".... eurus stopped him
"No not Bach. You don't understand it."
What sets this interpretation apart, for myself at least, from that of others(Hahn, Heifetz etc) is how smooth it is. Just in the opening minute, It seems that other players try to emphasize the contrast in notes while Perlman seems to blend them and make them come together to form a sweeter and smoother sound. I am not knowledgeable on classical music and have no idea how this piece is "supposed" to be played but I like this the best for that reason.
+Affair I personally think what sets this apart from the others is that Perlman doesn't rush the music. From the opening notes he takes his time letting each note resonate beautifully. He stretches the notes out and doesn't cut them off so it isn't choppy, even with the multiple stops. As you say, there is a smooth, mellifluous tone which shows his complete control over the music; everything is played so clearly and without being overly expressive but deeply emotional. Perfect to my ear.
Hahn takes her time with it as well. Comparatively Perlman seems to be racing through it.
It's just extraordinary how humans can create such a wonderful sound through using just strings and a wooden board. Not only that, I am so impressed with Bach to be able to "transcribe" his own emotions into piece of music. Just..wonderful..
The best rendition of Ciaccona that I have heard so far.
Well, apparently 155 better violinists than Itzahk! LOL
Finally, I understood this music. thanks.
Exactly my thoughts after hearing this performance.
Of course he can, because he is Perlman ;)
If anyone has doubts on his velocity skills , he shall listen his Wieniawski or Sarasate recordings and he will get the answer !
This is the style Perlman prefers to play Bach...at least Perlman does not scratch the violin and he is not out of tune !
Perlman for eveeeeeerrr
Sehr beindruckend. Ich liebe seine Interpretation von Bachs Chaconne. Bringt das ganze Spektrum hervorragend. Sicher eine der besten Aufnahmen.
this is a brilliant interpretation to the Chaconne...I can't say anymore. Everyone has their own opinion, and as much as I respect yours I believe that you don't need to play Bach in a baroque way (with baroque phrasing, bowing etc.) for it to sound any good. Perlmans interpretation is superb!
Black Butler.
the comment i was looking for 😂
Jajajajjajaja xD
Xx justabitofmagic
Mariana Herrera I watched that episode today! That part sounded familiar to me, so I thought, "I'll check out this song afterwards."
It's hard to do justice to the scope of this piece in a few words but I'm glad so many others seem to feel as I do about it. It's wonderful and satisfying on any level as a composition for one instrument. Impossible to listen to passively.
I don't know, but this version sure makes my chest feel real tight... Heard other versions, but this one makes me trembling real hard. It's downright amazing and I can't seem to find enough words to describe this wonderful music. It's soooooooooooo beautiful. Argh, beautiful is not nearly enough. Take the word beautiful and multiply it with 100! And then this Chaconne is still even better!
This is my favourite interpretation of this piece.
Hahn runs a bit too much (But on the other hand her interpretation of the Caprice 24 is my favourite of all time).
I don't have a favourite violinist, every one is good, but in this case Pelrman makes me truly 'feel' this piece, I don't know how to explain it, it's really emotional.
I've listened to the others play this piece, Hahn, Heifetz and Menuhin, but Perlman's interpretation has got to be - hands down - my ultimate favorite. I don't know how he manages it but Bach's Chaconne just plays like silk in Perlman's hands!
This is the first piece that ever brought me to tears. Still does.
5:09
I have heard so many different version of chaconne by so many..but this is for me the peak of emotion and virtuocity...neither too fast neither too slow...divine !!!!
La pieza cumbre de la música barroca y sin duda la mejor interpretación del mejor violinista....Bach revive e ti en cada nota...felicidades.
I have always been puzzled by this piece. Why hasn't anybody played a 'danceable' Ciaccona yet? I wonder, because a Ciaccona is foremost a lively dance, JS Bach liked 'fast tempi' (according to his son CPE Bach) and Ciaccona's by other composers are always played with a completely different dynamic. It would be very interesting.
I've heard every other rendition of this song that is even deemed worth listening to, and I have to admit: this version is by far the best, technically and emotionally.
best version i heard of this piece
Exceptional rendition, but listen to Nathan Milstein's rendition too, also exceptional!
Definitely agree. Very rich tone, I don't feel like I'm missing any of the layers like other performances.
Why is it that he is the only person that had enough common sense to play the first half and the second half of each chord the same length? It sounds so much better than playing it almosy as a grace note. Every other player I've ever heard does that.
This is flawless and deeply moving. I also enjoy Hilary Hahn's interpretation.
Yes!! Same here!!
I thing the best two interpretations of Chaconne are Perlman and Hilary Hahn. Even Vengerov doesn’t come as close.
Try James Ehnes @@MohammedHajjar
Thanks for suggesting his name. I've never heard of him before and it's quite a nice performance. Love it. @@zoobob5794
wow, he really keeps all the strings playing throughout the chords...I think Perlman makes the most complete sound of all the interpretations I've heard. A very full and beautiful sound.
If The Universe Had A Sound, Then This Resonates It All.
Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this speaks to my soul in a way I didn't think was possible until I happened to click on this. Amazing.
5:10 one of the greatest moments in music history.
All opinions are respectfull..
Personally this chaconne made me love even more the violin and set Perlman on the peak of my favourite violinists...
Love it! Great performance of one of my favorite composer's music!
This is perfect, 3-30 :) He is God!!
i'd like to see lindsey stirling attempt this, just to see how little she can actually play.
Why should she. She had her own brand.
A little wink to classical music I guess. I agree! This piece is dramatic and beautiful!
+drago97531 Dude she couldnt play this if she tried . Besides, her musical talent/ability on the violin is that of an elementary violinist.
+Dany Stride
She's a talented artist, but she is nowhere near classical musicians performing pieces like this. But you don't see Hilary Hahn putting on a *show* as Lindsey does. They're just different to a point where they can hardly be compared.
I want to see you play this too
Honestly, I sometimes have trouble listening to Bach simply because there's just so much passion in his work. I can't help but feel like crying every time I listen to this.
Black Butler brought me here XD
Thank you for posting this here! I have been looking for ages for this particular recording of the piece. I heard it when i was 12 at a particularly sad time in my life, whilst escaping into the radio and recording bits and pieces on cassettes. I recognise this as the recording i heard then. Thank you so much!
Best version I heard of this piece too.
Such moving piece of music, can't help to come back to it regularly....
Thank you for your comments !
The one I like most in this divine performance is the awesome arpegios in about the middle of the piece..they make u feel as if u listen to 3-4 violin the same time !!
i love this piece.. im playing busonis version on the piano and it's amazing
3.30
no es posible que haya SOLO un violin aqui.....
5:00 - 7:00 sounds like pure magic :3
It made me cry
This is (to me) one of the best recordings of Bach Chaconne. Especially by Perlman. It's truly an amazing piece. It's so sad and so powerful
ladies' code brought me here ❤
It is NOT a song, by definition a song is SUNG (use your dictionary). It is a piece.
Do you mean like "the gangsta pulled out his piece and popped a cap" or do you mean "I wonder if she will give me piece if I buy her dinner and a bottle of wine" or "I will piece together the meaning of life from the tribulations and trials of youtube posters" or "Piece lieb me alone" said the Mexican to Trump?
Written for the 2nd Partita in d minor for violin, circa 1720.
Sameee
I uploaded one more version of Bach's Chaconne .. the one performed by Hilary Hahn a really beautifully played one..
Just follow the path :
watch?v=5uCdKH_zHVs
It is also posted as a video response to Perlman's above. Enjoy !
3:26-3:35
Perlman plays with warmth, passion and a sincere love of the violin and all music that graces it. Perlman is a genius!
My cat PONTA said "Miaow! Miaow! Mia.......ow! Mia! "
He loves this sound very much.
lol
this masterpiece is the only classical music piece that could make my heart cries every time I hear it. truly brilliant. I wished I could've heard a soloist performing this live. would have made my day hands down.
durring his time, Bach's works went mostly unnoticed, including the sonatas and partitas. It almost breaks my heart to think that he wasn't around to see how much his works changed not only music, but the entire world.
Esto es en realidad hermoso y a la vez tan atractivo al corazón y el alma.
The Ciaconna is one of the greatest masterpieces composed in history. The modern generation seems to revolve around simple music. True music like Bach needs no words to touch my heart. I can feel the grief, pain, sorrow, and at the same time, hope and joy, through just a few measures. There is so much emotion in every note. Pretentious rap music cannot even come close to this. After a rapper dies, will we remember him? Bach's language is foreign but will be eternally appreciated in everywhere.
This rendition never ceases to amaze me. Every time I listen it's like the first time. Perlman puts his all into it.
This is incredible, it is like a prayer on the violin!!!
音+心=意 (yi) music on top heart or mind below, thought frequency, means intention.
今+心=念 (nian) moment or today on top mind below, the thought arising from this moment, means thought.
艹+樂=藥(yao) grass on top music below, means herbs, 樂(le) means music and bliss, heavenly harmonious music is the best medicine.
艹+古=苦 (ku) suffuring and bitterness, grass on top ancient below literally, photographically 2 eyebrows are squeezed together and eye and nose in the middle with a wide open mouth.
what a great rendition! and the resonance this room, in particular, really compliments Perlman's tone and cadences really well. i wish both parts were included, but I appreciate you sharing it nonetheless.
I haven't heard anyone play this song with as much emotion as Perlman. He's amazing.
do not hesitate in playing the original score for violin with just one hand on the piano: it is incredible and a very good exercise (and better than busoni, in my opinion)
Dedicated or not to the memory of his first wife, Maria Barbara, the chaconne is one of the most emotionally devastating pieces of music ever written. It contains all the struggle of a man against his and the world's suffering, at the same time glorifying that suffering as a means to achieve peace, beauty and spiritual elevation. Quoting the violinista Joshua Bell, the chaconne is 'one of the greatest achievements of any man in history'.
"The Partita in D minor for solo violin (BWV 1004) by Johann Sebastian Bach was written during 1717-1723. Professor Helga Thoene suggests that this partita, and especially its last movement, was a tombeau written in memory of Bach's first wife, Maria Barbara Bach (who died in 1720), though this theory is controversial.
Yehudi Menuhin calls the Chaconne "the greatest structure for solo violin that exists".[2]
Violinist Joshua Bell has said the Chaconne is "not just one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, but one of the greatest achievements of any man in history. It's a spiritually powerful piece, emotionally powerful, structurally perfect." He played the piece busking in L'Enfant Plaza for the Washington Post.[3]
swiggity swooty gotta get le manifique booty
Unique. C'est sans nul doute ma version préférée de cette chaconne qui est comme un temple à elle seule.
As if this rendition is what Bach wrote it for-truly amazing.
When i first heard Hahn i didnt like either !
It sounded to me very slow and soft as if it was a slowly practised etude..but after long listening i realised that she doesn want the audience to miss even a note, and the slow gives her a chance to emfasize on each note separately !
I understand that Bach wrote this upon the death of his wife. It's one of the most emotionally heart rending, raw, beautiful pieces I have ever heard. Maestro Perlman's performance is magnificent. IMHO, he was able to channel Bach's weeping lament. ❤️
Well the same happens to me when I listen to Heifetz or Menuhin playing this...
Dfferent versions of Chaconne touch differently each of us separately..creat different images in our mind ..but all versions are the same horonable...
The problem actually was not ur opinion on playing using arguments (that u havent still expressed) but ur conclusion about Perlman's personality and carrier whom considered as showbiz victim and other bullshits... plus ur phrase "turn on" that YOU first used being sarcastic shows simply that ur point is not to discuss but to goofy off... looking your page and the comments done on you gives me all the answers... your next sarcastic comment will be deleted ...simply :D :D
When Chaconne, together with others, was delivered into outer space in the '70s by the American's unmanned space probe the Voyager in search of possible existence of Aliens other than us humans, the scientist responsible in the music project was asked: "Why not send all of J S Bach's opuses?" "Aah," the person replied: "but would it not have been too boastful?"
Sublime! Y aún más cuando conocemos, el porqué de su composición: Amor y Desesperación, por la pérdida de su amada!
Es una maravilla...hacia dónde a veces, lleva el Amor al ser humano que lo pierde!!💖🌈
Actually, Heifetz had a little more soul to it. Also, violinists from the 1900s play better then the 20th century violinits. If you look at like Issac Stern he actually plays better then the contemprary violinist. Just look it up.
@Concertanti : He was better known as an organist in his day. It was not until he was long dead that he began to be appreciated for his composing prowess. IMO, Bach was only ever matched in composing skill by Mozart.
how can it be explained.. by words? by notes ? .... no!
that s everything..
so i was mistaken. i learnt about that anecdote from a doco on bach's music & his contribution to western classical music. however, if i say bach is the father of western music, would u disagree?
God speaks
Bach, Shakespeare, Newton. The 3 greatest human minds of all times.
Well tastes are objective... I find it one of the most spiritual and elegant violin compositions (and performances)
This is one of the most phenomenal pieces ever composed. It's no wonder that Brahms marveled at it and said that if he ever thought it was in him to compose such a piece, he would faint dead away from the shock.
@stupidstorm
What do you say...better tone...it is a different tone because he is Milstein so has his individuality. But if you talk about tone...you have to know Perlman is MR.TONE period!. Now if you like it or not it is your problem but you should consider everything before you comment. His tone more than anyone comes from feelings! Technically he produces it right because no" labor" in his right hand attitude, but his tone comes from his hart as it should come if you're a great artist
@TeeJayMarsh it is murderously difficult on the piano. I have played the LIszt Transcendental Etudes and Busoni 's version is 10 times difficult more difficult than it sounds. I have been working on this month's and i have come close to abandoning it. Listen to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli's legendary recording from 1948 on Gys6's channel. it will leave you awe-struck. That said, this is truly a monumental perfromance by Perlman. Tears start flowing about 30 seconds into it.
it is very hard to compare violinists of different "generations" as such. e.g. heifetz, milstein etc were in one generation, perlman spans the end of the first and also is in the second with hahn, fischer, shaham, mintz and vengerov etc. people have their own unique renditions from one generation to another so it is very difficult to compare them. i personally prefer perlman's - it is intense and exciting.
I think both Itzhak and Heifetz hack through while playing Bach :| that's just my opinion though. Hacking's not supposed to be done in playing Bach's pieces. Maybe a little. Just a wee bit of crunch. But both Itzhak and Heifetz make too many crunches in their chords while playing Bach. Crunches would be more acceptable in playing something like a Sinding Suite. But not Bach. Bach's supposed to be more smooooooooth... Suave...
hey darkangel10001, go to google and type in WIMA..from there go to Werner Icking music Archive...click on composers, and then Bach, JS...then find works for solo violin and click on the pdf file of partita number 2 in d minor...the last part is called chaconne. Note: there are three versions in the pdf file...version 1 is just the notes...version 2 has some fingering tips to help you....and version three is for viola so watch you don't print the three versions lol...happy learning
@masked1one - Rubbish. Listen to Isaac Stern's rendition in my uploads. It's better than Perman's(as I'm sure he'd agree, light of the fact that Stern was his mentor and teacher. When they play together Stern was always first violinist and Perlman second) and certainly not 'cold as ice'. Also compare his other renditions of Bach's violin repertoire.