I think the average person listening to this doesn't realize the dedication and hard work it takes to get to this level of playing the guitar. This gentleman sits here for more than 13 minutes and plays beautifully and flawlessly, having memorized this very long and difficult piece. His fingers glide over the frets seemingly effortlessly. What a magnificent performance. Bravo, sir, bravo!!!!
No doubt, it is bravissimo!!! Even more: over the enormous work needed to be able to perform like this, I would highlight the attitude of the player towards the music he plays. It is technically perfect but, at the same time, sober as to not to permit himself any arbitrary ornament or subjective variation to show himself thus making himself the star. He serves humbly the music, so allowing the listeners to enjoy it at its highest degree. Thanks Mr. Feeley. Sin duda, bravísimo. Aún más: sobre el enorme trabajo necesario para llegar a tocar así, yo destacaría la actitud del intérprete hacia la obra que toca. Lo hace de modo técnicamente perfecto pero, al mismo tiempo, tan sobrio como para no permitirse ningún adorno arbitrario o variación subjetiva que atraiga la atención sobre sí mismo. Por el contrario, sirve humildemente a la pieza, haciendo con ello a los oyentes disfrutarla al máximo. Gracias, Sr. Feeley.
William Graham It's unlikely that the casual listener will not realise the thousands of hours and years of singular focus required to master the guitar and this composition.
"The Chaconne is one of the most wonderful, incomprehensible pieces of music. On a single staff, for a small instrument, the man writes a whole world of the deepest thoughts and the most powerful feelings. If I were to imagine how I might have made, conceived the piece, I know for certain that the overwhelming excitement and awe would have driven me mad." -- Brahms
As a musician and guitarist of 25+ years, I can truly say this is a completely perfect performance of this music. I spent a few years taking a crack at this particular tune and I never came close to this level. This guy is a true master of classical guitar and he plays Bach the way it should be played. Salut to you, sir!
Matt, I'm not a guitarist, but I've heard that this is one of the most difficult pieces to play. Do you find that to be the case? And even though I don't have the ability to play, I do have the ability to listen very carefully to music. I've heard many performances of this and I agree, this one seems nearly flawless to me. I've heard several of Feely's performances and have been impressed with each one. (Pun intended 😊)
@@NylonStrings83 It's nightmarishly hard if you want to sound half as good as John here. The phrasing, the staccato, the tone, the tempo, the absolute clarity.. This is a nightmarishly hard piece to play well
TIMING: Excellent. TECHNICAL PRECISION: Excellent. MUSICAL INTERPRETATION: Excellent. LOCATION (Backdrop): Excellent, ...Bach in church, can't go wrong. VIDEO QUALITY (lighting, clarity, editing, etc.): Excellent. AUDIO QUALITY: Excellent. Attention to detail is everywhere. This guy wasn't messing around when he made this vid.
For real, he wanted to share his hard work and this piece with others, and did so very well. I've seen other covers but none get the Dynamics and timing.
At times, Mr. Feeley's head is cut off partially, the close-up could have been more precise. But that is only a small detail in such a great wonder. EXCELLENT, indeed.
The only people that can find a fault with this impeccable Bach interpretation are either superior guitar players (I sincerely doubt it) or they are green with envy because they will never get to play like this... I love the sound, the tone on that guitar is priceless... beautifully phrased and captures the mood with absolute certainty. Thanks for sharing!
At this level, the 'faults' are more like personal interpretations of the musician and the way he decides to play them be it technique or simply personality on execution.
This recording is a gift from a talented and uncompromising artist. I've played this recording in my busy kitchen (restaurant). Everyone shut up and listened. Doesn't matter what you normally listen to this piece on guitar stops me and most regular humans dead in our tracks. Your recording should be required for all DMAs and freshmen music theory majors.
Sitting here with my beloved dying cat on my lap and listening to this most beautiful sound and just bawling. Thank you sir for this video. Astounding beauty.
Sorry for your loss. At least the music can console us. I was torn up after our last cat died and I played my guitar for about an hour and cried just to help deal with the grief.
This could be the single greatest classical guitar performance on the internet. This incredible piece of music and the beyond flawless almost not to be believed playing of this man. The acoustics of the church, gentle vibrato on notes and chords , dynamics, make the music shimmer and breathe. Thank you so much for sharing this with the world !!!
I second this. The Chaconne is obviously a masterpiece. But Feeley arranged this for guitar. And this performance is absolutely incredible. The phrasing is perfect, the transitions from one part to the next, the vibrato, dynamics, the trills, 13 minutes straight. If there is a better performance anywhere on the internet I've not heard it. Not just of this piece, but of any piece. Granted I prefer baroque. I hope people appreciate that this performance was a lifetime achievement, dare I say an achievement for all humanity.
Лучшее исполнение всё таки у Андреса Сеговия, это просто надо чувствовать. Хотя Джон сыграл очень классно, превосходно, но Сеговия всё же лучше, у Сеговии прям сама искренность
A fugue and a chaconne have similarities. A Chaconne always keeps the original bass line throughout and the theme goes through a series of variations. This chaconne remains in d minor for the entire first half before switching keys rather dramatically to D Major only to return to it's original d minor. A fugue takes a theme and piles them on top of itself in other voices and plays more with different individual voices continuing to develop the original thematic statement and sometimes modulating quite frequently. Fugues will often pop up in unexpected places like development sections of symphonic movements or string quartets. I hope that helps
As someone who plays both classical and electric guitar, I'd offer to the casual listener the following: no piece of electric guitar playing, not even the great Govan, is as difficult to play as what John just did here. This is what true mastery of guitar sounds and looks like. Stunning display of technique, dynamism, accuracy, and feeling. Now watch this again and really study his right hand.
Ive played and attended concerts for 45 years and this is one of the best examples of the art I have seen. Your right his right hand (has amazing economy of movement).
I'm trying to figure out what if anything is hammer/pull without right hand picking. I started this piece cheating and playing like I do on an electric but I think every note is plucked here except for a couple trills
Right??? He's just sitting there wiggling his fingers, and yet look (and listen) to what he's coaxing out of that instrument! I've watch this video hundreds of times (literally), and it's amazing every. single. time.
Most comments here quite rightly praise the wonderfully accomplished playing of John Feeley. One of the reasons for the brilliance of this performance is the arrangement which is also his. The miracle of TH-cam allows us to easily compare this with performances by other masters such as Williams, Bream and Segovia. In my ears this tops them all, and the arrangement has a lot to do with that. I find it astonishing that until I happened to search for the great Chaconne here I had never heard of this Master of the guitar.
I agree with everything you said. I first noticed this song when it popped up in my feed after I had been looking at other guitarists. All I could think of is why haven’t I heard of this guy before. His technical prowess is amazing and his arrangement is excellent. There is also a lot of emotion being expressed through his touch. Not just technique but also lots of soul.
Yeah, I wasn't sure if it he had rearranged it from the titel, but I did notice that he wasn't playing the Segovia transcription and fingerings. I hope he published it.
@@NylonStrings83 That's certainly a lot better but without the video one can't help wondering what post production contributed. I still prefer John Feeley's wonderful arrangement and playing.
As a a lifelong enthusiast of classical music who has attended recitals by Andres Segovia, Carlos Montoya, David RussselI, The Romeros and many other superb guitarists I don't know how it is that I am just now becoming familiar with this exrtraordineery artist, playing his own arrangement of Bach's immortal chaconne - an admission which I must make with great shame. I can only express my appreciation to Maestro Feeley and his flawless and very moving performance with one word - Bravo. Even "Bravissimo" would not be enough.
Bach's compositions are miraculous in their boundless invention, intricacy and mathematical precision. And yet they move the strong to tears and make the lover sigh with their sublime melody and delicate beauty. It makes me glad to be alive, but I also want to hear this music when I die. This is a flawless interpretation, well worthy of the greatest composer of all.
How can a man write such music? How can another man play it so gracefully, taking our emotions up and down as if we were leaves in the wind. This is the gral of the music, the very essence of it, whether it is classical, pop or electro, they share the same roots with different levels of mastering and skill.
I'm a devoted admirer of Andrés Segovia and I listened so many times to Segovia playing this piece. I thought that I would never like another version of it than Segovia´s. I admit that I was totally wrong.
200+ dislikes???? what's wrong with these people, missing ears? this guy is a true master and locked me up in front of my screen for an hour.. best Bach interpreter that I have found on youtube.. flawless.. thank you for the video..
Je viens de m'offrir la très belle récompense d'écouter deux fois de suite cette Chaconne extraordinaire de Bach, interprétée d'abord au piano par Hélène Grimaud, jouée ensuite à la guitare par John Feeley. Un immense merci à tous deux, tout simplement!
I am currently learning to play Chaconne and I am dreaming of the moment when I can play it from start to finish with no errors. It will take me a long time, but seeing Feelys performance greatly inspires me. Playing or listening to this tune fulfills me completely.
@@jub8891 I can play the whole song, but some parts are still difficult for me, so I can't play it very fluently. How much I practice varies from time to time, but I am getting there. :)
How could anyone possibly give this a down vote? This is pure art. The work and dedication required to evolve to a point as a guitarist where one has mastered Bach's Chaconne in D minor is enormous and takes years.
@@threethrushes I meant literally that - it was 11pm and I was getting ready for bed. I'm still alive and well if you were interpreting it more terminally.
@@EASYTIGER10 That's good to know. To be fair, if I'd top myself, I'd probably listen to the Chaconne one more time before entering the infinite void of bleak nothingness that is death. Have a good day!
This piece got me interested in classical guitar as a career in '68 (J. Williams version) - so I've been listening to it for almost 50 years. And this guy's playing is so freaking great I'm speechless. Absolutely right up there with the best. Musically, Technically, Aesthetically.
God bless you Mr. Feely and thank you for all of the hours of your life that you sacrificed so that the rest of us could enjoy this. so wonderful-bravo!
Whenever I hear someone play an instrument as perfectly as this, one thing always springs to mind. We didn't come here merely by accident, but we were created by a being of absolute perfection, love and goodness.Such music can only have sprung from heavenly inspiration
It's basically impossible to get to the end of this piece and not believe in God. You will go through everything the doubt, the fear, the anger, but finally you will accept that there is a higher power.
Thank you, Master Feeley, for this performance. Thank you, channel owner for uploading this. And thank you, Master of the Masters, Johan S. Bach, for your existence in this planet!
Studying classical guitar I've learned the most important lessons in my life. It's about seizing the moment. You stop being superficial for 13' 28''. For those minutes there is only you and the story that the guitar is telling to you. These stories embody our human essence and thanks to performers like John Feeley, who dedicate their life to them, will never be forgotten.
This is an incredibly beautiful and complex piece, and it is expertly played. It absolutely moved me to tears. Thank you for recording this for us all to enjoy.
I picked up a classical guitar a year ago and took lessons for the first time (self taught and been playing for years). This song is my goal. This has to be my favorite performance of it bar none
Dan, have you played the song all the way through yet? I've been playing for nearly a quarter of a century, and I can tell you, enjoy the simple things: th-cam.com/video/t6omhdEbeAE/w-d-xo.html
Same here, been praticising classical guitar by myself. One day i'll be able to play this piece i hope. I am allready halfway through it... It took me 4 years and i still play it like shit.
I've heard this piece many times and this might be my favorite. That may be because I like a performer who can play beautifully without any of the embellishments that many others use. I also like the fact that he does not try to attract attention to himself. I have the feeling that he would almost prefer to sit behind a curtain while playing. I really appreciate that attitude. Finally, I don't think I heard a single squeak. Amazing.
A question to classical guitarists: you say, _Finally (...), not a single squeak. Are finger/string squeaks considered impure playing by the art and schools of classical guitar or just something inherently involved? Do guitarists endeavor to eliminate it, or perhaps only as the very final polish once everything else is perfect, or do they reckon it quite natural and not a flaw? Here: th-cam.com/video/--E3k28veVc/w-d-xo.html - the rendition of Chaconne is obviously not free of squeak but does it take anything away from it? What is the opinion of the classical guitar connoisseurs?
My. Name. Is. David. Glasper. I. Am. A. Musician. Myself. However. After. Listening. Too. This. Irish. Gentleman. I. Begin. To. Wonder. ! Truely. Astounding. John. Is. Unquestionably. A. True. Master. Absolutely. Beautiful.
This is incredibly powerful and inspiring. The skill level of this guitarist is incredible to make Bach sound so good. I'm watching his fingers and honestly it blows my mind that people are even able to play Bach on guitar considering that it is very difficult with precise timings and fast note sequences.
Absolutely captivating performance. Its a really difficult long piece of music and the combination of timing, stylistic Bach playing is wonderful. Its rare that anyone can play this one so well
John Feeley and Bach. You're pulling my leg! No one - even Bach - could have written it and no one - even John Feeley - could have played it like this! John, you deserve every plaudit. You have mastered your trade - respek!!!
I return to this video at least once every few months... If Bach were alive, I am sure he would greatly appreciate Mr John Feeley's work. At least I do... Thank you for this video. Thank you for your dedication. If I had to choose something to show to aliens, I would choose this... And if aliens didn't appreciate it, I wouldn't want the acquaintance...
I studied classical guitar for 5 years…..my left hand was in graduate school, but my right hand never left kindergarten! Bravo maestro on a flawless technical performance suffused with pure emotion!
I used to play the chaconne when I was in my twenties. I knew it by heart and I can still play large parts in my mind. The arpeggio part I always found the greatest part of this masterpiece.
In the grand tapestry of musical evolution, John Feely's rendition of Bach's Chaconne in D minor on the guitar emerges not just as a performance but as a revelation, casting a new light on Bach's genius with the gentle yet profound touch of the strings. Each note, meticulously crafted and emotionally charged, serves as a testament to John's technical brilliance and deep, mesmerizing artistry. This isn’t merely playing; it’s an act of transcending time, a dialogue with history, where the guitar becomes the chosen instrument to unveil new dimensions of a timeless masterpiece. Imagine, if you will, a moment where time folds upon itself, allowing Bach to step into our era and witness the evolution of his Chaconne. One can’t help but wonder at the joy and astonishment that would dance in his eyes, hearing his composition reborn with such passion and nuance. Would he marvel at the way John not only preserves the essence of his work but elevates it into a soul-stirring journey? This performance is a bridge between epochs, a dream where past and present merge under the banner of musical exploration. John, through your strings, Bach’s spirit seems to whisper across the centuries, rejoicing in the new life you’ve given his Chaconne. Your rendition goes beyond homage; it’s a vibrant, living dialogue with the maestro himself. If only Bach could witness the way you’ve transformed his legacy into an auditory spectacle that transcends what was once thought possible. Bravo for a performance that is not just heard but felt, a journey that redefines the boundaries of time, technique, and emotion.
I would say the memorization is actually the easiest part of this piece (muscle memory is an amazing thing) The tricky (and I mean TRICKY) part is to play it as flawlessly as this.
I am learning to play this piece and can only play about maybe 2 minutes perfectly and another minute that is in the middle of this piece and the rest I know which I have memorised is about only half this piece. I taught my self this piece since about september last year. I have religiously for the past few months yet still cannot master all that I have known for over four months.
Muscle memory (also called motor learning) is a form of procedural (read: unconscious) memory. It's not a misnomer. The ability to perform an action flawlessly without thinking about it is a skill that is only attain through practice and constant repetition, until you muscles "memorize" the action. Pretty accurate term I would say.
I still remember the first time I met you in Declan Sweeney's home in Clapham Common London. It was in 1974. You had with you your guitar and you played for us. Today it is the same magic feelin. Thank you
Incredible! Not only the flawless, technically difficult playing, but the arranging of this for a completely different instrument. How anyone could "dislike" I have no idea. THANK YOU for this!
My instincts tell me this is one of those pieces a guitarist will study their whole life. Sure they may get all the right frets and strings while in conservatory but they won't get the Notes until they are in their 40s and 70s.
...I've heard this recording of John Feeley's Bach D minor Chaconne so so many times, drawn to it through J.S. Bach's extraordinary violin masterpiece initially and two alternative transcriptions - Bach/Busoni's piano epic and this one. John (imo) keeps a perfect natural line, letting the music speak for itself with no imposition as none is needed. Such inspiration playing, probably a fellowship-level of difficulty piece, yet I'm blown away by this level of performance! Bravo ..
In my opinion the best Bach i ever heard on guitar , true poetry from mind and fingers. Can't believe such a number of dislikes, maybe from other jealous player. i think i know enough of guitar to say: Thanks maestro, the spirit of Segovia is still alive, in a better shape if it's possible.
I’ve seen this piece on piano performed by Helena Grimaud - absolutely divine Performed by Heiftz on violin just sublime. And now on guitar .... ethereal ! Thanks for sharing this treasure And poor people that have given thumbs down : Father forgive them for they n Know not what they are doing !
Bravo! Sublime and deeply moving performance of this wonderful work. I wish I had the words to adequately thank John Feeley for the inexpressibly beautiful interpretation of this work. All I can do is listen with a lump in my throat and come back again and again.
Peter Lorre brought me here. No, seriously. I first heard this tune as a kid when watching the 1940's horror film, "The Beast with Five Fingers". It featured a disembodied hand which, in one scene, strangles Lorre, and plays this tune on piano in another. The movie scared the hell out of me, but I've loved Bach ever since. Terrific performance btw.
Ha, ha, ha! Best commentary I´ve seen in a long time! Now Bach is going to take me to...Peter Lorre. Seriously, the scene you describe has sparked my interest (Peter Lorre getting choked or knocked around has always something hilarious in it). But this is an exceptional performance of the Chaconne.
I think the average person listening to this doesn't realize the dedication and hard work it takes to get to this level of playing the guitar. This gentleman sits here for more than 13 minutes and plays beautifully and flawlessly, having memorized this very long and difficult piece. His fingers glide over the frets seemingly effortlessly. What a magnificent performance. Bravo, sir, bravo!!!!
Bravo indeed
No doubt, it is bravissimo!!! Even more: over the enormous work needed to be able to perform like this, I would highlight the attitude of the player towards the music he plays. It is technically perfect but, at the same time, sober as to not to permit himself any arbitrary ornament or subjective variation to show himself thus making himself the star. He serves humbly the music, so allowing the listeners to enjoy it at its highest degree. Thanks Mr. Feeley.
Sin duda, bravísimo. Aún más: sobre el enorme trabajo necesario para llegar a tocar así, yo destacaría la actitud del intérprete hacia la obra que toca. Lo hace de modo técnicamente perfecto pero, al mismo tiempo, tan sobrio como para no permitirse ningún adorno arbitrario o variación subjetiva que atraiga la atención sobre sí mismo. Por el contrario, sirve humildemente a la pieza, haciendo con ello a los oyentes disfrutarla al máximo. Gracias, Sr. Feeley.
Ditto William !!
William Graham It's unlikely that the casual listener will not realise the thousands of hours and years of singular focus required to master the guitar and this composition.
after 3 times listen to this piece, I totally get what you said, sir!
"The Chaconne is one of the most wonderful, incomprehensible pieces of music. On a single staff, for a small instrument, the man writes a whole world of the deepest thoughts and the most powerful feelings. If I were to imagine how I might have made, conceived the piece, I know for certain that the overwhelming excitement and awe would have driven me mad." -- Brahms
Brahms himself had created a few, if not, more than a few amazing pieces as well. It takes one to know one I guess
@Le Ed hahahhaha nice
I'll have to agree with Mr. Brahms on this one.
Really for so many of us!
Like magic!
@Le Ed Brahms himself transcriped it for one handed piano
As a musician and guitarist of 25+ years, I can truly say this is a completely perfect performance of this music. I spent a few years taking a crack at this particular tune and I never came close to this level. This guy is a true master of classical guitar and he plays Bach the way it should be played. Salut to you, sir!
Why
Matt,
I'm not a guitarist, but I've heard that this is one of the most difficult pieces to play. Do you find that to be the case?
And even though I don't have the ability to play, I do have the ability to listen very carefully to music. I've heard many performances of this and I agree, this one seems nearly flawless to me. I've heard several of Feely's performances and have been impressed with each one. (Pun intended 😊)
@@Astrobrant2 I am a classical guitarist and i won’t rate this as the hardest it’s hard but not nightmarishly hard
@@NylonStrings83 Thanks.
@@NylonStrings83 It's nightmarishly hard if you want to sound half as good as John here. The phrasing, the staccato, the tone, the tempo, the absolute clarity.. This is a nightmarishly hard piece to play well
TIMING: Excellent.
TECHNICAL PRECISION: Excellent.
MUSICAL INTERPRETATION: Excellent.
LOCATION (Backdrop): Excellent, ...Bach in church, can't go wrong.
VIDEO QUALITY (lighting, clarity, editing, etc.): Excellent.
AUDIO QUALITY: Excellent.
Attention to detail is everywhere. This guy wasn't messing around when he made this vid.
one aspect is missing: BACH: a genius!
For real, he wanted to share his hard work and this piece with others, and did so very well. I've seen other covers but none get the Dynamics and timing.
Moje nejoblíbenější video. Chlapče , J.S.Bach by měl s Tebe radost !.
At times, Mr. Feeley's head is cut off partially, the close-up could have been more precise. But that is only a small detail in such a great wonder. EXCELLENT, indeed.
You forgot one...
MOOD: Gloomy.
the kind of guitarist difficult to find on a beach
Benj I vvf
I got that reference lol
Benj I that is Bach and it rocks
AKDEEEENİİİİZ AKŞAMLAAAARI
BİR BAŞKAAAAAAAAAAA OLUYORRRR
The Bach music is the most Beautiful of World.y think.
It is
Here I am years later, growing old, listening this performance over and over. It is your fault. Congratulations.
I sit stunned and humbled by two great men, one of whom rests in peace, yet lives on through the other ...
you misspelled piece
theoriginal639 nah he didnt what the fuck
writer is meaning that one of the performers to whom he had listened deceased (in peace).
@@blocknboom9353 it is a joke, I mean bach rests in this piece of music.
@@theoriginal639 That was well said.
A peine CROYABLE DE VIRTUOSITÉ
MILLE BRAVOS MR FEELEY
The only people that can find a fault with this impeccable Bach interpretation are either superior guitar players (I sincerely doubt it) or they are green with envy because they will never get to play like this... I love the sound, the tone on that guitar is priceless... beautifully phrased and captures the mood with absolute certainty. Thanks for sharing!
At this level, the 'faults' are more like personal interpretations of the musician and the way he decides to play them be it technique or simply personality on execution.
Or they could be violinists who have spent the last 5 years learning this piece
why should they be mad lmao
@@wizardofp
He has the most minor fumble mid way but recovers within the next bar. The speed of the recovery is in itself a masterpiece.
The best guitar version of Bach's Chaconne on the planet ever. Thank you John for your sublime art!
Segoviaaaa
@@aldosc784 not even close, too much rubatos by mr. segovia, imo
Try listen Angel Romero’s version
是的
@@aldosc784 A bit too Romantic for my tastes. This is fairly historical, and harmonically very good
Every time I listen to this I want to give it another thumbs-up. I can't so I'll just say thank you again.
This recording is a gift from a talented and uncompromising artist. I've played this recording in my busy kitchen (restaurant). Everyone shut up and listened. Doesn't matter what you normally listen to this piece on guitar stops me and most regular humans dead in our tracks. Your recording should be required for all DMAs and freshmen music theory majors.
Sitting here with my beloved dying cat on my lap and listening to this most beautiful sound and just bawling. Thank you sir for this video. Astounding beauty.
Sorry for your loss. At least the music can console us. I was torn up after our last cat died and I played my guitar for about an hour and cried just to help deal with the grief.
This could be the single greatest classical guitar performance on the internet. This incredible piece of music and the beyond flawless almost not to be believed playing of this man. The acoustics of the church, gentle vibrato on notes and chords , dynamics, make the music shimmer and breathe. Thank you so much for sharing this with the world !!!
One word: Yamashita.
I second this. The Chaconne is obviously a masterpiece. But Feeley arranged this for guitar. And this performance is absolutely incredible. The phrasing is perfect, the transitions from one part to the next, the vibrato, dynamics, the trills, 13 minutes straight. If there is a better performance anywhere on the internet I've not heard it. Not just of this piece, but of any piece. Granted I prefer baroque.
I hope people appreciate that this performance was a lifetime achievement, dare I say an achievement for all humanity.
Hell Yes Brother !!!@@ChucksExotics
agreed
Лучшее исполнение всё таки у Андреса Сеговия, это просто надо чувствовать. Хотя Джон сыграл очень классно, превосходно, но Сеговия всё же лучше, у Сеговии прям сама искренность
Now that is what a classical guitar should sound like. Sublime.
I like lime too
lorem ipsum I like subs
Well I've been hearing it since the '60s when they said Clapton is subliminal(err) I mean a guitar god for all you non pretentious types. lmao
It's his playing but the Matthias Dammann guitar brings out the best in it. One of the most coveted guitars in existence.
A fugue and a chaconne have similarities. A Chaconne always keeps the original bass line throughout and the theme goes through a series of variations. This chaconne remains in d minor for the entire first half before switching keys rather dramatically to D Major only to return to it's original d minor.
A fugue takes a theme and piles them on top of itself in other voices and plays more with different individual voices continuing to develop the original thematic statement and sometimes modulating quite frequently. Fugues will often pop up in unexpected places like development sections of symphonic movements or string quartets. I hope that helps
As someone who plays both classical and electric guitar, I'd offer to the casual listener the following: no piece of electric guitar playing, not even the great Govan, is as difficult to play as what John just did here. This is what true mastery of guitar sounds and looks like. Stunning display of technique, dynamism, accuracy, and feeling. Now watch this again and really study his right hand.
Well said. He's phenomenal.
Ive played and attended concerts for 45 years and this is one of the best examples of the art I have seen. Your right his right hand (has amazing economy of movement).
I'm trying to figure out what if anything is hammer/pull without right hand picking. I started this piece cheating and playing like I do on an electric but I think every note is plucked here except for a couple trills
This is a precious gem to stumble upon indeed.
Check out Dave Kear on TH-cam. His playing is just as magnificent.
Right??? He's just sitting there wiggling his fingers, and yet look (and listen) to what he's coaxing out of that instrument! I've watch this video hundreds of times (literally), and it's amazing every. single. time.
Bach's music is eternal. Endlessly interpreted and reinterpreted.
soli deo gloria!
This performance demonstrates the excellence of the player as well as the excellence of the guitar as the musical instrument.
Most comments here quite rightly praise the wonderfully accomplished playing of John Feeley. One of the reasons for the brilliance of this performance is the arrangement which is also his. The miracle of TH-cam allows us to easily compare this with performances by other masters such as Williams, Bream and Segovia. In my ears this tops them all, and the arrangement has a lot to do with that. I find it astonishing that until I happened to search for the great Chaconne here I had never heard of this Master of the guitar.
I agree with everything you said. I first noticed this song when it popped up in my feed after I had been looking at other guitarists. All I could think of is why haven’t I heard of this guy before. His technical prowess is amazing and his arrangement is excellent. There is also a lot of emotion being expressed through his touch. Not just technique but also lots of soul.
Yeah, I wasn't sure if it he had rearranged it from the titel, but I did notice that he wasn't playing the Segovia transcription and fingerings. I hope he published it.
@@NylonStrings83 Rather too many mistakes to my mind. It's not clear whose arrangement he is using but it is less sophisticated than John Feeley's.
@@NylonStrings83 That's certainly a lot better but without the video one can't help wondering what post production contributed. I still prefer John Feeley's wonderful arrangement and playing.
@@NylonStrings83 Good luck. You might need half a lifetime.
As a a lifelong enthusiast of classical music who has attended recitals by Andres Segovia, Carlos Montoya, David RussselI, The Romeros and many other superb guitarists I don't know how it is that I am just now becoming familiar with this exrtraordineery artist, playing his own arrangement of Bach's immortal chaconne - an admission which I must make with great shame. I can only express my appreciation to Maestro Feeley and his flawless and very moving performance with one word - Bravo. Even "Bravissimo" would not be enough.
This is an entire lifetime of dedication and love in a 13 minutes.
Bach's compositions are miraculous in their boundless invention, intricacy and mathematical precision. And yet they move the strong to tears and make the lover sigh with their sublime melody and delicate beauty. It makes me glad to be alive, but I also want to hear this music when I die. This is a flawless interpretation, well worthy of the greatest composer of all.
How can a man write such music? How can another man play it so gracefully, taking our emotions up and down as if we were leaves in the wind. This is the gral of the music, the very essence of it, whether it is classical, pop or electro, they share the same roots with different levels of mastering and skill.
I'm a devoted admirer of Andrés Segovia and I listened so many times to Segovia playing this piece. I thought that I would never like another version of it than Segovia´s. I admit that I was totally wrong.
Dislikes? This man's virtuosity does not deserve not even one! Reconsider or visit your nearest psiquiatrist as soon as possible!
大学生時代にクラシックギター部に所属していて、よく
聴いた曲で、お気に入りの曲です。
素晴らしい演奏ありがとうございます。
To complete this in a single take, with such consummate precision and musicality is nothing less than God-like. Bravo John Feeley.
200+ dislikes???? what's wrong with these people, missing ears? this guy is a true master and locked me up in front of my screen for an hour.. best Bach interpreter that I have found on youtube.. flawless.. thank you for the video..
haha,those guys are idiot.honestly,he's a master!
he have a very Nice feeling play than nobody else !!
can u play wat he uploaded ?? no i guess ....
200+ diskikes only mean not everybody is ready to appreciate this.
lol.... simply....... its a fn net - with ALL.... look like that - @bolcman@)
The D major section is 6:40 is maybe the best most simplistically beautiful music ever written
Je viens de m'offrir la très belle récompense d'écouter deux fois de suite cette Chaconne extraordinaire de Bach, interprétée d'abord au piano par Hélène Grimaud, jouée ensuite à la guitare par John Feeley. Un immense merci à tous deux, tout simplement!
je te recommande la version de Hilary Hahn au violon, ma préférée !
John Feeley is a fantastic Irish guitarist
One of the best interpretations of Bach's chaconne, I ever heard: full of Life, full of emotions and pefectly done ...
Listened to many, this is still the best. The best sense of harmony in the music. Others lose this in the quest for speed.
I am currently learning to play Chaconne and I am dreaming of the moment when I can play it from start to finish with no errors. It will take me a long time, but seeing Feelys performance greatly inspires me. Playing or listening to this tune fulfills me completely.
hows it going so far
@@jub8891 I can play the whole song, but some parts are still difficult for me, so I can't play it very fluently. How much I practice varies from time to time, but I am getting there. :)
This is not just music, this is love...
How could anyone possibly give this a down vote? This is pure art. The work and dedication required to evolve to a point as a guitarist where one has mastered Bach's Chaconne in D minor is enormous and takes years.
What a beautiful way to end my day. Thank you John and goodnight everyone.
When you mean 'end your day', did you mean end your day, or something else?
@@threethrushes I meant literally that - it was 11pm and I was getting ready for bed. I'm still alive and well if you were interpreting it more terminally.
@@EASYTIGER10 That's good to know.
To be fair, if I'd top myself, I'd probably listen to the Chaconne one more time before entering the infinite void of bleak nothingness that is death.
Have a good day!
Good morning
This piece got me interested in classical guitar as a career in '68 (J. Williams version) - so I've been listening to it for almost 50 years. And this guy's playing is so freaking great I'm speechless. Absolutely right up there with the best. Musically, Technically, Aesthetically.
This song speaks to the soul. Eternally.
This is played at the entrance to heaven. If you don't cry listening to the whole piece, you will not get in.
XD
God bless you Mr. Feely and thank you for all of the hours of your life that you sacrificed so that the rest of us could enjoy this. so wonderful-bravo!
Whenever I hear someone play an instrument as perfectly as this, one thing always springs to mind. We didn't come here merely by accident, but we were created by a being of absolute perfection, love and goodness.Such music can only have sprung from heavenly inspiration
I can't agree more ❤️
It's basically impossible to get to the end of this piece and not believe in God.
You will go through everything the doubt, the fear, the anger, but finally you will accept that there is a higher power.
Thank you, Master Feeley, for this performance. Thank you, channel owner for uploading this. And thank you, Master of the Masters, Johan S. Bach, for your existence in this planet!
One of the best performances of Chaconne, flawless. Thank you John, I have been listening to this piece of art since 2012.
Studying classical guitar I've learned the most important lessons in my life. It's about seizing the moment. You stop being superficial for 13' 28''. For those minutes there is only you and the story that the guitar is telling to you. These stories embody our human essence and thanks to performers like John Feeley, who dedicate their life to them, will never be forgotten.
I never liked this Chaconne in d minor by Bach until played by your Sir John Feeley. Thank you!
This performance got me in my feeleys
Pun noted
Hahahha dude, such a great pun c':
Ah good sir... I see your also a lover of the finest puns ;)
This is an incredibly beautiful and complex piece, and it is expertly played. It absolutely moved me to tears. Thank you for recording this for us all to enjoy.
How does he remember all those notes ? That's extraordinary gift.
I picked up a classical guitar a year ago and took lessons for the first time (self taught and been playing for years). This song is my goal. This has to be my favorite performance of it bar none
Dan, have you played the song all the way through yet? I've been playing for nearly a quarter of a century, and I can tell you, enjoy the simple things: th-cam.com/video/t6omhdEbeAE/w-d-xo.html
Same here, been praticising classical guitar by myself. One day i'll be able to play this piece i hope. I am allready halfway through it... It took me 4 years and i still play it like shit.
@Vox Daze Wrong. Don't mislead people..
That goal is worthy , even for a whole life of playing classical guitar! You'll find your whole life being depicted while playing it!
I've heard this piece many times and this might be my favorite. That may be because I like a performer who can play beautifully without any of the embellishments that many others use. I also like the fact that he does not try to attract attention to himself. I have the feeling that he would almost prefer to sit behind a curtain while playing. I really appreciate that attitude. Finally, I don't think I heard a single squeak. Amazing.
A question to classical guitarists: you say, _Finally (...), not a single squeak. Are finger/string squeaks considered impure playing by the art and schools of classical guitar or just something inherently involved? Do guitarists endeavor to eliminate it, or perhaps only as the very final polish once everything else is perfect, or do they reckon it quite natural and not a flaw? Here: th-cam.com/video/--E3k28veVc/w-d-xo.html - the rendition of Chaconne is obviously not free of squeak but does it take anything away from it? What is the opinion of the classical guitar connoisseurs?
Whenever I listen to classical music I am impressed how complex the harmony is compared to other music.
le debemos tanto a Bach, y tan solo podemos llorar su ausencia.
My. Name. Is. David. Glasper. I. Am. A. Musician. Myself. However. After. Listening. Too. This. Irish. Gentleman. I. Begin. To. Wonder. ! Truely. Astounding. John. Is. Unquestionably. A. True. Master. Absolutely. Beautiful.
The chords chosen to create such wonderful tension in this song, could not have been more perfect.
This is incredibly powerful and inspiring. The skill level of this guitarist is incredible to make Bach sound so good. I'm watching his fingers and honestly it blows my mind that people are even able to play Bach on guitar considering that it is very difficult with precise timings and fast note sequences.
This is how a real master looks like.
Back again. Brilliant♡ Proof God exists.
I can scarcely express my admiration for this performance. Mr. Feeley has given the world of classical guitar a rare gift. Bravo!
Absolutely captivating performance. Its a really difficult long piece of music and the combination of timing, stylistic Bach playing is wonderful. Its rare that anyone can play this one so well
John Feeley and Bach. You're pulling my leg! No one - even Bach - could have written it and no one - even John Feeley - could have played it like this! John, you deserve every plaudit. You have mastered your trade - respek!!!
So clean, almost lute...Bach should be smiling proud of him!
no doubt Bach is indeed smiling proud at him!
John knows what you did on this masterpiece and people like John are very very few on earth.. Only God knows why?!!
This is beyond words.....so beautiful. Thanks so much Mr. John Feeley.
Многие критикующие даже не представляют насколько технически непростое это переложение!
Исполнено феноменально!
I return to this video at least once every few months... If Bach were alive, I am sure he would greatly appreciate Mr John Feeley's work. At least I do... Thank you for this video. Thank you for your dedication. If I had to choose something to show to aliens, I would choose this... And if aliens didn't appreciate it, I wouldn't want the acquaintance...
Это наивысший пилотаж от гениального классического гитариста.
This music captures Man's creative genius and passion simultaneously. Absolutely gorgeous.
I studied classical guitar for 5 years…..my left hand was in graduate school, but my right hand never left kindergarten! Bravo maestro on a flawless technical performance suffused with pure emotion!
I keep returning to this one. Of all the Chaconne 's. No edits. Flawless. The timing, especially on those fast runs, is exquisite.
This is one of the most beautiful videos on TH-cam...
A real master on the guitar at work: angels sing in my ears. This interpretation has seen life in all it's brilliance! BRAVO
I used to play the chaconne when I was in my twenties. I knew it by heart and I can still play large parts in my mind. The arpeggio part I always found the greatest part of this masterpiece.
This performance plays in my head every day if not on my device. It gives me support when times are tough.
It’s hard not to appreciate a master performing a masterpiece. A fabulous performance!!
this chaconne is the most beautiful and amazing thing i heard in my life. if i will play it next year, i will be the happiest guitar player ever !
Get a Ramirez III. :)
So did u?
In the grand tapestry of musical evolution, John Feely's rendition of Bach's Chaconne in D minor on the guitar emerges not just as a performance but as a revelation, casting a new light on Bach's genius with the gentle yet profound touch of the strings. Each note, meticulously crafted and emotionally charged, serves as a testament to John's technical brilliance and deep, mesmerizing artistry. This isn’t merely playing; it’s an act of transcending time, a dialogue with history, where the guitar becomes the chosen instrument to unveil new dimensions of a timeless masterpiece.
Imagine, if you will, a moment where time folds upon itself, allowing Bach to step into our era and witness the evolution of his Chaconne. One can’t help but wonder at the joy and astonishment that would dance in his eyes, hearing his composition reborn with such passion and nuance. Would he marvel at the way John not only preserves the essence of his work but elevates it into a soul-stirring journey? This performance is a bridge between epochs, a dream where past and present merge under the banner of musical exploration.
John, through your strings, Bach’s spirit seems to whisper across the centuries, rejoicing in the new life you’ve given his Chaconne. Your rendition goes beyond homage; it’s a vibrant, living dialogue with the maestro himself. If only Bach could witness the way you’ve transformed his legacy into an auditory spectacle that transcends what was once thought possible. Bravo for a performance that is not just heard but felt, a journey that redefines the boundaries of time, technique, and emotion.
4:30 I swear that this melodic variation moved me to tears.
Diese Musik macht das ewig Gültige, Wahre hörbar…. Hier in einer wunderbaren Interpretation von John Feeley!
listening to Bach's chaconne is like listening to a replay of your life..
not even 2 minutes in and I already know this is one of the very best interpretations and performance, I'd say in the top 3
Did he really just sit and do that? I'd go insane. This piece has been my religion for 35 years.
I would say the memorization is actually the easiest part of this piece (muscle memory is an amazing thing) The tricky (and I mean TRICKY) part is to play it as flawlessly as this.
I am learning to play this piece and can only play about maybe 2 minutes perfectly and another minute that is in the middle of this piece and the rest I know which I have memorised is about only half this piece. I taught my self this piece since about september last year. I have religiously for the past few months yet still cannot master all that I have known for over four months.
Muscle memory (also called motor learning) is a form of procedural (read: unconscious) memory. It's not a misnomer. The ability to perform an action flawlessly without thinking about it is a skill that is only attain through practice and constant repetition, until you muscles "memorize" the action. Pretty accurate term I would say.
The level of salt in this post amuses me. Thank you for brightening my morning with your wall of caps locked text and obtuse behaviour though.
Okay Matt Webb, learn it and post a video of yourself playing it, and then we'll point out how easy it was
I still remember the first time I met you in Declan Sweeney's home in Clapham Common London. It was in 1974. You had with you your guitar and you played for us. Today it is the same magic feelin. Thank you
This is a truly magnificent performance. Real greatness here.
Incredible! Not only the flawless, technically difficult playing, but the arranging of this for a completely different instrument. How anyone could "dislike" I have no idea. THANK YOU for this!
I can feel the air through my nose when I hear this.
I will study and play this music every day and every day I learn a new secret from this music maybe the greatest ever written
My instincts tell me this is one of those pieces a guitarist will study their whole life. Sure they may get all the right frets and strings while in conservatory but they won't get the Notes until they are in their 40s and 70s.
So beautiful.
Bream, Parkening, and Segovia would applaud this magnificent performance of this Bach masterwork. I was so lucky to find it.
As close to flawless as possible, as Bach intended and composed this. God bless your great artistry and talent, good sir. Thanks for sharing. 😊
...I've heard this recording of John Feeley's Bach D minor Chaconne so so many times, drawn to it through J.S. Bach's extraordinary violin masterpiece initially and two alternative transcriptions - Bach/Busoni's piano epic and this one. John (imo) keeps a perfect natural line, letting the music speak for itself with no imposition as none is needed. Such inspiration playing, probably a fellowship-level of difficulty piece, yet I'm blown away by this level of performance! Bravo ..
Это прекрасное исполнение! Наслаждение для моих ушей!) Спасибо добрый человек!
He is the reason I am buying a guitar and this piece of music. I will conquer this.
8 hours a day practice for 10 years
good luck
That's the spirit!
Excellently played! Thank you!
brillant !! thanks for sharing Reentje Kay !
Why have I never heard of this man before???
In my opinion the best Bach i ever heard on guitar , true poetry from mind and fingers. Can't believe such a number of dislikes, maybe from other jealous player. i think i know enough of guitar to say: Thanks maestro, the spirit of Segovia is still alive, in a better shape if it's possible.
an extraordinary performance! The guitarist in this video is a wizard in creating beauty.
Just imagine, total notes need to be memories in this 13 min. One of the hardest pieces in classical guitar
I’ve seen this piece on piano performed by Helena Grimaud - absolutely divine
Performed by Heiftz on violin just sublime.
And now on guitar .... ethereal !
Thanks for sharing this treasure
And poor people that have given thumbs down : Father forgive them for they n
Know not what they are doing !
Ethereal - great descriptor. I stumbled upon this video a few years ago, and I can't. stop. listening.
Bravo! Sublime and deeply moving performance of this wonderful work. I wish I had the words to adequately thank John Feeley for the inexpressibly beautiful interpretation of this work. All I can do is listen with a lump in my throat and come back again and again.
Peter Lorre brought me here.
No, seriously. I first heard this tune as a kid when watching the 1940's horror film, "The Beast with Five Fingers". It featured a disembodied hand which, in one scene, strangles Lorre, and plays this tune on piano in another. The movie scared the hell out of me, but I've loved Bach ever since.
Terrific performance btw.
Ha, ha, ha! Best commentary I´ve seen in a long time! Now Bach is going to take me to...Peter Lorre. Seriously, the scene you describe has sparked my interest (Peter Lorre getting choked or knocked around has always something hilarious in it). But this is an exceptional performance of the Chaconne.