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Jacob Collier Improvises the National Symphony Orchestra (Live from the Kennedy Center)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 เม.ย. 2025
- A few months ago, I was challenged to improvise a piece of music with an orchestra, with no plan, no sheet music, no rehearsal, and no prior discussion. Here's what happened.
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Filming by:
Executive Producer/Director: Kristin Fosdick
Producer: Stella Sharpe
Producer: Ayal Subar
Producer: Cody Rogers
Assistant Director: Sunghye Jung
2nd AC/Cam Op: Harry Oakes
Video Engineer / PTZ Op: Eric Brown
Video Engineer / PTZ Op: Jared Morgan
Cam Op: Eric Black
Cam Op: Mike Mintz
Cam Op: William Webb
Cam Op: Annika Creedon
Cam Op: Brad Forder
Cam Op: Amal Sharif
Cam Op: Rick Burks
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Being a phenomenal musician is one thing. Standing in front of musicians of this calibre, a large audience, and 20 cameras and having your brain arranged in such a way that you can think clearly, communicate kindly and effectively, and clearly be enjoying it - and still do the creative bit - that’s what amazes me.
Absolutely. Nailed it. And my thought was also: Yes, Jacob is phenomenal, but something like this takes a lot of confidence. "Can i do this ?" He can.
this
It's true
100%
it would be even bigger if he do that with medium level musicians
"Oh yeah, I've heard of him. What instrument does he play?"
"Ninety-seven human brains."
You forgot to count the audience.
He's so nutty. Wow, wears nutty clothes and doesn't comb his hair.
This is the best comment I've read on youtube hahaha
HE POSSESSES THOUGHT CONTROL POWERS!
he doesn't even do any call and response. not impressive in the slightest
So, the dude is using the Symphony Orchestra like a live Garage Band to compose a song. Epic.
DO NOT SUPPORT JACOB COLLIER!
He is working with Google to create an AI music composition tool. It is a huge disappointment from someone as influential as him.
Analog Garage Band
He isn't composing. That is a famous, written long ago, song
That's exactly what I thought. So freakin' cool!
@@mkselite7461 We can try different things to create new compositions. On the other hand, He's a great musician 😃
I was in one of the orchestras, and it was a ton of fun. He was a pleasure to work with . Thank you for continuing to bring this to the world .
When y'all section started detuning, it was so cool!
You played that!?!? i lvoe taht he was as fun to work with as he clearly was having so much fun
@@chriswellz It made me understand how horror movie music was played, it was insanely cool.
Did you prepare/rehearse beforehand or was it all on-the-day?
Jacob indicated that they didn't do any of that beforehand. Maybe you should listen more.
Even more impressive when you realise many of those musicians are transposing on the fly as Jacob gives them concert pitches ❤
Hadn’t thought about that😮
My exact thought too! 😅 Poor horns!
What does this mean for someone who doesn't speak music fluently
@@mauort6870 most brass instruments are tuned in a different system to the "c d e f g" system, so their "g" isnt the same pitch as the (concert pitch) "g" jacob wants them to play. the guy meant that most of the musicians were actively "translating" the notes jacob wanted them to play into their system so that they are in sync with the pitch the rest of the orchestra are playing
@mauort6870 many orchestra instruments aren't in "concert pitch". A B-flat clarinet, for example - when the musician plays (fingers) a C major scale, the pitch it makes it actually a B-flat scale, a whole tone lower.
So if Jacob tells the clarinet to play a concert C, they have to mentally transpose and play the fingerings for a D, to produce that sound.
Jacob's so powerful that when he said "celli B", the lawn mower outside my apartment also played a B of the same pitch. Not even joking real story.
У меня пылесос, холодильник и стиральная машина играли оркестром когда дережировал Джакоб😊
This is true I was the lawnmower
very true i was the B
I farted a D flat right when he said it.
A lawn mower makes a white noise so basically all the frequencies at the same time. Your brain just made the association with the B note you were listening to.
I’m in this orchestra! This was such a fun concert and Jacob Collier is an absolute genius
You guys did an amazing job! 🎉 what a pleasure to hear and see you perform!
Fun! How often is genius draped in an organ grinder monkey suit?
Nice job of the F#!
Exactly what I came to the comments for. Wondered how you all felt about this since there was no prior discussion. Glad you had fun and thank you for sharing your skills with the world.
@@DivergentDM I’m gonna spill the beans a little bit, we did know that this was going to happen and we had a short 10 minute “rehearsal” on it, which was just Jacob improvising with the orchestra like in the video, calling out notes for us to play and so on. But the improv in the rehearsal was very different from what we did in concert so it was all new to us. So we got to experience two very different versions which was really cool
Props to the orchestra, they followed him like a well oiled machine. That was incredible.
It's literally their job. They're more than used to following a conductor and he's going a lot slower and asking a lot less of them than they'll be used to.
If you thought this was good then you should see them playing difficult stuff - it would blow your mind!
Also it sounds so much better live.
We got so used to him playing the audience as an instrument, it now somehow seems completely normal that he turns an orchestra into a loop station/synthesizer
That's one fine analogy. Orchestraloopstation :)
That would be so much fun! The pressure of doing it in real time, for a public show, is a bit beyond me... I'm glad it's someone who can handle it, doing it. But if I were a despot of some minor country, I'd totally have an orchestra for doing this.
He missed drums😞
It's funny that this has become the point of reference, because originally when synthesizers were first invented the analogy given was that it's like having an orchestra 😄
More like baboons
“EVERYONE DESERVES A NOTE”…..loved it
DO NOT SUPPORT JACOB COLLIER!
He is working with Google to create an AI music composition tool. It is a huge disappointment from someone as influential as him.
Even the oboists!
@@mkselite7461 why do you care
@@mkselite7461 when you split the inner skills barrier like Jac did, you shouldn’t be afraid of AI. Skills aren’t no more about capacity to do but ability to catch spirit.
@@MaggyGeeronn I'm still this lol AI is a tool, it's like saying musicians aren't needed anymore because we have synthesizers which obviously isn't true
"Out of tune is where it's at!" - man with perhaps the world's most celebrated pitch perception. Love it. 🙂
DO NOT SUPPORT JACOB COLLIER!
He is working with Google to create an AI music composition tool. It is a huge disappointment from someone as influential as him.
He claims not to have perfect pitch? So wtf is this?
@@mkselite7461Why? Explain to me why we should stop supporting Jacob Collier just to cater to your little fear of AI? He is not only influential he is the embodiment of music, free of constraint, infinitely flowing, deeply inspired. If he, a true artist and musical genius, is willing to work with Google to make music making more accessible through AI tools then you, some random guy on the internet won't change anyone's mind. AI is now part of life, so grow some skin and work with it, try to understand it and see the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.
Edit : you're most likely a bot, I hope so.
@@jojothepro15 I would say that using AI is good as a tool, but if you lean on it, then it makes you look lazy. I'd play around with AI, sometime.
Cognitive dissonance can be very lovely
I see a boy living a dream he once had.
I see a clown trying to manipulate cultured musicians, it's insulting
The barrier between conductor, famous musician, orchestra, and audience is gone. Only people remain, all working together to conduct the music like lightning to a rod!
I hate to think what next seasons Kennedy Centre programming will be like under the direction of that complete ' Cultural Cripple trump guy ' The Centre has been world renowned up until now .
@@okidokiwi-fq3hj"Tonight's show is about dancing girls who'll do ANYTHING for a chance at success!"
Again? We just had a whole month of that!
"Well, get used to it."
I thought populist conservative despots were supposed to push traditional folk arts with family values?
"Well, this one's different. Wear your red dress, dear - maybe the President will notice you?"
And dwindling audiences thanks to garbage like this💩
@@cadaverdog1424Literally no reason to hate this, yet here you are
Beautiful
He didn't give any direction to the drummers to do something when they went out of tune, but they knew what to do. I love professional musicians.
What did they end up doing?
Sounds like they go from a clean buzz roll to more of a double stroke roll@@OTRGlobal
underrated comment lol
@@OTRGlobaland timpani ended up sliding his tuner while he was rolling, immediatly able to bring it back to the Eb. Quite fascinating honestly
"Out of tune"... a drum doesn't create a tune, it's a rhythmic section. It can't play a false note. Just thought it had to be mentioned.
It's like he lives this dream existence where everything he's ever learnt ends up factoring into his life and the work he does.
Oh, if more of us believed this possible! 🌌🌠
We all do.
It’s about whether or not we pay attention and embrace it as it unfolds✨
Learnt?
Isn’t this simply called being an artist for a living? Or am I too high again…
@ British English.
American/Canadian is “learned”.
Both are correct
I don't understand a lot of this, but I do realize that this is a lot of very talented people making something magical, and that's enough for me.
I agree. Not sure what I was seeing him do, but it was phenomenal.
At the beginning I thought, “What is this guy wearing!?” At the end I said, “You sir can wear whatever on earth you want!” That was true genius on display.
At 11:05 he casually disentangles himself from the piano stool 😆😎
He’s a true prodigy. Look him up! 😊
@@jeremyinfinityHe was a prodigy 20 years ago...
@@CrypticCLI didn’t notice that. Good eye.
That’s almost exactly the thoughts that went through my head!
Every day, I’m grateful you’re on the planet
I still remember the invaluable video you made of him at the Blue Note many years ago. When they make the biopic of Jacob that night should be a chapter
And you!!!
Back at ya
you're in the comment section of every Jacob Collier video
Greatest Leo to walk on Earth, music is his throne Jacob!
I didn't plan to watch this whole video, but I couldn't stop watching... and yes, I was smiling throughout. Amazing!
same
Same 😄
Same🎉
me too :))
Same
One thing I don't think people realise about orchestra musicians is their attentiveness to being conducted and directed. It may seem obvious but being able to respond to dynamics and cues whilst also playing the right notes, at the right time is another skill completely.
The TH-cam algorithm did me a huge favor today. What a way to discover this guy. This was so cool I had to share it with others.
@@NuisanceBear Listen to his rending of MOON RIVER and ALL NIGHT LONG. Both won him a Grammy.
@@ericachang4752I’d add the Mahogany version of Little Blue for another side of him. Plus a dozen other songs. 😊
@@KevinFry-ub4ck sure. It's my new favorite.
@@KevinFry-ub4ckthis is quite literally one of my top 2 or three favorite pieces of music that I’ve ever heard. And one of the same number that have made me cry.
Me too, I thoroughly enjoyed this and my mood became happy ,smiled the whole time. He's a genius IMO ❤
The genius of Jacob Collier is not only can he pull the rabbit out of the hat but he includes you in the magic.
He pulls everyone out of the hat 🪄
That is so thoughtfully put. I wholeheartedly agree!
Well said
@@ibeetellingya5683it’s like being rabbits in the hat is the opposite of being crabs in a bucket
Pigs in s blanket?!
I am a hard Zulu man. But I cried at the end of this. This is what humans should be known for: to harmonise with each other. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Jacob deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. His work makes us focus on peace in ourselves and each other.
Ah that is so touching- so you’re not such a hard Zulu man after all. ❤
I was keeping it together until I read your comment. You're right. This is humanity at its best.
And let's face it, Zulu people understand rhythm and tone ....
I feel you! I cried when the cellos played their lines.
Thank you, your mirroring my feelings and thoughts!
I remember going to a music conference 9 years ago called NAMM (for those who don't know it's a place where music companies come to showcase their new equiptment and software. There was a company called Spectrasonics (they make music software for producers) and they had a single piano showcasing their sounds. There was this kid playing piano and it imediately caught my ear. I was one of three people watching this guy, and I ended up sitting there and watching for hours. I couldn't leave because of how good he was. There was thousands of other people all around but nobody was paying attention to this keyboardist. I didn't understand why exactly. This guy was Jacob Collier - before anybody knew who he was. I knew that day he was going to be huge - because I had never seen a musical genius to his level in my life. I am forever greatful for that little intimate moment I got to share with with a musical master before anybody realized his genius.
you were really lucky
9 years ago Collier was on his second world tour and had won a Grammy. He was hardly an "unknown" back then
Jacob Collier. Orange Overalls, crazy crocs and speaking notes with an orchestra. Do your own thing brother, its amazing to watch
Man, I love seeing the musicians smiling, and the audience smiling, and Jacob smiling. Just all around such a wholesome experience for everyone. Lucky people these are.
Me too, exact same noticing as you, everyone smiling and APPRECIATING, me too, SMILING, such kindness in this group chat. Best regards
DO NOT SUPPORT JACOB COLLIER!
He is working with Google to create an AI music composition tool. It is a huge disappointment from someone as influential as him.
Lucky people we are!
SENSACIONAL!!!🩷❤️🇧🇷💖💚👏👏👏
His sense of perfect pitch is INSANE, calling out each note
Perfect pitch isn’t a sense in the way you’ve used it. It’s binary - It is or it isn’t.
Just my opinion, mind.
@@cindytartt4048you’re not quite correct here but I see why you’d think that. There are levels to perfect pitch. Jacob, for example can tell exactly how sharp or flat a note is, down to the exact cent (give or take ~2 cents because of human hearing limitations). Some people have perfect pitch such that they know “I can tell that’s a D, but if it was 10 cents sharp I wouldn’t know” and then there are some who are more precise. Jacob has constantly exposed himself to sound such that he’s gotten insanely accurate, beyond what you’d expect.
@@Joshsclips and interestingly people without perfect pitch can hear relative pitch better than some people with perfect pitch
It's not an opinion, that's how it works. You don't have to put it effort you just know what it is immediately@@cindytartt4048
@@jacktinney no, I’m afraid not. Unless you speak of dynamics or volume -as in the louder the pitch, the easier to hear. Perfect pitch is absolute -that’s why it’s “perfect.” Certainly, relative pitch is fun to learn.
This man sounds exactly like Vinh Giang. The mannerisms, pleasantry in his voice, and how well he expresses himself. Spot on match. I must learn this talent from these men.
Figured too❤
I was thinking the same! I think it might be his hair, and maybe it’s because they’re both Australian?
I was there! It was one of the most amazing things I'd ever seen. (Wild Mountain Thyme was another highlight in this concert.) Everyone was on the edge of their seats, wondering where he was taking them. I was afraid I'd never see a recording of this. I'm so glad this has surfaced.
Oh crap. It was the same concert?! That must have been extraordinary
@@hundredfireify That was also the concert where he did a duet with dodie of Summer Rain (also available on TH-cam). It was a blockbuster! Jacob wasn't originally supposed to be there. It was a Ben Folds, Laufey, and dodie concert. He was a surprise.
I'm wondering, I know they're exceptionally great musicians playing in the orchestra but they rly don't seem too impressed hahah, could you tell they enjoyed this moment with Jacob? 😅
@@ourob_ Well, that was the third concert they had done with him that week, so by that point they knew him pretty well. They seemed very appreciative of his performances in the other concerts, which were just him and the orchestra, got a kick out of the audience choirs and gave him the traditional orchestral acknowledgements of tapping bows on the music stands, especially after hearing World O World in one of the earlier performances. He was generating standing ovations and the vibe was good. If I had to guess, Ben Folds sprung this on them and Jacob without much warning. But from sitting in the audience they looked cool with it, especially by the end. It's always hard to tell how much symphony orchestras enjoy non-classical concerts, but they are a huge part of their work these days and keep the seats filled. Can't be sure, but I think they got a kick out of it.
The people who were not particularly thrilled, at least at the beginning, were the fans who came to the concert thinking they were seeing Laufey and dodie and found themselves partly in a Jacob Collier concert, a guy they had never heard of. But by the end of the evening he had won (almost) everyone over and there were standing ovations all around.
Did this come before or after wild mountain thyme?
I can't get enough of the conductor smiling as he watches the genius on display.
I loved this too! His admiration is beautiful.
Yes😉
DO NOT SUPPORT JACOB COLLIER!
He is working with Google to create an AI music composition tool. It is a huge disappointment from someone as influential as him.
@@mkselite7461 ha ha!!! If Jacob is involved it will be be a benefit to music.
@@mkselite7461 The AI generates sounds and is supposed to be used somewhat like a synth, it is not entirely a "the ai makes music", its more as "the ai makes SOUNDS". I'd recommend you watch the videos about it instead of just hating, as AI isn't inherently bad, it's just the way *some* companies use it - and this is not one of these cases it seems.
Bring the audience in to say: “I love you” is genius. This man is a magician.
This Song exists already so the crowd knew what to sing because they know the lyrics.
@@KopfundSeele What is the name of the song?
@@joseangeltoranoabdo3261 Somethin Stupid - Frank & Nancy Sinatra
@ It is called Something Stupid by Frank Sinatra :)
@@KopfundSeele thank you!
Love the shout out to Ben Folds. Ben is the original Jacob Collier. The mad scientist of music. He's still one of THE most amazing musicians I've ever seen.
Yes! He is such a humble person. That Ben Folds moment made me smile so big.
This is absolutely masterclass. How all the musicians were smiling when they figured out where this is going.
I think they were smiling because the moment war too awkward for them, to think something else would be to underrate them. I don't see see the master neither the class.
@@daniloc6946get over your self
@@daniloc6946What's funny is that all of them probably returned home thinking that was a special moment
@@daniloc6946 union time is union time boyo
@@daniloc6946 why so bitter
The violinist behind him when he's playing piano, the look on her face is just so joyful. I can't imagine what an experience this was like for the musicians
Thanks for pointing her out. Oh yes, what fun!
The skill of the orchestra is no joke! 💖
I agree 100%
💯
- give me G#
- please
You have no idea how little this stressed their skill. Professional orchestras are made of individuals with insane talent, won by a life of practice.
That's exactly what I was thinking too
If only he didnt mention the notes, so maybe there would be A LITTLE of difficulty. But thats bs for us to be discussing here
Bro when the crowd sang "I love you" no joke almost cried! PHENOMINAL!!
I wonder how they knew what to sing! Is this a lyrics from a song of his that’s been played before?
The crowd loves it. The orchestra loves it. What's not to love? So much fun.
It's impossible to watch this without a smile on your face, this is brilliant!!
For me it's tears, not a smile. Tears of awe - which makes it hard to watch.
Totally agreed!
better than ipecac!
Big grin and also tears (happy ones). Thank you, Jacob Collier and NSO and audience! ❤❤❤
Gods grace of tears 😢😂
@12:38 "...and I could literally do this for hours, but I know I'm on a strict time limit." You can hear the most gentle irritation in his voice here. Bless him. Jacob just wants to music 🎶🎶
There was an orchestra conductor once who said that he would never take a job in America because in other countries, practice stops when the music stops, but in America practice stops when the time ends. Really shows you how incompatible the work culture in America is with the freedom that a creative mind needs. We've become so rigid, despite preaching freedom.
I think its so fun to watch these two different almost conflicting styles on the stage together. You got the orchestra that's dressed in all black, sitting up right and still, professionalism in the concert sense. Then there's Jacob, fun red overalls, some wild crocs (which i love), he sits and fidgets around while talking, drinks water, still very professional in his way but not the typical kind of professionalism you think of with an orchestra. Tuned and out of tune coming together to make something beautiful
A kid played with a 100-piece orchestral toy and an auditorium of singers and gave it to us as a gift.
bros nearly 30
@@normietwiceremoved love his humility with childlike spirit.
He's not a kid. His a mature man of 30. Or should be.
@@normietwiceremoved Children are the first to be creative
@@Hyponakte-k3eim guessing the comment is about the childlike creativity Jacob has, and that he neatly wrapped a whole improve bit into a video and gave it to us to watch. The commenter isn't calling him something like immature, rather it's more like an old person watching their grandkid play and being like "Quite a youthful one that is!"
I just stopped to watch this and have been the most beautiful 18 mins of my entire life. Some years ago I had an accident and can't play my cello anymore. This has just been so touching
Isn't it beautiful ❤
I'm so sorry that life conspired to stop you from playing. I hope that you're still being artistic, creative. Best wishes.
Sad handshake from a fellow cellist who can’t play anymore from pain 🤝 I miss it every day
The thing I LOVE about this is how Jacob not only had the forethought to have this recorded but also to SHARE it with the rest of the WORLD (I'm sure that had to have been in the contract). And you can tell that it's not to toot his own horn. It's not to gain more followers, more likes. I believe Jacob is sharing himself and this experience with us because of his pure love of music, people, and life. Thank you Jacob for letting us see, smile, listen, laugh and love too. Thank you!!
Right on! =)
This was actually a concert organized by Ben Folds, featuring Jacob, Laufey, dodie, and the NSO. A concert film was made for PBS and if you’re on the US and are a PBS member, it might still be available on their website. But you can see two songs from the concert on TH-cam: Wild Mountain Thyme, featuring Jacob, Laufey, dodie, and the orchestra, and Jacob’s song Summer Rain with Jacob and dodie and the orchestra.
@@KevinFry-ub4ckthanks for that info!
No accident the song choice & the line that the audience was naturally led to sing over & over! ❤
I totally agree! Spreading this act of music and expierence to share with the world. It inspires me and makes me want o understand and play music to this masterful depth, and even more so!
One of my, if not the most, favorite videos on TH-cam. A true beautiful display of art, and being human at the very center of it. Thank you Jacob, National Symphony Orchestra and Kennedy Center audience! I wish I could be your instrument too!
If you have not yet seen Jacob conduct “Little Blue” from a year ago with 5M views, you must; it’s phenomenal.
I like how sometimes you'll see one of the musicians give him the "What are you doing bro" type look 😭but then slowly everyone starts understanding and becomes into something tangible. Like out of thin air.
That is the discomfort of doing something new, that one hasn't done before and therefore doesn't know whether it's going to work. It's easy to fall into the comfort of routine and to forget that discomfort. Innovators embrace that discomfort, they seek it and they thrive in it.
@JeanBaptisteQueru They're good enough musicians to hear what could possibly happen before its even considered. This is the National Symphony Orchestra we're talking about. Curtis graduates, Juilliard class toppers. What I meant by "understanding" is they start seeing what it does for the audience. Then they're like, "Oh, I see."
@@friendlyfriends5046yep. Musical audiences around the world are filled with people who aren’t professional musicians. Jacob has the ability to know what the audience needs to hear in order to feel what he wants us to feel. More than any other aspect of his musical prowess, that’s his most impressive if you ask me.
Jacob...we all love you too-it felt like time folded inward. Like we were all suspended in this fragile, beautiful unknown, and somehow you knew the way through.
That gesture-the “more out of tune” signal-I’ll never forget it. It felt playful, but deeply profound. You didn’t just conduct sound; you conducted curiosity, risk, and deep trust in collective intuition. And then landing it all in “Something Stupid”? Are you kidding me? Absolute Jacobian poetry.
It wasn’t just music. It was invocation. It was permission. It was a shared inhale and release. You let the room be alive.
From the first tremolo to that final downbeat: thank you. For that kind of bravery. For reminding us what’s possible when you surrender to the moment.
That’s a forever one, brother.
Love your comment❤
How beautifully written, wow! Are you a professional writer and a musician?
Our capacity to imagine notes and turn them into coherent music filled with emotions is evidence that we are capable of magic. We can manifest.
Jacob, the genius in Crocs
"That's basically everything we need I think"... Purely musical genius
I love Jacob, but I'd really really love to meet his parents. Know what I mean? As a parent myself, I’m fascinated by how they nurtured such extraordinary talent without stifling it, as so often happens. Sure, he comes from a musical family, but he could have just been another talented musician. Instead, he’s a true genius who radiates joy and shares it with the world. They clearly raised not just an incredible artist, but a beautiful human being.
Ich glaube, seine Mutter war alleinerziehend. Sie ist Geigerin.
There's a fabulous documentary on the BBC that I just loved. It answered a lot of my questions.
@@lorimiller6382 What's the name of the documentary?
@@krelian8888 I tried to find it on the iPlayer, but I think it's gone now. It was a take on his In My Room album title.
@@krelian8888 Jacob Collier: In the Room Where It Happens
What a tremendous group of musicians they are.. so accurately and rapidly responsive
I had a chance to see Jacob live here in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. He was playing with the LA Philharmonic. I took my two daughters and at the end they were in tears like myself along with everyone else. Amazingly a month or so later he invited a small group to a small art event also in Los Angeles. It was probably less than 100 people and I happen to be one of those fortunate people. I met Jacob and took a picture with him. I will cherish that picture forever. Having a genius of his caliber put his arm around me and smile for the camera. Never in a million years would I have imagined that. This video is just breathtaking seeing a Geniuses brain working in real time. Thank you for visiting Earth Jacob I hope you stay for a while, a long while.
if feels like Bowie was singing of Jacob Collier in this old song th-cam.com/video/oOKWF3IHu0I/w-d-xo.html - Indeed. Thank you for visiting Earth Jacob !
I totally agree. I've seen him five times, including at this very concert and one a few days earlier with the National Symphony where World O World was performed , and I've never left without at least a few moments that bring tears. For people who have never been to one of his concerts it probably seems ridiculous for people to react that way, but something undeniable and mysterious is going on that I don't fully understand, and I'm not sure he truly does either. You might assume that if it's a Jacob Collier audience then they are naturally primed for emotional reactions, but I've seen him twice where the audience barely knew who he was, which was the case at THIS concert which was supposed to be just Ben Folds, dodie, and Laufey, and he provoked the same reaction. Even if you're skeptical, if you get a chance to see him live give it a try. You won't regret it.
@@mrbee8522 “Thank you for visiting Earth, Jacob” - This comment made me cry 🥹.
He's a genuinely amazing human being.
What a delight to watch a prodigy at work. Feels like watching a jazzy Mozart in 2025. What a perfect demonstration that music is all about the contrast between the expected and the unexpected.
Jacob Collier is a human being that is only born once a thousand years. He makes me cry so hard. I don't really know why... I'm overwhelmed, I'm touched, I feel a million things and especially so much love and hope for us all.
You’re describing what my feelings express about this amazing phenomena. It arouses all feeling qualities, I am grateful to be alive as this genius is walking amongst us reminding us of what true joy and love is.
So true. I’ve seen him perform live 5 times and the same thing happens every time. People who haven’t experienced it think I’m nuts. I don’t fully understand what’s happening to people (and me) in those concerts and I’m guessing at some level he doesn’t either.
I found Jacob 1year ago, in my deepest night of this life. It moved me back to hope, back to enthusiasm, back to life. 🙏🌈🧡
Perhaps because he touches what humanity is really about , inclusion and love.
I just left a comment saying how much I hear love and hope in the melody of this song, especially when it all comes together at the end while he sings. I get so many uplifting emotions out of it, it's amazing.
It's like a garden waking up!! So perfect, so Jacob
A musical genius, and one one of the kindest, most humble, and genuine people I have ever encountered.
Everything that makes the world beautiful, on stage and in the audience. Magic.
You are so right. There are no barriers with great music. It speaks for itself and every musician.
"I like chords"
-- proceeds to have every note played at the same time.
That's what I thought too. Except for some reason (I.e. Incredible genius) when he basically has the orchestra play all the notes it sounds good. When I play all the notes it sounds like a cat falling on a piano keyboard.
@@ryanfox5612 Welcome to jazz.
@@jacobshirley3457 thats not true, in Jazz it sounds good too😊
The Bass and Celli played an arpeggio though
@@ryanfox5612 is because he’s letting them play specific notes in specific octaves. The "main" chord is E major which is why all the lower registers play within that chord. Every additional note is just another flavor and the "weirder" a note is in relation to E major, the higher and/or quieter it is played. And then he chooses another flavor, making the harpist play in a key that isn’t E major but is closely related to it (B major scale).
This man is on a whole different level of mad scientist!!! The ability to tell each section their note in their range with his voice and not going to the piano is out of this world!!!🌎 you’re clearly not human👽
My teacher was like that too. Barry Harris.
Conductors do this all the time.
@@hansmemling2311 Indeed they do, and it's an important point to make ... but how many conductors could master, at their first attempt, in front of hundreds, even a fraction of the OTHER musical things Jacob effortlessly and routinely does ?
Remembering that this is presumably the first time Jacob has ever directed an orchestra in this way.
@@Gottenhimfella If you think what he's doing here is remotely difficult for someone who's studied conducting (and would have this as their first attempt), you misunderstand how difficult and demanding the education is. Don't forget that Jacob studied doubles bass in the Royal Conservatory of London and played in it's orchestra. He has first hand experience on how conductors direct orchestras. As for the other things that you mentioned Jacob does, they are irrelevant to be a good conductor. All conductors have a great understanding of music, to do so, they have to have spent decades learning music. From the perspective of understanding the classical repertoire and being able to interpret and conduct, they are well apt. And this is all that's needed. Not to be underestimated what a behemoth of a task this is.
I love that he correctly pluralizes cello as "celli"
Did you know that his mom is a violinist? He learned about every part of music at home!
@@shelleymartin1451 Suzuki method! :)
That volume control at the beginning is CRAZY!!! That’s insane to have such coordinated precision across so many instruments, AND sustained for long duration. Mind blowing 🤯
WHY ISNT THIS 5 HOURS LONGER WE NEED A WHOLE HOUR OR TWO OF THIS PLEASE
Because it's probably not very fun to be playing the same note for 5 hours for any of those orchestral members tbh xD
@@GOTHICforLIFE12 words : Phillip Glass
"I could literally do this for hours but I know I'm on a strict time limit." - Jacob Collier IN THIS VIDEO
i KNOW can this just be longer please 😭
@@ElJoelitoTV Not for five hours you wouldn't. Simp.
One of the humblest and warmest geniuses on this planet. I love as well how laid back he is. Theres no ego here - he's absorbed in the experience of play.
I mean, WTF. This is absolutely off the planet outstanding. I cant even begin to describe how much genius this man has in my opinion. All whilst being impossibly engaging and charismatic. Props to you sir
I’ve been consistently the biggest Jacob Collier hater, I’ll happily stfu now. Genius
@@shankrl1 this is what every single musician does in a DAW every night
@ I can't even do this in a DAW bro
@ that's fair, I'm still a hater
@@lukeshoo honestly same hahaha but this was cool
This is absolutely phenomenal and first time listening and totally hooked . Mr Jacobs I can't thank you enough. This piece has brought harmony to my heart. Been on tears all day as it's my mom's passing of almost 2yrs now and I am feeling like she is present . Such beautiful and pleasant feelings I am going through. So from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you...means so much at this very moment ❤️
Well I hadn't planned on sitting here for 20mins yet here I am at the end, absolutely captivating
the thumbs up at 18:37 was truly the cherry on top
Haha yes, I to play it back to make sure I saw it right. What a legend.
@@basboerboom9328haha I could be reading into this, but it seemed like he was maybe a little nervous here. Obviously he had absolutely no reason to be! What a cool guy
In Little Blue, he waits a beat at the end and says, “Cool. Thank you all.”
I think the end chords and especially the out of tune ones that Jacob created, really showcase the cluster of emotions someone feels when saying I love you for the first time , the panic the wait for the reaction of the other person and at the very end the relief of getting that weight out the chest . Really touching music once again, if you zone out it can take you to some deep places.
this is a beautiful way to describe that 🥹
Thank you so much for this.
@@TheNittyGritty735 thank you! Much love ❤️
@@catherinerose3387 I appreciate the comment! Much love
Jacob's creativity and way with people are amazing! One also forgets to appreciate how skilled and professional orchestras are until they are challenged in such a unique way. It all goes to prove how much magical power music has to refresh the sole and make many in the audience, now smiling brightly, forget that they had arrived with a frown...
Jacob Collier - this is the most amazing happening I've ever seen. It is amazing enough to see him stand before the outstanding musicians at the Kennedy Center and so quickly develop a relationship with them that I can truly see and feel. But then he brings the audience into it all and tops it off with the marriage of the audience with the musicians. He creates an entire room filled with joy, sense of sharing, of being one gigantic, positive experience. The walls of the Kennedy Center deserve to receive that positive energy that serves to bring people together - not divide them. Jacob Collier is so much more than a musician, in my opinion.
genuinely beautiful. this honestly opened my eyes to the wonder of orchestra song writers in thinking of each instrument and their purpose for whatever they play
The joy on the musicians faces. The joy on your face. The passion for play. The wisdom in it all. The happy tears watching it. Thank you for sharing your gift. What a blessing that you grew up so nurtured.
Every time I watch him he blows me away. Wow brother what a presence in music u are. Just hearing u call out the notes in the note themselves gives chills then the magic starts. This is really crazy to see. Can’t imagine seeing this live
He makes me cry every time. When he sits at the piano it clarifies everything. Look at him. I truly believe he’s one of the wonders of the world. What moves me is the depth and breadth of his talents-his kindness, joy, vision, technical prowess, and the grace with which he has walked, from his first album 'In My Room' to the world stage."
Beautifully said
5:24 “ Being in tune is way overrated ” 😂 love that, opens up a all new conception
I have been watching Jacob for years. He personifies everything that came before him in a very humble way. He cant help his curious nature when he is by himself he just lets go and experiment and look for something. I remember when I watched him the first time with the Solo Show and I thought to myself, this guy should be a band leader. The Djesse era amazed how he could enhance every musician own sound,then he started doing it with the audience and now an orchestra. This guy is absolute raw nature embodies the spirit of music. Whether he is playing by his own or with people, he showed us that he just cares about music. No ego. Just beautiful music. I am sure that he can also produce other people and bring them to their fullest. He has so many years ahead. He is just starting. This guy is going to break boundaries. Thank you Jacob. You are a light of hope in this crazy crazy crazy world.
he deeply trusts his intuition, especially on stage. He doesn’t just perform music; he creates it in the moment, responding to the audience and the energy around him. That’s why every show feels alive and unique. But his creativity isn’t limited to the stage. In the studio, he also follows his instincts, layering complex arrangements not just based on theory, but on what feels right. His music comes from a place of emotion, not just intellect.
11:00 The female violinist right behind Jacob Collier looking at him in amazement is my favorite part
I noticed it too, it made me smile and enjoy the moment even more ❤
THATS HIS MOTHER
Brought a tear to my eye as I’m going thru a tough time and it brought me back to a simple love for music, life, and arts.
@PRSouthern Only Jacob has that kind of power.
@@prod.S0LACEthat’s not his mother lol. (Suzier collier)
I have just created a new playlist for myself called "The Coolest Things I Have Ever Seen". This is the first submission to that list.
Been a Ben Folds fan for many years and am so happy to see an evolution (maybe perfection) on something he created.
I'm speechless. I grew up in a musical family and have played music my entire life... This caliber of creativity is ASTOUNDING.
THANK YOU FOR THIS SHARING 🩷
This is a beautiful reminder that we are all intrinsically linked, and Jacob is the master of demonstrating how humans can communicate so much just with a feeling, or a tiny gesture.
It's no wonder it all goes to pot when we attempt to compress our feelings into a few words as a social media comment or text message.
Thanks Jacob, you really are a once-in-a-lifetime talent ❤🤩
holding back tears the whole time. What a beautiful soul and such a beautiful time for us to be alive to experience something this beautiful.
Definition of "trust the process"
This guy is a once in 500 years talent. Having attended one of his concerts live… it’s one of the most amazing musical … most amazing experiences period I’ve ever had. This is the purest form of artistic genius.
Absolutlely beautiful, how Jason uses his gift, and has so much fun making fun moments with the entire room. The power of music is the universal language of joy!
Lost a young family member this morning and this was truly a kind gift for my heart. It was lovely to hear it all being produced and experience it come together. Thankful beauty still exist
My condolences on your loss ❤.
May earth rest lightly on him 🙏🏾
This is humanity at its most exquisite, thanks Jacob 🙂
Andrew you are a TRUE SAVANT of the human spirit….
The most of the time, I was wandering - how Jacob would create the melody ? This genius first started to create the accompaniment, giving to the each orchestra "group" the certain tones to build the accords.So, he gradually, building, including every instruments, very precisely, the accompaniment for the song he had in mind..So, when he started singing, I immediately realized: this is it! This is the melody! After all, he managed to do impossible - he's created Magic, in front of all of us! He even included the audience in his astonishing improvisation! He united everybody! He is himself is an orchestra - his pitching is absolute! I am a pianist myself and I am simply stunned with what I just witnessed! Phenomena! Absolutely phenomenal what he did!!! And Jacob is so charismatic! Thank you for for posting this Wonder!
@@irinadavidofflavrentyeva798 he didn't "create" that melody. It is a famous song called "Something Stupid" that Sinatra recorded many years ago (probably before you were born).
@@musiclistsareus1029So basically he just knew what chords to create with each instrument and played the melody he already knew. As a musician myself this dude is very talented, obviously, but it does take some of the magic away to know this haha
@AM-oj5xl no doubt he is very, very talented. In fact he is on a different level than even most musicians. He is also charming, funny and very bright. He just wasn't composing. Because the song he sang was composed long ago. It was a very nice arrangement, done spontaneously in front of an audience. I find him fascinating and I am a fan.
this made me truly understand what it means to have perfect pitch
i'm not sure what's going on with me, but i cried throughout the magic of all of this.
me too from a few minutes in. Just inspired and joyful
When the audience and brass started interacting, I laughsobbed too! Pure awe and delight.
Beautiful music, talented people mixed with raw emotions...what a sight and what a sound!
Yes to you…! Life and nature speaking with you 🌟, nothing wrong with you, infact the opposite, you are in a healthy shape to be able to be open to being moved ❤
Probably your period. It’ll pass
Jacob, I tell you what: I love your way of doing music so much that I can't put it in words (and words usually don't fail me). I also love your music. But you are such a genius that I would NEVER EVER dare interview you (I'm a German radio show editor and host), because your faculties (and your incredible friendliness, from what I've heard) are just too intimidating. This has NEVER happened to me before. You are - for lack of a more appropriate word - simply breathtakingly unbelievable! Great to have you around.
i hope you will try to interview him!
@@ritaarmbruster6941, he certainly won't go for that. The HUGE names are after him ...
Have enjoyed this now more than 10 times due to the symphonic grace and quiet. Thank you for the genius!
I get tears of joy when I watch this... creating, experience music together, audience and musicians, is the shit...
There are angels in this world, and Jacob Collier is one of them.
This truly felt historical
It was also pretty hysterical at times. I was giggling quite a bit throughout.
😭❤ A creative genius at play
What a wonderful world
This could be
This is the America we need and deserve!❤
Creating, together. Not destroying, alone.
Creativity and love will prevail!
Love from Europe.
This definitely demonstrates what professional musicians are capable of doing. Very well executed and performed.
I love the smiles on the musicians' faces-so willing to play. It's like a chef, creating with all the spices and herbs. Thank you!
I love that none of top comments spoils the song. If you're watching, don’t skip ahead or check the end of the video, just enjoy the ride. It’s such a nice surprise and you’ll wish he did the whole song.
4:00 goosebumbs
Shout Out to Frank and Nancy! From the first strike on the piano, my heart grew 3 sizes more! Easily one of my favorite songs EVER!!!