I got to play a Pietro Guarneri once when I was having my violin repaired in 1962/3 by Hans Weisshaar. I was about 15. I gave him my fiddle across the counter, and he said, "here, take this violin to the practice room and play while I chat with the teacher". So the luthier brought out some German beer, and the "chat" got longer. When my teacher was ready to go, he called me out, and Weisshaar asked, "Well, how was the fiddle?" I said, "I guess it's OK". He laughed, "It's OK, is that all?" I said, "Yeah, I guess so". Then he said, "You're holding a Guarneri". My hands went limp and I almost dropped it on the floor, and he snatched it from my hands, and he and teacher had a great laugh at my expense. BTW, that was my first taste of beer. I declined it when offered, and Hans said, "are you sure?", so I took a sip and they laughed again.
I really love the sound of this violin. Every note is like a pearl, so round and warm, so clear and beautiful. It gently caresses your ears and heart, brings you back to the old days of the Italian golden violin period. Bravo!
Love Kentucky! Go to Mammoth cave ... gota say, I'm loving your history, much of which I already at some point or another forgot or knew ... but, I never have heard the actual violins ... so this is incredible ... and this one is, well, if you gota have one, I'm thinking I could live with it, but don't deserve it either ... anyway, grateful for having discovered your channel.
Wonderful that you are able to bring these famous instruments to life through playing and thier stories. You play and present beautifully. And you are so SOOO lucky! Keep up the good work!! Tim
Thank you for this video! I tried out this same violin in 2012, even in the same room surrounded by all the priceless instruments in cubby holes. The highlight of my Taiwan trip!
Really enjoyable video, combining the life of Ole Bull, his music, and the violin he played, down to the unmatched halves of the “belly/front” of his violin.
So wonderful to hear your playing on this. This was the first del Gesu I ever got to play, and it was an eye-opening experience. Glad you had the chance to play this incredible instrument.
Thanks much!! Very very informative! I’ve read a little bit about Ole Bull. I just purchased a very old (mid 19th century. Rec’d it yesterday) beat up copy of an Ole Bull. Thanks!
Fascinating! And what a beautiful violin! I had to look up Ole Bull national park because I grew up in PA, probably about 3 hours away. Never heard of it, but I'd go if I were back there still. Love the video, Katha!
Thank you Lee! It was so funny coming across this park- I feel like I might’ve seen a sign or something on the highway before, but never knew it had such a cool history!
Very interesting story. I once owned a German Copy of the Ole Bull. It was a loud violin. But, otherwise, unremarkable. I had often times wondered about the history of Ole Bull. Your video really did a nice job in telling his story.
Compared with other violin, i prefer much to Guarneri. This violin sound, if i can describe is a tonal of the lovely gentleman: powerfull, dark, balanced, open sound, satisfying, yet can be sweet for sometime.
The string crossing in the Chaconne sounded so good. I don't know if it was the instrument or her playing, or more likely a combination of the two but it was so gorgeous.
You mentioned this and I think I know the section- which is my absolute favorite. The instrument definitely helps the ethereal quality come through, but also Bach just super knew what he was doing! :)
Very interesting instrument, plenty of grunt, well balanced and good sound. I have liked this whole series of playing historical instruments and of course, playing them well.
I like how you used the word ‘grunt’ on this. It’s quite apt! It kind of addresses that whole bottom of the sound. I might have to use it going forward! :)
@@aTonalHits It comes from flamenco guitars, once my greatest love. A good one will just about bite you. I have one very good one left but can no longer play as I had a minor hand injury long ago that took off 3 tips on my left hand.
@@stevehutchesson1321 That sounds amazing- I can imagine the rip from a good guitar, it must feel fantastic! I'm so sorry to hear about your injury- that must have been devastating! I hope it isn't too forward, but I actually have a student whose hands were damaged in a fire- he no longer has feeling in his fingertips. But we've been working together for six years, and through a lot of practice, he's developed callus all over again, and has regained some of the feeling. Is it possible, and again I hate to be forward because you clearly know more about this than I do, that you could gain something back through a ton of work/musical/physical therapy? At any rate, I am so glad to always hear you taking so much pleasure in the music that we're throwing out into the ether! :)
@@kathanater88 Well, after 20 years of not listening to music, I made up for it by restoring 10 of the 12 tracks of Ramon Montoya from the 1936 originals then fought with music companies to make sure they could not grab them. They were really hard work to get all of the noise out of them but patience with a wave form editor produce very good results for recording of that age recorded on wire. Was a shame as I used to practice for 4 to 6 hours a day so I promised myself that if I ever took up another instrument, it would be a slide whistle. I have enjoyed the reviews of old instruments you have done as I used to repair good guitars and have a feel for old instruments.
Wonderfully presented! I really loved the Ole Bull part, and I hope that we get to hear more about Del Gesu soon, perhaps even a bit about his wife? :)
Yes! I promise, I totally got carried away with ole Bull, so there will be definitely more on del Gesu- and apparently his wife! Thanks for the tip! :)
Beautifuly played and Such a rich sound! Had it been played much over the last few years? I get the feeling that it may have been on the shelf for a few years and could open up even more ?
I think you’re probably right! The really famous ones tend to get played more by people like me, who they let into the vault and they get played for maybe half an hour tops. It would definitely open up if it had the opportunity to be worked with!
@@aTonalHits what they are doing to these violins is a crime. although considered as much as art works, these are musical instruments which needs to be in the hands of a virtuoso, or a violinist for that matter who would create recordings and play in the concert halls for violin enthusiast like me to enjoy its supreme tonal qualities. if they were a true lovers of violins, they wouldnt want it to be in a safe all day :(
Such a good point, I hadn't even thought of that! The Hardanger fiddle is such a gorgeous instrument. I'll have to go back and take a look at those bridges, it had never occurred to me before!
Great Video and great violin! There´s actually an ancestor of Ole Bull who´s a renowned violinist today, his name is Charlie Siem. You should check him out since he´s also regularly performing pieces by Ole Bull!
I am fortunate to have heard a famous Strad and famous Del Gesu in a chamber room. Both had marvellous sound. I prefer the sound of the Del Gesu. But, cannot explain why: words are insufficient, it's about sensation and emotion.
Excellent video as always, with interesting background information and beautiful playing. One very minor suggestion, if I might? Move the teleprompter a little closer to the camera position. Your glances at it are noticeable. Like I said, very minor. Thanks for putting these videos out. Edit: btw, I found your CD on Qobuz and favorited it!
I truly appreciate the history of violins that you share with us. How long did it take for you to get so proficient? If you don't mind my asking. Thank you.
Glad you're enjoying the videos! I'm not sure I can really put a timeline on how long it took- but suffice it to say, the interest was always there, and I just built on it when I saw that other people were interested as well! :)
How long ago did you adopt string bending? I thought this was taboo in violin technique? Don't get me wrong, I love string bending and the way you do! Please don't be offended, but I was taught never to bend a violin string. Personally I think it makes the violin sound better! But I seldom see the G string bent. I think the technique is wonderful and really gets the instrument to sing quite deftly. Anyway, great admiration for your pull down bend of the G string on the Magini or Bussetto, I think its masterful technique! Bravo!❤❤❤
Depending on your own qualities as a musician, it will take a long time before the Guarneri will surrender (or you to the Guarneri). Del Jèsu was a poor violinbuilder and had to find his woods in old farms and other unknown sources. Very much unlke master Antoinio, who made only instruments for the riches and the nobility. In beauty te Stardivari are topnotch, in soundthe balance goes towards Guarneri, Jèsu. Hadelich gots his 'Ex-Szeryng' with which he was superhappy. Played by one of the very best violonists of his time, Hadelich could rest assure that he inherited one of the best Guarneri's known today.
What a feeling must it be to be in this room with all these very historic and extraordinary violins around you. This series is my absolute favourite at yt at the moment. If you once can play the "Messiah", currently residing in Ashmolean Museum, I'll invite you to the most delicious Dinner you ever had ;-)
Haha! Well, we'll just have to figure out a way to get into the Ashmolean museum! :) (That's something I would SO love to do anyway, Oxford is so steeped in history!)
@@aTonalHits You'd have to go there by night, I assume, and find a way to handle the alarm system :-) At least if you want to play on something and not only look at...
Just as a possible suggestion, the full range of a Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu needs a fairly wide, slow vibrato in 1st position of the G string, as found in works by Ysaye, various Tango pieces, and probably more, but this is for starters. For high positions on the E string - too many to list, but no ‘panic’ vibrato, please.
That was very nicely presented. Greetings from Bergen, Ole Bull's city. Edit: Have you seen the Ole Bull documentary from around ten years ago? th-cam.com/video/oe2mL7K8etY/w-d-xo.html
@@aTonalHits One of the musicians that appear in the documentary is another Norwegian violinist, Arve Tellefsen. He is now 83 years young and still performing. He recently sold his Guarneri, while still being allowed to use it for the rest of his life. There are some stories connected to that instrument, including a plane skidding off the runway at JFK. I don't know if you have made a video about it, but if not then consider this a request. Thank you again for your wonderful videos.
90 % playing and 10 % talking would be welcome. Nobody clicks on a video link about a violin to listen to a lecture. That's very close to bait-and-switch.
Nice presentation. But, the artistry and playing does not justify the honor of playing this violin. Obviously a professional violinist (orchestral ?) But not an artist, soloist who can bring out the true character of this violin. Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov , Repin, Mutter, etc. are true soloists. This was a good college student level performance, nothing great.
I got to play a Pietro Guarneri once when I was having my violin repaired in 1962/3 by Hans Weisshaar. I was about 15. I gave him my fiddle across the counter, and he said, "here, take this violin to the practice room and play while I chat with the teacher". So the luthier brought out some German beer, and the "chat" got longer. When my teacher was ready to go, he called me out, and Weisshaar asked, "Well, how was the fiddle?" I said, "I guess it's OK". He laughed, "It's OK, is that all?" I said, "Yeah, I guess so". Then he said, "You're holding a Guarneri". My hands went limp and I almost dropped it on the floor, and he snatched it from my hands, and he and teacher had a great laugh at my expense. BTW, that was my first taste of beer. I declined it when offered, and Hans said, "are you sure?", so I took a sip and they laughed again.
Hah! I love this story! 🤣
I really love the sound of this violin. Every note is like a pearl, so round and warm, so clear and beautiful. It gently caresses your ears and heart, brings you back to the old days of the Italian golden violin period. Bravo!
Beautiful, pitty so short the played parts, I would want hearing the violin longer.
I just love listening to you play this instrument. It's like soul food.
🤗 VERY INTERESTING 🤔 THANKS FOR SHARING and PLAYING 👏👏👏😍😍😍
Wonderful... very informative and entertaining as well as demonstrating the instrument
This del Gesu looks absolutely beautiful and incredibly healthy. Thanks for the continuation of this series. ❤️🍷🎻🌹🕊
Love Kentucky! Go to Mammoth cave ... gota say, I'm loving your history, much of which I already at some point or another forgot or knew ... but, I never have heard the actual violins ... so this is incredible ... and this one is, well, if you gota have one, I'm thinking I could live with it, but don't deserve it either ... anyway, grateful for having discovered your channel.
Thank You for this fabulous video!..
Really enjoy your shows. Thanks for showing us these incredible instruments.
Always nice to rewatch these violins trials video ❤
Wonderful that you are able to bring these famous instruments to life through playing and thier stories. You play and present beautifully. And you are so SOOO lucky! Keep up the good work!! Tim
Beautiful gift to hear you play.
Thank you for this video! I tried out this same violin in 2012, even in the same room surrounded by all the priceless instruments in cubby holes. The highlight of my Taiwan trip!
Every time I go in the vault I get a little shiver. Highlight of the trip for sure!!
Taiwan? You mean all of these precious instruments could be lost, or destroyed in a strike from the mainland?
Wonderful instrument, wonderful story and of course wonderful violinist! Thanks for these videos!!
Its what I would expect his instrument to sound like. Rugged, woody, but not harsh.
It somehow makes sense, right?
Really enjoyable video, combining the life of Ole Bull, his music, and the violin he played, down to the unmatched halves of the “belly/front” of his violin.
I think this is a very educational video. I am looking forward for more videos like this.
So wonderful to hear your playing on this. This was the first del Gesu I ever got to play, and it was an eye-opening experience. Glad you had the chance to play this incredible instrument.
Love that you got to play this too! What an incredible instrument! :)
The voice of this violin is like a bomb!!
History and music, what a great combination. That’s why I love this channel. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for always tuning in! I'm big on all sorts of history, so putting this together was always a bit of a no brainer! :)
Great video, you make violin playing look so eazy. I've been to the park it is very nice.
Wonderful scholarship Katha & Ilya! Really enjoyed the melding of history, music, and craft.
Thanks for watching Cenk!! :)
Explained well, especially for me who has no talent for music but appreciates good sound and history.
And, of course, played beautifully.
THEIR BACKKKKK!
Thanks for posting this, I always love these shows and the playing is really nice.
Thanks much!! Very very informative! I’ve read a little bit about Ole Bull. I just purchased a very old (mid 19th century. Rec’d it yesterday) beat up copy of an Ole Bull. Thanks!
How does the old copy sound ???
Oh wow, this one was particularly interesting, what a character!
I totally got carried away with this one, there was just so much interesting stuff! :)
Extremely interesting video!
Fascinating! And what a beautiful violin! I had to look up Ole Bull national park because I grew up in PA, probably about 3 hours away. Never heard of it, but I'd go if I were back there still. Love the video, Katha!
Thank you Lee! It was so funny coming across this park- I feel like I might’ve seen a sign or something on the highway before, but never knew it had such a cool history!
Beautiful
Sounds very deep and rich and sonorous
Very interesting story. I once owned a German Copy of the Ole Bull. It was a loud violin. But, otherwise, unremarkable. I had often times wondered about the history of Ole Bull. Your video really did a nice job in telling his story.
Compared with other violin, i prefer much to Guarneri. This violin sound, if i can describe is a tonal of the lovely gentleman: powerfull, dark, balanced, open sound, satisfying, yet can be sweet for sometime.
Thank you for give me an idea what tone color I that I desire..❤
Violin sommelier! Expressions are accurate and empathetic It feel more emotional than just listening.
I love hearing the violins, but equally I find the personal and social history fascinating.
The string crossing in the Chaconne sounded so good. I don't know if it was the instrument or her playing, or more likely a combination of the two but it was so gorgeous.
You mentioned this and I think I know the section- which is my absolute favorite. The instrument definitely helps the ethereal quality come through, but also Bach just super knew what he was doing! :)
Aaooowwwww, i can't believe you didn't pay the end of the piece for us to hear on this instrument 😭😭
Lol! I have a video of up Chaconne though, so that might satisfy the craving! :)
Very interesting instrument, plenty of grunt, well balanced and good sound. I have liked this whole series of playing historical instruments and of course, playing them well.
I like how you used the word ‘grunt’ on this. It’s quite apt! It kind of addresses that whole bottom of the sound. I might have to use it going forward! :)
@@aTonalHits It comes from flamenco guitars, once my greatest love. A good one will just about bite you. I have one very good one left but can no longer play as I had a minor hand injury long ago that took off 3 tips on my left hand.
@@stevehutchesson1321 That sounds amazing- I can imagine the rip from a good guitar, it must feel fantastic! I'm so sorry to hear about your injury- that must have been devastating! I hope it isn't too forward, but I actually have a student whose hands were damaged in a fire- he no longer has feeling in his fingertips. But we've been working together for six years, and through a lot of practice, he's developed callus all over again, and has regained some of the feeling. Is it possible, and again I hate to be forward because you clearly know more about this than I do, that you could gain something back through a ton of work/musical/physical therapy? At any rate, I am so glad to always hear you taking so much pleasure in the music that we're throwing out into the ether! :)
@@kathanater88 Well, after 20 years of not listening to music, I made up for it by restoring 10 of the 12 tracks of Ramon Montoya from the 1936 originals then fought with music companies to make sure they could not grab them. They were really hard work to get all of the noise out of them but patience with a wave form editor produce very good results for recording of that age recorded on wire. Was a shame as I used to practice for 4 to 6 hours a day so I promised myself that if I ever took up another instrument, it would be a slide whistle. I have enjoyed the reviews of old instruments you have done as I used to repair good guitars and have a feel for old instruments.
Wonderfully presented! I really loved the Ole Bull part, and I hope that we get to hear more about Del Gesu soon, perhaps even a bit about his wife? :)
Yes! I promise, I totally got carried away with ole Bull, so there will be definitely more on del Gesu- and apparently his wife! Thanks for the tip! :)
Beautifuly played and Such a rich sound! Had it been played much over the last few years? I get the feeling that it may have been on the shelf for a few years and could open up even more ?
I think you’re probably right! The really famous ones tend to get played more by people like me, who they let into the vault and they get played for maybe half an hour tops. It would definitely open up if it had the opportunity to be worked with!
@@aTonalHits what they are doing to these violins is a crime. although considered as much as art works, these are musical instruments which needs to be in the hands of a virtuoso, or a violinist for that matter who would create recordings and play in the concert halls for violin enthusiast like me to enjoy its supreme tonal qualities. if they were a true lovers of violins, they wouldnt want it to be in a safe all day :(
I think it is significant to mention that the bridge shaving was probably influenced by the Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle!
Such a good point, I hadn't even thought of that! The Hardanger fiddle is such a gorgeous instrument. I'll have to go back and take a look at those bridges, it had never occurred to me before!
Great Video and great violin! There´s actually an ancestor of Ole Bull who´s a renowned violinist today, his name is Charlie Siem. You should check him out since he´s also regularly performing pieces by Ole Bull!
I did look him up, how cool is that! Slowly getting to know some Ole Bull pieces :)
That would be a descendent, not an ancestor, unless of course Charlie is currently around 200 years old. Be cool if he is married to an 18 y/o.
What a beast of an instrument, seem to be somewhat intimidating to handle.
I am fortunate to have heard a famous Strad and famous Del Gesu in a chamber room. Both had marvellous sound. I prefer the sound of the Del Gesu. But, cannot explain why: words are insufficient, it's about sensation and emotion.
Excellent video as always, with interesting background information and beautiful playing. One very minor suggestion, if I might? Move the teleprompter a little closer to the camera position. Your glances at it are noticeable. Like I said, very minor. Thanks for putting these videos out.
Edit: btw, I found your CD on Qobuz and favorited it!
Thanks for mentioning this! Maybe it’s time to invest in an actual teleprompter instead of some notes and masking tape 😂
I truly appreciate the history of violins that you share with us.
How long did it take for you to get so proficient? If you don't mind my asking. Thank you.
Glad you're enjoying the videos! I'm not sure I can really put a timeline on how long it took- but suffice it to say, the interest was always there, and I just built on it when I saw that other people were interested as well! :)
Is it me or the camera quality got a tad better? Anyway, lovely video as always, I'm always looking forward to those!
How long ago did you adopt string bending? I thought this was taboo in violin technique? Don't get me wrong, I love string bending and the way you do! Please don't be offended, but I was taught never to bend a violin string. Personally I think it makes the violin sound better! But I seldom see the G string bent. I think the technique is wonderful and really gets the instrument to sing quite deftly. Anyway, great admiration for your pull down bend of the G string on the Magini or Bussetto, I think its masterful technique! Bravo!❤❤❤
Another great production! You should have your own PBS series. So wonderful. Many thanks. BTW where are these violins?
Lol, pbs! That’s like the nicest compliment ever! :)
Your production reminds me of Scott Yoo’s “Now Hear This”. The union of music, history and drama is very compelling. Thank you for your great work!
Depending on your own qualities as a musician, it will take a long time before the Guarneri will surrender (or you to the Guarneri). Del Jèsu was a poor violinbuilder and had to find his woods in old farms and other unknown sources. Very much unlke master Antoinio, who made only instruments for the riches and the nobility. In beauty te Stardivari are topnotch, in soundthe balance goes towards Guarneri, Jèsu. Hadelich gots his 'Ex-Szeryng' with which he was superhappy. Played by one of the very best violonists of his time, Hadelich could rest assure that he inherited one of the best Guarneri's known today.
What a focussed, bottomless tone
What a feeling must it be to be in this room with all these very historic and extraordinary violins around you.
This series is my absolute favourite at yt at the moment. If you once can play the "Messiah", currently residing in Ashmolean Museum, I'll invite you to the most delicious Dinner you ever had ;-)
Haha! Well, we'll just have to figure out a way to get into the Ashmolean museum! :) (That's something I would SO love to do anyway, Oxford is so steeped in history!)
@@aTonalHits You'd have to go there by night, I assume, and find a way to handle the alarm system :-) At least if you want to play on something and not only look at...
I love these videos,
what violin do you pay yourself?
Thank you for watching! Unfortunately I never give that information out- but it is a diva of an instrument, I’ll tell you that much! :)
Nice piece. Are you living in Italy right now?
8:13 did you just call it a fiddle???
Just as a possible suggestion, the full range of a Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu needs a fairly wide, slow vibrato in 1st position of the G string, as found in works by Ysaye, various Tango pieces, and probably more, but this is for starters. For high positions on the E string - too many to list, but no ‘panic’ vibrato, please.
Sounds almost like Viola.. 🤯
Sacreligious!
I get what you mean, that dark quality is totally there!
Violin tops are made from spruce and the backs are made from maple and not from the same block of wood.
I think She's talking about book matching which on the bottom is two panels (left and right) matched together but the top halves aren't matched.
Sadly the dry acoustics of the room you were in does not make this violin justice, we need to hear it more in a better setting!
That was very nicely presented. Greetings from Bergen, Ole Bull's city.
Edit: Have you seen the Ole Bull documentary from around ten years ago? th-cam.com/video/oe2mL7K8etY/w-d-xo.html
I have not, but thank you for the link! We will definitely watch! I have some friends in Bergen as well- hello to you all over there! :)
@@aTonalHits One of the musicians that appear in the documentary is another Norwegian violinist, Arve Tellefsen. He is now 83 years young and still performing. He recently sold his Guarneri, while still being allowed to use it for the rest of his life. There are some stories connected to that instrument, including a plane skidding off the runway at JFK. I don't know if you have made a video about it, but if not then consider this a request. Thank you again for your wonderful videos.
@@aTonalHits Did you get to visit the park?
To me it pretty much sounds like a Stainer
I wish someone would sell me a Guarneri for £135
Yeah instead of 10 million
90 % playing and 10 % talking would be welcome. Nobody clicks on a video link about a violin to listen to a lecture. That's very close to bait-and-switch.
So the man tried to make a commune and failed in a year but there is still a park in memory off it ? 🤣
It's such a ridiculous story, and I'm so glad there's still a park and statue to commemorate it! Hah! :)
@@aTonalHits 🤣👍🏻 nice playing btw 😇
I don't like this Guarneri. I like my violin.🙂
The sound is so dull, rough and non-sonorous! Even some advance level modern violins sound better than it! I'm serious!
Nice presentation. But, the artistry and playing does not justify the honor of playing this violin.
Obviously a professional violinist (orchestral ?) But not an artist, soloist who can bring out the
true character of this violin. Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov , Repin, Mutter, etc. are true soloists.
This was a good college student level performance, nothing great.
She talks too much
You post too many comments.