Alexander Markov plays Paganini's 24th Caprice [HQ]

This performance of one of the most challenging scores in the violin repertory, Paganinis 24 Caprices, is by the internationally celebrated violinist, Alexander Markov, recorded in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It combines intense passion with extraordinary technical ability. Director Bruno Monsaingeon, himself a concert violinist, first heard Markov during a recital in New York entirely devoted to the Caprices and was left utterly dumbfounded. He says of that concert, "the technical difficulties, as if naturally overcome, had been replaced by an incandescent musical imagination which made the Paganini Caprices a thrilling experience, far removed from the school-masterly and cautious approach of most violinists".

[@HiacyntusZoilus]

its hard to believe that he played this AFTER 23 other caprices without a break

[@waterbe3564]

Holy cow

[@colossalproductionsmeme4906]

Godamm

[@valebliz]

The way he plays the pizzicato part at 2:51 is the one the most amazing things i've ever seen.

[@zeynepy]

@@math9172 twosetters oh

[@valebliz]

@@math9172 damn, i like twoset, but their fans are storming every damn comment section now

[@valebliz]

@@math9172 nah, twoset are mostly cool, i don't mind them.

[@marinezxxlgaming]

@@math9172 Alexander does it better than Brett imo Eddy's pizz tho is bad lol

[@fleosflanacek]

@@marinezxxlgaming well you're a bit stupid aren't you?

[@sajeli]

I saw him play this live...I almost peed myself. He's amazing.

[@ruby-oo9fi]

Nah I don't believe that you saw him play this live

[@keybuckley]

He's the only one who can play it.

[@BiccyTheAnonymous]

I think this is the closest we get to how Paganini probably played it.

[@germanpenn]

I prefer Jasha Heifetz's, but this is also amazing.

[@WeMoomingNow]

+germanpenn Heifeitz played too safe. and was occasionally too slow.

[@arelizamir2859]

Paganini had never played this piece. He did use it to give practice to other people though (that's for what I know)

[@niccster1061]

Yvonne no. alexanders is much more impressive

[@niccster1061]

Yvonne yes. yes he can.

[@alisafricano6635]

let it sink in for ONE second that this was paganini's warmup.

[@MCDreng]

Ling ling warms up with this piece 2x speed only on the G string.

[@peterg6889]

@@MCDreng I have read that Paganini played everything on the G string, so there you go: Paganini is the Ling Ling of his time

[@Tsadey]

I've seen dozens of interpretations of the 24th, this one is certainly the best one in my opinion, the pizzicato is just mind-blowing, as clean as a whistle. Worth mentioning Nathan Milstein - Paganiniana, it's also amazing.

[@robertselims9149]

No... heifetz

[@andrestes3848]

@@robertselims9149Heifetz version lacks of emotion if you compared it with Markov’s version . The people who listened to Paganini said that he was full of emotion and moments when playing the violin. Heifetz plays like a robot . Markov is better and closest to the way Paganini used to play.

[@valebliz]

@@robertselims9149Heifetz is for snobs, Markov for people who understand musicality.

[@jenkinboykz0]

he@@robertselims9149 heifetz played it like a master, Markov played it like a virtuoso

[@Ucceah]

this caprice conveys something, i can only decribe as the spark of insanity. of all interpretaions i have heard, few could let that brilliant ember shine through. this performance however, ignites that sublte, untold emotion, and lets it burst into a blinding, splendid fire, that consumes itself, just before one could sear his eyes, from staring into it for too long. bravissimo markov!

[@saintmichael104]

Excellent. Well said. I am attempting to record these. There needs to be more people like you in the world.

[@danielwinnett280]

5 years later...

[@aliedawnwood]

at 2:51 HOW?!?!!!!! amazing

[@rcb3921]

So cool when the masters really show off their stuff.

[@JonatasAdoM]

I SAW IT TOO!

[@7xrking317]

Maria Gomes

[@7xrking317]

Maria Gomes left hand pizz is the eaiest part if this song imo also the most fun ^^

[@jonathanfitz1593]

+Yoo Sung Lee not for everyone for me there are easier parts in this piece

[@cypriotlicker]

Proud to say that I had the privilege to see Alexander Markov perform live twice in my life.. both at Bellapais Abbey in North Cyprus, just a fantastic venue for classical music

[@wwjdcollee]

Saw him play this live and was coached by him in a master class last weekend and I don't think I've ever been more nervous in my life to play in front of someone

[@owenradcliffe4696]

He was pretty cool, Hi Mary

[@cedarnewman6354]

@annuna he is hilarious I learn with his dad so I see him quite a bit

[@woodchuck1800]

You should feel blessed. Not nervous.

[@ericr.7311]

Oh god, I would be a nervous wreck.

[@ruby-oo9fi]

@@cedarnewman6354 yeah he comes to have tea with us on Sunday evenings, he's quite a good violinist, but not up to the mark. I give some constructive feedback to him , so that he could improve.

[@triambakeshwar8766]

I learnt this piece for 6 months, until I finally abandoned it in favour of the 5th Caprice. The pizzicato here is so flawless, that I am in awe.

[@dispater5023]

There was always something about Markov I didn't like, I've always prefered Schlomo Mintz's technique over Markov. However when Markov hit 2:51 I saw Paganini rise from the grave. It really blew my mind.

[@pingish]

Sounded like droplets. In the exact rhythm and timing of nature.

[@germangarciamartinez4097]

@@pingish If you´re looking for nature in classical music I don´t pretty believe Paganini stands for that though, xD

[@UchihaZoSo]

@@germangarciamartinez4097 Not sure really, I heard a story from long ago where an audience member claimed that Paganini would imitate the sounds of bird songs on his violin among others like that

[@user-op6vy3gg2b]

The best part of his playing is the subtle difference when it's repeated, which Heifetz did it and emphasized in his teaching. Bravissimo~~

[@butterpecanblondie7234]

Alexander Markov really captures that feeling of Caprice 24 which not even Hilary Haan could do.

[@MegaHitchhiker]

The best interpretation I have ever seen!!! So beautiful and perfect thanks !!!!

[@veronikafannon820]

The Best interpretation to me. Paganini would be soooooo proud!!!!!

[@Giulia-dc7ml]

This is so awesome... I know it needs more than this, but I have no words

[@Gilgamoth]

I like this version the best. It wasn't love, it wasn't safe, it's pure emotional energy.

[@alibeshjr]

He is the living Paganini. No one even compares to him in playing Paganini, esp. this caprice. Cannot stop listening to this.

[@robertselims9149]

Heifetz

[@robertselims9149]

Hilary

[@robertselims9149]

Obstrach sorry if i spelled wrong

[@robertselims9149]

Briesler

[@robertselims9149]

Well in my opinion you should listen to heifetz performance

[@mlungisblackbook5185]

His playing is actually the redefinition to the concept of virtuosity

[@angryspongebob4971]

This is my favourite interpration of the 24th caprice so for and this is because he plays it so different than the others. He takes so much risks by giving us his pure energy and by slaying this piece at the fast of light (2:51 is just from an another world). I can just bravo Alexander even if this performance is 20 years old now.

[@Caff-pv8fg]

glad to see someone else playing my warmup

[@avixilynn]

DAMN. This is my favorite piece so far, and he plays it the BEST. It's killing me how good it is!

[@crazyaboutnature]

This guys plays with the passion of Paganini.

[@hajiskitchen]

SO much attitude & conviction in his interpretation & execution.

[@Aeimos]

Wouldn't it be distracting having the camera circle around you like that while playing?

[@QuinnGuitar]

Absolutely brilliant. Filled with vitality and virtuosity. Of this, I dig.

[@LaneVideo1]

That was exquisitely played.

[@Jamez5cz]

I have the great oportunity to listen to him yesterday, it was STUNNING!

[@SalHernor]

More I see this video, less I can't believe it....it is just amazing, no words !

[@violaplayer1995]

amazing! amazing HQ too. godly pizz

[@ramongcastaneda5308]

Exquisitely musical performance, superb tone!

[@mosiahsantos98]

Wow that was just Amazing!!!

[@me.unpredictable280]

this gave me so many goosebumps i was surprised

[@annikaleinomusic]

Simply Amazing :)

[@st3v33100]

Alexander is a music genius. I really love the improvisation...

[@AnnaJethwa]

Superb!!!!!

[@halilcapraz4713]

Simply perfection

[@ViolinClassUSA]

Wonderfully musical playing - one of the rarest examples - not just the dazzling technique but also the sense of the whole piece. Rubato in the pizzes is amazing. Personally, I could do with fewer glisses in the last variation, but overall it is one of the most captivating performances of the piece (The 24 Caprices, and/or No. 24 in particular). Bravo!

[@gregfinejazz]

Невероятно ! Брависсимо!❤

[@angelaz20]

Это уникально браво! 👏🏻 Is genius bravo to you 👏🏻💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tantricsurfer]

simply wonderlful

[@IanRob2011]

Brilliant

[@leilamendes8348]

BELÍSSIMO O CAPRICE 24 NA INTERPRETAÇÃO DE ALEXANDER MARCOV. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@st3v33100]

The Pizzicato was perfectly beautiful...

[@Exhume2Consume]

oh my god the entrance into the plucking part was astonishing!

[@SHoCK1team]

Oh my God...Such perfect...beautiful...I can´t say it in words what I´m feeling right now ..

[@thomykosta]

PERFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECT !!!!!!!

[@beenthereonce]

Bravo!

[@sorozatokfilmek7951]

A legjobb előadás amit hallottam, kivéve Milsteint! Őt nem lehet felülmúlni!

[@angelaz20]

Ой, наш Марков.

[@jennyiffers1]

Magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@duchessofvanilla]

insane pizzicato!

[@j.b.m772]

Impresionante 👏👏👏

[@franmanson]

awesome!!!!

[@dharmagrlx]

he came to my high school today and played for our school orchestra :)

[@emiliogonzalez1173]

This dude have the right paganini emotional way at the violin. He can play exactly that paganini could do that. Love that, master.🙏🏾

[@kementhari]

A mi gusto, la mejor interpretación de esta obra... Markov hace lo que quiere...

[@abelardoavendano6013]

Surely perfection itself.

[@JuanCamiloAristizabalMarulanda]

impresionante!!!!! nada mas que decir del sr alexander markov

[@alisonbolanos6565]

Oh por Dios! Es un genio! Fascinante! Me encanto! :DD!

[@anakarinapianist]

It gave me thrills.. I needed to turn up the lights while watching him.

[@Ianca123ful]

Excelente performance, muito bom mesmo, um dia quero quero chegar a este nivel, parabéns!!!!

[@Ianca123ful]

Virtuosidade.

[@bachinblack94]

You write it "Markov" and read it "Paganini". He even looks a bit like him...

[@BaertXavier]

pure magic !

[@eelevinas]

20/20 C'est parfait.

[@user-dw9nq1nm8r]

Bravo! Il suo pizzicato viene proprio dal diavolo, come da Paganini stesso!

[@woodchuck1800]

2:51? More like 4:12. That level of bow control my goodness.

[@robertomarchisio5908]

Yeah!! 4:07 the uprising scale in ricochet!!! Impossible....

[@davidlozano3838]

Yeah but I dont know if you know how DAMN difficult It is to do the left hand pizzicato. Doing it as fast (hadn't seen anyone do it like that before) is very very very difficult and surprising

[@davidlozano3838]

Nevertheless, it is algo amazing what you pointed

[@YEETMAN-dt9mb]

Nah 2:51 better

[@segmentsAndCurves]

@@YEETMAN-dt9mb You know what you're saying, right?

[@St0nice]

Bravo bravissimo!

[@leilamendes8348]

EXCELENTE E MELHOR INTERPRETAÇÃO DO CAPRICIO 24 DE PAGANINI!!!

[@manodog9937]

Hoje em dia ninguém mais gosta dessas artes😔

[@dmangtr]

Epic can't even begin to describe one of his bowstrings.

[@renzofrancioso4306]

MERAVIGLIOSO

[@datruken3578]

Alexander u are best

[@thomasanderson3421]

goals

[@Mari-cf3rm]

pure genius!!

[@Rickyrocksrecords]

Excellent Futureviolin best wishes from germany🎉

[@leilamendes8348]

Maravilhoso!

[@wamba4913]

Это лучшее исполнение 24 Каприсса, что я слышал.....

[@rochellebaldecir8375]

OMG the left hand pizzicato @2:51 was the best thing I’ve ever heard🤤

[@musicomaniac62]

Part at 3:11 = Master's touch.

[@bag3lmonst3r72]

How the fk did this only get only 242K views after 10 years??

[@douglasjensen8986]

Because a big bunch of kids who had never heard a concert violinist play nor of Paganini were directed by some movie or whatever to Garrett in The Devil's Violinist.

[@dharmagrlx]

he came to my high school today and performed for my orchestra :)

[@pastandfuture]

Cuanto mas veo este video mas me gusta! A++

[@JesusNucette]

excelente OMG!

[@adleristgut]

Vita brevis, ars longa!!! Genie!!!

[@TheBushidoWolfMAN]

Mi idolo!!!!!!!!!!!

[@imimedwinchan]

insane left hand pizz. :O

[@s-c-iulian]

2:51 I`m waiting for the day we build robots to do that :|

[@72EEL]

to non musicians and new listeners, it would sound the same, but its the emotion and effort, the technique and time, that makes the differences.

[@nguyenngocminh7504]

It’s 2:52

[@eckertdm]

who the hell gave this a thumbs down? Markov has been my 24 caprices hero since i was a teenager. nobody but Rabin was/is on the same level, imo. and if i had to choose, i'd take Markov's rendition for the desert island.

[@Optimum45]

Markov is my favorite as well. But if you haven't heard it yet, check out Shlomo Mintz. His #5 is jaw-dropping.

[@maximilianschwab9410]

Optimum45 thanks for bringing me to Mintz ! this is awseome.

[@katielouise1626]

Check out David garret!! Idk whether he is this good but he is definitely amazing by my standards!!!!!

[@maximilianschwab9410]

Katie Wright sorry than you have no standards.

[@katielouise1626]

??

[@snorefest1621]

So good that it froze my screen

[@Bendygedy]

I like the mannerisms of Paganini drawings in the playing. Besides being an excellent performance!

[@czimon]

oh my... that was some left hand pizzicato. bravo!

[@jzamokae4656]

That first pizz is so boss and then he destroys that section

[@sashul33]

Amusing

[@halukatabek1238]

2:51 JESUS!

[@lemonslisterine1862]

Didn't even break a sweat, what a legend.

[@aaronmccutcheon]

Bravo is right!!!

[@slavneslavne]

When played at this heaven's level of perfection as Markov, there is no more idiotic comment then sharp and definitive comparing of Markov's interpretation with other famous musicions for finding who is "better". That can be done only by people who are not here much for music and care a lot about something out of art. Very much out. On some easier pieces it is much more appropriate to compare interpretations of famous musicians, but real art devotees even then rarely use attributes like "better". With this level of playing piece with highest musical demands, player like Markov goes to the utmost achievement he can possibly reach. So his music in this situation comprises all his emotional, physical or whatever energy he has, gathered in this moment of time by his magical talent in his unique way he is made by God as a human being. There is no "better" when someone, already top performer plays one of hardest pieces ever, and does his maximum. They are all "better", if you like. This is not athletic competition. Not sport, but music, pure and highest. So, hursh comparison of two top performers, playing this "top" piece, is similar to discussing God's will in a certain way. Of course we can prefer one's performance more, naturally. But these highest skill players gift us with all their being without any atom in reserve, and offering that to us listeners and spectators and musicians as a window to music heavens, so announcing one of them to be absolutely "better" is a matter of very, very bad musical taste, bad manners, low education or bad personality.

[@5piecekit]

I agree. Alexander Markov is an unparalleled gift to humanity! But luckily there are a number of virtuosos who can transport us to the very highest spiritual plane. There is only profound appreciation and reverence for these masters of their art.

[@edmega332]

what an amazing sounding instrument, luckily it's played by someone with great skill. this is very nice to hear. I was searching for a new violinist to get into after Perlman I didn't think I'd find one I personally would like to listen to but this Markov this excellent. Markov = Very Yes XD

[@violaisreallycool]

Coming from ibxtoycat? I agree wholeheartedly, a satisfying exceptional violinist and performance.

[@olegsoltis3305]

I don't know how maestro Paganini played it but this performance sounds perfect!