Augustin teaches himself (at age 13) a masterclass - Ask Augustin 31

For the 31st episode of Ask Augustin, I'm going to teach my 13-year-old self a masterclass! When looking through my files, I found a video from 1997, around the time of my 13th birthday, when I performed the Sibelius concerto for the first time, with the Orquestra Sinfônica do Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro, in Brasilia, Brazil. I remember how excited I was to perform this piece, which was already one of my favorites back then!
Sorry for the sound quality, this is the digitalized version of a VHS tape, which had been copied from another tape...
There are so many things I wish I could go back in time and tell myself at 13 - about rhythm and phrasing, about the significance of the harmonic tension and release, and also a lot about bow technique. To illustrate the points, I'm showing the same moments from my performance a few months ago (with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Eva Ollikainen). If you watch until the end, you'll see some bonus footage from the last movement from 1997!

[@hcmichele]

if i could tell my 13 year old self something it would just be: PRACTICE

[@wendyshell8679]

Great comment!❤️

[@violamusic4518]

+++++++

[@TeddyOn]

Augustin is an unique violinist: teaches himself, accompanies himself... Now, the only things left are to compose his own concerto for violin and orchestra and perform all orchestral parts and solo...and conduct it... and listen it as audience 🙂

[@andreacicalese]

and in 20 years say: this is what I would tell myself 20 years ago

[@violamusic4518]

And build a concert hall for himself:))) and sell tickets for his own concert:)))

[@remember9097]

and cough during it

[@Peppercof]

Y ya no se que decir

[@srinitaaigaura]

And write the critic's review too.

[@josedavidbernal6415]

Even at that age you were awesome

[@LKemp-lr1ky]

At 12 I quit! THEN, at 50, attending a symphony mixer, I met a young man out of Juilliard and in a very few minutes he taught me how to hold the bow, hold the instrument, play it!! In a couple months I was working on a Brahms piano trio with friends. JOY! Never give up. Augustin is an amazing, beautiful, young man. Thank you. 86 now.

[@cheesecurd100s]

I think you should totally bring back that outfit

[@cheesecurd100s]

Love the free educational videos btw

[@wendyshell8679]

marcus motors it’s strikes me as something European children would wear-just off the top of my head. ❤️

[@wendyshell8679]

marcus motors yes, and we didn’t have KZbin, so we couldn’t see him grow up and progress on line, as we can some others! I’m glad he’s as prolific on KZbin, as he is.

[@andreiacarizzi7521]

Can’t believe I was there. Now I live in Rio and I’m a violinist. For me, at that time, it was perfect! I was playing the violin for about only 2 years. You inspired me and continues doing. Thanks Augustin.

[@JoaoPauloMachado]

I was also there! He inspired me also to keep going on this profession...

[@annkerobyan]

Because you are only 13 yr old. Sibelius didn’t write this piece for 13 yr old:) Many musical and technical skills come with maturity and experience. But it is obvious that this 13 yr old kid is exceptionally talented!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and being such an honest artist!

Dear Augustin we’re looking forward to have you playing again with our Orchestra any time. We all have good memories from this concert. Greetings from Brasilia and Orquestra Sinfonica do Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro.

[@BlackViolinist_]

Even at 13 he still has that touch of Augustin❤😮😮🙌🙌🎻🎻🎻🎻

[@herbertkronzucker8367]

Great concept. I think, at 13, the marvel of being able to just technically make it through the Sibelius is a monumental achievement. It's one of the greatest pieces in the violin repertoire and, when played by a mature artist, can be intensely moving and thrilling. Your renditions today provide that thrill and are musical (and technical) perfection. Suspensions, suspensions :). I look forward to hearing your interpretation 20 years from now!

[@woodywoodwoodiii]

I think that wee boy has potential... 👏

[@portraitbyelise2309]

Ha ha ! A few seconds in and already I'm lost 😅 Augustin got me at "I was 13 and I was playing the Sibelius concerto". My mind just stopped there...

[@vaughnhale7903]

The fact that you could play the Sibelius concerto at 13 proves how talented you are. I am 13 and still learning Viotti 22 😅.

[@remember9097]

What are you playing now?? If you want to tell

[@madhabfr]

bro im 13 and im playing bach concerto in A minor 💀💀

[@luke1835]

@@madhabfr I'm 24 and playing scales..

[@randombritishperson9077]

@@luke1835 even the best players play scales

[@annavds3576]

Lmao I’m 14 and I’m still trying to finish Ernst Last Rose of Summer XD

[@ViolinHobby]

Wow! Augustin, Mind-blowing, and incredibly impressive performance video of "little" Augustin at (just turning 13.) Nevertheless, I'm emphatically agreeing with your pointers on your amazing childhood performance. I think you sounded "infinitely" better now-a-days than the "12 or 13" year old Augustin...You have transformed from a great violin prodigy to I believe one of the GREATEST violinists of ALL TIME!" I love the surprise and creative change in your teaching video today! :-)

[@fgorlando]

You were amazing at 13 but, wow, what a transformation! Your skill level is mind-blowing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us

[@alexsaldarriaga8318]

Now I see and understand that the true source of your greatness lies in your humility. Most mere mortals would be filled with pride in the ability to play the Sibelius Concerto at 13. They would likely rest on their laurels for accomplishing a superhuman feat at such a tender age. But it takes heroic humility and personal sacrifice to keep plumbing the depths in order to mature into a great artist. I count you among the pantheon of my violin heroes!

[@elizabethf8078]

Good point!

[@bushyy.5696]

Nice big words

[@micaelabonetti949]

Wonderfully observed and written!

[@MorganBallardWheeler]

I was born in 1997, so I really enjoyed seeing how your playing has changed over my entire lifetime! I heard you play the Sibelius with the NY Phil in fall 2019, your second movement made me cry. Thank you for your dedication to this music Augustin.

[@user-zr7vb7gd9r]

Absolutely. The 2 movement of Sibelius concerto is wonderful, fantastic. It makes me cry too

[@Vocela]

I love your music. You're such an inspiration. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive that 13 year old, and even to congratulate him, because he really did play beautifully!

[@flushingviolinshop]

I love your 13 years old performance. No need to change anything. It looks natural, special, full of character and self confident. We can’t wait to see your concert on May 5th in NYC.

[@tuliobabikian]

And many years later, I heard you play this concerto here in Brazil last year: actually, not in Brasília, but in São Paulo. I must say that it was one of the most memorable nights I've ever had. It was amazing!

[@jennirojas5991]

So lovely. It's great to see how you have developed over the years. One sometimes may think that you people were born just like that; gracefull, amazing, near perfect. Is good to be reminded that it takes a lot of hard work, mistakes, pondering, and a never ending learning process. It makes me admire you more. Greetings from Costa Rica!

[@tfh5575]

13 year old you played so much better than i could ever hope to play in this lifetime lol

[@kathychenyinggao4519]

This is truly inspiring! It's inspiring not only to see that a young protege transformed into an even more amazing artist, but also knowing that behind all of those changes are 40 hours of practice a day every single day! Be like Augustin Hadelich! I was very lucky that I heard his Sibelius with NYPhil last October! He's Sibelius was so breathtaking!

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

Beautiful! What a great thing to go back and review your own playing!

[@BreeUSA]

Love the comparison and constructive critique of the 13yr old you 1997 vs 2020 Great! 💓

[@portraitbyelise2309]

When I've started to watch 13-years-old Augustin performance I first thought, ok, there's no way your older self could seriously be critical of that performance, then I didn't get the technical explications, too advanced for my musical knowledge, however I did see and heard a HUGE difference 23 years later. It's like the younger one is more about intensity, drama, and technical performance, it is quite impressiv to see this "so-called" tense bowhold, I mean, it actually does look beautiful to see, so fast and in perfect control, but the older one is 100% telling a story and revealing the music, it's so different I had to go back to listening to each of them several times to admit it was indeed the same piece. In the latest one you are kind of not distracted by how satisfying it is to look at that impressiv bowing, playing intensity and big sound. The understanding of the rythm and the changes in dynamics revealed the music, it's like it was hiding in the first version and you could just have a glimpse of it. That's a lot of musicality maturity. The bowing lightness gives the impression the musicality of the piece is leading, not the other way around, it feels freer, not restricted and controlled by the violinist will, as if it does have a life by itsel. I'm always amazed by how violinists understand their music and how they need to play it a certain way rather than another way. Edit : I would love one day to hear Maxim Vengerov and you discuss about pieces interpretations ! (I hope you'll meet !)

[@samlamingluthier]

What a fantastic idea of a comparison and masterclass! You're an absolute treasure Augustin, thank you for taking the time to record these.

[@tishmusso3949]

Amazing at 13 but sublime in maturity! Very interesting dissection of his youthful performance. Thank you for posting this!👍🤩

[@BradfordCRichards]

One of the best masterclasses ever.

[@voidofmisery4810]

It’s these kind of videos that remind me how fortunate I am to learn the violin with such humanity and inclusiveness from great players such as yourself. Thank you for providing us with great knowledge. This moment in the beginning of my violin playing will forever be remembered and appreciated as I will use your wisdom in my future as a violinist! Again, Thank you!

[@dmcvegan1963]

Fantastic life lesson. We evolve and grow.

[@janetread8237]

You are an inspiration…..

[@JoaoPauloMachado]

I was there. It was the most incredible concerto that I have attended in my life!

[@wendywong3871]

So cute at 13 Years Old so accomplished and played like an adult, a raw interpretation for a wonder kid ! Your playing now of this same piece is out of this world - Sublime. ( infinite applause ) Thank you for sharing this comparison. Your talents obviously started really young.

[@clairepotter6975]

That's amazing playing for 13 years old! I learn a lot from Ask Augustin, especially the attention to detail and work that you put into each piece in order to perform it beautifully.

[@pierrerogue6861]

OMG!! Your playing is so beautiful! Huge technicity with a warm and powerfull sound. It is really beautifull. The quality and thé précision of your left hand is particularly impressive.

[@pedrogandia5408]

We are enjoying so much your videos, and your sincere approach to music & profession.

[@user-zr7vb7gd9r]

I listen to many famous violinists of both modern and past years. But I've never heard such a sound, emotional expressiveness, phrasing and dynamics...It's amazing. An absolutely charming person!

[@prime8475]

Augustin at age 13 is much better than my teacher.

[@hosseinm6269]

Eddy siblius concerto at 3M subs And he is practicing 40 uhrs a day to play it Augustin:

[@zoiakuianova9696]

You must have a truly amazing personality to be brave enough to do something like this (to “judge” your own recordings),a humble and humane personality... it is a great pleasure to see someone like you. I finished studying some years ago, now a professional violinist working in an orchestra (by the way, you played concerts with us):), and your videos inspire me greatly to work on myself and develop as a musician. I wish you all the very best!!!

[@badbeethoven1588]

Wow--huge contrast! Wonder if the concertmaster had the same critiques in his mind when hearing you play when young vs. the awe that's in their eyes now? Well, Fwiw, you just sold me on yet another CD. Sibelius/Ades it is. Enjoy my stimulus money, lol. Have a great weekend Maestro.

[@pianoartacademy3686]

Such an amazing idea to make this video! I appreciate it very much, thank you!!

[@lolamas3042]

Espectacular en 1997 👏👏👏👏👏👏 En 2020 equilibrio, sensibilidad, se siente el alma en cada nota... Gracias por compartir tanto! 💜🎶🎵🎶💜🎻

[@mirandacallisto9351]

I dont ubderstand the jargons but i certainly love this violinist 😢❤️

[@yjhong78]

3:39 A basoonist (mid top) began to fully enjoy and ride on board of rhythm.

[@pecator70]

Thank you so much for posting this 'concept' of masterclass-ing yourself in retrospect.... I hear and understand your comments...but I find that 13 year old boy's playing very fascinating: super musically-creative and ... it is impossible to hide the fact that this young person with the God-given talent and musicallity is destined to be one of the greatest violinists/musicians of this era! 🙏

[@Nnnmmmkkk]

This comparison is so fun to watch!

[@dianal.1279]

It's so wonderful to have a piece being explained by a great musician who plays it! If you have the time, make more videos where you explain what is supposed to be happening in a piece. Even if just an excerpt. Something that you find particularly interesting in a piece you love, an excerpt of something that blew your mind when you u understood it. Thank you super very much for your videos!🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@peterghyssaert4372]

Marvellous as always...

[@TheTucsonJeff]

Thanks Augustin for all the videos you have uploaded! They are greatly appreciated, and we all have learned (and are learning) so much from you about violin technique and musicianship in general.

[@chiachengsen6900]

Thank you for your generosity!

[@franklinrodriguez3370]

Awesome,thanks for sharing!

[@behnamkian1290]

Thank you for your great music.

[@antonioagigheoleanu3872]

Augustin, can you please make us a video on how to produce different types of dynamics as a soloist? Whats the difference for example between a piano as a orchestra player, or a piano as a violin soloist? And the different tehnicques on how to produce this dynamics. Thank you!! Thumbs up guys if you want also this masterclass.

[@carloalberto1108]

Beautiful idea, beautiful explanation thanks

[@surapolp]

This is Golden!!

[@wheresmycoffeeineededit3639]

You are a musical wonder! Truly amazing

[@SarahCurro]

I love your respect for music and phrasing thank you!

[@SharonYungViolin]

As always, I enjoy listening to your thought process how you analyze music! Thank you for sharing this precious memory with all of us! That chubby face was so cute, btw!😉🤗

[@isabeldimoff]

What a great video idea! Thank you so much for sharing!! One of my favorite concerti 😍♥️

[@GianmariaLari]

What a fantastic educational video Augustin. Bravo e grazie!

[@ksrhrieber95]

watching you is so amazing, It was awesome even at 13 years.

[@juliecastro444]

My gosh u so young 13 and playied wonderfully♥ and now you are a master♥

[@buttercup6312]

amazing performance

[@hmesquita]

Thank you so much for this!! Really great content ang honest and kind words!

[@grapesofwrath361]

Wow 🤩 he sounded so good when he was 13 and I can definitely see how he has improved in this video!

[@tammylaronde8593]

You play beautifully! There is a uniqueness to your playing that just draws me right in. Great video! You can clearly hear the difference from years of practice, changes in technique and all that you have learned over the years but at the same time, your 13 year old self was very talented. I'm a beginner violinst. I have a long way to go and much to learn. I find you inspiring. I hope I get the chance to watch you play live, someday.

[@dougdumbrill7234]

Your 13 year old self would be the best violinist I ever heard live! That sound is just pretty amazing! But now, you are something that anyone who hears you will never forget!

[@mistersir3473]

What I wouldn’t do for even a fraction of you’re musical insight and command. Bravissimo!!!

[@lacasadealla1148]

You are my Hero, Augustin! ❤️

[@fiddlelove5889]

Thank you for this lesson and your insight. You are a blessed violinist. You were only 13 years old! A child! Life is change and any change we can hear and see in making music independent on the niveau. If we stay kind to ourselves in love not force tension will relax. If we start connecting with our feelings and emotions joy will come. You are a wonderful, extraordinary violin player, musician with a big karma. Thousands and thousands of people admire you. Be kind to yourself 💖💎

[@MrInterestingthings]

Thankyou so much for this . the commentary about bowing is so important and at this late date in my own life : I did not know that . The info on suspensions is something every musician needs to know . I question it as a rule I think a suspension it sometimes a surprise I dont know yet if this is always the case . It gives me something to explore ..

[@rosysh.131]

I love you so much Mr. Augustin you're my idol 🏅❤

[@kevinvanhove5834]

oh my god you performed sibelius violin concerto at 13, so impressive

[@flutesgalaxy]

You are perfect! its Great to see this video in my birthday ;)

[@edmundjacobs]

Fantastic video

[@jargon850]

this is just a big flex of how much better he became

[@jacirasantanna7221]

Obrigada Augustin. From your performances in the Indianapolis Violin Competition and in São Paulo when you played Mendelssohn, it’s always a joy to listen to you. Obrigada pelos vídeos , eles são uma maravilha para nós que amamos o violino.

[@flutesgalaxy]

Are you from Portugal?? I was in Portugal last summer and I remember this word Obrigada,,, I don't know when ı saw that word I was like that : Oh wait I know that word haha!

[@ferdilauro]

A ver.. Un crack, jordán, messi, bach. Sinceramente gracias. Un placer y alegría cuando subes un vídeo.

[@constanzaprado8778]

Such an emotion listening to you and dear maestro Silvio Barbato....such a great moment!!! Thank you so much for sharing your love and wisdom

[@constanzaprado8778]

I remember with joy and gratitude of Valeska and Ney ❤❤

[@Helz777]

I just want to get to your 13 year old level!

[@eslammagdyosman]

that is a great idea, caught my attention from the title.

[@mapa6772]

Augustin, both performances are great to the listener. Of course now you play more maturely, thoughtfully, closer to perfection but the 13 year old has boldness and character and immense talent. It's quite intimidating actually to watch you at 13. It would make many people hang their violin cause of how you played at 13 year old. I have heard the Sibelius hundreds of times and on my opinion that 13 year old spoke with a big heart and was a great musician. It is also quite disheartening that all the work that went in 23 years that does indeed leave one breathless and gets you the gigs, does not double the joy of the listener.

[@evakochenkova8540]

Sono cosi impressionata da te, Augustin.! ...E sono molto felice, che ti avrei trovato e avrei sentito It tuo violino. Sei un genio di semplicità e l'enorme qualità, che celano veramente pochissimi in nostri tempi, che sembra più tosto il teatro... Io sono, per esempio, non che lo il coraggio ad ascoltare il miei dischi di me stessa- non mi piace nulla e cambierei tutto. Ma imparo il mie studenti di farlo semplicemente la stessa cosa, quale tu sei avrei fatto vedere nei questo video. Spero di incontrarti un giorno. Abbracci.

[@lindablock9984]

I think you're 13 old self did a mighty good job. He should be congratulated. And He should be congratulated for continuing to grow to what you are and now. Who are we if we're not willing to grow which means changing?

[@nomorefries3616]

I dont play the violin but still i learnt a lot from this video! So good!

[@pedroapolinario6618]

Sensacional

[@xy2967]

Hi Augustin, could you possibly make a series in which you review videos from us, just like Ray Chen does and also you did together with him recently?

[@ksychess]

Um grande prodígio!!!!

[@ottavaparallela]

love

[@pablocolomer2571]

Can you upload the full video? It's amazing!!!

[@ladelcolectivo]

Wow. No kidding. At 13 you already rocked.

[@cigarnationwarriors3981]

Love your sharing how your bow hold changed. Not holding but moving with the bow. Wish I could do that. I tend to give it a Death Grip😢

[@violinow1673]

Hi Augustine, thanks for the video. I have to watch it again to fully understand. Would you make a video on how to improve the tone please? How and what did you practise when you were young please?

[@GlenmoreGlen]

Love it!

[@Gailrstarr]

You were amazing even when you were an adorable little kid! Love you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-zr7vb7gd9r]

It's like you're rereading a book you read as a child. Discovering new interesting moments and colors. I think so🤔

[@yuryzlatkouski]

Climbing to perfection

[@joefagan9335]

Good points Augustin - but shouldn’t your teacher have pointed those things out? Amazing playing. You’re so inspiring. After every video of yours I imagine I can play like you and make my best sound for the first few minutes of trying and then need another video to recharge me! You’re such an inspirational character. Thank you.

[@sunny3435]

I believe his lessons were irregular, but yes, they shouldve been pointed out if possible.