Bach: Cello Suite no. 1 - Prelude (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

[@nunyabiznez6381]

Something magical happens when a really good teacher meets a really good student.

[@Laura-mz6ut]

Thank goodness, because the first time he played was absolutely boring. He can still improve a lot, but at least he is young and humble enough to keep trying.

[@pia7057]

Laura it wasn‘t boring, he played every note with such care. I really liked it.

[@bigchungus9740]

Pia it was really nice for the first part but then I agree after a bit it was boring

[@pia7057]

@@bigchungus9740 yes, I agree with you. After a while it became boring.

[@juliab.75]

@@Laura-mz6ut it definitely wasn't boring. Imo! :) he played it perfectly.

[@siebenhens]

Two things: 1) Zander is a beautiful mind in music. 2) The ability of the cellist to adapt to his demands is amazing.

[@naxos41]

Yes and no on (2). I am 100% certain that the cellist had experimented with every tempo and phrasing he could think of on this piece in the past, including the way how Zander wanted him to play. Especially THIS piece. It was not the first time he was playing with this tempo or vigor.

[@joanwendt2028]

especially when playing from memory. (re: part 2 of your comment)

[@nathanzanelato2987]

It seems that I've accidentally wandered into the good part of KZbin again...

[@alio2269]

Accidentally?? How lucky you must have been 😌

[@ilasshn]

What did u hear? I came to hear music and got a story instead!!

[@sienna3850]

A beautiful accident

[@muzaffarabdullaev9315]

Oh definitely

[@danyu8374]

lol

[@midgetspinner9134]

Hey I know I am late on this one. I am a 28 year old male, listening to hardore and death metal. I do kickboxing and am not the most emotional human being. But for some reason, at the middle of this video I had to cry, and I am not even ashamed. The passion, the music, something deep inside of me was triggered. Classical music is a direct way to the feelings... Thank you for that experience.

[@mysticmouse7261]

It's called very simply Johann Sebastian Bach. Now that you've met you can experience so much more.

[@adityatanwar2647]

I play violin, and I can say with absolutely certainty, this one video changed the entire way I have been playing all this time. Absolutely beautiful

[@mason5069]

Aditya Tanwar that’s amazing I’m glad you’ve had such a great realization happy playing

[@zandonadi]

Most valuable statement!

[@justineraytizon4118]

So did I! I always return to this video when I need to remind myself of its contents.

[@weixiong1.0]

Hope to hear you play. What a treasure Benjamin is!

[@jhthai2003]

His joy in music is infectious.

[@wearetemporary]

Since I first watched this video about 3 months ago, I must have rewatched portions of it every week since. I’ve watched and attended literally hundreds of masterclasses in my life as a musician, but never before have I felt so compelled to rewatch a masterclass as often have I have this one. 30 times now maybe? Some of those times even showing it to musician friends of mine. There are so many aspects to this masterclass that make it worth watching-the playing, the transformation of the interpretation, the music itself, the atmosphere in the room, the attentive audience, the quality of ideas discussed, Zander‘s infectious personality-but the thing I keep coming back to most of all are those last few moments of the final run-through when Zander, sitting next to the performer, starts tapping his feet, singing along, arms raised to the ceiling, and feeling an existential joy that is so total, purifying, and unafraid that it moves me to tears. It’s this feeling that made me dedicate my life to music. It’s this feeing that I forever chase. It is everything.

[@jiaxinfang3592]

I don't want to judge anyone, but i just watched Lang Lang teaching other people piano. I have to say that Benjamin Zander, as an artist, is so much better. His way of interpreting music and Bach, and his way of teaching are just persuasive and perfect. Absolutely a lesson for life. Thank you!

[@marshallross3373]

Totally agree with Zander's comments here: the piece is really about the harmonic progression, but because the cello is usually playing one note at a time, you have to create the sense of the harmony by maintaining some velocity of notes. Relating to the Prelude in Cmaj. was a good example showing the same idea. I also thought it was interesting that he suggested that the player sprinkle some emphasis on a few choice/unusual notes, and restrain the temptation to inject too much fiddling elsewhere; really because Bach's harmonic choices are so brilliant, it doesn't need a lot of extra artificial emphasis. These "interpretation class" videos are great.

[@shifeng6963]

Yeah the student was trying to bring out the best sound of the cello. Doing that a little bit is fine, it the piece is really about harmonic progression.

[@Ivan1burnf4ces]

he knows this piece like the bach of his hand

[@eddiereece5050]

It's late. I've watched a number of these. I'm giddy. Your comment cracked me UP. ~Respect

[@wagnerpolveiro7176]

Just one word..., magnificent. Mr. Benjamin Zander is certainly a genius, and having with him this other hugely talented young man. It is a gift from heavens to have the privilege of seeing this video and listening to this preciosity.

[@itsjustlukeRevive]

Outside, you look calm and like your enjoying it. Inside: YES! THIS IS MY FAVOURITE PART! BACH I LOVE THIS PRELUDE!

[@UTubeSL]

Benjamin Zander is just absolutely wonderful. A really nice person with huge passion and endless talent! Can't get enough of these videos.

[@gustavwochercello1059]

I was going to write why I personally believe such a fast tempo wouldn't really fit, but then realized that Bach composed this prelude purposedly in a fashion that would allow the cellist to play fast even in rooms with huge reverb, like a church, where Bach's music is supposed to be played ("for the glory of god") - the repeats of almost every motive and the well distributed (not too fast) harmonic progressions allow for this tempo even in a church. Only one thing I'm unsure of: how would people in Bach's era with gut strings have dealt with it? Gut strings have a slower response.... Fortunately we don't have that problem anymore. I love Zander's masterclasses....

[@km6206]

i don't know much about it, but didn't Bach write for an instrument that is smaller than a modern cello? Presumably that could be played faster since strings are shorter.

[@arphail8561]

The thought about creating harmonics in rooms with huge reverb is very interesting, i never think about that when i perform But i don't think suites (dances) were written to be played in a church, it's funny but i asume they are actually closer to a party music for bach generation if u can say so sorry for my bad english, i hope u get my point your idea about reverberation is really helpful thank you

[@LilWiddles]

When my passion for music is dwindling, I always find myself back here. This video never fails to reignite the joy I have when playing

[@larrymerkle1672]

You are so right! I've watched this several times, and today, after about a month, I found it and watched it again. And it brought tears to my eyes. Such beauty.

[@telemachuskhan2170]

It sounded so much more rounded when he didn't accent the first note of the chord as much. Wonderful playing...Jonathan's interpretation is pleasant to listen to!

[@philgan9911]

yes especially the lower notes didnt vibrate too much, it certainly changed after he played it together. and he changed his mood at the end as well, Bravo!

[@embeenjammin]

That ponytail grab though... 😂😂😂 Brilliantly played!

[@johnguilfoyle3073]

Literally, LOOSEN UP!

[@teintu]

Breath!!! It felt like

[@HKLydia]

Literally “let your hair down”

[@beardedrake9983]

I laughed so hard

[@sdbryan2]

@@HKLydia Finally a case where the word ‘literally’ is used correctly!

[@gaminggodization]

If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly.

[@lyrasimo]

interesting

[@marcusmuresan3402]

Ling Ling approves

[@discipleofzyzz]

Two set

[@italiantraditionalcatholic2390]

To slow.. doesn't come together

[@MagicMephisto]

Only if you play 40hr a day and 15 notes per second !

[@DustinPlatt]

I could listen to this guy talk every day.

[@gabebabe1]

A great lesson. This student does what we all do with Bach when we are young - try to bring out the notes which make the the cello vibrate. With Bach the notes and the voices are so brilliantly arranged that too much nuance interrupts it. The student did a great job - as Zander said putting it on like a new suit immediately. Terrific!

[@arcobow97]

When the cellist played the prelude a second time, it reminded me very much of how Rostropovich plays it.

[@marciapizarro3852]

Yes, felt exactly the same..

[@abdallahravat5756]

Yeeessss👌👌💯🤌

[@abdallahravat5756]

Rostropovich really understood the music and 'interpreted' it brilliantly 👌👌

[@km6206]

yes, Rostropovich didn't believe in applying Romantic interpretation to Baroque music.

[@davidbee8178]

Benjamin Zander's pure DEPTH of musical knowledge and experience is astounding - you can see the audience just spellbound by it, not to mention the excellent cello playing. Congratulations to both superb musicians!

[@UteBescht]

This guy is so amazing - teaching music is like teaching philosophy of life with him. I could listen and watch Benjamin Zander for hours on end....

[@arasswara1651]

Imagine how genius BACH was to compose many pieces like this one that could be played to sound Depressed or Happy 😍

[@robinvarghese8477]

Im glad I have the ability to listen to Sounds, it’s taken for granted sometimes:

[@lonelyqueenuwu3040]

Lemme just say this man playing the cello has nice fingers. I don’t mean that in a creepy way. I’m a cellist and I wish my fingers were as strong as his are.

[@winwinnie4905]

boi same... especially bc my strings are higher than normal above the fingerboard. i have stick fingers that collapse easily, which impacts my playing.

[@joyce_rx]

@@winwinnie4905 Get new fingers :)

[@waizmansoor4126]

Especially the pinky lol

[@Roma-kp4qg]

Get a body luthier to refinger yourself!

[@isabel-to4os]

He has nice finger, and I mean it in a creepy way.

[@nocturnallsnake4228]

a good teacher can play on the piano what he needs to explain so he can make us realize what it means. he kows what he is teaching.

[@Oxygen257]

I have seen many other interpretation classes like this and many times the young musician just didn’t get what the master was trying to explain or get them to do. So when maestro gave him all the advice on how to interpret this piece differently, I love how Jonathan understood exactly what he meant and was able to replay the piece with this newly advised interpretation. His first interpretation was absolutely beautiful. However, with the new interpretation, the piece actually became much more vibrant and alive to me at least, and became even better more beautiful.

[@sandplus5048]

Zander is a great teacher. The best in the masterclasses. Other teachers show you how great they are, but unable to pass the understanding to you.

[@urshandschin5108]

Ein ganz großartiges Video, das mir ein vorher noch nie vorgekommenes Schlüsselerlebnis für das Spielen von Bach geworden ist. Der "kosmische Puls" macht die Stücke lebendig. Ich fühle im Sinne eines Evidenzerlebnisses, dass es so und nicht anders richtig ist. Vielen Dank an Benjamin Zander!

[@johnguilfoyle3073]

"Don't Make so much of it." Remember, this is only the Prelude, not the entire Suite.

[@pietrinomilaresol]

Oh my God I love this man so much.

[@adamlaxmusic]

I've been watching the series of these videos and it's really made me change the way I look at composing instrumental pieces on guitar. Thank you Benjamin for your amazing advice

[@DR-nh6oo]

I don’t often allow myself to cry but this brought tears of joy.

[@granthouston5977]

Benjamin Zander is God’s gift to music. He a genius in his field. Without question.

[@serafin1719]

Benjamin Zander is such an incredible person! I admire him so much - Bach was smiling in heaven.

[@SuperMorriso]

A unique man. Personification of joy and love for music and human kind

[@robtk3]

Easily one of the most enjoyable KZbin videos I've ever seen.

[@quinto34]

12:00 'if you are depressed, be my guest' lol

[@tszling713]

he is amazing lol!!

[@nummern]

Where’d he pull that from? He’s not depressed at all.

[@lkj2727]

This is truly amazing.... Till now I always wondered what conductor was for... And now, I realized why conductor is needed thanks to this video.

[@kobiosama]

I can watch his interpretation classes all day and luckily i have all time in the world due to quarantines. This part of youtube is a blessing.

[@kerrusemmanuel7086]

“shall we just try that for fun” really impressive!!!❤

[@markspc1]

Fantastic performance ! I wonder if Bach knew that his music was going to be timeless.

[@lukejackson3901]

8:35 is literally the best I've ever heard it played in my life. Better than yo yo honestly

[@santoor_naad]

Benjamin Zander, in these masterclasses, brings out some of the most beautiful interpretations of pieces from these young artists. Sometimes, I wish that full recordings would be available of the pieces themselves! And Zander's Piano blew me away! A Cello Suite has never sounded so majestic and waving on the Piano! He knows how to bring out the essences of Classical Music, its Truth, and its Heart, and brings it out in such a way that makes it universal to all Hearts.

[@realAgitated]

Once in a lifetime kind of lesson amazing.

[@くしゃみとどろき]

This video is beautiful. This changed my playing and my life. Music is so amazing and Bach was a genius :')

[@chris-hayes]

This is really wonderful. A talented teacher and a talented student meet and create something beautiful.

[@arcobow97]

His interpretation is very well thought out and reflective. I felt like I could really relate to it; he played it in a manner that I would probably do similarly. By far, my favorite thing about his interpretation is how after the build up at the end, he played the last few bars calmly and slightly slower and not fast or outlandish like most interpretations you usually may hear.

[@ashishchettri920]

Fantabulous... Classical music, Bach, Maestro Zander, Jonathan the cellist, the lessons for life.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

We need more people like Benjamin in the classical world. It will be a real shame when he's not around anymore, but at least we'll have his videos to help and inspire the future generations down the road.

[@williamsackelariou1860]

The young man played superbly with great clarity phrasing and structure just awesome

[@noeldacosta7621]

Extraordinary. It starts out brilliant and somehow gets even better... and then even better! What a teacher! What a student! Bravo! Bravissimo!

[@Jay-gl1ch]

I just love the way Benjamin Zander see Bach 😍

[@Ikari1212]

The genius of this man makes me literally tear up. Beautiful to watch this passion.

[@Msamuel022]

What absolutely does this song justice is the moment he undo's his hair. Funny but for a good reason to express joy within the song and its felt. Believe me when i tell you i only found this because of master and commander. So well done to both. The musician and the film.

[@hologramh]

I would like to be into the maestro's head to fill all his joy in the music.

[@kanubeenderman]

what amazing insight! I'll never hear those pieces the same way again.

[@carlsmith4568]

What an amazing player, to adjust and change his style of play at the whims of the instructor. He clearly has a deep understanding of both his instrument and classical music in general.

[@Victiolin]

i’ll put this at the core of my heart. the most inspiring masterclass . i wanted to cry.

[@AAfif-gd4px]

Cellist looks like Legolas. Awesome videos.

[@SeanChay]

I am having the same view

[@mikrokorg4403]

i see harry potter

[@uditadas9171]

Oh yes Orlando bloom playing cello 🤣

[@WilliamEsgro]

Extremely positive leadership lesson built into this as well. If you want influence people to match your vision, take a page out of Benjamin Zander's book. He applies pressure, but along the way praises his musicians unique qualities.

[@minh1197]

today i discovered that something can be "too beautiful." great video. wish i had a fraction of the talent on display here

[@poppyshock]

Wow! I am amazed and filled with joy. Thank you to both Jonathon and to Benjamin. There's a Big Smile on my face, just like the live audience.

[@geoffreynoble]

Zander's knowledge and enthusiasm for music is inspiring

[@griffinmoore6819]

Benjamin Zander is one of the best reasons for art.

[@ansonkhyip]

Zander knows how to teach, Butler learns fast - wow

[@thenakedsingularity]

I am not a trained musician but even I can tell the difference he made with his teaching.

[@charlesdavis7087]

We have been in the presence of a Muse... or two!!! Thank you Maestro.

[@skateordie9628]

When I think of brilliant, that guy is the personification of the concept I have for the word. What masterful dialogue, thank you for sharing your insights!

[@bicyclist2]

Fabulous! My great grandfather directed classical music at a school in Massachusetts. Thank you.

[@valterbeicinha9633]

I'm so happy that Ted talks got me to know this maestro (:

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

Brilliant stuff all round, and they all make it look so easy. Truly tapped into the music. For the glory of God.

[@timhallas4275]

J.S. ... what an amazing man he was. filling the world with music.

[@erikkangru3657]

Wow, well done Benjamin, you know when someone feels the music, you just close your eyes and let the music take you where you need to go.......you can listen all day to cello, but when you hear it, you can never let it go.

[@joescoggins5937]

The transformation of attitude brought tears to my eyes. Magnificent!

[@SK-vd2bb]

A lesson on the philosophy of life through the beautiful gift of music

[@AlanHope2013]

Something the maestro doesn't mention is that the six cello suites are all based on dance music of the time -- apart from the first movement or prelude of each, they have the names of dance styles: allemanade, courante, sarabande and so on. And one thing more important than anything in dance, then as now, is a steady rhythm. The way the student is dragging on the bass note in each phrase is a very Romantic gesture not at all in keeping with Baroque style, and certainly not conducive to a steady rhythm for the dancers. Zander identifies the problem when he admonishes him not to point out notes, and not to emphasise notes that have nothing surprising, also when he advises to give all the notes equal worth. But I thought it was worth pointing out the dance origins of the music, as they relate to rhythm. .

[@angelapennock2639]

There was such joy on his face at the end! Beautiful

[@martinesavard1246]

Wonderful! If you are a musician, watch it up to the very end!! This is 'teaching' at its best!!

[@rachelpauline8321]

I really love the sound that his cello produces. It’s so round and warm.

[@annab5734]

His joy and passion for music is absolutely beautiful. Anyone who gets to receive any advice and tips from him are fortunate. And they way he gets so enthusiastic during those runs towards the end that build and build it's a beauty to witness.

[@tristanrush5526]

This made my day! I was having the most dreadful day in academia, and now I think I'll live.

[@Euminide]

Since the pandemic only 6 of 14-20 people are left at the catering company i work at. 4 people cook. Myself and my bestie are chefs and are quickly learning more and more because we listen to what others do and say and are always positive even if its a 20 hour day. Our jokes get bad but you always have to have a positive vibe because that food gets served at a new couples wedding 💒

[@sirwholland7]

Just pure magic of the artists. Jonathan you are spectacular in your ability to play the music from its passion and not filtered by your ego - truly gifted.

[@destroygaryfunky7053]

I've heard this piece played by most of the big names,......but this young man's rendition is very moving,......I really wasn't expecting that to be quite honest. Keep playing!!!!!

[@mothwaltz4163]

Enjoyed this so much! Thanks for sharing👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jonathanchristopher1099]

I have always thought that in Baroque period there was never the amount of rubato that a lot of musicians allow (which we would find in classical or romantic period music. Instead the expression was on the equality of every note so that an entire phrase or line was in fact as a singular expression. Thank you for this and for someone teaching this.

[@TimothyReeves]

Well deserved praise at the end. Bravo!

[@mrbrianc]

Absolutely phenomenal instruction, but an even better student. Changed the way I listen to performances of this Suite

[@Rayxl1]

No matter what instrument it is I find these lessons very inspiring. I must be wonderful to have an audience to play to and be instructed at the same time.

[@apatronofthearts2115]

How anyone could fault this remarkable performance is beyond me- SUPERB!

[@lekhapratap1652]

Either I am very lucky 🍀 or just something else that I know this guy exists. I was born in the right generation to have experienced classical music with such a badass maestro in it. Count my stars. ✨ DAMN just imagining the number of people who don’t know him and those that do. Wow!

[@dreamer_4937]

That was fantastic!! And oh my lord isn’t he dashing 😫 when Ben took his hair band off ugh 😩😍

[@peterjahn8403]

Just wonderful - how he loves music and humans. One of the best things i saw how to motivate people in a positive way. Realy outstanding🤩

[@livsviljaab]

You´re such an inspiration and great great teacher Benjamin Zander and not at least a wonderful human being

[@RaduOleniuc]

So much joy. :) Truly a lesson for life. From 400 years ago. :)

[@Musicsson]

Mr. Zander is a GENIUS ! What he made out of this young man‘s HORRIBLE first interpretation, by simply opening his eyes for another thinking... is just amazing.

[@mingu1403]

Listen to your guidance for musical to playing wonderful music make me a beautiful start of my weekend 🎉thank you very much Priest Benjamin Zander😊

[@lucaspessoapereira]

Zander's personality should conquer the world.