Bach · Chaconne · Jonah Kim

The Chaconne is arguably the greatest piece of music ever composed, and for us musicians, something of a Mount Everest both to understand and especially to execute. Bach composed this for the violin in loving memory of his first wife Maria, and in thanks for the gift of life that was his second wife Anna- the woman who made Bach the man we still admire today.
It wasn't until my senior year at the Curtis Institute that I learned this piece and I was extremely fortunate to study it with Mr. Aldwell. Edward Aldwell, aka the Bach Authority, was a beautiful soul, a brilliant mind, incredible pianist and one of the biggest influences in my development. He wrote the textbook on Harmony & Voice Leading used at major conservatories and universities including Juilliard & Curtis where he taught.
He was more than a theory teacher to me. He changed my relationship with music. Instead of dreading practicing Bach, he taught me to get into Bach's head. Raising my awareness to Bach's thinking made Johann Sebastian my friend. This is the gift Mr. Aldwell gave me.
He also told me that transcribing Bach's music is not blasphemy (as it was commonly thought in the 1990's and early 2000's when I was at school). In fact, Bach reworked his own compositions all the time; awareness of the fact that Bach heard music in his head as an organ shifts priorities in realizing his music - a glimpse of what it sounded like in his mind when he composed it.
Mr. Aldwell’s method of teaching was so generous and custom tailored to us. With me, he suggested transcribing the Chaconne together rather than repeating traditional theory exercises,. What a way to inspire a 16 year old kid obsessed with the cello - he saw right past barriers of age, dynamics between teacher and student, and went straight to the part where I could experience it for myself. Really hard not to learn at this point!
This leads to our next topic of performance practice. I don't necessarily play Baroque in the sense that I don't tune down or use gut strings. Instead, I tried to do what Mr. Aldwell taught me to do: "follow the blueprint". It is arguably more difficult to play this work without taking lots of time, and it is already much more difficult to play this work on cello, so I thought I'd practice an extra decade or so to actually execute it intentionally, rather than follow what's on recordings. It is more beautiful when one resists rushing or slowing down so the rhythmic integrity of the music is upheld and the true magic of Bach's flow is felt - the result is that the melody becomes the harmony, especially in apt acoustics.
Why ballet? My wife is one of the most beautiful ballerinas in the world today. In this Covid lockdown, I am lucky to have her by my side and get to live this music with her. As much as I love this music, her impact on my life somehow makes the music itself mean more. Certainly when we listen to it, we imagine and feel all kinds of things that take us all sort of places and times. The ballet is here not to compete with the music, but simply because I found Julia's movements beautiful and wanted to share it with you. Julia and I talk about art all day, and ballet may not be for everybody, but Bach is! For us, it's the simple act of sharing, like chef's been in the kitchen all day and can't wait for friends to try whats cookin! Hope you can enjoy it positively - especially my video directing, I never got the extra decade to practice that!!!
The AQI is over 200 in SF at the moment, orange sky. And as the world feels like it's burning down around us, Julia and I feel grateful to have our art to lean on everyday. We've been working on this for awhile for our friend Dr. Anon, and while we've all experienced a lot of loss this year, he had a particularly rough go of it- meanwhile running around helping everyone else. This is our way of saying thank you, Dr. Anon! We are grateful for your inspiring us daily, being on the ground saving lives daily, and for suggesting that we share this online with all our friends - in this time when sharing anything is becoming increasingly difficult!!! ❤️🤍💙
Special thanks to all our friends who helped in the creation of this video (especially Kevin, John, Stefan, Sheridan, thank you!!!). Please remember our friends at beautiful St. Ignatius and consider supporting all the wonderful work they do (www.classy.org...) to promote inclusion and love for all.
#Bach_Chaconne
#Jonah_Kim
#Bach_Chaconne_Violin
#Best_Violin_Music
#Best_Cello_Music
🎯Don't Forget To Subscribe: bit.ly/30yDvbp 🎯

[@elliotlai]

I don't usually comment on videos. But this one blew me away. Your mastery of the cello, every single note's richness, the emotion and time poured into the piece...all of this is easily recognizable even to non-musicians. Thanks for allowing everyone to enjoy this.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@TrentSmithMusic]

I've seen musicians criticized for performing Bach solo pieces in very reverb-heavy halls like this--but IMO when you understand Bach as an organist and the context he composed in it is not only an appropriate interpretation of the music, but I would argue--desirable for the complete harmonic effect intended. New paragraph. I think the major shift at 7:32 is one of the most glorious moments ever written into a piece of music. All the feels. :) And thanks for the unrestrained baring of soul at 10:17. This video made my day.

[@JonahCello]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Trent! I totally agree with you and so glad you enjoy some of these feels with me 😆🤗🎶❤️🤍💙

[@williammitchell4660]

Mr. Aldwell would be proud. Bravo and thank you.

[@elysianfibres1642]

I was NOT expecting that! I have tears rolling down my cheeks. That was truly incredible!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@charlesmartel4769]

A great interpretation, doesn't get better, played in the spirit of Bach's tragic loss of his first wife Maria Barbara.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for listening!

[@katherinerobson6541]

Best interpretation of Bach by any instrument. Bravo!

[@AltermannEVN]

The best performance of all I have ever heard of Chaconne. I'm always returning to this again and again. Thank you so much for your performance and to Bach for sure for this piece!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for enjoying it!

[@yusefsvacina9389]

Absolutely magnificent!

[@christopherocha2403]

I'm back here again and again and still same émotion, beauty and energy. Thanks for this

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much. Your enjoyment means everything!

[@rimmuelfanasan655]

After listening to hundreds of recording of this piece; this is the performance that made me realize how beautiful this piece is. It poignant and heartbreaking theme leave tears rolling down my cheeks-a cry that sets so much realization in me.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much. I agree with you, definitely one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful things ever!

[@KennebecTom]

Magnificent. Played with passion, intensity, anguish, madness, and ferocity that bespeaks all our reactions to the merciless disruption of the pandemic. This helps console me in a year with no AMF. Thank you.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Tom! Miss you guys up in beautiful Maine, hope you’re well! 🤗🤗🤗

[@Halkbr]

This just became my favorite interpretation of this piece on cello. Such passion. Bravo!

[@JonahCello]

Thanks so much!!

[@dariovincent7725]

Marvelous! Loved it.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Dario!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤗🤗🤗🎶🎶🎶

[@TheFatDuck1234]

The deep resonance of the cello adds so much maturity and richness to this war horse of a piece. It's joyous, heart-breaking and hopeful, and you bring out every colour - it's sublime.

[@JonahCello]

You are so kind. Thank you for enjoying!

[@andreasbyczkowski3435]

Elegant, beautiful, impassioned and flawless cellistic rendition. Bravo!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you, Andreas, I am trying to improve everyday😅 happy holidays!!

[@rosalindbritton7637]

Such a wonderful intensity, and beautiful sound!! Gorgeous!! Violinists, you may well weep!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Rosalind!!

[@felipeavellardeaquino]

Such an eloquent and dramatic performance of the Chaconne, Jonah. Yet sustaining the sense of religiosity, so adequate to those times of Covid. I also love the wonderful ballet dancer. Congratulations!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for listening!

[@nickliu3511]

wow. absolutely incredible.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Nick!!

[@RolandMartinRobertsMusic]

Impressive. Your left hand is as magnificent as your artistry.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!! Work in progress 😅🙏🏽

[@stringtemplerecords1513]

No Words to express myself as I listen to your playing of this Masterpiece on the Cello!!!! May GOD bless you!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much and God bless you and yours as well!

[@leahmonahan9933]

Julia your arms float and your feet fly...you might just take to the air. Jonah you make me feel the music like no other. Bravo and brava.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you, so glad you enjoy 🤗🤗🤍🩰🎶

[@waleedabdulllah7356]

This is amazing no word

[@Umaiegg]

I bet this is one of the best interpretation of Chaconne!! It feels like a piece of movie. Bravo!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for your very kind comment. So glad you enjoy it!

[@metanano359]

I'm a violinist learning this now and I must say I got something out of this though it's not the same instrument. Job well done. Loved the way you did the arpeggio section In the first half

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@SJArtistLife]

Gorgeous performances! Thank you for sharing!

[@지현이-t2p]

7:33 나를 흔들던 불안 ,고뇌, 휘몰아치던 내적갈등이 해소되어지는 느낌입니다..길고 어두운 터널을 지나온 ,,,

[@JonahCello]

감사합니다 🤗🤗

[@nasigil5928]

The best Cello Chaconne on KZbin, period.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for listening!

[@amyi-lincheng9726]

Bravo!!! I always think this piece is epic, and your performance does it justice! Absolutely beautiful and captivating collaboration between the music and the dance. Thank you for sharing your memory of Mr. Aldwell and how he had led you through the journey with Bach's music and much more.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Amy!!

[@waterliliesbymonet7827]

Thank you. You played almost exactly how I hear this piece in my head. It was amazing. Saving this in my downloads so I can play it when I work. ❤️

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@wolfgangharter1462]

What a beautiful version of the Chaconne - I've never heard it played with cello! Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for this video!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much, so glad you enjoy it!

[@toddgardner3793]

I think you’ve succeeded here. Music can pass through barriers like nothing else. I’ve never felt so easily related to the composer just by listening. Such passion and depth of understanding. What an execution. Thank you!

[@JonahCello]

I completely agree with you about music. Thank you for listening!

[@m3dit833]

Your sound is so unique! I can even sense hints of tortelier influences in your style (I love him to pieces too!) amazing interpretation of this piece!

[@JonahCello]

Thanks so much! I’ve always been a big fan of Mr. T!!🎶

[@fakecellist]

Wow, Jonah. This is incredible. Thanks for the note as well. --Ray Kim

[@JonahCello]

Thanks Ray. Hope you’re doing well!

[@aaronscott9974]

This was truly beautiful!!

[@lookingouthere]

Tone and voicing and intonation and expression all at once!!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for listening!!

[@lenworthwilmot699]

Such great music and amazing dedication. Thank you for the share. :) I totally hear the organ (even though its the cello) at about 7:30. It's fantastic. It is interesting to think about that when playing Bach. He was an organist and that pedal point & structure really came through. And this is probably my favorite cello recording of this I've watched. So good.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much, so glad you enjoy it!!!

[@zacharyyap9510]

Yoooooo. I can't believe I'm only finding this now 🥲 such a fantastic performance-LOOK AT ALL THE VIRTUOSITY!! Beautiful tone, voices were so clear, love the little personal embellishments here and there (final chord made my jaw drop 😱). Congratulations!!! I'm so floored by this. Thank you so much for sharing this. What a gift 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoy it!

[@brodycates8472]

I feel like you put every drop of your being into this, trying to get as much out of each note as possible! Masterfully played!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Brody!!

[@sungcello]

This is the best Chaconne I have ever listen to. Technique and musical expression are perfect 👍 So impressed and heart touching. Thank you Maestro Jonah Kim!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you! Hope you are well and wish you happy holidays!!

[@remember9097]

Loved the intensity and the passion you put on it Thank you so much for sharing it 😊 you're wonderful

[@ryleyfallsdown]

4:50 might be the most breathtaking and beautiful thing I’ve ever heard this inspires me to keep practicing and master the cello ❤❤❤

[@JonahCello]

I agree, that variation is breathtaking. Thank you for listening!

[@davidselby5165]

Brilliant , I love the energy and clarity in your performance.

[@JonahCello]

Clarity is something I really strive for always, thank you for commenting on it!!

[@ava_5647]

So clean and gorgeous and full of soul. This helped me to cry when I really needed it. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for your note. Whatever you may be going through, I wish you the best!

[@tomgutier]

Marvelous!! I agree that the Chaconne may be "the greatest piece of music ever composed", and your performance is superb (as well as the ballet). Thanks for sharing your personal context with this piece. Also loved the transcription. Is there a way to obtain the sheet music? Thank you!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!! I have hard copies though I’ve mostly been sending PDFs by email once we link up on PayPal🙏🏾🎶

[@nainposteur55]

This sounds like life.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!

[@Cellorist]

Best ever I hope you will come to Europe, Germany for the Bach festival and perform your great interpretation of Bachs Chacon ne right there

[@Panipinky]

진심을 담아 경의를 표합니다

[@JonahCello]

감사합니다

[@the_8th_]

Thank you for sharing this Jonah. I too agree that the Chaconne is the greatest piece and the way you play and pour everything you have into this is truly amazing. As a violinist, I haven't been exploring diverse interpretations of my repetoire but you inspired me too. The fact that I can listen to this for free however much I want is a blessing. I wish you the best,

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for your comment, I’m so glad you enjoy it!

[@Generalissimo_David-B]

Sounds Like It Was Originally Written For Cello/Viola TBH. Pretty Nice.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@altravolta]

Genialna interpretacja. ♥

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@tagbon]

Beautiful and dramatic. Loved to read your description as well - giving us those insights into your performance, the piece and your relationship with it. What a marvelous and generous channel you have, so that through the wonder of the internet we can enjoy your music despite being separated by time and geography. Thanks to Jonah and Julia for this video 😊

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much for enjoying and taking time to write to us! Best wishes to you and yours🙏🏾🤗

[@a5grade12kobewagyu5]

Had this saved in my list and just listened to it from the beginning. ABSOLUTELY phenomenal. The depth and texture of the cello is so rich. The playing is SO incredibly masterful. I collect Chaconne recordings from various violinists but cello recordings are quite rare, and this lives up to the absolute best of them. Thank you!!!

[@codeinchill]

You are a freaking legend!!! Your hands are made of steel!

[@JonahCello]

Thanks so much!

[@ludwigbak]

Wow..

[@the_ring_bearers]

WOW so good!!! 😃

[@JonahCello]

Thank you! Love your videos- I hope you can participate in my upcoming masterclass! Please visit YouthMusicMonterey.org for more info 🤗🤓🎶🎶

[@the_ring_bearers]

Thank you for your nice comments. Thank you so much for watching my videos. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the masterclass soon! 😊❤️

[@giordanopagotto7940]

This is beyond words... Thank you so much

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for enjoying!

[@Luis_Santos.]

Outstandig !!! Bravo !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!

[@Jaeseok-You]

역시 조나킴이다!! I am a huge fan of Jonah Kim since Curtis!! 항상 응원합니다!! 영상 자주 올려주세요!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@bjo3jo3]

Man, this is the best chaconne i ever heard.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@hum596]

The best bach chaconne on cello i've ever heard ,amazing and outstanding man

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!

[@CxC2007]

You, Sir, are fantastic. This is Epic.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@AreejObeid]

Absolutely magnificent! I love this piece so much. It is way above my skill level, but I’ve practicing what I can from it on the violin and the viola. The deeper sound on the viola, and even more-so here on the cello, is amazing! It’s interesting how when played on the viola, it basically uses that same fingerings as the violin but tuned down a 5th, whereas on the cello, it is tuned down an octave from the violin, so must use different fingering patterns. I wondered if that made it impossible to replicate the sound of the double stops and chords of the violin version. I see many cellists sort of breaking them up and it’s just not the same. But here, you’ve done a wonderful job with the chords. Bravo!

[@JonahCello]

I agree with you, the chords are one of the most difficult challenges both for pitch and the bow. Thank you for enjoying and for your kind comments!!🤗❤️🤍💙

[@adamdietz4869]

I'm not a musician, so maybe I'm not understanding this, but I thought for the cello, violin, and viola, only two notes could be bowed at once. Are you saying it's possible to play across three strings simultaneously?

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much for your comments Areej. I agree with you completely! And Adam, yes, chords might be the most difficult thing we do- of course, the very first chords of this piece are triple and quadruple stops!!🙈💪🏾💪🏾

[@dovbrodkin4497]

@@adamdietz4869 Generally speaking, you are correct. In order to play three or four note chords on the violin/viola/cello, one generally plays two strings at a time quickly enough that all the notes sound at almost the same time (generally the lower notes are played quickly and the higher pitched notes are sustained). Three strings can be played simultaneously by pressing quite hard into the middle string of the chord you want to play which will also hit the adjacent strings, however that technique is generally used for passages with lots of fast three note chords.

[@cranemusicstudios]

There is a cello transcription that is the down an octave and a fifth. However, many cellist choose to keep it in d minor. The range of the cello is greater than the violin and viola so you can do that. But it does mean you have to play it in higher positions.

[@musicinmay8304]

Bravo Jonah and Julia!

[@NoontimeConcertsSanFrancisco]

Jonah & Julia do it again, outdoor dance sync!

[@JonahCello]

Love you guys!! 😘😘😘

[@nellyd9280]

I 'm impressed. I'm touched. I didnt think it possible to do this piece on cello because this close to the violin rendition......amazing!!!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@christopherocha2403]

So nicely performed ! Sometimes it feels like 2 cellos are playing. Really beautiful !

[@JonahCello]

Thank you, Bach is tricky that way and so glad to hear it works!!

[@alexandersmith8261]

Thanks for sharing your music and thoughts, Jonah. Hope you're doing well :)

[@JonahCello]

Happy holidays Alex, and thanks for the note. Hope you’re healthy and practicing well!

[@noriyoshida2851]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@miguelfreitas8694]

What a very serious and honest way to play cello! Amazing chaconne! I hope I can find you playing the suites. It's a crime if you didn't record them.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much. I have recorded them and they are streaming but the last suites are offline as I am redoing them first. Will be sure to keep you posted on this channel!

[@alexandershier6616]

Good to hear you again. CORE!!

[@ebowebo]

Bravo man... You are incredible!!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!! Best wishes to you🤗🤗

[@janjemelka6983]

Heavenly!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!

[@janjemelka6983]

Even Johan Sebastian would be stunned!

[@JonahCello]

You are too kind, thank you.

[@philiplakofsky9761]

This performance (probably unedited) is epic on so many levels..

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much, Phil. Means a lot to me.

[@owenbolton7514]

Really needed this today! Thank you! ☺️

[@JonahCello]

Thank you Owen!!

[@michenyaangeli6372]

Bravo❗️❗️❗️ Magnifique❤

[@JonahCello]

Merci!

[@judeworth938]

Profound. Brilliant performance.....

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!!

[@budgie_io3897]

LOL that huge sigh at the end just spoke for itself, jokes aside beautiful job!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much! Yes big sigh, it was especially uncomfortable with the mask on but they wouldn’t let us in the church without it at the time.

[@syedzada389]

Great voice 🔥

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@frankmaduro1554]

Gran interpretacion!

[@JonahCello]

Gracias!

[@jahanzaibjakhar1028]

Nice music

[@christopherhele2071]

Awesome! An excellent video!

[@JonahCello]

Thank you!

[@향교향교]

아 눈물이 날만큼 감동적입니다

[@JonahCello]

잘 들어주셔서 감사합니다!

[@davlluvcortes1410]

I love Bach

[@TierMaster00]

This is truly the best!! Wow, it's shocking and amazing.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@TierMaster00]

@@JonahCello Your bowing is neat and clean. Every day, I find solace in this song, and your performance is the best, as are all the other pieces you play. You are truly a master. I am grateful for your performance and also thank God for giving us musicians like you.

[@JonahCello]

Thank you for listening and your kind comments. I’m so glad you enjoy it!

[@AbstractViolinist]

The bowing technique is absolutely stunning. It was an honor to meet you last summer!

[@JonahCello]

Thanks Winter, hope you’re doing well!

[@AbstractViolinist]

@@JonahCello This year has been very nice with guest conductors visiting the school and the New York tour! Hope you’re doing well too!

[@Th3Alfisti]

although my favourite version ist the one played on the guitar I have to say you are great master and these piece so freaking hard to play and you do it like a virtuoso !! amazing !

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!!

[@janjemelka6983]

Ohromující nádhera!♥

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@maxpearson7660]

amazing

[@8ballpoll8ballpoll45]

Waoooo so good

[@alessandromaccarrone8655]

Johannes and Mstislav will probably agree to what I am saying: Bravo 👏👏👏

[@JonahCello]

Thank you sir, I’m flattered!!

[@anshsaini7583]

Absolute god tier playing!! So expressive. Loved every second of it ❤

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!

[@Jellythecat1]

what a legend

[@JonahCello]

You’re too kind. Thank you!

[@rigsbsiusev8596]

That’s amazing! I’m probably biased but it sounds so much more frustrating and beautiful on the cello. Like the cello was singing but also crying. Motivates me to put such emotion into my playing. I might also want to challenge myself and maybe take this on.. 😅 where could I finally get this arrangement?

[@JonahCello]

I agree! I am happy to share the music with you. Most people have been paying me through PayPal or Venmo - I can connect you if you send me your email here, which will not post to public. Thank you!

[@robinklouie]

Is there any way I can get a PDF of this amazing transcription?

[@JonahCello]

Hi Derek thanks so much. I’m happy to share it with you, please send me your email here - I will not post to public.

[@osielcardenas2869]

I just saw you perform Bach’s 6th cello suite today, along with the other cellists!!! Your performance was extremely captivating and almost brought me to tears!! I cannot describe how much that performance has affected me. Afterwards, when I looked your name up on KZbin I saw I was already subscribed to you and found out you were the same person that performed in this recording of the chaconne!!! This is one of my favorite recordings, and to think I saw you perform in person without knowing is astonishing!! I aspire to be as good a musician as you someday :)

[@JonahCello]

Thank you so much!! And so glad you were able to join us for the Bach-athon, it sure got hot in there!!😹😹🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@MarkSerkin]

This is so awesome! Is this your own arrangement of the Chaconne? I'd love a copy if it's available?

[@JonahCello]

Yes, it is! I have been sending PDFs you PayPal or Venmo me. Also happy to mail you a hard copy if you prefer. Thank you!!

[@알린짜응]

굉장히 감동적입니다!! 좋은연주 잘 들었습니다

[@JonahCello]

감사합니다!!

[@nathanrock9269]

This is astounding , amazing playing!! Is there anywhere where I can get this transcription? Unless you transcribed it using the original score😅. If so , I would love to have a go with this transcript

[@JonahCello]

Hi Nathan happy to share the pdf with you. Please reply with your email here, I will not post to public. Thank you!

[@susancampoccio8934]

Thank you