Brahms: Violin Sonata no. 3 - 1st movement (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

For more classes like this one, please visit the Benjamin Zander Center -
www.benjaminzander.org/
Ilana Zaks, violin and Dina Vainshtein, piano
Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
with Benjamin Zander
Dave Jamrog Audio/Video

[@maximaxoo]

The maturity of Ilana's playing, the expressivity of her vibrato, her intuitive musicality and the humility that she embodies is just astonishing. I cry each time I listen to this masterclass (and it's at least the 4th time I play this video!)

[@bianchiviolin]

I love the way that Benjamin says that all is well and then recrafts every phrase. The playing is lovely and Zander is a wizard.

[@kristawoodrunner8412]

I have performed this piece in public, the piano part. I wish I had this man for a coach. He says "life changing" ... yes .. learning this piece changed my piano playing forever. You know what I say.

[@beardedrake9983]

Every one of these Zander videos should have millions of views

[@patros6092]

ilana Zaks is amazing in her playing, yet only 14 years old. I would like to experience more of her wonderful music.

[@clairepotter6975]

I had tears at the end too. Really beautiful playing, just wonderful!

[@beardedrake9983]

Benjamin never fails to make me cry lol it's amazing

[@peterliu9920]

Although she might be a little nervous, she played with such incredible passion and warmth. Really quite good for her age.

[@danielabisenius9858]

A very talented young lady. Bravo!

[@leewinslett2592]

Deana is the most amazing pianist!

[@robynsalain]

nous aimons zander qui a le feu sacré

[@wyrmse]

I wonder if he ever gets poked by a violin bow xD

[@franckcalva4614]

tres bon maitre

[@admirercp]

Initially very hard to enjoy the music. After the master provided his coach, the music was really enjoyable and amazing. Thanks to the master and the players. Great

[@gafhadly4616]

very hard to listen initially? hardly. She already plays so beautifully - very controlled and thought out phrasing and one of the few violinists who actually pays attention to the dynamic markings Brahms wrote.

[@RodrigoVdacosta]

Hi Robert! Who's Mick Jagger, when we are hearing high level music?...

[@steffen5121]

His breaths and other noises are quite misleading when you close your eyes, haha. If it wasn't for Brahms, I would question if the website I'm on would actually start with an y instead of an x, iykwim... no disrespect to Mr. Zander btw. A great musician.

[@rhapsodise8216]

She needs a brighter sounding violin, one with more projection.

[@UturnatA2]

So that it sounds best with this recording equipment and your own audio system? ;) I would say there would be multiple factors that you cannot hear in the video. Violin is foremost a live instrument so choice of violin is based from hearing it in real life. Btw, she's still learning to be available to the audience. Projection might just come perfectly enough when she fully gets it.

[@nikbivation]

This violin indeed lacks projection and it muffles the sound a bit. It's obvious she gives all the energy needed to project yet the violin doesn't adequately respond. You can see that by comparing with other violins recorded in the same room

[@UturnatA2]

I don't think she's obviously giving all the energy needed. If the violin sounds muffled, it might as well be because her mental state seems to be exactly that. She's not truly open to fully enjoying music yet in this video moment. Anyway, my point probably is more towards this: What the hell is the importance of this?? Have you even been watching the video? It's not about a tiny technical detail like projection or something. It's about the 99% other part of music making. You can make music with any kind of instrument. There is no standard to be held in terms of projection. It would only make sense if you'd give a lot of context. Like for what context you think this violin lacks a little projection. I mean, it certaintly wouldn't miss it in a living room concert, would it? So.... Stop throwing around comments that have no meaning whatsoever except following the masses in a manner of 'this is the only right way and everything else is evil'