Brahms Concerto SHOWDOWN 🎻 ft. Augustin Hadelich, Hilary Hahn, Janine Jansen & Oistrakh

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Who has the best Brahms Violin Concerto? Janine Jansen? What about David Oistrakh?
In this video I go through what makes the Brahms Violin Concerto so epic and review 4 soloists and their musical choices they make to best bring forth Brahms’ music 🎵
Let me know who is YOUR favorite performer of the Brahms Violin Concerto 🎻 Drop a comment if you have others who you want me to review!
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - David Oistrakh
3:54 - Hilary Hahn
7:04 - Augustin Hadelich
10:10 - Janine Jansen

[@RayChenViolinist]

The best practice/study vibes are on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in Join today for free!

[@Punch_is_thinking]

Ray!!! Pls come to Thailand 😭❤️✨

[@AGIM-db7ry]

Come to Australia

[@Punch_is_thinking]

Happy birthday Ray !!!!✨🎉🎂

[@RayChenViolinist]

Anne-Sophie Mutter, Leonidas Kavakos, Maxim Vengerov… I COULDN’T FIT EVERYONE!!! ARRRGGHHH ROUND 2 IT IS!!!

[@jnee3873]

You should do one for yourself, It is one of ur favorites, unless there is a recording you can find, can’t really find one

[@IsaacGarcia-Reymert]

You need Itzhak Perlman😢

[@leonardobastos1945]

Part II, please...

[@user-bv3zj6fe7o]

Itzhak Perlman also

[@gabebabe1]

Szeryng! Perlman! Etc etc etc

[@DBogie]

Augustin and Hilary will always hold a special place in my heart. They were violinists that made me really feel and love the richness of classical music in general.

[@moooobkityy]

Augustin saved me with his playing of Bach. I will forever be grateful 🙏

[@dehanbadenhorst1398]

Handelich seems to put the most thought into phrasing, he has a micro phrase on every note in a legato passage, but still keeps the larger 4 or 8 bar phrasing clear. So special

[@moooobkityy]

So so special

[@elliechoi._.]

Agreed ❤

[@Tialuna.]

Omg i m so in love with every Oistrakh performance 😭

[@clairepotter6975]

I actually heard Oistrakh play the Brahms concerto with the Boston Symphony in 1970 or 1971. He was my favorite violinist. It was wonderful to hear him live.

[@nickyork8901]

lucky you!!

[@M_SC]

Cool. Was he still in full force? People do decline as they get older

[@clairepotter6975]

@@M_SC He was. He had a strong work ethic.

[@HappyG1lmor488]

The love the crisp sharpness of Hilary's playing. I feel like it makes each note really shine. I love Augustine's emotion in his playing and his stage presence too, he's like the final boss in a video game. Two favorites. Should have included yourself, Ray! Would be awkward judging oneself though. Love these videos!

[@chelseahinojales1355]

I've been waiting for Augustin's review for a while!!! so happy to hear your insights on his playing ❤

[@BexWty]

Same 😊

[@exion7458]

Same :D

[@RayChenViolinist]

I’ve followed Augustin’s playing since he won the Indianapolis competition in 2006 - I was still a kid back then trying to follow my dreams and bewildered that a human could play so angelically like Augustin.

[@karencalderwood9058]

I love the beautiful emotion in David Oistrakh’s playing! ❤🎶

[@farzadhozouri5365]

Man Oistrakh's version still feels the most glorious and energetic and it moves you...I don't know what is different about him but I feel it's not only about his sound it's about his look too , his face and his body shout "I know what i'm doing" and feels so confident as you said

[@addysanchez6086]

I never understood the 1st mvmt of this concerto until I heard queen Janine her artistry is incredible!

[@RayChenViolinist]

Queen JANINE!!!

[@exion7458]

Augustin Hadelich is my favorite violinist atm, and I’m going to see him play Brahms this year on April 20th. I watch the exact concerto you watched, every other day at least. I love it so much. Thank you for showing Augustin’s interpretation in this video :)

[@gaminpup0867]

I feel the same, he is my favorite violinist too, I love his musicality. It's one of the best in the world in my opinion. Funny enough, I am seeing him the 20th of April too. I'm so excited and i'm glad to see this review so I can really understand it.

[@exion7458]

@@gaminpup0867 I completely agree! That’s amazing, where are your seats at? It should be fantastic. I saw him perform Tchaikovsky twice in November as well up in Cleveland :D

[@elliechoi._.]

Completely agree! I saw his Brahms live and it was magical✨

[@mintchoco5640]

You're in Cincinnati too! I'm seeing him play Brahms on April 21

[@gaminpup0867]

@@exion7458 No way! You got to see him play the Tchaikovsky twice?! That's one of my favorite concertos, and I love his performance of it also. I'm going to be on Balcony 1, on the left when facing the stage. I'm so excited for it!

[@noegarreau6389]

I was there listening Hilary Hahn in 2023 !! Fantastic performance

[@peterbaxter8151]

Oistrach for me, but that’s because of when I first heard the concerto.

[@BexWty]

Love these comparison videos, it was great hearing your thoughts on Augustin's version as I love it. I'm not a musician, I just love listening to classical music, so hearing your professional explanation on how each player uses different techniques etc to make it their own I find fascinating. Xx

[@nickyork8901]

Your imitation of Oistrakh was rather good!!

[@christaherwig0404]

Oistrakh evokes much more emotion in me with its sounds. And that’s how I feel about Ray Chen too! Music is feeling ❤️🩷🧡💛💚🩵

[@SmianiexD]

I find it so interesting that you often don't like Hilary Hahn's interpretation very much, becuase you both are THE violinists I love and you are so different 😄

[@ASmyk-mo3ob]

What do you mean? Who said he doesn't like it? Hilary has a very unique style of playing. They are ALL equally great violinists. He probably chooses her to show how big the difference can be.

[@BabulaRef]

cuz shes overhyped

[@ASmyk-mo3ob]

I am curious. Explain why you think that? Personally many times she isn't one of my first choices, but she puts very interesting ideas on the table. Some recrodings are incredibly enriching. Also show me another violinist who recorded the craziest Ginastera violin concerto. I think she desvere her popularity because she plays differently from anoyne else. @@BabulaRef

[@MichaelShingo]

Did Ray ever say he didn't like one of Hilary's interpretations?

[@SmianiexD]

@@MichaelShingo Of course not 'I don't like it', but about the others he's like '🤩 wooow' and about Hilary Hahn '🤔 interesting, don't agree,...', something like that. Which I find totally okay, I didn't mean it in a bad way. ☺️

[@rykehuss3435]

8:20 the brass has such beautiful tone here

[@goldika]

I love this showdown series- you can learn so much about phrasing by analyzing the different approaches with Ray and meanwhile having a lot of fun 🤩

[@ElizaSocha]

Thanks for this video, Augustin is my favourite violinist so I was very curious what you would say about his interpretation. I'm not a musician but I'm always willing to listen to professional explanations, it's very interesting.

[@conz2078]

oistrakh was my favourite

[@leonardobastos1945]

One more great video, Ray!! Congratulations... 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Tweeteketje]

Janine Jansen and Augustin Hadelich are my favourites! Their sound, musicality, timing, everything is so interesting and captivating. My favourite recording is with Janine Jansen and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe conducted by Bernard Haitink, in the Concertgebouw.

[@lucyanastas5202]

Beautiful.... magnificent analysis Thank you

[@sabrinai]

Can't wait and would love to hear your surely powerful Brahms live one time!

[@monas.1624]

Wow, I'll see you play in Freiburg this week Ray!! So stoked. Thanks for your musical analysis, always appreciated :D

[@sabrinai]

Loved the concerto before but after listening to your reviews I appreciate it even more, gaining a deeper understanding of certain passages. Thank you so much for these videos, Ray!

[@macleadg]

Super insightful! Very instructive, not just for this piece, but for playing in general. 👍👍👍

[@ynot5478]

Thank you for showing us how to listen and what to listen for. You’ve helped to make me a more active listener of all genres of music. And you do it all with the best kind of energy and enthusiasm.

[@TaeNyFan]

Amazing series. It helped me appreciate classical music more!

[@debbievermilyea4037]

Love the way you broke this down for us. Thank you! Love you for your humility. You are an amazing violinist without conceit. Grateful for you.

[@BlackHermit]

Love these technical dissections of great violinists. Thank you Ray Chen.

[@Highlander515]

Thanks Ray for these deep dive videos so us mere mortals can have a better understanding of the artistry of these top musicians.

[@BlackViolinist_]

Thanks Ray for sharing the video ❤I guess am moltivated enough right now to go practice 😌 8:54

[@Msmcarlos]

can’t wait!❤

[@voidofmisery4810]

i love twoset for their humor and goofiness that makes me laugh, i LOVE your videos for the in depth analysis and thoughts. my two fav violin channels. love how genuine u are ❤you

[@mtheinvincible4156]

I didn't think Oistrakh could be topped, He's the ultimate blend of technical mastery married to passionate emotion that tops interpretation in a Romantic like Brahms, but I think, (from what you show here) Janine Jansen has nearly done it! Thanks so much for showcasing this for us.

[@jacc88888]

Agree. A little disappointed more people didn’t comment on his playing. So much emotion in his playing and so powerful too. Maybe people were put off by the old recording and the fact that he’s not around anymore.

[@JSB2500]

13:12 Great analysis and imitation (of Janine)! 🥰

[@christianet1907]

Great video. Thank you

[@theoredori]

Hilary has just shaped the way the modern generation perceives classical music. She set new standards and led the future of classical music in a new direction, creating new expectations of what a violin has to sound like

[@lawra89]

This is such a beautiful piece, the second violin concerto I had ever heard. I had only heard Hilary Hahn and Itzhak Perlman renditions. I usually listen to Itzhak's rendition. It amazes me how much musicians have to think about with technique, phrasing, and giving a piece their own touch, etc.

[@LilieRolie]

5:19 the end of Hilary’s phrase is a strong and biting up bow that resonates with the orchestra’s phrasing.

[@chenannabel6256]

I learned so much from watching ray reviewing these masters. epic. Thank u for doing this. LOVE from Taiwan.😍❤❣❤

[@tiffcat1100]

Condensed not condenced at 4:33😉 So love this concerto. Love these comparison videos ❤

[@M_SC]

Oistrach’s orchestra though, it kills me. Sublime

[@MsAlyssaJM]

I love these!

[@mellissadalby1402]

Ray Chen ROCKS! Hillary Hahn is Ling Ling. Hey Ray, I (finally) signed up in your App and listened to a few practice rooms. I get it now. This IS a great idea. I will run this App during my next practice.

[@moussagueye4644]

Hilary will always be my favorite. You should do one of the Prokofiev concertos or Shostakovich concerto next!

[@ItzTiger1217]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ray Chen!!!🎂

[@jenniclarinete9902]

Oistrakh got that dawg in it

[@edcew8236]

Interesting that some of the recordings seemed as if they were reminiscent of folk tunes -- there was a sense of antecedent. That sense of line and flow made a difference. And fabulous analysis, thanks!

[@Xphqntom]

Woahhh ray ! I love the waiting music !

[@srg1991nocturne]

I highly recommend to check the winner of Fritz Kreisler Violin Competition - Guido Sant’Anna e Silva. I love his Brahms' interpretation the most.

[@seanhuang0502]

Hey Ray, love your reaction! What type of shoulder rest were you using in the video?

[@sohumgala2422]

You should listen to Augustin’s 1st movement cadenza which he composed

[@yuqingma8735]

I'm really enjoying this series! The details you've captured are important for people (like me) who are learning this piece. Maybe next time when choosing a comparative version you could consider the region they are in? Their interpretive styles are very different from each other, and I think it has to do with the school of thought to which they belong. BTW I love Jansen❤

[@JoRich653]

The first time i listened to Brahms was played by Heifetz and that was it. I was blown away by what I listened.

[@lucaspiano]

Hilary Hahn is the one responsible for me to be very much in love with violin! She's my most fave violinist ever!

[@Light71717]

It’s Perlman for me all the way 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 thank you for these videos, very interesting and educational 💗

[@pinoiado]

I would love to see the shostakovich violin concerto, one of my favorites violin concertos

[@sertol3562]

Could you please include Mr. Heifetz in the 2nd round.

[@vf9589]

Anne sophie mutters recording with the new yorke philharmoncs is the my favoite one

[@nodierl]

Have you ever get together with Hilary? Maybe an interview in your channel would be fantastic.

[@Nouser156]

YES DO THIS RAY. and you should play something together too

[@harryedwardlawrence598]

Jascha Heifetz+Fritz Reiner+ Chicago Symphonic Orchestra= absolut perfection

[@hectorberlioz1449]

It isn't Symphonic....sic but Chicago Symphony Orchestra

[@Cellod98]

Only Ray Chen could make a video “reviewing other players” and do more playing in the video himself than the people we are supposed to be hearing

[@trs9295]

Definitely my favorite concert!😍 I really love David Oistrakh and Janine Jansen interpretation. But I have to say that: for me the best on Brahms is David Garrett. I love his powerful style that becomes so sweet in lyrical parts but being “present” as before. But, of course, we are talking about hight level professional musicians, so all great!👏😍

[@SchinkenBrother]

I heard Augustin Hadelich in Concertgebouw last year with Bartok 2 ad have been a huge fan since then. But I have to say, for Brahms I would still prefer Kavakos, he is just a menace in the fast movements

[@alhfgsp]

This concerto takes an incredible maturity in musicality to pull off.

[@taochengliu44]

全都是世界級高手的演奏，很難很難分析，只能意會。太享受了😊

[@hectorberlioz1449]

I have never seen great players like Szeryng, Grumiaux in Ray's videos. Herman Krebbers made one of the best rec.of Brahms concerto with the Concertgebouw under Haitink!

[@danielejims5979]

I really enjoy your videos and your music. I'm learning the bach double concerto and I was hoping if you could Please react to different bach double concerto performances. (If possible please include the performance by Netherlands bach society)

[@jeanlucas2834]

Loved your reviews! Augustin version is my favorite. Could you make a video about this composer: Jean-Marie Leclair? I hear him everyday and he is my favorite composer alongside vivaldi and mozart. idk why nobody talks about him.

[@fredericpelassy527]

Oistrakh est tellement incomparable

[@Alix777.]

Augustin is such a wonderful musician.

[@shannonmoro401]

Very nice.

[@violintrapper]

Ray Chen is probably not familiar with Henryk Szeryng performances with Monteux or with Dorati because these are certainly two of the most probing recorded performances.

[@chadduckenfield7374]

Pretty sure Ray has a massive crush on Janine 😈

[@themovingintosleepmethod]

Igor Bezrodny -amazing violinist, conductor and teacher, his Brahms is now on YT

[@user-fi9ug1vb5j]

Here from the Philippines

[@patrycjapustula]

waiting for the Dvorak concerto showdown!!

[@salchiconprimavera2020]

Hadelich the GOAT, beeee beee 🐐

[@user-xc6wu3ve8u]

I'm working on G major at the moment, can you do a review of that sometime please?

[@Wdxjkb]

When I listen to Hadelich’s I imagine he being humorous person

[@nywicks]

Hadelich! Seeing Vengerov play Brahms next year.

[@caspar8103]

Very nice video. For one of the next episodes you could maybe put one not so famous Person in your video to see how they do

[@rubenalf.6198]

Perlmann also has great recordings !

[@PrinceValiance]

Ray! What is your opinion on Roman Kim, his concerto and his ability? I've talked about him to a few people, some aren't impressed but they aren't musical professionals, I'm REALLY interested in a professional opinion.

[@jungshijamir5666]

Wanted to ask you to please play Charles Berthoud “Celestial Tuning” I’ve been wanting to play that but see no possible way. If you play your own rendition of that I’d be mind blown

[@richardandaya3932]

I’m an orchestral cellist (40 years)and just perform the piece with Julia Fisher. It was the best Brahms I’d ever heard in my career.

[@bb1111116]

Of the modern violinists, Jansen is my favorite. She has tremendous command in terms of coming close to the ideal, in terms of tempo, control of volume and feeling.

[@tttenebre]

augustin!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!! my favoriteeeee! hilarys brahms is also insane

[@selgeaus]

Please do a reaction video on Jasmine Choi playing the Mendelssohn violin concerto on her flute

[@salchiconprimavera2020]

Shostakovich Violin Concerto next pls

[@ssmthna21]

Happy birthday to Ray Chen, I put comment in this latest video of yours because you never read my insta message. I wish you health and wealth. Hope to see u in person one day 🎉💕

[@mcsplat8693]

12:25 I did not expect Augustin Rocket

[@UnshavenStatue]

augustin was in my city last year but i didn't notice til 3 days after he was gone grrrrrrrr

[@cgs-nu9zf]

I’m still waiting for a violinist who composes new masterpieces and performs them. I think it’s been almost 100 years.

[@mihaimangir]

Well then you should search Roman Kim, he composes much of the music he posts online KZbin and also his mind blowing aranjaments for solo violin of entire symphonies. Hope you like him

[@simondanielssonmusic]

I am a Hadelich fanboy, so I'm sort of biased here. But goddamn, the Hadelich interpretation was by far my favourite!

[@user-po2nd5gu6g]

Viktoria Mullova is recommended as well.