Brahms: Viola Sonata in f minor - Movements 1 & 2 (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

[@msudlp]

I'm amazed at Dina. She accompanies all these great students and always sounds terrific. Amazing pianist. you rock!

[@normanspurgeon5324]

Can't agree- she has her own interpretation- she's ignoring the volume and phrasing of the viola.

[@neilwalsh3977]

This Brahms is such a masterpiece of musical architecture

[@tylervoyer2067]

I’m a violist and I really wish composers wrote some amazing pieces for viola like they did for violin. There are so few that ive found.

[@dennisdougherty7538]

Try this one with clarinet and piano: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ_IiGmLn7uefbc Dr. Walter Skolnik has also written a fine viola sonata and a viola partita (unaccompanied).

[@colettebassett8999]

the struggle is real, my fellow violist.

[@JaxonBurn]

Sounds like you picked the wrong instrument my dude

[@mrsmd4616]

The challenge is to write your own. Just don't ask me how. 😁

[@tylervoyer74]

@@JaxonBurn No, sir, just the harder one :D. Like @ Yes,Minister! said, just gotta write my own lol

[@Lepewhi]

I have watched many Masterclass vids on youtube. Most of the people giving the classes were more about them than the class. In this one, I feel that this teacher made a difference. It was transforative. Thanks to him and her(she played beautifully). I was in tears. But, I do love Brahms.

[@megeldridge1745]

I agree. He doesn't even sing the tops of the phrases or talk about the technical aspects to creating them. Lots of smoke and mirrors.

[@megeldridge1745]

She needs to save and use her bow much more than she is doing with the uniform bowing and he doesn't address that. No vibrato variations, either.

[@kristianl7117]

@@megeldridge1745 It's not a masterclass. It's an interpretation class. He has stated multiple times that he is not there to teach them to play their instrument. It's your right to criticise him, but at least make sure it's and educated criticism.

[@MsPea]

This is an interpretation class, not a master class on performance. He doesn't play or give examples of technique. It's all about understanding the composer's intention and translating that into the performance. He expects they will know how to play their instrument when they come to him.

[@tubamirum007]

I had a similar response, possibly intensified by binging on Ein Deutsches Requiem. I’ve seen him work with others, and he has a keen sense of how to bring out the best of the music as well as the best of their musician. I loved the incredibly positive energy in his statement about Dina that “she loves music as much as music can be loved!”

[@TheMorne777]

Benjamin... I've watched almost all his masterclasses, interviews and everything in between. Every time I am left with enlightenment, even if he tells the same story again and again. What an honour for us to be able to witness such a man halfway around the world. If there is one person I would want to meet, and I mean above anybody else, it would be him.

[@kimdunderdale2244]

This is an intuitive video to be watched by every young instrumentalist. It is a gem to listen to this dynamic teacher who shares his views with a musically gifted young artist, attempting to connect his cues or points to the relevancy of her present journey and her life in music.

[@MsPea]

Beautiful viola and she plays beautifully, too. I actually like the viola more than violin. The mellow tone is so soothing and expressive.

[@maryshaver7667]

This young woman has a special touch. She also demonstrates a high sense of beauty and musicality. She possesses the potential to become an exceptional artist and a remarkable violist.

[@juliag1158]

she is not a violinist

[@TheTheode]

It's a viola, but the rest was correct.

[@ItsMotoMatt]

@@juliag1158 it says "violist" right in the comment

[@jlunch]

@@juliag1158 obviously not. Mary Shaver is also entirely aware of this same truth.

[@Ro3581]

Love this video, helps other musicians not to worry about what others think. But instead bring out the emotion that is within you, and tell your story, your interpretation and that's what Aria (perfect name) did. I admire musicians like her being able to bring out their true selves and the music in their playing.

[@Neecysnecessities27]

I admire this young woman's sense of clarity through her music, speaking without words but with a sound that carries farther than words ever will. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and the world. You will go far with this extraordinary ability to become an essential part of your music that can only be expressed with your heart, ears and hands.

[@musicalmarion]

Oh my Goodness what a beautiful viola she has! What a great pianist too, such crafted piano playing.

[@joelrosales1285]

musicalmarion viola=bad no matter how nice it sounds

[@daisy1339]

Joel Rosales what an incredibly insulting and unnecessary thing to say.

[@ItsMotoMatt]

@@joelrosales1285 ... seriously? No instrument is "bad." Every instrument is just different. Shame on you.

[@jlunch]

@@joelrosales1285 that comment says nothing about the instrument and quite a lot about yourself.

[@simplydaviddang]

This is the second videos I’ve watched from Benjamin and all i can say is i love him! He’s so passionate and his ability to lead people to their emotional path into music is something I’ve rarely seen..i wish him a long healthy and fulfilled life!

[@guilhermecaldas7358]

"Nobody wrote a sonata for competing, they wrote a sonata for Love, expression, for new ways of thinking"

[@elijahhorton6704]

“You really want to play the first movement?” My life.

[@Xuejinyuan]

I like how he's out of breath every Interpretation Class. He's really so passionate about music!

[@fuzioncommunications]

A very clever piece about letting yourself not get dragged down by negative voices

[@sarahfuller8976]

this is incredible. aria was in the same camp as me for a few years and i always looked up to her so much. i didn't even realize it was her for the first 10 seconds and then had a moment of realization. watching this, i'm reminded again of why i always looked up to her.

[@vra4432]

20 . 00 thank you for opening up a world we couldn't have entered without you .

[@nicholastaranto6466]

I actually love this man!

[@stinkyuser4798]

I love her

[@gioruiz08]

Nicholas Taranto I love him too! He elevate players to unknown levels for them!

[@thatsEforEveryone]

@@robertjones2221 ...ok

[@josephskerik1999]

@@gioruiz08 english please?

[@ashimk3681]

Shyness is egotism...that cut real deep.

[@andrewknight8778]

What a wonderful, powerful piece this is! He's right, Dina is a fabulous pianist, and you need one for this music. Thanks though for some glorious viola playing that helped me forget the clarinet for a while. Might help to think like a clarinet in places though...

[@sonamshrishmagar6356]

Bought a violin 8 months ago not played so far. After listening to Zander and Itzhak I've realized that I've been doing a crime. I'm starting to Learn it now!!

[@ralphcordon5688]

Good luck! Get started now! Wish you a wonderful journey!

[@MrVincent537]

Benjamin Zander is a phantastic human being and musician!!

[@richarddyer2523]

Brilliant upload. Its truly fascinating to observer Mr. Zander's insights and his encouragements throughout this enlightening video.

[@whimsicalgolde]

I started laughing when he began singing, I just played to listen to his wisdom but I understand what he's doing XD. This is great.

[@ezequieltgarciaiii9888]

Wonderful Teacher! Thank you Maestro Zander.

[@apolloapostolos5127]

14:28 chills throughout this monologue. Why? Because he articulated exactly what tries to ‘find’ discovered in these musicians.

[@daisy1339]

Please, without any childish remarks, can someone explain why there’s a snobbery against a viola? Seriously, in every video comment section that focuses on the viola there are always, ALWAYS such belittling and insulting comments from other orchestra musicians. This young woman plays beautifully and I love the haunting tones of the viola. I’m just amazed at the complete and unprovoked disrespect. Please, explain it.

[@mattlaplante6500]

daisy1339 Often times in high school or other lower level/beginner orchestras violinists may be asked to play viola instead because of the instrument’s shortage in players(everyone wants to play violin as a kid, not viola). Those who are asked to change instruments are often the from the lower chairs as it would be foolish to have the best violinists learn a new instrument. So because of this, rumors started about violists not being good enough to play violin or just bad musicians in general. Things spread quickly across the internet and the jokes/hate toward violists and their instrument are now quite mainstream. 95% of time the viola jokes are lighthearted and not meant to offend anyone. There are very few who truly hate the viola. Basically just the musicians version of blonde jokes

[@rainyday6430]

Viola is harder to play, less people are interested in beginning on the instrument, there's less repertoire for the instrument, less interesting chamber and orchestral parts. The list really goes on. You'd think the viola couldn't be too much more difficult to play than the violin, but an extra inch and a half of that wooden body makes a HUGE difference. All these factors combined create the snobbery you're talking about. That's my 2 cents.

[@ralphcordon5688]

Famous viola players : J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Paul Hindemith etc. So no reason for an inferiority complex. This comes from a cellist.

[@rainyday6430]

@@Martini0621 i think you might have replied to the wrong person

[@kevinvanhove5834]

wow she's great. i wonder what instrument she plays on, clearly a beautiful antique

[@bastiatintheandes4958]

Great to have such pianist playing along with you: Brahms is such a monster, a veritable god of music who can intimidate trully great performers. If you are not nervous when you are about to "undertake" Brahms, you better take masonry.

[@francismckoy9991]

Such a keen eye, I'm sure he's no stranger to hearing it, but I rarely cast eyes on one can truly feel and see what others cannot, what an amazing vibration deligator he is.

[@lekhapratap1652]

Turned the pages flawlessly.

[@tspark1071]

Respect Benjamin's eagerness. Fully appreciated the interpretation of Brahms feeling.

[@PernilleFromHansen]

That story at 22:25 is a really important point!

[@carrieannkouri2151]

Beautiful. I love the warmth of the Viola.

[@lilianaturicianu1652]

Ein Lord of the music..er setzt sich auf sehr kluge, aber emotionale Art, mit Thema Lampenfieber ausseinander! 💗..unter anderem👏

[@Katerina_zacharova]

What a joy to listen to both!!!

[@davidkennedy1271]

This is an absolute master class for anyone who has ever performed anything in front of people. I'm begging her to move her beautiful body.

[@ersert9991]

one day i will meet him

[@daviddemar8749]

Bravo Aria , bravo Dina!🎼 🎻🎹🎶🎵🎵🎶❤😊👍

[@L33tw0rk]

He should be doctor who

[@ktkprincess]

Adam Cao I'm thinking maybe he was in another life.

[@minaviolinviola9561]

He reminds me a bit of Peter Capaldi,

[@allotmental.]

Very Tom Baker 👍

[@megabugginout]

Yes!!!

[@ravinshu4145]

Was going to make a viola joke. But she is pretty good.

[@charlottegodbolt5138]

What was he doing with her hair?

[@joseeduardocandidofaria3462]

Excelente! Ária cheregosha perfeita !!!

[@lekhapratap1652]

14:37 Man...Wow, Sir Benjamin. That was...T_T Man that hits home.

[@pablomorenocamacho1616]

The viola player is good but we cannot forget the piano accompanist! She is great, and it is not eassy to find a good piano accompanist

[@harrynking777]

Interestingly, when she expresses a phrase it forces her to listen and solves slight intonation issues. The intonation goes slightly flat in places, especially in the higher notes when the music is too much under control.

[@debiethredge3020]

Maybe from being "too careful"

[@alfredcheng6998]

19:17 what the fuck!

[@johannsebastianbeanz3690]

It's so weird ikr, and people still love him somehow

[@drbobcaster]

Benjamin is wonderful. But we rarely get more than a word out of the performers.

[@neilwalsh3977]

The advice is correct - Brahms is mellow, he's also expansive

[@mutantotull]

Thank youuuu sooo muchhh ! Brahms Brahms Brahms !

[@mathmandrsam]

Perhaps less touching?

[@Misteryus99]

Master Benjamin was ther destroying himself with the beautiful appasionata and the women was like .___. haha , but he actually played great! GREAT! What an incredible master class, the woman plays beautiful !! =)

[@bradenleonard6286]

This dude is nuts.. I kinda like it.

[@vra4432]

because of deep love we're courageous .

[@beesrosh]

Zander behaves as though he's had one too many glasses of Brandy after a nice 4 hours of sleep every day for 2 weeks straight. He's brilliant in a lot of ways, and I've shed a tear or two to a few of these videos, but sometimes it gets exhausting to see him exploding around the musicians mid performance.

[@ralphcordon5688]

He's just passionate and incites others to be passionate too. That's his mission.

[@ademilsonfb2698]

Bonito se não tivesse olhando na partitura, é muito relaxo não decorar a música...

[@lishz1862]

14:48 좋은 말씀입니다

[@arago90]

I had a viola player friend and let me tell you that thing in her neck it’s years and years and years of viola there AUCH

[@tylervoyer74]

Not AUCH, it's hard work :))

[@MissTEO1]

When a violist is able to make me forget they’re playing VIOLA, I think they’ve done their job. She did just that. It was beautiful!

[@ricochet4674]

Taryn not sure how to take that. Are you saying violas are inherently bad?

[@VoltSpeedChannel]

@@ricochet4674 yeah

[@emericklamontagne3652]

He has a passion for women's hair.

[@violinstar5948]

He’s telling her to play with more passion and to dig into the notes more. Also to shape the melodies.

[@ktkprincess]

Just wow.

[@saltburner2]

Brahms wrote this sonata for clarinet and piano, but specified it could also be played by viola and piano. The clarinet version works best.

[@ralphcordon5688]

It's all about the balance between piano and solo instrument, which is easier to get with the clarinet for its louder sound, particularly in the lower registers. As soon as the pianist takes that into consideration, it works very well with the viola.

[@madraven07]

"Nervousness is egotism."

[@valentinaorlando9362]

Oh god, i love this man

[@cheesychoosy3111]

beautiful soul.brava.

[@thomassicard3733]

My trumpet teacher (I played French horn in the Houston Symphony Orchestra by the age of 22), Kevin Henderson, says... "Play with ABANDON!!!" He's right. That's how I used to play French horn. No fear. I'm workin'g on it...

[@TigeroL42]

Is there a recording of her playing the whole piece? Amazing playing.

[@moein-lifestyle]

🎹🎻 11:23 - 16:15 - 19:10 🎻🎹

[@samuelzhu5167]

Hi Aria! Hi Dominic!

[@caiomata9470]

It's all about love

[@ziyunzhangmusic]

Very inspiring!

[@elinormeddes3931]

Her dress is really pretty on her

[@vra4432]

what's the difference between violin and viola .

[@cooperchassemusic]

Size and strings, it's about 1.5 times bigger than a violin which gives it a deeper and warmer tone. A violin is tuned GDAE and a viola is tuned CGDA to match with the cello

[@ralphcordon5688]

@@cooperchassemusic one octave above the cello, to be precise.

[@joaogc]

Seems like he wanted her to dance while playing.

[@wupeide]

Fantastic!

[@vra4432]

that's the curse of conservatory . nobody wrote a sonata for completing . they wrote it for love , expressions , new way of thinking , for broader life , new richnesses of being .

[@violintegral]

Her instrument is so beautiful and shiny

[@ugunt]

Her viola lacks strength against the piano. In that final passage she doesn't come through. There are much better instruments.

[@vra4432]

at 18 . 00 .

[@doomed4087]

'I love it!

[@leahkogut]

When he took her hair down ☺️so fun

[@joachimsteinhilber1414]

leahjkk so ... encroaching...

[@96leRoi]

how was that fun?? unacceptable in my eyes

[@youririnsema1148]

@@96leRoi it wasn't in a sexual way, stop making a problem of everything.

[@96leRoi]

Ive rewatched it and it wasnt as bad as i had in mind but he still crossed multiple boundaries imo

[@RenoYeh]

@@youririnsema1148 What? You think messing with someone's hair while he/she's focusing on playing without asking permission is totally fine as long as it's not sexual?

[@sarahfreeman1304]

آفرین، عزیزم 🎉🎉🎉

[@123jozef]

I will simply say this: DIG IN GIRL!!! make those bow strings shred to pieces.....MOVE! So much potential .... and so apprehensive..... get her in front of a BIG audience and force her to DIG IN! She will do it, guaranteed. You can see the arrogance when she rolls her eyes at Zander, she needs to apply that arrogance to her bow and her strings and her audience. It's OK to be arrogant, as long as you are exquisite. You don't have to be, you can be humble, but if you're going to be humble, you had BETTER be BOLD in front of your audience. Too shy.... too apprehensive... not sure what she's worried about. Someone needs to put her in a setting where she can't be heard ... so that she is forced to DIG IN and stand out above..... like I said "potential" ~ PHYSICS the quantity determining the energy of mass in a gravitational field or of charge in an electric field. OR: having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future. "a two-pronged campaign to woo potential customers"

[@daniel3231995]

lolz more like ut asking too much,let her play as she desires,only so many ways to play in a moment. it's a masterclass she chose to attend for a reason.

[@nihilistlemon1995]

19:14 bruh wtf

[@stephenerickson8107]

I always trust Skeletor when he tells me not to be nervous

[@DanielR1-MIDI]

This could be in zelda

[@dankylank]

The Russian overshadowed the viola

[@heebieejeebieeeez]

I like him

[@TheJonahly]

Is she gripping the neck too hard?

[@ulrichgunther9905]

I wonder what kind of a viola she plays, it sems she had it new when this was recorded. It has a beautiful tone but could have more power on the C. This type of arching has never worked well and there are better built modern intruments.

[@normanspurgeon5324]

The piano player is banging away, disregarding the volume of the viola. Her subtleties can't be heard. She refuses to interpret the piece like the grandiose pianist.

[@Mezilesialan]

It would be better to tell us her name.

[@makaylahatesyou6703]

Alan McCormick It does

[@kennethcarvalho3684]

It is given in the information section for all the boston phil videos

[@MrInterestingthings]

When I watched this wonderful , inspiring lesson allT I kept thinking was what I've read in countless orchestration books . The viola can' t generate great swaths of intense fortissimo loud sound. Hear thison clarinet and you realize why Brahms wrote it (yet the score says "oder bratsche " or viola ) .Dark sound is good for viola and Brahms must have known some excellent viola players to have faith in this instrument for this music .He gave us the 2 finest cello sonatas ever ! I would like to hear this on cello , tense highnotes!1 few double stops in string part - but this woman 's phrasing . articulation and intonation were not first rate. Beautiful dress and lady but was she the best talent. best trained , best technique and wherewithal at this school .There was so little change from p to mf to forte .The ben marcato phrase ? Try separate bows - whenever is a marcato slurred. Much for us all to learn.I need to have this score i front of me .

[@debiethredge3020]

From my experience, what you mention could be due to mic

[@aghost0009]

Is this the viola gang headquarter?

[@estremp]

He comes too close to her. She feels upset. ( That's my feeling )

[@jlunch]

Yes, he is very creepy in that way. I went to NEC and had classes with him and I also played with him in various ensembles. I noticed it 30 years ago and I notice it today. He also drives like a maniac. I threw a Snapple bottle at his car once when he zoomed by like a racer.

[@a23oj28]

@@jlunch LMFAO

[@brodhax6148]

She looks just like him. She could be his grand daughter

[@48fredman]

I don’t think Zanker’s comment is professional, in Mendelssohn concerto he only provided basic music knowledges

[@123jozef]

The audience is NOT convinced.

[@MusicClassicalVideos]

Few anecdotes, overwhelming and often obtrusive to the player physical movement and plenty of audience acting. But to call Brahms F minor a gypsy music...well, this is where I draw the line. He must be completely clueless on how to differentiate folk element in music of Brahms let alone tastefully execute it. The violist has exceptional intonation and interpretation; she understands the composition very well. Her viola lacks the overones necessary in expressing the musical nuances due to unfortunate proportions and makes the player struggle in producing the wanted results. Neber be fooled by nice timbre unless playing in front of a microphone.

[@garrysmodsketches]

Zander said that 1st movement of Mahler 5th has a jewish sound. It seems like this man can find folk music wherever he wants to.

[@qiangwang1266]

动手动脚,不好

[@nistylingstudio]

妳是說拉琴的時候不能動嗎？

[@qiangwang1266]

上来咸猪手