Brin Addison - Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata 15 string Harp Guitar

[@grantsmythe8625]

Isn't it amazing that there are only 7 notes, A,B,C,D,E,F,G, plus flats and sharps, in this whole world and yet someone like Ludwig van Beethoven can take that handful of notes that have been used and reused a million times and create a unique masterpiece.

[@niels7319]

There are just 3 amino acids that makes up al the DNA in the world.

[@grantsmythe8625]

​@@niels7319 I did not know that, and I appreciate your knowledge. That's even more miraculous than my original comment about music. So little is everything. Thanks again and peace and growth to you.

[@josephosullivan9506]

Those booming lows on the harp are sublime, as is your rendition.

[@nevenduzanec9259]

I don't like them. :(

[@reesespuffs8998]

@@nevenduzanec9259 ok

[@spurioustransients]

@@nevenduzanec9259 For me there's something wrong with the bass notes tonally. An open string is always going to sound different from a fretted string and these open bass notes stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. Personally I think they need some kind of dampener to limit the excess vibrations.

[@dipierro4]

Hard to imagine this being played more profoundly on any instrument. Whatever Beethoven tried to say, it is fulfilled in this recording. If only he'd been here to hear it!

[@pretendtobenormal8064]

Have you heard it played on a piano?

[@oscarlasprilla9345]

Brilliant rendition of this classic, this instrument accommodates itself to this first movement of the Sonata so naturally, you would thought it was composed for this instrument rather than the piano.......amazing.

[@DefenderoftheFather]

Even in my own playing, I've never felt that Moonlight Sonata has ever been captured so completely on guitar as you have done here. It's simply impossible to do without the deep, rich bass tones you have on this magnificent Harp Guitar. Beethoven's writing encompassed the entirety of the musical range that can not be reached on 6 strings alone. That's why I tend to play this particular piece with a heavy thumb. I now must find, love, buy, and learn to properly play one of these guitars.

[@hypeschwartz]

You nailed it!

[@robertocaracciolo7612]

Fantastic !!!!! The best version of Moonlight Sonata on guitar for me. Bravo !!!! Amazing interpretation !!!!! Very very good .

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

beautiful!

[@sonyahannah]

" I hope you enjoy my performance." Your hope came true, magnificently. I've NEVER heard a better version on a stringed instrument, and I'm literally open-mouthed with awe. . . small shivers down my spine at the bass notes. . . your music has ensorceled me.

[@dieseltekkie]

The only close call to this is one by The Piano Guys, granted not 100% string

[@ВладимирМокаев]

Божественное исполнегие. Браво Маэстро!!! Выше всяких похвал.❤

[@RichLyles]

Such a timeless piece done so beautifully that I forgot where I was for a minute. Cheers!

[@maxcnc777]

That guitar sounds simply beautiful. Absolutely stunning. Amazing performance.

[@arnoldcaines9012]

Absolutely beautiful. I love those bass notes. I also love how you took your time and let your listeners savor the tones and the melody.

[@cassandralibertywest4310]

Very close to piano. 'Great job! Thanks.

[@trojanette8345]

One of the most evocative renditions of this enigmatic score of music. Very nicely done. Thank You for sharing.

[@hypeschwartz]

Thank you for watching!

[@DomesticatedGoth]

This is so beautiful and stately. Hearing it played on a harp-guitar like this makes the hairs on the back of my ams stand up - it's haunting, beautiful, and as powerful as the first time I heard someone play the Moonlight Sonata on a piano live. Absolutely beautiful - the harp strings for the bass notes really adds something special to a beautiful.

[@pisterchia]

A similar result can only be obtained with devotion and love for the instrument and the music: this is the energy that could make the world dance.

[@johnroberts9311]

Absolutely spot on fantastic. Your tempo variations (for lack of a better term) really add depth. The performance makes it sound as if Beethoven wrote this piece for the harp guitar. Nicely done.

[@joblo2671]

This is known as "rubato" and was intentionally written into the piece by beethoven

[@sondrayork6317]

I’ve always loved Beethovens stuff but this takes my love of his work to a whole new level, this is just so very pretty it almost brings me to tears. I wish you could play symphony number 9 now.

[@christiancadio9023]

Magnifique,une musique reposante et agréable à écouter dans le calme du soir.👍👍👍 Merci infiniment pour ce partage.

[@JasonZimmerman1980]

This has always been one of my favorite pieces played on a piano. Sounds awesome on the harp guitar. The way you played it moved me. Great work!

[@alessandrodalu75]

Wonderful! Thank you;)

[@sondrayork6317]

very pritty indeed, such a sad sounding song yet it is very pretty sounding on harp guitar. love it.

[@amigodaverdade4448]

It is really important to read the full Description. This performer has huge merits! Congratulations!

[@meridlin]

Absolutely wonderful. I am not a Beethoven fan, but this was very moving. Thank you for sharing.

[@lxdgr8]

I want this tune by this player on that instrument in my funeral, whenever in the future that happens to be.

[@hwkluth]

As I wander among the music choices on YT I often add favorites to play lists and discovering you this morning was a real treat. But I had to listen to this one a few times because upon first listen I was spellbound and missed saving it until after it was over. Your rendition is astounding in it's complexity as you take a piece that wasn't written for the Guitar and made it your own beautifully. Beethoven's music is always amazing but you brought this one to life and imbued it with pure emotion that is magical.

[@trimensionsound6238]

hauntingly unforgettable. beautifully played , gave me the chills

[@marjeketchum1630]

Such rich tones. Well played on a beautiful instrument

[@chrisbaker121924]

Almost staggers me every time i listen to this. This song was written for this instrument... for this player... hundreds of years ago!

[@hypeschwartz]

Thank you so much for the complement. It warms my heart to read these words.

[@jerryweber1768]

Actually I wrote the song…in 10 minutes.

[@chrisbaker121924]

okay... unknowingly (eyes roll) haha

[@pablosorbara2280]

Actually, because of the kind of piano Beethoven had in his time, he indicated this piece to be played without dampers. I.e not lifting the pedal throughout the whole piece. In a modern piano this is completely unacceptable because the notes get really muffled, but on a historical instrument it gives the effect of the piece being played on a sort of lute or harp like instrument. So, yes, Beethoven did have an instrument like this in mind when he composed this movement!

[@pheelmacababe2861]

its amazing ow a single song, and a single instrument can inflict so many emotions, love, beauty, sorrow, death, hope, relaxation.

[@peggyjean5530]

Beautifully well played.

[@TerryMcGuire89]

That was... transcendent. Thank you, Brin, for sharing this with the world.

[@waterbird91]

WOA......Never knew such a guitar ever existed. Sounds like 2 people playing. BEAUTIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL. Does look challenging but worth it. This harpguitar is heavenly. Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I am now "hooked"

[@garymesser9065]

Beautiful!

[@Michael-jw6et]

This was haunting and absolutely enveloped in Autumn. How come no one writes music this perfect anymore? Did all the true musical genius' die out or something?

[@cyberschn1tzel997]

I guess a Beethoven is a rather rare occurance... And i doubt you heard all modern music

[@Michael-jw6et]

That is a fair point. I agree with you. Also, the standard of popular music today is so elementary that everyone can and is doing it. I think this produces a 'needle in haystack' problem. Brilliant musicans are simply drowned out. In the days of these classical artists like Beethoven, it wasn't easy, and if you were a noted musican - you had to be excellent.

[@6672rock]

That was a beautiful rendition. The harp bass strings gave the piece a lot of depth that I normally don't hear on standard classical guitar renditions. I hope you've got more videos coming!

[@AlbertGyorfi]

Amazing rendition! That harp guitar fits this song brilliantly :)

[@terryfretter]

What a beautiful piece played so well on such an unusual but perfectly matched instrument. I'm blown away!

[@kevinevans4923]

Albert Gyorfi stunning !!!!

[@233kosta]

Absolutely wonderful! Probably the only guitar version of the first movement which retains its full depth. Thanks for the upload!

[@TheSaneHatter]

I think I like this song much better as a guitar piece, now that I’ve heard it.

[@TheRDIDDLE2]

Oh My! I am so moved by this wonderful offering of art. Beautifully performed. Well done,my friend.

[@garykuovideos]

Fantastic, for so many reasons! Wow, just lovely!

[@drbeautyglam7092]

OUTSTANDING !!!! I played that piece as a child on the piano. BRAVO !!!!!

[@ezechiel71]

Thank you Sir for these wonderful 6:27... Merci pour ces 6:27 minutes d'éternité...

[@user-vq4mt4zd4e]

great content thanks

[@nastyapie4518]

Просто завораживает! Супер!))))

[@jeanburk9539]

Heavenly, mesmerizing. Boy, those low tones are masterful. Reminds me of a pipe organ.

[@Dyshof]

Love it! Great use of the bass strings and well suited tuning!

[@GoldfishLovesJojo]

I was moved to tears. Magnificent. You hit every note perfectly. Absolutely beautiful piece, and God-tier guitar skills.

[@ismaelcruz7194]

Me lembrou o filme nosso lar, muito lindo a execução dessa forma

[@erak4342]

very beautiful

[@maricarbo]

I could listen to this all day long...this one song. You play it masterfully! I think I could play it on a regular guitar, too. The chords do not look frightening. It is my favorite classical piece. I wish you were my neighbor!

[@hypeschwartz]

Thanks for the good feedback. BTW it looks simple but is deceptively tough to get through even on a 6 string, believe it or not.

[@AnneBarschall]

Very beautiful!

[@utube4619]

Beautiful performance, love the sound of the harp guitar!

[@sumitbhattacharyya2058]

Was amazed by that bold brave sound of the strings laying in my bed feels heaven ❤️

[@ItsMeAndru]

Exhilarating. Got me goosebumps.

[@azjatot5253]

SUPER.

[@catch22again]

Sounds beautiful, playing this instrument shows some exceptional talent. Puts me playing it on my ukulele on a different planet ! Thanks for sharing

[@Panhorst]

Brilliantly done. Thank you for posting.

[@letsleepingdogslie2492]

I have always seen those guitars but never seen anyone play one. Great performance and thanks for the video!

[@m-bronte]

Never heard this on Guitar before....Beautiful

[@thomaswalz3515]

Exquisite!

[@bunkerbrent]

Very fantastic harp guitar piece. Well done

[@scottmantooth8785]

i was raised on classical music...so i really, really like this

[@joernbeineke]

... this is just great - thank you - these bass tones are killing me ... :)

[@grahamflaws7813]

genius composition beautifully interpreted and performed. Outstanding!

[@PlainD]

Very good job! When I was young, this was my favorite song.

[@chicoteneles-comclovischibata]

uma palavra define isso,LINDO

[@anonmortal1152]

Loved it! I can only image the endless hours and curse words it took to get to this fluid rendition.

[@samreevesmusic]

One of the finest guitar videos on KZbin!

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

Amazing. That's the only word to describe this.

[@hansfranz8795]

This is beautiful, great playing! I've been playing the guitar for years, but believe it or not, only found out about harp guitars a couple of days ago. The moment I first saw this instrument I knew that I *needed* to hear Chopin's "Marche funèbre" on this instrument. I can hear it in my head, it'll sound beautiful. I think I need to buy one of those just so I can play it, as I didn't see someone else play it on KZbin yet.

[@lucifermorningstar4606]

An absolute masterpiece. I thank you for your service to music.

[@רוםברוסטין]

Nice and slow. As it should. Meditation. Thanks. ❤ From Israel

[@vimana17]

Very well Done Brin. Love it! Thank you for sharing.

[@doubleotwentyone]

Excellent stuff. Love those resonant bass strings, adds an air of grandiosity.

[@RoninWaffle]

Something about the timbre almost reminds me of a pipe organ.

[@Gismogaga]

It took me a year to play this piece on my piano...... now I play it at night.... blindfolded, and enjoying it every time that much.... THX Beethoven... Mostly appreciated, this performance on the guitar...

[@heckingbamboozled8097]

Gismogaga even the stupidly fast part of the full version? The 3rd portion?

[@ligdeyendama884]

When i get a harp guitar im going to play this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@GavwanShorts]

That was beautiful. Awesome piece and instrument. It makes me wonder what kind of heathens, decided that a 'thumbs down' was needed.

[@hypeschwartz]

I invite them to try. ;-)

[@nicodanger13]

i just disliked this performance because if you haven't ALL the bass notes its useless trying it. There are other instruments in guitar family a lot better than theese guitar harp, for my taste.

[@gotrox1]

Bravo 👏 Have not seen a classical Harp guitar until now.

[@gustavocortesmunizaga814]

wonderful instrument and playing

[@mgmodeste1]

Deep stuff ,I appreciate the work put in to play this piece. Thanks for that lovely performance.

[@hypeschwartz]

Marlon Modeste Thanks, Marlon, I'm grateful that you appreciate my performance!

[@sajanim]

Outstanding

[@mattgelfer]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing this beauitful performance.

[@JamesBartholomewMusic]

Captivating performance! Brilliantly played, and the perfect instrument for the job :)

[@hypeschwartz]

James Bartholomew Thank you for the complement, James... hopefully there will be many more in the near future, so stay tuned!!

[@jakehuff4603]

Wow! That was so beautiful. I've never seen this guitar/bass combination before. What a thrill to hear it so well-played.

[@murieldesede4912]

Magnifique !

[@валентинпантюхин-в8м]

Фантастика!

[@hypeschwartz]

Thank you.

[@johnsimms3957]

I really like those bass strings.

[@tetsushinishiyama1486]

I feel the depth.Bass sounds good.

[@jimpappas880]

Wow! Something that is so beautiful and even playable. Makes me want one. Thank you for the beautiful music.

[@christinaDalton1974]

Simply beautiful.

[@lilRadRidinHood]

So beautifully done...haunting and sublime.

[@williamtomkiel8215]

in my dialed in / treated ATMOS HT, 5.5.4 this upmixes immersively- also astonishing clarity, detail, resonance, nuanced playing think of being at ground zero and 'being" the mushroom cloud

[@RLSguitar]

Sweet harp guitar Brin brother and masterfully performed!

[@cygnus_zealandia]

This is an extraordinarily good performance Brin. I purchased a 12 string harp guitar 1.5 years ago, and I'm still a beginner having been a very part-time hobby musician most of my life with a 6 string steel acoustic guitar. Therefore I appreciate the mastery you have of this collector's item, 15 string model. The discipline and determination you must have to make this look easy simply astounds me. I just love the Beethoven composition on harp guitar and the way you play it. I've been a listener for several years now, and I never tire of it Thanks so much for making this video.

[@hypeschwartz]

Thank you for the amazing appreciation! It's a labour of love, as you well know.

[@aidennd.806]

Lovely and of the ages my friend. A true Trubadour you are.

[@batke140582]

Masterpiece.

[@StavroJones]

I'm very impressed & glad I found this. Thank you for taking the time & effort to upload. After taking a year to learn this piece on classical guitar (albeit in Bm not Am) I agree with your sentiments concerning the challenges & voicing issues facing a guitar with little sustain. I am particularly impressed that you were able to resort to the sounding of the bass strings so often, because the movement modulates into different keys no less than five times. This means that you must have really thought out the tuning requirements for best effect. As for the choice of key, it is actually the best one despite being hard because only Am will allow the full range to fit into the guitars. Also I like how you use native "E" strings for the pedal zone effect at the end. Bm does not allow this due to F# being the required note, although with your harp guitar who knows?! ;-)

[@hypeschwartz]

Thank you for your kind words. Always a pleasure to have comments from those who realise the dificulty in executing this Sonata on guitar, as opposed to those who make absurd comments like "now let's hear the 3rd movement"...which I personally believe to be virtually impossible to play on classical guitar. this is by no means a walk in the park and one should not let the slow tempo fool one into thinking "it should be easy", that was my first thought until I got under its skin, then my impression changed dramatically. For me the Am tuning made the most sense on this instrument and as you say it allowd me to really capitalise on the bass notes.

[@StavroJones]

+Guilt Monkey I chose Bm because it avoids the flat keys later on & in the guitar world these keys can become a hassle (especially when trying to do a lot).Am doesn't last long before modulating to Cm so I fully respect your abilities on the fret-board & that doesn't include those extra strings to worry about! Honestly, I feel this performance on the harp guitar is one of the best I have heard & oddly I have heard many in recent years. There has been a resurgence to attempt this in the classic world recently, but I still remember a time when it was a rarity to find anyone performing this on KZbin.Francisco Tarrega himself attempted the movement in Dm of all keys! Which seems a crazy choice because of the terrible Fm modulation.I had a phase of playing transcribed piano pieces but since that time I have tried to play guitar pieces written for guitar. It was at that point I had resolved myself into thinking this is a piano piece only & it kinda stopped me playing transcriptions at all (which is probably silly), perhaps this piece still is, but your version adds that extra something & inspires me to believe it can work. As you said colour & sustain is the problem we face as guitarists. As for the 3rd movement, of-course this is silly. Honestly I haven't noticed those comments before. Maybe because I just ignored them! The guitar is an instrument of approximation anyway. What we express is a colour of what is intended but never a full technical canvas like an instrument with more polyphony allows. The 3rd movement arpeggios might be possible for someone proficient in scales but the colour will not be there thus making it a pointless exercise I would imagine.I am very open minded about beautiful instruments such as yours. Yes, I like standards, I like going around to a strangers house who has a guitar & playing that instrument without hassle because it is a guitar. However, we must never forget that musical instruments constantly evolved over the centuries & there really is no reason why it should stop or at least no reason why we should cease to experiment. The harp guitar is really shown off here.

[@hypeschwartz]

Just reading this now, StavroJones... excellent comment!

[@Hunter-xv7kz]

@@hypeschwartz Just wondering, have you seen this yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2mUp3ill7WYbqM (3rd movement on classical guitar)

[@richardpeej]

Beautifully played...I've never heard of the Harp Guitar instrument before...

[@zitherbefree]

it's a wonderful recording, fantastic, thank you for the share it, greetings from Vienna, Guenter.

[@augusto_tavares74]

Bravo!!