Chris Thile - Bach: Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 (Complete)

Chris Thile performs Bach's Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 in full. Also featured on his album Bach: Sonatas and Partitas, Vol. I, available now on CD & vinyl from Nonesuch Records:
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[@TasJess]

Chris, I don't know if you read the comments on this at all but I thought you'd appreciate this story. I have a profoundly disabled four year old who cannot stand or talk yet. When I play this a look of bliss comes over her face and she starts dancing, nodding her head in time and clapping. Nobody has told her that Bach is posh so she just completely rocks out and gives herself over to the music.

[@corbensutherland3062]

that is an amazing story... made me shed a tear. It is simply amazing how humans connect with music. It is something that can't be explained. Like the soul or true love

[@shantanusudame6196]

+Jessica Guest God Bless her!! It's touching!

[@pathoscatz1]

+Jessica Guest I am sorry foe the difficulties you face but very happy you and your child are able to get respite. Music is Magical

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

That's a much more honest and valued appreciation for both Bach's and Thile's work. No knowledge interfering with the genuine feel, just 100% heartfelt appreciation for good music

[@debraswank1542]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story!

[@joelgoobich8330]

Saw Chris in concert playing this. My wife and I were so blown away by it, that it inspired her to actually learn to play the Mandolin. Got her one for her 60th B-Day.

[@musicianwren9248]

I think that is great that you support your wife with learning a new instrument! I too am wanting to learn the mandolin, as an adult. I'm curious to know of your wife's progress!

[@Nubenhoofer]

Yep, my wife got me one for my 30th after I fell in love with Chris' playing. I know I will never achieve this level of talent with it, but I still play bc I love the sound of it.

[@davidsaborit5091]

Astonishing that a so much complex composition could be played in an instrument that is seen as a "folk" instrument. Congratulations, master. You deserve all kind of appreciation. From a Spanish guitarrist in 2023, febraury the 10th. My 56th birthday.

[@jacquelinelewis3131]

The mandolin can play any style. Even flamenco

[@Andrea-kk1xp]

As a violinist, I can say this is an amazing arrangement and performance. Really outstanding!

[@jsv438]

Incredible. I've never heard anyone play anything like this on a mandolin so close to how the violinists execute, It's really incredibly difficult. The fastest I could ever get the presto is when I slow this down to .75 speed, and even then I can't play the whole thing really clean at that speed. It's just that I can realize how incredibly difficult it really is to do what he does. He really must be naturally gifted with those hands because his attack and dynamics, especially on the fugue with all those 4 note intervals, make it even more impressive. Thile isn't just a great mandolin player, he's a circus side-show freak he's so good. ~JSV

[@AndySteinMusic]

I've been studying and performing IV Presto for the past 5 years, and I'm still nowhere nearly as at ease with the piece as you are. I hope some day before I die I'll be able to give that song the respect it deserves and play it with your proficiency. You've always inspired me Chris -- thank you for continuing to do so.

[@seamusmclaughlin7142]

incredible that 298 disapprove of this virtuosity..may they choke on their sour grapes

[@Mandolin1944]

@@seamusmclaughlin7142 Those were all violin players who feel that their instrument "owns" this piece! LOL!

[@gunslingingbird74]

It's not a song, it's a piece. 🙄

[@jeffjames3111]

@@seamusmclaughlin7142 They're the ones who gave up playing due to dispair ... you have to feel kinda sorry for them.. kinda.

[@Josh-go1bz]

@@gunslingingbird74 yawn

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

Chris Thile is the greatest mandolinist, no question. Total and complete mastery of the instrument. Fantastic musicianship.Amazink work.....2023 Chicago, IL.

[@Lamadesbois]

Adagio - 00:07 Fuga - 04:26 Siciliana - 08:44 Presto - 11:48

[@brianliveshere]

Thank you!

[@pppaul0]

[@TubeSpoker]

this should be pinned on top

[@raisinbran3736]

Gotta pin this

[@GuppyPupples]

Pin it with likes!

[@peterritchie2990]

A few years ago I played a bluegrass gig in the Texas panhandle at an old folks home with other students from South Plains College in Levelland Texas. Near the front of the lovely and very appreciative crowd sat an old man who held the hand of a severely catatonic old woman in a wheelchair. A very wonderful thing happened. As the afternoon went by, out of the corner of my eye, I kept watching the man because he was weeping. After we finished I spoke to the caretaker in charge and asked her about the man. She made a discreet inquiry and came back and told me why he cried. He was the woman's husband. A very loyal caring man who visited her every day. She hadn't shown any signs of sentience for about a decade but the nurse said when she heard the music she began to rock back and forth in time with the band. Then she smiled which she hadn't done for years. The man was crying tears of joy. Later, during the ride home, I told the members of the band. They cried too. Most rewarding gig ever.

[@asianshoegaze2342]

Total and complete mastery of the instrument. Fantastic musicianship.

[@asianshoegaze2342]

Victoria Goodwin Mandolin

[@asianshoegaze2342]

No problem

[@PilgrimsChoice1620]

More specifically, I believe the instrument to be a classic Gibson F-5 mandolin.

[@BenFletcherGuitar]

I clapped at a computer screen, in a room by myself. This is simply outstanding, just a totally phenomenal piece of artistry.

[@marcogusy6870]

As a Violinist i say Wow!!!! Truly amazing! You did a great job with colors, expressions, you made all the goods of your instrument come out as if the piece was written for it. Kudos

[@tonycook8059]

Right you are - he's pretty crafty with a pick. I can only imagine he's not half bad with a bow, but string crossings are difficult with that flat bridge. 🤔

[@tonycook8059]

Oh, I'm a violinist, but I can now play it nearly as cleanly/accurately as Chris on my mandolin at 72 npm. That's notes per minute. 🙄

[@manders76]

I saw him play the Presto live as an encore at a Punch Brothers show and I have never been in a concert venue so quiet as when he was playing or as loud as when he stopped. Incredible.

[@robertpaulson2842]

Wow! I'm a guy who's mainly into thrash/black metal and blues, but I also love my classical. I bought a mandolin today, which brought me here. Mind = blown, so beautiful, so much talent. The mandolin is such an underrated instrument. People like you (Chris Thile), are the inspiration that makes people like me play.

[@mercurianwaves4733]

Belive it or not, This is the same experience for me too. I got mine as a gift and I seriously can't wait to learn

[@lillebird]

I almost bought one my self after listening to him...bought a voilin instead

[@coprhead6]

Mandolin might give you fewer headaches (this coming from a professional violist :P)

[@robertpaulson2842]

Yeah, violin is on my list elaine buchsbaum. But first I need to get my vintage (early 40's) tenor banjo back from the shop (getting new head, calfskin, not synthetic), learn to play it, then learn to play my great-grandfathers Hohner accordion (30's I think) that I received recently. Then I need to practice my blues harp (harmonica), all the while continuing my guitar, bass and mandolin. It's a hard life as a muso who wants to do all parts himself, not as a band.

[@jonathoncliffbailey]

Be sure to check out his band and previous bands music! Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers. They do some cool key changes and syncopation like in progressive metal (Dream Theater/Symphony X).

[@Gisbertus_Voetius]

I'm always amazed about how good Bach sounds on different instruments. I sometimes get the feeling that Bach works on every Instrument out there, even a cheap electronic device or whatever.

[@HimanXK]

It's absolutely true. Bach wrote a lot of his music for the harpsichord, which doesn't have a lot of versatility in dynamics or tone. His music instead is in the notes. Shitty instruments are plenty good enough to express the notes, and high quality instruments like this mandolin are able to add even more expression, especially when played by good performers.

[@Tandle779]

Composition coalesces into timbre. This is why a melody or harmony will add up to a 'sound' despite telling a discrete melodic story. All things musical create timbres. Therefore if you have really stellar composition, you will almost always sound good.

[@ricardoromanach]

I would argue this is by design! And Bach even re-arranged a lot of his music for other instruments himself. Bach is the best...

[@Gisbertus_Voetius]

@@ricardoromanach True.

[@JeremiahKlarman]

It would definitely depend on the player. Chris is great at using dynamics and phrasing. So he makes it work.

[@cimtook]

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Thile play at the Broad Theater in Santa Monica. I have never seen a standing ovation in the middle of a show before. Awesome!!!

[@adalinedechenne5676]

As a more recent violin to mandolin convert, it's incredible to see how carefully he's chosen fingerings to maximize tone and sustain. The technical skill and careful thought on display are amazing.

[@daveboat4130]

Extraordinary. I've watched this, now, 3 times in a row and my chin is still on the floor. Breathtaking not only in technique but in heart and soul as well. And, as astonishing as it is to watch his left hand working, his right hand touch is equally fluid and spellbinding. His dynamic control and precision of strokes - allowing the piece to breathe, rise, fall, and, ultimately, soar - are uncanny. Mesmerizing. Whew!

[@jamietodd2560]

They say Thile will one day hit a wrong note, and it will sound the unmaking of the world.

[@FilipPandrc]

Check out Cripple Creek @ NPR Tiny Desk...there's one :)

[@lucyfoster4082]

Nah, he'll never hit a wrong note.

[@coryCuc]

Like filip said. Check out nickel creek on Tiny Desk. He hits a wrong note and Sarah gives him the "look."

[@kd5nrh]

@@coryCuc That's jealousy; you see, when Chris plays a wrong note, the song rewrites itself to make that the right note, so everyone else was playing the wrong notes.

[@hansen-house]

He slips at 11:58 here. Almost imperceptible.

[@squidy2343]

This kind of stuff baffles me. All I can think of is when my band class at school would play pieces by Mozart, Bach, etc. and we had to follow sheet music. There's absolutely no way I could have memorized those pieces and we played the SHORTENED versions. So the fact that he can play this entire 15 min Bach piece from memory just blows my mind...

[@lukaskulik833]

I respect a man with a full bar in his living room.

[@TheTheode]

Andy Salcius It’s a good servant and a terrible master. Alcohol has created works of beautiful art and worked lives into disaster in unequal measure.

[@TheTheode]

Flenchentia Music no, but it can certainly help some people.

[@sam-uj5ym]

That just means he's rich

[@georgebotelho288]

@@TheTheode wow...you spake in old(er) English...and it was barely incomprehensible. Thou doth maketh the want to quit dinking(eth)... Just in case(th) (Shit might fuck up and get worse) (Aye?)

[@brucekuehn4031]

“Whiskey has killed more men than bullets, but most men would rather be full of whiskey than bullets.” Winston Churchill

[@timossemack]

The most incredible musician alive. Can sing, can play, is intelligent and quite funny. The ppl that downvoted this must hate being alive.

[@ryanchatterjee]

Look at his face and how he sways back and forth while he plays. This man loves music.

[@guitarpaintings9319]

That presto... I once arranged violin partita nº1 for guitar and the amount of practice I needed just to remember all those notes! The ease with which Chris does it is just amazing, like he was making it up on the spot.

[@GargesFriend]

I have listened to Chris Thile's Bach CD so many times, always with amazement and emotion. But now, watching him perform this live on a sofa, just in front of you, this is something that defies words.

[@bronxboy47]

Bach just reaches out and grabs your heart with that opening adagio. Chris and Bach appear to be in complete agreement.

[@blakeandcamp]

Chris Thile is the greatest mandolinist alive, no question.

[@devinsmith7388]

+blakeandcamp Avi Avital

[@MichaelCarMusic]

+Devin Smith Avital is awesome but my money is still on Thile! Flawless technique and interpretations alike, not to mention his improvisations. More versatile by far

[@idlewild]

+blakeandcamp Question: Is Chris Thile the greatest mandolinist alive?

[@cameronbaldwin4038]

+blakeandcamp Compared to...?

[@tympano]

+blakeandcamp I was going to argue, then I found out that U. Srinivas died last year...

[@LuvHrtZ]

The thing to consider about being this good is that you have to remove your ego from the equation and practice until you no longer have to "try to play" something. You just play. I'm a guitarist and have come here looking for better attitudes that I can carry over into my own playing. Unfortunately I'll never be this good as there's just not enough time left. Wonderful playing. Thanks Chris.

[@JustinLudwig]

Chris Thile is awesome. It's so obvious that he loves this music and his technique is impeccable.

[@adrianscally]

Copious natural talent + hard grind + the net + us, the audience = happiness. I raise a glass to us all. J.S. Bach, Chris Thile and Jessica Guest's child above all. Life is good, my friends.

[@punkntded]

First time i heard the fuga from this sonata on the streets of Florence, I had to stop and sit. I burst into tears the way i never have in my life. I didn't realize at the time why, now I know it was the divine touch of Bach. You can never be ready for the moment it hits you

[@svetsarkirurgen2]

It's an incredible fuga. Im learning the organ transcription right now. So much fun to play. Bachs music is just so incredible there really are no words for it

[@sarahebart]

Chris Thile....pure, God-given genious

[@StephenRahrig]

The impressiveness of his ability to play this whole thing from memory (like, when tf did he even find the time??) is almost a distraction from the beauty and musicality

[@jeffreyrogers6244]

This is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen! Bravo maestro!

[@Mandotwang]

This is beautiful, soulful playing via Thile's musically genius brain connected to his fine motor skills, connected to a superb Gibson Lloyd Loar mandolin.

[@larrywalden626]

If anyone who would give a thumbs down on anything of Chris Thile's mandolin playing, clearly you have no sense of understanding of the skills and talent this man had. You have no understanding of music.

[@tpf1952]

I feel so lucky to be alive in the same era as Chris Thile. What a thrill to listen and watch him play.

[@richteegarden1385]

I have to admit that at the end of this video I broke out in tears like a little girl. Completely unexpected.

[@nathanmagnusen7447]

I was fortunate to see Chris play in support of Sonatas and Partitas live..... He is truly amazing.... who else could go from this piece into "Rabbit in a Log" and make it completely seamless? No one I know of!

[@tjbordercrosser1362]

Freakin unbelievable!! Thank you for many of the great memories in my life. I was just telling my wife how I had to grapple with John Paul Jones from Led Zepplin one time to stay directly in front of you performing. He wouldn't give up and I wasn't moving. I remember I was so close I had to duck whenever Gabe swung his violin my way my way. I jumped over 20 rows of seats for that spot. Top 10 shows I've ever seen you were in somewhere.

[@IAMTHEY]

Absolutely mind boggling. Never cease to amaze Mr. Chris Thile! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!

[@071949]

From bluegrass to Bach, Chris Thile can "do it all". Clearly a man who loves MUSIC, period. 12/01/2016

[@ThreeChordGuitar]

My first favorite thing about Chris Thile is his passion for music. The second is the skillset he developed. My third is that he doesn't own a comb.

[@TheTrajan14]

Wow. Jude Law is pretty good at playing ukelele. On a more real note, very inspirational. Picking up my mandolin in these trying times, this video is a very motivational. Thanks, Chris.

[@DirkSnyder]

Phenomenal performance!

[@tombursch4106]

Funny sh*t.

[@dongle_fiddler]

Stop making fun of Finneas

[@jacquelinelewis3131]

What are you talking about. A mandolin doesn't sound like a ukelele

[@Mando1008]

Chris Thile has the most flawless technique i have ever seen.

[@stephenhooker882]

Tracking Info. 0:06 - I. Adagio 4:26 - II. Fuga (Allegro) 8:44 - III. Siciliana 11:45 - IV. Presto

[@mhia4]

I've played guitar for years, bass too. Within the last few months I've started tinkering with a mandolin. Long enough to appreciate what I'm hearing, not long enough to stop tucking my friggin fingertips into the fetal position while hearing it. It's like I'm starting from scratch, I even found a blister today.

[@Thankful72]

This brings me joy every time I watch it.

[@robertzimring9795]

Chris nails it. The clarity of Bach's thinking come through in Chris's playing.

[@aprilherrett3457]

absolutely beautiful, Chris is a master.. love the Mandolin

[@cfcolly]

Congratulations Chris, you just won the internet....

[@shaunmorgan4997]

That look at the end... one of my fav parts of playing is coming back to reality after a musical journey.

[@ghostradiodelete]

how?! that was absolutely amazing. I could never even remember a quarter of those changes.

[@edelahaye]

Absolutely beautiful rendition. No words !

[@FionnghulaThell]

It is always a joy and an inspiration to watch a musician take the movement in his heart and use it to wield his fingers! :)

[@leahnewyork]

Outstanding musical experience at Zankel Hall recently. Thank you, Chris.

[@MayimHastings]

8:28 These are the possible explanations: 1. Somehow a time warp occurred 2. Chris accidentally slipped and revealed he is a reincarnation of Bach himself and The Flash in one super-duperhuman 3. God mode was activated Chris, your hard work and heart have created magic 🪄

[@Stckmand]

"When words fail - music speaks." - H. C. Andersen

[@fmirarchi]

la più bella interpretazione di questa meravigliosa sonata

[@UkuleleAversion]

Ah, the adagio movement is just beautiful, no other word translates its quality but beauty.

[@teantoast9981]

As the mandolin player for my band (and coming to the instrument quite late) I am in awe of the breadth and versatility of your playing! Amazing. Can but dream....

[@nogoogleplus]

4:26 II. Fuga: Allegro-----really nicely done, and super cool to hear it on Mandolin

[@brianliveshere]

Yes, I was excited to hear that on mandolin!

[@woodmaj]

Is it normal for something like this to bring tears to your eyes?

[@OmarTorrez]

***** I actually disagree. Bach is one of my favorites, yet his works cannot really be called "Emotionally intense" as he was going for something else. A transcendent, eternal line expressed by sublime melodic & harmonic movement. It was to transcend the human emotive experience. Beethoven, or CHopin would be an "Emotional" experience. A different value system... different eras.

[@chriswhittle5075]

It's normal. Don't let anyone mess with your head. Your emotional response to good music is a very clear sign of deep intelligence and intellectual potential. Go with that.

[@patrickbateman7]

Omar Torrez While there is some truth in your statement, saying that Bach is not emotionally intense or powerful ( and just because he sprung out of an era) is a crude misunderstanding, it's like saying Mozart didn't write any profound music because he was a product of the classical period. While some of Bach's works dealt more with ( "how far he could play with modes to create one perfect structure" train of thought) he did write some of the most emotionally powerful music, as I'm sure you know this piece because he is one of your favorites, I invite you to listen again to the Chaconne from the second partita, knowing that he composed it in honor of his first wife, when he returned to Cöthen from a trip to find out that she was dead. " Transcendent eternal lines expressed by sublime melodic and harmonic movements" those can only come from a matured and profound emotional state of being.

[@patrickbateman7]

***** :3 .. Their early work was a little too ... new wave for my taste , but when sports came out in 83 , I think they really came into their own .. commercially and artistically, the whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor... :3 In '87, Huey released this, Fore!, their most accomplished album, I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to Be Square" a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics, but they should !! , because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself! !! HEY NICK :D

[@coreyestelle8233]

Welcome to the world of Bach. Ever listen to B-Minor Mass? The Crucifixus will leave you in absolute tears.

[@Nizlopi01]

Totally agree. Look up Sviatoslav Richter's interpretation of Fugue No. 4 from the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I. Extraordinary.

[@billtomlinson8157]

There's a simplicity and unpretentiousness to the sound of this instrument (and the style of the presentation) that lends a wonderful charm to this incredible music. Thanks so much for posting.

[@thomaswachter7782]

Especially in the slow movement... every pick just falls off with an emotion. Such a gift he has been given. I so love to watch him play and hear the emotions. Very few can do this.

[@pathoscatz1]

One of the many things I love about Chris is that he seems to make love to the mandolin his heart and soul go out to it

[@chrishaller8490]

The general public seems to have a fascination with god-given "talent", as if it is in your genes and is handed to you on a platter, like a winning lottery ticket. Ask any master, from J.S. Bach to Charlie Parker, and they will tell you that with hard, smart work and indomitable dedication, anyone could achieve what they have. While both of the above mentioned masters said exactly this, I believe they were stretching it a bit, to make a point; that raw "talent" is much the smaller component of greatness, when compared to motivation, love for the art and plain old grit and elbow grease. I'm sure any master, in any field, including the great Chris Thile, would concur.

[@jsbrules]

Bach himself reportedly said, “I was obliged to be industrious; whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.”

[@Mandolin1944]

@@pathoscatz1 yes good point the slower parts are really harder to play on music like this with the mandolin then the faster parts -- to get it smooth (when you only have pick as contrasted to a bow which you can totally control the sustain) is the hardest thing by far IMHO.

[@bensolomon1872]

Before I heard this, I thought, "...on the Mandolin?" By the end I wasn't conscious of the instrument or player at all - only the essence of the exquisite thought form we call the music of J. S. Bach.

[@drhall343]

That mandolin has gorgeous tone. Chris definitely savors every note, even in the faster parts.

[@LaurenceDiehl]

That is what genius sounds like. To be so at one with your instrument, that's a rare thing indeed.

[@mrbodhranhead]

Incredibly well done. Perhaps it's just me, but on the fugue the mandolin sounds exceptional because the double stops are more punctuated than on the violin. Doesn't hurt to have a natural genius like Chris performing, either.

[@HarpinHankHogan]

Hi Tom ! Thanks for posting these musicians to me !

[@mrbodhranhead]

My pleasure, buddy!

[@HarpinHankHogan]

Thanks for the post, Tom, I appreciate that you take the time to point out these fantastic music videos to me;;;;

[@blundgrenviolin]

There are so many double stops, chords, and arpeggios throughout the six sonatas and partitas that are written in a guitar style for the violin. One of the challenges for the violinist tackling this literature, in my thinking, is treating them as a guitarist would.

[@aanderlini]

I cannot fathom why someone would thumbs down this.

[@anthonymccarthy4164]

+aanderlini KZbin trolls are some of the stupidest on the internet. Look at the stupid comments they post. Chris Thile is a really fine musician, this is a performance I'd never have predicted could have been done as brilliantly as he played it.

[@donpaterson6669]

i know. wondered the same thing myself. i guess if they hated chris's shirt or something

[@cuchulainn1659]

Tone deaf folk wouldn't be able to interpret the composition, also culturally speaking if one was reared on computer generated 4 note generic crap their uncultured ears couldn't comprehend the complexities of this little gem.

[@christophersleight19]

Anger issues, just can't enjoy anything. They need prayer.

[@jklappenbach]

#Marchand

[@johnwints5888]

Seldom do we have the good fortune to witness true genius. Thank you.

[@OrganicArchivist]

I am stunned and amazed by this man's musical ability combined with what can only be an unbelievable dedication to learning the intricacies of the master, J. S. Bach. Talent alone does not make a Bach impersonator - only talent and much (much, much) practice. That, plus a bit of luck and a real love for the tunes of Johann are what I hear and see hear.

[@EvelIncarnated]

I showed this to my ukelele today. She won't even talk to me anymore...

[@richardryan8462]

Although I couldn’t find it on KZbin you should be able to find recordings of Jake Shimabukuro playing Bach on the ukulele. He’s the same level of musician as Chris Thile. There are performances of other music by Jake on KZbin if you’re curious.

[@TheGrumbliestPuppy]

This is a great video for those looking to learn Chris's right hand technique

[@273Gravity]

Beautiful!! Can't help but enjoy watching someone play with such emotion.

[@dingadang]

His technical ability is astounding. And Thile's phrasing on what I see as a rather limited instrument is just exquisite. Made my day!

[@jacquelinelewis3131]

You're ignorant. The mandolin is very versatile

[@weehawker1]

God the Father, Bless him, and his eye brows, and his beautiful playing. And thank God for J.S. Bach, also. Thanks, Mr. Chris.

[@JeyGifford]

Um. Forget mandolin. Probably one of the best MUSICIANS alive.

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Totally agree, an inspiration.

[@bradleybellwether7927]

His jam session buddies Edgar Meyer, Yo Yo Ma and Stuart Duncan are all master level composers and muscians on multiple instruments as well. How Chris these guys can memorize these complex sonatas and concertos is beyond me. Most masters still need to read the music, or at least have it in front of them!

[@Tubie1111]

He was called a prodigy when he was younger. I can't remember if it was an article or ? He is also one of the best tenor singers IMO

[@imacat8476]

@@bradleybellwether7927 they only have it in front of them because sight reading is the standard, not because they can't memorise it and personally as someone who knows pieces upwards to 30m,20m and etc long, its not really a matter of memorisation, when you practise these things a lot, it becomes muscle memory, you don't even think, you just play it when you've gone through it over 100 times.

[@dltguitar6532]

Guys have been playing Bach on guitar for years, and tho they are considered virtuosos no one kisses their ass as much as they do Thile for playing Bach on mandolin. They act like he is the biggest genius of all time just for playing violin music on mandolin. I don’t get it

[@9999plato]

Awesome. I always enjoy his playing regardless of what he plays.

[@luzdejanda]

He llegado finalmente aquí..! Y he quedado maravillada con la virtuosidad con la que ese hombre toca su instrumento. Gracias, ✨💜✨🦋✨❤️‍🔥✨

[@burnhamviolincompany6072]

Playing Bach is one thing, understanding Bach is another thing. The result of flawlessly putting both together is what's in this video. Well done Chris Thile and thank you.

[@laurebarlet]

Bravo Chris! Voilà une belle intériorité et une grande ouverture d'esprit! Je vous suis dans votre chemin musical depuis quelques temps et notamment dans les concerts avec Brad Mehldau et aussi les filles dont Brittany Haas! Merci pour votre présence!

[@rtv3815r]

So much sensibility in this performance. I come back to this video every few months.

[@aleandrei5841]

I'm studying the instrument from 3/4 moths. I'm doing the begginer things, from the american tradition to the italian... But I'm sure, one day, I'll play also this. It's a plaesure and honor to heare, exposed your deepest sentiments on it. Thanks, for sharing the video ❤

[@RestingScotFace]

This blows my mind

[@violinimpulse]

Mandolin or no: Absolutely stunning Bach playing on its own terms!

[@jacquelinelewis3131]

The mandolin can play all music styles

[@Robjazzter]

Wow, beautiful from the first to last note! Chris, I'm forever a fan!

[@cwhubbs]

So beautifully done. Power with finesse...soul stirring.

[@nahumgalvez]

Wow! Thank you very much, Chris. You simply made my day. And it was not an easy task.

[@RobMacKillop1]

I had to applaud at the end of that. One of the best performances I've heard of the whole sonata, on any instrument.

[@jessehuff9557]

I've argued for a few years now that he may well be, or was, the best musician alive. He certainly is the best living that I'm aware of.

[@timheavner6293]

It never occurred to me before watching this video, but this piece almost seems to be a better fit for the mandolin than for the violin. Perhaps less awkward, and I agree completely: a stunning performance. I'd love to hear what he does with the Chaconne!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Total agreement.

[@andrewpark9018]

Tim Heavner he played the Chaconne at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival last summer (2017). It has become somewhat of a tradition for Thile to kick off the whole festival with a solo set...just him alone with his instrument for 2 hours playing his mind numbing range of styles - including vocals. The Chaconne was perhaps the most captivating live performance I've ever seen especially given the scene...thousands of people all geared up for 4 days of wild Bluegrass music...in complete silence watching a savant up there. You could literally hear birds and the wind against the music.

[@TheVikingBlues]

Hey Rob!

[@lumumusic]

Beautiful, sensitive, and masterful playing.

[@chotakkua]

Beautiful music. I'm lucky to be contemporary of a guy like this and see him creating new things!

[@MrSmithoono]

If you can grasp what you just saw and heard, you would hear a hush before commenting. Before you stands a master of the ages.

[@wsjohnston3956]

This guy should get some kind of genius award.....

[@PEACEANOTHERDAY]

+Ws Johnston he did...3 years ago... The MacArthur Fellowship.

[@teagengreydix1567]

+GARY GARREN I think he was joking

[@TheWeemaster]

How a man can achieve such perfection in his playing is beyond me! In all the time I have been listening to and watching Thile, I can't say that I have ever seen him make a mistake.

[@freethinksman4393]

Seeing this right after reading the news almost makes me feel better.

[@Shelsight]

Freethinksman - me too. Also watched his tiny desk concert and that helped too - esp the second song. We all need art, music, creativity, and that human connection at the moment...

[@ovonisamja8024]

I Adagio (00:06) II Fuga: Allegro (04:24) III Siciliana (08:42) IV Presto (11:45)

[@ladydewinters]

15 minutes of bliss

[@kdkeydude1]

Incredible ! Chris is a treasure in this world !

[@stevenguzman3374]

I learned this sonata on my violin in the early '90,s and I know how difficult this is to learn, and play. Very good job on your interpretation.