Doc Severinsen - Capriccio di Niccolo (Improved Video)

[@dgcharlton]

All you trumpet students out there: this is what a true virtuoso of the trumpet and flugelhorn sounds like. An incredible natural talent honed by countless hours of daily practice. Doc, thanks for all the pleasure you've given me in the last 55+ years.

[@riobravo4454]

Doc is the best trumpet player this world has ever known. He is so versed in any and every genre of music. And, having met him several times, what a great and humble man. What an inspiration for young trumpet players…😮

[@spydersweb2]

When Doc started he appeared to be a bit flustered and fluffed some runs, but as this piece of trumpet acrobatics progressed, you can see his confidence build. And the fact that he fought his way back and ended the piece in a flourish of virtuosity is a testament to what a powerhouse of a trumpeter he was and still is. Bravo to this legend!

[@dwerden]

The composer told me that they did have their usual "run-out" concert before the TV show. That would allow a dry run under less pressure. So he thought Doc was a bit more nervous than usual for this particular performance.

[@spydersweb2]

despite all, wow what a sound he has!

[@dapaulson1]

If you have ever run a marathon, no matter how many you have run, you always feel a great sense of anxiety before the gun goes off, as you know what kind of a challenge lies before you. It isn't until you pass the halfway mark that you gain a complete sense that you are going to finish. Even with that knowledge you know the wheels can fall off at any time. This musical piece is a marathon and the same sensations have to go through the entire body while playing this monster piece.

[@redleg56]

Doc a bit off is better than most at their best, and it is not like he was a kid when he did this.

[@WhalerGA]

@@Jamiewaltjr Uh, no. Doc does not have Parkinson's.

[@cruptbside]

No matter how much fame and fortune this man achieves, He never ceases to provide the world with the most excellent of trumpet playing. Is there a harder worker in show business?

[@ChannelMaster720]

I had no idea Doc Severinsen was so accomplished. The trumpet he plays out shines any other trumpet player, present or past. He's a fun man, too, with a great sense of humor. And, did I mention . . .handsome, too! SYLVIA -FL 05-26-2018

[@johnmohanmusic]

Who on earth would thumbs-down this video?!?!?!

[@johnmohanmusic]

Fantastic playing, and as others have written, the Andante section in the middle is just so pretty. This video and performance have just confirmed my long held opinion that Doc Severinsen is in terms of overall playing ability the greatest trumpet player that has ever lived. I've never heard a player who can play all types of music at the Virtuoso level.

[@drbobvs]

Talk about a Master of their instrument! A true talent if there ever was one.

[@giuseppemanca4278]

Doc Severinsen, il più rappresentativo dei trombettisti, per eccellenza......dall'italia con ammirazione

[@dapaulson1]

What a monster of a piece this is. This could be reaching the outer limit of what brass players are capable of playing. Has any trumpet player recorded this since Severinsen? I doubt it.

[@dwerden]

Not that I know of. But it has been recorded by 2 euphonium players: me and Steven Mead! The same was true when I "borrowed" Claude Smith's Rondo for Trumpet while in the Coast Guard. The publisher told now one had rented it since Doc's original performances. Later, Steven Mead recorded, and Raymond G. Young and Ann Baldwin Hinote (USAFB) performed it, among others.

[@MsHorn99]

I have seen Doc live on numerous occasions in the past 40 years. He always looks that way. I think it is intensity and he is taking in every single thing around him.

[@kdm71291]

That triple-tonguing he was doing was insane! I could never do it that fast!

[@afreudisiac]

+kdm71291 fast Triple tonguing never bored me but the trouble is I cant get high sounds after the high C. Too bad but I am not anymore a double high C man !

[@kdm71291]

afreudisiac I wouldn't think it would "bore" you, but yeah, that is too bad. I haven't played in so long that I'd be lucky to have a ten note range and I'm sure my tonal quality is horrific!

[@brooksvilleguy]

he never disappoints me. every instrumentalist wishes they had doc's confidence and technique. still the greatest.

[@coolbreeze161]

thanks,I briefly met doc at the nbc studios in burbank about 20 years ago when he was on the tonight show/johnny.he was very cool for his age.have a merry christmas.

[@jttrumpet55]

Beautifully done! Doc's the man.....

[@CattailCat]

Excellence unending. Doc Severinsen. 💕❤🎵🎶

[@jama2471]

Que grandioso maestro trompetista y la orquesta espectacular. Felicitaciones

[@WildWing-wl7nj]

I don't think there was anyone better than Doc.

[@waynebritton1436]

I also want to mention Doc talks about his stage fright. Says he has it every performance. He said that he would try to incorporate it by accepting it as his old friend that showed up every night to help him play. This piece is especially hard. When I went to see him live I arrived early snuck in and Doc was alone practicing the harder licks. He was screwing up bad. However he nailed it during the performance. Someone who commented said Maynard could play this if he worked on it. One of Docs greatest talents is his endurance. Maynard never played more than a minute without a breather. Once again I love Maynard just different players with different abilities. It’s what makes the trumpet so great. So many styles. The reason people compare them is they were both talented during the same era. Watch the Monster Oil summer with Doc you tube videos. He tells it like it is.

[@marksnschwartz7190]

For non-trumpet players, one of the remarkable features of this performance is Doc is performing on a trumpet keyed in Bb instead of C. Most classical trumpet players would never even consider playing this piece on other than the higher-pitched C trumpet. For example, Tim Morrison and Tom Rolfs - the principal and second trumpets, respectively - are playing on C Trumpets. Some above mention the fact they detect a hint of trepidation or timidity on Doc’s part at playing this relatively difficult classical piece. I didn’t personally notice any hesitancy, although both Tim and Tom have played more conventional versions of this piece. That is because Doc is a big band trumpet player with classical training and skills, while Tim and Tom - who both can play in a jazz-tinged style - are more at home and frequently perform in that genre. Nevertheless, Doc is the gold standard and both Tim and Tom would readily agree. Tim was the principal of the Boston Pops and premiered many of John Williams’ most iconic trumpet solos (Summon the Heroes, Born on the Fourth of July, as just two examples). Tom Rolfs is the current principal trumpet of the Boston Symphony and Pops and is considered one of the very best orchestral trumpeters performing today. I was privileged to perform with both at one time and with Doc, as well. Doc is one of my all-time trumpet heroes!

[@АлексейВасильев-з6ф]

Потрясающе!!!

[@dwerden]

I heard from the composer that the usually would do "run-out" concerts first get the feel for everything, but this time they did the premier right there on live TV. But I have noticed over the years that Doc seems to look nervous when he plays "classical" music. In this video he seemed to look and sound more relaxed in the middle "ballad" section - it's right up his alley and part of his comfort zone, I suspect.

[@obbzerver]

Doc was pushing 70 here, I'm afraid the years were starting to noticeably erode his once superhuman technical facility in marked contrast to how he was playing even five years earlier when he was still pretty much the Doc of old. By the "Night Of 1000 Trumpets" about five years after this it was **really** obvious. He couldn't get through the more demanding parts of the Staigers Carnival Of Venice anymore which he used to play with ridiculous ease and had been performing since he was a pre-teen. After he struggled with CoV in rehearsal for No1000T they left it out of the program unless they just edited it out of the concert video I have.

[@CattailCat]

He has always been and always will be the all in all in trumpet playing and personality. I think it unfair that you disgrace him by mentioning his age and insinuating that he is any less talented no more capable of excellence in his music as he was at any age. I will defend Doc to the death, to me he can do no wrong.. It is not your place to critique him or insult him or insinuate he is slipping. Unless you have something true to say about his musical ability keep your negativity to yourself.

[@obbzerver]

@Cattail2019 Cat - feel better now? Lol... 🤣

[@tomschlueter7034]

@@CattailCat In my mind, no one could be a bigger Doc fan than I (since 1967), but it's a fact of the human race that we all "decay". We are all getting older and at some point can't do the things the same as we could in our prime, no matter the skill. I have my opinion about when Doc's prime was, but to me the important thing is, he ALWAYS has something to express and it always comes out through his horn. That's what music is all about, not that someone can play something technically perfect.

[@dwerden]

It's a common technique with commercial trumpet players, called "hand vibrato." Many players feel that it gives them better control compared to lip or diaphragm vibrato.

[@evdallas123]

I've never used hand vibrato in 45 years

[@ericdaniel323]

@@evdallas123 Doc did it all the time and his idol, Harry James, did as well. In the first movement he looked like he may have been dealing with some nerves as well, though. As hard as that is to believe about a man who played for millions every night on the Tonight Show.

[@ps598]

Bravíssimo!!!!!! Maravilha!!!!

[@kenzo5716]

Another excellent performance by Doc. Wonderful piece of music, indeed. Very emotional. Also listen to Doc play "Herman's Concerto" on youtube. I saw him perform this at Florida State University in the late 60s. Tremendous piece.

[@evdallas123]

The master of vibrato

[@herzog46]

Doc è grande come tromba e show man. E' eroico che con un pezzo simile ci abbia provato senza lasciarci una sola penna..........ma questa non è musica per lui.

[@joymudgett4037]

you GO Doc!!! I can ONLY HOPE to play tis awesome!!!!! (when I am what.......80???) He is frickin' INCREDIBLE ya all!! GO DOC!! From a Minnesota girl, to YOU! Love you Doc!!! ~joy

[@EuphoricImpact]

Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate all you contribute to the You Tube community. Peace.

[@walrustipsguide9513]

I wouldn't say "don't listen to other trumpeters". Listen to as many instruments as you can AND singers too. Melodic tendency is what you want to listen to when working on improving tone, style, etc. This is something all instrumentalists and vocalists should do.

[@drbobvs]

No matter how good you are, after watching this you feel like an amateur.

[@JediMasterOW]

ikr lol

[@krystof2543]

Not after watching this...

[@waynebritton1436]

I saw Doc do this piece in his 80 s. If you know anything about the Trumpet the runs are incredibly difficult and look like a really difficult key that doesn’t lay well on the horn. Most people would look at it and put it down. I love Maynard but he wouldn’t even attempt this. Watch the beginning of the movie Uncle Joe Shannon. The Trumpet parts were Maynard’s and he was attempting classical. Compare it to this. Doc is very complimentary concerning Maynard said he could do it all. He couldn’t do this. And I’m a huge Maynard fan.

[@oliver13942]

al hirt aurait pu le jouer!!!

[@obbzerver]

@Wayne Britton - Maynard attended a classical conservatory on a full-ride scholarship - he was on track to be a symphonic trumpeter until he got the jazz bug. Same with Bill Chase. I'm sure their approach was different in those days than from the era you're familiar with hearing them.

[@waynebritton1436]

@@oliver13942 I agree with that. Al Hirt was the greatest Dixieland player who ever lived.

[@facc2007]

grande doc , si tiene ese tic de tiempos y aparte a esa edad tocar como el lo hace es un grande

[@pauloperereira6337]

Excelente

[@TheInvincibleViolet]

Doc xxxxxxxxxxx !!!!!

[@actionsigns8008]

You "critics" are crazy!!! This is great playing of a very difficult piece of music. It is music... not a contest! The only reason you want to compare Doc to Ferguson is that they are only a handful of people who can play in that range. Once again... it is not a contest! Just enjoy the music! And you crazy nerds who want to critique Doc's technique, you sound like stupid fools! You can't do it. And neither can anyone else.

[@19401341]

Fantastic performance of a beautiful piece even though the trumpet's second valve action looked a little slow. The trumpet looked like a benge but I'm not sure. I'm adding this to my Doc Severinson collection.

[@afreudisiac]

thanks mate

[@capncmbk]

What is that wood percussion instrument at 7:06?

[@saturnined]

You guys are probably right about his nervousness. Hard to tell. But to me it looks like he's sight reading. Kinda like Al Hirt's Haydn Concerto with the Boston Pops. Putting music in front of them is like putting them in a straight jacket.

[@petechapman301]

As great as that was, Doc, being the perfectionist that he is, wasn't entirely happy with that performance. That's why he's so great. Never satisfied, always striving to be better.

[@markwhitney5821]

Well said Peter!

[@brooksvilleguy]

I can't see how any one would say he looked like anything except in complete command. every one knows when doc plays; it's all business.

[@ВасилийБезпояско]

Супер Дед! Слушал с открытым ртом )

[@ProfFeinman]

The major problem with hand vibrato is that classical musicians look down on it. Doc didn’t have that problem.

[@RawwrBunny]

Oh my god I could never play that fast.

[@emailforval]

+RawwrBunny If you start playing the piece very slow until it is flawless then set your metronome at a comfortable pace. Play it through, click the metronome up two more clicks, play it through until flawless, then click it up two more clicks play it as many times as it takes to make it flawless, then two more clicks and so on and so one. You will be amazed how fast you can play something

[@rufinotzompantzixochitiotz870]

Como sufre ¡¡¡

[@unwindzen]

Trumpeteers: Putting aside the overall virtuosity, Is the playing all clean? Some passages sound like not quite enough air(which is o.k. in jazz). I don't think he is nervous, but stressed. With nerves you are not in control and your I.Q. decreases; with stress you can be optimal performance with a boost in I.Q. Think of ping pong with someone you hate.

[@saturnined]

Ha! So this is now part of the trumpet repertoire. Good luck kiddies!

[@assignmentearth2899]

Doc! Playing a New York Bach?

[@brassplyer]

Re: comments below regarding Doc appearing nervous, part of it might be attributed to unfamiliarity with the piece but at this point Doc was 68 and it's clear things weren't coming as easily to him.

[@tstorace]

Hey, I resemble that remark.. wait, what were we talking about??.. :)

[@CattailCat]

That's absolutely ridiculous.Doc can play anything in any genre without difficulty. He can play circles around any Trumpeter living or dead. I'm really tired if reading here how aged he is and how his skills are not as they were when he was younger. You need to learn some respect and by the way he's just as great as he always was.

[@erikandreasbonde551]

This piece would probaly sound easier on ex Eb or piccolo?

[@randysterbentz5599]

Is Doc also a string player? Cuz I notice that he wiggles his hand on the valves whenever he uses vibrato

[@gertnood]

Is that Cillian Murphy's brother conducting?

[@chazinmo58]

Does anyone know when this was recorded?

[@dwerden]

May 10, 1995, Symphony Hall, Boston

[@chazinmo58]

So he was about 68 when he did this. I have no excuses. :-) I just now thought about not just how great he is is playing here, but man, that is some serious endurance.

[@robgrune3284]

Doc is best at the big band repertoire. Classical stuff is not his bag, and it shows.

[@lbird2]

Agreed but I've heard him do better with style of music. Off night?

[@alfonsogarcimartin8716]

Mucha partitura para este señor ya está muy mayor

[@evdallas123]

He's at least 65 in this

[@ericdaniel323]

This was May of '95, so he was just shy of 68.

[@brooksvilleguy]

no; he wasn't. but he tried hard to extend his range in songs like, 'pagliaci.' maynard might have gotten through this; if he practiced it methodically for a few weeks. just as mendez had his classical repertoire in the 40's. but; neither had the technical and sight reading ability doc has. I will give maynard credit as a consummate brassman who played every piston valve instrument, including euphonium and valve trombone, although he didn't in later years. mendez played very staccato.

[@ЮрийКофанов-п8н]

Ок

[@ЮрийКофанов-п8н]

ДОС super

[@TheTrompetissimo]

Trumpet technique wise - Doc is far above Ferguson! Doc is a faboulus entertainment trumpeter, Ferguson where just screaming. I do not know all the concerts where Ferguson in general just played the scream part..... When this is said - this performance from Doc is really not representative for him! sound like he have not had enough time to practise the piece!

[@Al_Cuore_Ramon]

Doc sei un grande ma il classico fallo suonare a chi sa farlo...molto molto sporco

[@TheOlds1958]

This is a really sadistical piece - except for the middle mvt. Otherwise, the composer ought to have his ASCAP whipped. Some realy tough passages for no real musical value. No wonder Doc is nervous. It's a high-wire act without a net.

[@siegfriedhorner4436]

For those who don't think this was as polished as it could have been, bear in mind that Doc was in his 80's when playing this. Most brass players, even if they could play it, will have already hung up their instrument by that age. As for the piece, not much, and mediocre at best. Great job Doc !

[@romanmohylevyts]

Poor doc, he was getting old as well, but he just nails it anyway.

[@kgoerbig]

We all loved Maynard, but he was not a classical player. Just not his thing.

[@trumpetvids]

If you ever see this reply you might be surprised to hear that in his youth Maynard attended a classical conservatory on scholarship. He was on track to be a symphonic player.

[@brooksvilleguy]

only maynard ferguson might have played this near as well.

[@jimbizness3864]

I love Maynard, but have yet to hear one example of him playing a technically challenging piece (assuming "technical" means something other than high notes). Can't imagine he could have gotten through this one without MAJOR disasters all over the place.

[@joncuenca4623]

not impressed... he is clearly not a classical musician.. he is great at jazz on the other hand... but too sloppy for classical