Fauré: Elegy (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

For more classes like this one, please visit the Benjamin Zander Center - www.benjaminzander.org/
Alan Toda-Ambaras, cello; Dina Vainshtien, piano
Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
with Benjamin Zander
Dave Jamrog Audio/video

[@kaiserthegreat]

"The last six inches of bow is where death lies." Wow.

[@rosekopelowitz5069]

TRUE. THAT.

[@sammuelshore]

Michael Kaiser V vvvbbvbbb Vvvbbvbbb. Vv. Vvvbbvbbb. Vvvbbvbbb. V b b b b. B b. B b b b b b b. B. B b

[@foxmulder8955]

thats what she.... Forgive me

[@hassansoliman970]

@@foxmulder8955 I was waiting for that comment :'D

[@chrisk8187]

BRILLIANT! tears.....tears.......tears......te

[@shintafukuda2274]

19:56 : “No no, no no no, the mistake was fine, it didn’t matter at all, we think mistakes matter: *mistakes don’t matter!”* 26:36 : “And what happened when you played like that, people actually forget about *you.* They don’t *think* about the cello, they think about *their* life and *their* experiences, and *their* memories and *their* relationships, and the… the freedom that comes from experiencing deep sadness through music. And it’s not about you at all. Isn’t that an amazing discovery?! And it frees you, it frees you to be fully available and present to what you’re giving.” - Benjamin Zander

[@esthershih5575]

like a bob ross for music. wow.

[@NoName-zn1sb]

@@esthershih5575 Bill Alexander

[@ScaramouchedaVinci]

You are so right!

[@shirleyrombough8173]

You're right. When people relate their own lives to the music the musician has succeeded in his or her mission.

[@amaanshafi1585]

That is the mission of music: to reach people’s hearts

[@jordannelson8267]

Benjamin Zander reminds us that beyond the technical aspects of music we are here to fully express the wide range of emotions that composers have laid out before us. As a musician, we must be confident enough to display our vulnerabilities in the hopes of reaching out to our listeners.

[@feelslikeflying23]

Jordan Nelson thank you for writing this

[@beckyp9633]

Well said!

[@oldbird4601]

I think what he does is incredibly difficult how do you advise musicians past the technicality? Isn’t art subjective? I like how he helps musicians look at things differently rather than imposing his own interpretation. He may sound like a crack pot sometimes but that is precisely what opens their eyes to what they want to express when they play a piece

[@jackwaserman9235]

Absolutely...a common theme for all these students!

[@jordannelson8267]

@@oldbird4601 Art is most definitely subjective. I think one has to spend a LOT of time developing and mastering their technique in order to fully express the vulnerability that the musicality often presents. Life experience helps as well haha

[@ivancarlson953]

i'm a perfectionist. i used to hate getting critiqued about my performances to the point it took the fun out of playing and don't play anymore. I was taking it the wrong way. Mr. Zander has helped me see why the critique is there. He is trying to make you better... and he will always do that no matter how good you are. "My job is to make other people powerful." He also points out what music is and why we do it. It's so easy to get lost in the details and forget the objective. "It's not about you, it's about them or the message."

[@anneblackk]

Did you play the cello? Did you stop? Such a shame.

[@MrxEVILCRAZYx]

"Let's see if we can bring Death into this room." wow..

[@StarCastersUniverse]

I started watching his lessons at work and almost cried and had to stop till i got home so i can cry freely lol

[@nickolasburns8788]

starcasters try not to cry when he does the interpretation of the Elgar op 85 piece... or just let yourself weep like I did. 😬

[@malabhargava]

It was beautiful

[@bensteiner2296]

@@nickolasburns8788 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

[@wolfgangk1]

YES!!!!!

[@RicardoMinoda]

bravo!

[@raevajohnson9195]

I hope that one day, some time in the future, the pandemic will pass. I want to be able to sit in a room, united with the rest of the people listening, with how touched we are by the music.

[@myeongjinkim5864]

After watching this.. I played my Cello for awhile and realized how lucky I am... Cello is the most beautiful instrument and being able to teaching my students is the best thing...

[@DeeKeener]

Bravo. Passing our love of music through cello playing is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our students and audience. 😊

[@LuBre]

23:00 and 25:08 this is where music penetrates the heart of the audience. That's what Zander wants.

[@ccflute]

6:23 "this is beautiful, but death is not present in this room" i gasped in awe. truly a maestro thing to say... and then the explanation... toll bell and wailing and sobbing and emptiness and loving memory... so intuitive and poignant. every phrase becomes meaningful. i have known this piece at least for two decades but until now never realized how piercing it could be.

[@avatar098]

Even the pianist does not catch a break. Spectacular lesson by Benjamin Zander

[@Jozz_Music]

Shout out to that incredible accompanist! She's on so many of these and universally provides beautiful and artistic co-creation of the world's most beautiful music. Brava!

[@RoxanneM-]

She does it every time. What a great gift.

[@andrewknight8778]

It’s really really hard to play! And yet she doesn’t attract focus, just plays her part and supports. Wonderful!

[@waltuh2.3bviews3secondsago3]

Yeah this is the only time I’ve seen her and I can tell that she is an amazing accompanist

[@davelars6767]

Mr. Zander is a master at masterclasses! Most masterclasses are, "You played it that way, but now listen to my way?" He didn't even play, and brought the essence of the music to the great young player, the pianist, and the audience! Great!

[@cindymcfarlane9371]

Dave Lars love him!

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@cindymcfarlane9371 Who was this old codger. The guy was doing it perfectly and the old chap was ruining it by stamping his feat, talking waffle, and singing off key!

[@SaintMu]

@@PreservationEnthusiast wow. Should you really be here?

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@SaintMu I like classical music. The cellist was doing fine. I though the old guy ruined it. Why shouldn't I be here. I'm entitled to express an opinion same as you. Would you care to set out your "rules" on who or who not should be here?

[@SeaRasp]

It’s a lot harder to explain with words than to give a demonstration on the instrument

[@LanceClark]

By the time I reach the end of these videos, I'm in tears. The transformation from competent musician to artist is palpable; their performance shows it.

[@GreatcampAdventures]

When I hear this piece I think about how much Faure's must have loved his wife. I hope I can love someone that much one day, and if I could be so lucky... For them to love me in return.

[@noahcole6622]

The music is here to teach us how

[@christonks7147]

There are no words. Benjamin Zander changes lives.

[@thestuffmonster9856]

Note to self: 4:10 vs 22:44

[@gab2550]

from correct to masterful in 18 minutes!

[@floys8939]

Wow, what a difference. Look at the faces in the audience, too. From almost bored to deeply touched.

[@dvderek]

Wow

[@ccflute]

my goodness... i welled up as i listened... such profound difference!

[@NicoleFelker1673]

Of all the master classes I've watched, this one hit me most.

[@anthonycooper3191]

This performance by all three of the musicians was truly a privilege to watch. Benjamin Zander is such a wonderful interpreter and teacher of classical music. Everyone present was witnessing a true master musician at work. Thank you so much for putting this wonderful video on KZbin.

[@zoeedmonson1396]

Well I cried the whole time watching this video. Music has so many different meanings in so many peoples lives and this piece touched me like no other. And Benjamin's words touched my heart in a way no other musician has. Thank you.

[@mattiafioravanti8475]

7:51 RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, accompanying pianist!

[@amitsriam]

One of the best classes.. Benjamin Zander is such a gem of a teacher.. :) and such a beautiful piece by Faure

[@jazz_intown4723]

23:00 25:08 My goal is to make my music so wonderful people are going to listen with these looks on their faces...

[@LeonGaufre]

This is the goal of music

[@simonchallandes2749]

I understand that so much! I also want it so much !

[@amaanshafi1585]

@@LeonGaufre yes it is

[@jebrainbowsheep5775]

This is the first time I've cried about my grandfather since he died.

[@sebastiaoedsonmacedo7950]

This is truly a lesson for life, not only for playing Faurè!

[@isaiahbaggett5014]

The audience is entranced, all but totally hypnotized ;)

[@Sarkomedy]

The amount of pure emotion put into this piece just had my on the verge of tears, it was such a transcendental transformation with Benjamin Zander!

[@siwy4don]

That last 6 inches of bow is a dagger in the heart.

[@rp1672]

It's amazing how much Benjamin Zander can make me fall even more in love with this piece. I didn't think it was possible!

[@tudorcrismariu]

What a blessing these lessons... humanity heritage!! Thank you Benjamin

[@MihailoDasic]

Simply astounding, I'm moved, truly. What a valuable lesson for every musician out there, having this masterclass available for watching is a true privilege.

[@ricochet4674]

he brings the emotion and life back into music that is often left out when you're just trying to get yourself to play better. he brings back to the forefront what is reeky the essence of music and why we do it.

[@brodhax6148]

This guy seems to be one of the most talented students, as he already has most of it down. Very little instruction from Zander needed

[@Tlox06]

Oh... it´s the same everytime I watch one of your classes Benjamin, I cry like a baby, you teach me so much about music and humanity

[@gracewen1330]

Me too

[@charlesdavis7087]

Breathtaking !!! Plato was supposed to have once said that "music was the only gift given to man by the gods that gives direct access to the soul." But he thought it was too powerful for most people to truly understand. And yet, that's what you're doing Zander. You're evoking both the presences of Thalia as well as of Psyche. Bravo. The whole series is a Master Work. Congratulations.

[@quynhaugust9592]

Love your comment.

[@too_many_chromosomes5876]

The soloist looks like neo from the matrix

[@emma-pu3on]

Note to self: 6:32 9:00 9:47 10:40 11:25 12:39 13:46 14:09 14:33 17:42 21:29 21:58 23:50

[@MsPea]

"Perfection is great, but it's not everything." - Benjamin Zander

[@TechTomVideo]

its amazing how Benjamin can elevate one up to an entire new level in Minutes

[@andreafarias6133]

Thanks to every single person in that room..this video is a huge present

[@ilikemuhprvacy9063]

I'd like to hear a studio recording of his interpretation

[@Nymeria0]

I’m a flute player, both of their interpretations have me tears. Wow! Incredibly well played and adaptation to all of the suggestions

[@michaelpaulsmith4619]

I want Alan Toda to play this at my funeral. It's so moving and Alan's power to express the inexpressible goes way beyond words. Benjamin helps, as always, but really, it was there all the time.

[@GiaMeziridis]

What a wise Teacher, it is a great privilege to have such experienced Mentor with us, thank you, Mr. Zander.

[@katemitchell3371]

This is my favorite video on the internet.

[@rosekopelowitz5069]

My senior year of high school is bringing me some tough challenges, the least of which is preparing for a recital in just over a month. It's great to have a reminder that my music doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to tell a story. I hope to find my own path as a musician instead of simply doing what's expected of me. I hope to be half the teacher that Benjamin Zander is.

[@SabrinaMRood]

Rose, how wise you already are as a senior in high school! At your age I was aware that the competitive buzz at conservatory was not in the least bit interesting and that the music was the thing, communicating and reaching people. I hope that your recital was a good experience for you and the audience!

[@euomu]

You’re on the righ track, that’s for sure!

[@gucker07]

Too much hippie shit in the comments. Technical proficiency is important, deny it all you want. Nobody will want to listen to you for long if you "tell a story" but tell it badly

[@mimi-hy2re]

@@gucker07 to be fair, i don't think anyone is really saying technique isn't important, more just technique isn't all there is to music. the cellist in the video's technique was really good but it didn't convey the emotion of the piece, which is kinda the point of music. you can tell the emotional response from the audience in the beginning of the video to the end was totally different!

[@javadkhakbaz8016]

Correction to one thing Mr. Zander has stated here: Fauré did not compose Elegy on the occasion of his wife’s death. It was dedicated to cellist Jules Loeb who was alive and well and indeed performed the piece.

[@theponderingplumb9790]

I cried. This is amazing gift to have preserved this fine masterclass

[@conbrio44]

I have to write fro newspaper a credit about a concert and listen to this to prepare my listening. What a wonderful experience! I cried sometimes listening what and how Mr. Zander analysed this music.

[@joshuapursey]

Jeeze, quite unbeatable. Remarkable playing and Zander is brilliant - just let the emotions flow

[@hasratherawi9424]

What a beautiful piece of music . God bless Faure .

[@TerezaPlankova]

This is one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

[@f.johannaperez6952]

That music is the medicine for the soul

[@ericoschmitt]

This whole class is an art piece in itself. I love they captured the audience's reactions so well!

[@lukmettens1408]

Very moving masterclass, there is a transformation happening before your eyes and ears, a great gift as the maestro says !

[@rayhardin1066]

Beyond just music-making, this reveals the humanity behind the composition; and the humanity within the performers. Thanks to all of you for creating and giving so much beauty.

[@adrianoseresi3525]

Fauré is supremely underrated. I suggest taking a look at his piano quartets.

[@e.hutchence-composer8203]

All of his chamber music. The Piano Trio too.

[@oldbird4601]

Which one? He wrote 2 I think

[@theluher]

YES

[@pauljohnson6233]

After this masterclass it makes one wonder how this wonderful piece can be interpreted in any other way.

[@patrikbohunsky4316]

The feeeling this man have ... It´s unbelievable

[@pedrooliveira2089]

Who's this old soul?! Damn, I was composing my first orchestra (totally newb here) and I'm just astounded with his teachings! Surely I'll bring his teachings from this and other videos to what I'm doing

[@shirleyrombough8173]

I love Zander. He places the musician where he or she needs to be to bring the meaning of the piece to us.

[@michaels7889]

How fortunate those young people are to have such brilliant aware coaching. Why was I born 70 years too early!

[@tarashakti1990]

The best master class ever!! I understand more The Elegy here...thank you Monsieur Benjamin Zander.

[@bighornbill1]

Damn! What he gets out of this piece! This is what music is all about.

[@leotello864]

OMG i fell in love with this piece ToT

[@henniebogan1966]

Until I had satellite radio, I had never been a fan of classical music. From there I became a fan, which led me to YT, which led me to Benjamin Zander. Benjamin has a God-given gift. He is able to help us feel thru music. To experience emotions thru active listening. And to appreciate life in a much deeper and more meaningful way. Thank you Benjamin for sharing your gift with the world.

[@bonnerbill]

This goes beyond music - wonderful

[@psychologicalfeedback2157]

Oh my goodness. I just melted. Beautiful

[@davidbee8178]

Benjamin Zander is an angel and an angel to music - so amazingly kind in transferring his deep deep knowledge of music with unbounded enthusiasm - and the musicians he coaches in his interpretation classes are all really very talented. It is SO very inspiring to see this master of music and interpretation at work - the audience is so rapt with awe and attention too : )

[@plstrom]

this man is a master of keeping people on the string .. amazing

[@niapawina]

Nothing fancy to say. That was just beautiful. So beautiful.

[@kenelliott8562]

This dude CRUSHED IT!!! Intonation, vibrato, phrasing, balance w/ piano . . . GORGEOUS! The speed was a bit fast for my liking, but . . . As Shakespeare said, "To each his own". Wow what a wonderful all around performance . . . It was even better the 3rd time around! The old guy is right! Death is a big bonus!! Who knew??

[@mohamedekady307]

Well I'm here for hours and i hope that when i reach sir benjamin age i can feel passionate and have a mind can still taste feelings and being drowned in notes

[@abdullahabouradi914]

But this wasn't for his wife, his wife died after him, it was for the loss of loved ones in ones' life.

[@Conan_Obrien]

Though I'm a young man, after watching 5 or 6 of these, I've come to realize I have a huge crush on that pianist.

[@suzyshealy]

I love the Interpretation Class videos! What beautiful blessings they are!!! I am saving all of them ♥️

[@lukester478]

he gets so into it, i love it. such a passion.

[@axiomist1076]

This man is a master. Love watching ( and hearing) these vids.

[@Pitborn]

It is great that we may enjoy this. Zander opens the eyes and the hearts for what music is all about. Fantastic. Having said this, however, I do not see how the following cold data fit into Zander's warm story: The Elegy was written in 1880 and had its first performance in 1883, the year when Fauré and Marie Frémiet married. He died in 1924, Marie in 1926. It is true that previously there had been an (unhappy) engagement, in 1877, which may have been broken off around the time when he composed his Elegy. But this is just speculative. I do not know any source with details, in particular, whether the girl died or someone else's death had any influence in the composition.

[@SuperMorriso]

what a beautiful everything

[@johnnyvcrow]

That last note...... Wow... The sound of a feeling.

[@MulanHLJ]

Gorgeous and powerful playing and coaching! That's the power of music

[@AllenAcNguyen]

This video helps me of winning the UIL state competition because I made it to the state! Elegy is part of memorial. ~Allen

[@lebroucke]

Zander's passion is so enormous and beautiful he didn´t even need to be so awesome!

[@benmeitzen4184]

So much passion and excellence! Well done on both of them!

[@wapolo1974]

What beautiful, delicate playing. Bravo!

[@dunjakrsmanovic]

Cried the whole time! This is fabulous, I am obsessed

[@dvygolov]

Wow, what an amazing lesson!

[@PbPomper]

What an amazing piece of music. So much emotion! Beautiful!

[@LorenzoDeLeon]

Great as always. That said, having never heard about the background story I checked it out. And it’s not true : Fauré never wrote this piece for his dead wife. He actually was engaged with Marianne Viardot in 1877, but she left him and he got into depression. This Elegy - that was initially the central movement of a sonata he never achieved - was written in 1880, so it may have been influenced by the grief of Marianne’s breaking, but not her death. He actually married Marie Frémiet… 3 years after the Elegy (and she lived until 1925 !) So : nice trick maestro ;-)

[@stevewisniewski5860]

Absolutely beautiful that one cannot rate with a grade. Thank you for sharing and keep playing.

[@MartinHatchuel]

Benjamin Zander just gets better and better

[@carluy7351]

the woman at 23:00 gets me everytime. i feel you ma'am. i cri evritym too...

[@feelslikeflying23]

One of my favourite videos on KZbin

[@teila211]

How come I've never heard this peice before! It's so beautiful❤

[@lawrobi]

Is that me or are those young cellists sound way better (or at least as good as) than YoYo Ma after having been through the Benjamin Zander's interpretation filter? It's amazing the changes Zander give to the sound of those already extraordinary musicians

[@FuyaoZhao]

exact same feeling

[@samgibb-randall5743]

Yo Yo's playing is usually a bit more understated, which doesn't fit as well with this piece- but is great for pieces like the Bach Suites.

[@imp1074]

"We need people who are capable of responding." ah yes! Not ReActing! Responding! Listen up Facebook. and Thank you BZ. You are a gift to humanity.

[@LSD4DLS]

Oh my.. such amazing tutelage for a wonderful composition that was already so spectacularly done. Bravo! Go home :)

[@uansu5132]

He is a great cellist , great masterclass

[@cena135797531]

It's so lucky of me cuz i can watch sooo precious lesson such this for free!!!! thanks! So moved.