Gymnopédie on Guitar: A Decade of Musical Progress!

🎸Download the Guitar TAB/Score with my fingerings and dynamics: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangem...
In this video, I play Gymnopédie #1 for the first time on recording in 10 years. Which version did you prefer?
Guitar by Brian Itzkin: @itzkin_guitars on Instagram, [e-mail], Itzkinguitars.com
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:09 Video quality
1:50 What I did well
2:19 What's an "OSTINATO?"
4:56 Arpeggiato.com
5:31 What key is this piece in?
7:26 Melody Vs. Accompaniment
7:44 Rushing...
9:09 Learn about the composer
10:00 Study the original version
10:26 Excess movement
12:24 The ending
13:05 NEW PERFORMANCE
16:07 The art of interpretation
16:44 How to improve your guitar playing
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#guitar #gymnopedie #brandonacker

[@brandonacker]

🎸Download the Guitar TAB/Score of Gymnopedie with my fingerings and dynamics: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangements/ LABOR DAY SALE: 25% OFF lessons at Arpeggiato.com (promo code: SATIE. Expires Sept. 4)

[@validationboy]

Your humble self reflection and fearless honesty reveal your true wisdom, brother 🙏

[@Jheff_OTraveller]

So bro, I thought it was really cool from the first time I saw it but I'm an amateur, but I think the older video can still inspire others to like classical music and guitar more like me for example, maybe a good idea would be for you to leave it linked to the old video its most recent interpretation, so whoever opens the old video at the end clicks on the recent one and sees its musical evolution. Another idea would also be to create a folder just for old videos that they consider that way, like Essays of the Past or Experiences of the Past. You are the man, congratulations for what you do and the inspirations you leave behind. 🎸🤘❤‍🔥

[@jaredmccain7518]

Even though you dislike that old video I enjoy it all the time. It's very relaxing and peaceful. So please don't take it down.

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

Everybody is their own worst critic.

[@RKKPvP]

@@AnthonySmith-sc4zsOr best critic

[@bliss45]

True. It is amazing

[@azorailke6057]

I prefer this new one. But Leon S. Kennedy playing Gymnopedie is still a sight to behold! EDIT: Grats on 500k subscribers!

[@Weedhammer247]

Lol the resemblance is insane. Like even the lighting is RE4 lighting

[@ReizokoRyu]

LMAO that's the first thing I thought too

[@richarddurham7111]

this should be the top comment

[@YannisFyssas]

Def Leon!

[@ThatGenericDude]

Leon playing Minecraft music is a good vid

[@pandeleeds007]

It's not about the music. It's about the LEON VIBE

[@alessandronavone6731]

Can you maybe upload the new version as a standalone? It's a beautiful version, I'd love to listen to it from time to time.

[@brandonacker]

I plan to :) Thank you!

[@Ciruelatron]

Yesss

[@Gondorff273]

😊

[@Adimant2097]

@@brandonackerstill waiting 😁

[@trnslash]

still waiting

[@brianspenst1374]

Both versions have their own charm. The first video is filled with the enthusiasm of youth. I don't mind the speeding up and slowing down. It was your honest interpretation at that stage of your life. The 2nd version is filled with your fully matured musical self. The small, emotional imperfections of the first attempt have been replaced with the small, purposefully selected imperfections that deepen the emotion of this piece. This is really why so many people have performed and recorded this specific Satie piece. It is so slowly paced that it allows the musician to take their time and fully explore their inner emotions through the instrument. It gives the player and listener time to ponder.

[@Love-Is-Kind]

🤗💯🎯👏👏👏👏 Agreed.

[@claryss682]

This is a beautiful description

[@ninoding]

The vampire never ages, he only becomes more experienced with time.

[@beatrixguitar]

This was sooo wholesome! I also find it hard to listen to and appreciate my old recordings, and I loved the idea how you approached it from the perspective of improvment and that it's natural that we are all just moving forward. Every step is an important stage that led us to be wherever we are now. :)

[@Brianitzkin]

his new guitar is wayyyyy better too

[@brandonacker]

Thank you, Beatrix!

[@kenthomas9578]

This the most honest and modestly presented self critique I personally have ever witnessed anywhere. With my eyes closed I can hear and feel the differences in the presentations of the piece. Both are beautiful.

[@michaelwaynemartin3291]

Same, but with my new recordings also 😂😢

[@CanadianDivergent]

I'm 56. I should be declining in my technique at this age but I'm not. in fact its improving. Brandon, its amazing how time flies, every moment is precious. my journey was like yours. I started as a fingerstyle country-blues guy, then a shredder, then became classical guitarist and loved that with all my heart. it took me till 30 to realize how much more I love the cello I cant imagine not playing it now, and have reached an advanced level on that. the pieces I played on guitar were cello repertoire. Now I am taking guitar repertoire to the cello.

[@noahtrock]

I prefer the new recording. It shows much more mature understanding and respect for the themes. Beautiful.

[@Randyball711]

Brandon, there is a reason why so many people enjoyed your version from 10 years ago - it's already beautiful! I'm impressed by the level of detail a musician analyzes their playing at your level. I'm happy enough if I hit my notes on rhythm

[@sk8ermGs]

You’re just being nice, there is no denying how much better this version is compared to the one 10 years ago.

[@sotetsotetsotetsotetsotet2379]

@@sk8ermGs Its not being nice, not everybody has an ear that can hear the difference.

[@JB-xe1nm]

I think you’re right tho, I believe once a musician reaches a certain level/depth of their instrument (in this case the 10 years seniority), you hear nuances that a listener like myself wouldn’t necessarily pick up on immediately.

[@hayesdabney]

I found Satie`s Gymnopedie album in the University of Detroit Library in 1978. I wasn`t doing well in school. I took it back to my dorm room and listened to it as I once again attempted to study. It helped me tremendously. I did well in my studies after that. I love this music.

[@christiantheill9125]

We must never be ashamed of how we were ten years ago. If anything, we should be ashamed if today we were the same as we were ten years ago. Congratulations on your progress, your musicality, instrumental quality and sympathy. (and thanks for the curious Shakespeare quote, I didn't know it)

[@bbgg8642]

One of my top youtubers revisiting one of my favorite pieces? Yes, thank you

[@LouieGrind]

Silence, pauses, negative space are so important in music IMO and I think you really gave them the room they deserve in this version.

[@Wrenchwhisper]

The worst critic of a player is themselves. I've never heard the first rendition but this ome is great. I enjoy your videos keep them coming 🙏

[@JonC4296]

you play a lot calmer, relaxed and with a lot more control now, can feel it instantly. Feels a lot softer, smoother and sweeter.

[@454mike5]

Gymnopedie no.1 right, that video is big inspiration for me to learn and play classical music

[@marswabisabi8918]

Sometimes "innocence" can be more beautiful...both pieces have their own merit and charm. There is not one better or one worse, they are a "screenshot" of that moment.

[@srijankarthik]

This is very insightful and shows that learning is a lifelong process. Shows the value in recording your playing, as classical guitarists, or musicians in general, we must reflect on our journey just as you do! :)

[@zachwils2]

that harmonic at 14:53 gave me goosebumps! i have always loved your original interpretation and can't believe the level you are able to elevate it even more! the musical mount Everest is truly never summited.

[@eray6714]

best year of my life

[@jakeharfield8516]

I noticed that harmonic too - silvery

[@paulmdevenney]

the part I noticed more was the improved use and control of your dynamics. The quiet notes sounded so clear yet clearly controlled and low volume

[@fredrikdagsvik7863]

I think one thing you didn’t mention that has gotten much better is your tone! Not just is it deeper, and fuller, but much more even, which makes the phrases cohere much better! Great playing👍

[@colwarsstudiobrickfilmandm8580]

classical guitarists put so much feeling into each note

[@andrewmize823]

A classical guitarist I am not. After two straight years with a classical instructor, the bug just never bit me as a player, so I chose a different path. I am, however, grateful to him for instilling me with competent fingerpicking skills, because there are a lot of interesting things you can do when you're not tethered to a plectrum.

[@saus2818]

"You are your own worst critic". The first time I watched that video it really caused deep emotions in me, your playing and the harmonics really made me see classical different, and while you contiously mentioning the stuff you don't like and correcting it musically, which I agree on, it still doesn't invalidate the feeling millions of people get unconsciously when listening to that video, because they just do, because you can't really justify what people find beautiful and what they shouldn't. Just like you mention at the end, it depends on personal factors that you don't even know about what you like and what you don't. Sometimes people just see this as a simple piece and like it being played simple and not too overthought musically, it can be the opposite way around, but this all changes and is up to every individual and thats what makes music beautiful :) great video Brandon, really made me reflect.

[@mud6992]

This piece definetly deserves it's modern popularity. It's so beautiful. Performance is an art in and of itself, classical pieces are nothing without a great player to interpret them. You do this music justice.

[@FiddleSticks800]

Your new playing, without nails, feels much more personal and less mechanical. It has been great learning from you.

[@zathrasnotzathras9435]

I’m so glad you did this video. I’m still a beginner student so seeing what and how you would improve a piece is very educational. Also inspiring to see where one can go in 10 years.

[@ethanskywalker]

That old video is a classic and one that I've returned to countless times! That being said, it's so cool and interesting seeing your perspective change as you look back at your old work through the lenses of the progress you've made. Never stop making music Brandon!

[@jaroslavmencl9543]

Besides all obvious positives, the playing, analysis, comparison with older version etc., that guitar is Incredible!! I would like to hear it live. It sounds so rich and perfectly articulating!! Love it.

[@d4nd31o]

You play beautifully, man. Watching yourself is always cringe-worthy, especially a different self from time long gone by. I'm shuddering just thinking about various video tapes that I think I'd rather didn't exist from way back when. And I'm still trash! Lovely, thanks for sharing. And having the courage to reshare. X

[@zack-zn8fo]

that example with the ostinato shows the real depth of music for me. you can play the same notes in so many ways even at the same tempo, it's not how you play them, it's how you express with them

[@coenvalk833]

It's so informative to see how a professional musician can critique their own past work in a productive manner and grow to become an even better musician.

[@joshuathejazra]

I met Brandon's channel because of that Gymnopedie rendition. Genius, and at that time he already looked like an RPG character haha

[@mitch5944]

Fr he looked like a vampire. Still doesn't look like he aged a day so who knows? Lol.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

It's the difference between playing the notes, and playing the piece. The new performance conveys the emotion in a much more authentic and accessible way. Sometimes, when we hear a piece played technically accurately but without the feel, we're left filling in the gaps ourselves. It's much more satisfying when a musician treats us to that aspect of the piece.

[@simon66766]

The biggest difference I can hear with my limited ear is how much more aware you are of the connection between your fingers and the strings. When you played that now there's more dynamics in volume and feel, a lighter touch and then a shade louder and back again; beautiful!

[@TheBunniesTerrarium]

oh my it’s so funny that even a musician as great as you cringes at old recordings as well! I can’t tell you how many times i’ve regretted posting a video of my playing even if lots of people loved it. Such an awesome video Brandon and gymnopedie no.1 was the first video of yours I ever watched, cheers!

[@Goku17yen]

4:40 I absolutely love this ebb and flow imagery of waves in your explanation here! Whenever making music I sometimes like to have a sort of picture or scenario in my mind's eye, to give that sort of context and personal immersion in the music. Really helps put pieces into perspective, and make it much more obvious as to why some parts were written a certain way. Beautiful explanation.

[@livy1962]

This piece of music is literally life-saving. It's a perfect melding of melancholic hope and inner peace - it is breath itself. It contains rain, but good rain. The kind that restores and washes troubles away. My impression is that the younger, less sophisticated you, felt this keenly and maybe somewhat more than the pieces "nuts and bolts". Never a bad thing, if you ask me. Thanks for the always wonderful KZbin content (God I hate that term) is an oasis among . . . . I have no words :)

[@ricksouza9299]

The curse of the artist is to be in a lifelong pursuit of beauty.

[@antichrist.superstar]

New version is so smooth and subtle. It’s clear your dynamic control has improved tremendously. The original sounds brash, loud and quiet but in a disjointed way. As a pleb, this is what stands out to me. Love your playing as always

[@ltb1919]

This is a gift to humankind. Keep creating. Thank you.

[@victorarias8726]

As somebody who is not endowed with musical talent or education, I have remained a casual but perrenial lover of classical music. Your two versions are indistinguishable to me. Both are heavenly beautiful!!!!

[@marcusbellen2193]

I prefer the last version, but that doesn't mean I don't like the first one, on the contrary. Very educational and learning analysis, it surely will improve my guitarplaying. Thank you , Mister Brandon , for your very interesting videos.

[@virginielafrench3921]

Brandon ,par pitié, n 'efface pas la première version !! C 'est vraiment très beau . Tu l 'as jouée avec TON COEUR ! C 'est ça qui importe vraiment. Ne suranalyse pas au risque de perdre cette spontanéité. Ce serait tellement dommage !!!😥 Hé bien ,tu vois ,moi je préfère ta première version. Et si tu la supprimes ...je te mords !!! 😋😄😄

[@marlenapallido3575]

The old version was the first video I watched on your channel and I was completely in love 😅 And I still really love the old one, even if you broke the tempo, it's still beautiful, touching and genuine!

[@anashasnawi2009]

I think art is what people think about something and how they interact with it, not how the artist feels about. I mean if we all loved it, then it's beautiful and there is no need to be removed ❤

[@gogotrololo]

I wish i could like this over and over again. One is not enough

[@honk1419]

the insight, the passion is all so sweet to me. cant wait for the update

[@detlefh.7090]

I prefer the new version much over the old one both in watching and listening. As you said the old version displays a lot of show whereas the recent one carries natural expression. Now you are intimately connected to the tune and pull out great detail in rhythm, loudness and tempo which all three are much varied. Now you can play every single note with expression, you vary space between notes and play from loud and rough to calm and smooth which makes all the difference between good and exceptional. Thank you so much!!!

[@SuitedCynic]

I am new to your channel and while I don't play an instrument anymore (I stopped playing/learning the accordion in 2001 and switched to singing .. bit of a shame now, I'll admit), I completely get what you're saying in terms of being new to classical music, at some point, and just singing/playing notes and chords, without realizing what they mean. So in terms of this, your new version does the music a LOT more justice, even though I still really like your first version, too. One thing, that makes your new version much better, in my mind, is the added softness to the sound you seem to be getting from not playing with your fingernails. Also: It's a marvel to see you describe and explain music as tenderly and lovingly as you do and it fits this particular piece so perfectly, as it itself is so gentle and fragile. You do that justice without even playing it, but when you do.. Oh boy.

[@firmhandshake1]

First of all, thank you for bringing me back to classical music, particularly guitar. I have been blessed with a father who has always appreciated the beauty in all kinds of music. Despite my own personal preferences throughout life, as a child, I would wake up on a random Saturday morning to my father passively listening to his, yes, Segovia albums. It has been perhaps 35 to 40 years since I have taken time to listen to classical guitar to any extent. Magically, I ran into your videos. And I have been entranced in all of your content. I'm grateful for it because it has brought me a peace and solace that I've been looking for for a long time. Your love and respect for this medium is genuine and quite apparent. I love learning how you came to it. As far as this video goes, I would like to say that in this day and age for a person to ponder, critique, and actually honestly look at one's own past Is incredibly refreshing and beautiful. Most of KZbin is others critiquing, and sadly commenting on what others do, as what seems to be the trend in general in our society. Both pieces are incredible in their own regard. What I find incredible about this video is you having enough respect for the art to look back and see, not necessarily how to make it better, but to truly delve into where you stand today and how you can make it better for you. Thank you for the effort you've taken to bring this to people who are looking for a way to appreciate the things that are truly important in life.

[@ImHemanth-vt6zd]

It's beautiful to watch that you build yourself through experience and persistence. Gorgeous performance Brandon . Thank you for inspiring me.

[@Raramation]

very insightful! Loved the way you analyzed your old recording. While your older video wasn't bad at all you definitely improved a lot. keep it up :)!

[@dongustafson2304]

Thank you so very much for this update. I've listened to and loved your old version countless times.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

I always thought the title referred to "naked feet" as in barefoot. You might get the feelings the piece evokes whne dozing barefoot on the grass on a summer's day, or as, you say, rocking dreamily in a bost, again barefoot. The second playing I think breathes more, there is more space for the reverie to occur; the harmonics add to the dreamlike, airy quality. Very instructive, and a good example of turning a "liability" into an asset, and making your point on continuing learning, seeing, hearing, and slugging it out. Thanks, Brandon!

[@Dougthebrummie]

Keep the original up, It’s honest and shows your journey. It’s also excellent.

[@StevenAlwine]

Your vibrato has improved considerably and matches the piece much better. Ten years ago you were a blues/rock musician playing a classical guitar piece. The updated rendition is a classical guitarist getting far more from the notes on the page and the leveraging of technique and experience.

[@greglance4712]

Great video, and so authentic, the second shows your progression and maturity, and all the practice and thought,👏👏👏👏👏

[@jmoorecareers]

Wonderful insights into the playing of this beautiful piece in particular and into the evolution of our playing in general. Thank you!

[@aleckelly]

great video and i just want to thank you for doing all that you do. started learning classical on my own about 3 years ago, also being strictly a rock guitarist beforehand and this channel has been a big part of that journey. there are countless things i've picked up over time here, and a lot of the things you say have echoed in my head as i practice. you have not only became a great player, but teacher as well.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

How we conducted ourselves a while back can be cringeworthy but it is also part of the foundations of who we are now. Never dismiss it, enjoy its naïveté and appreciate how much growth has happened. Remember those who helped mould you along that transition? You helped shape them too. The never ending turbulence of living a life.

[@jaromirastl553]

Rushed tears into my eyes. Beautiful.

[@jamesbuijs6742]

Your clarity and volume variability even within the chords is inspiring

[@kawwabonga]

Your rendition on the guitar of this timeless piece is truly captivating! For some inexplicable reason, many performances of the Gymnopedies seem to diminish their inherent beauty and magic. All too frequently, performers either hasten through the piece or play it with an unwavering, mechanical precision, devoid of emotion or nuance. However, your interpretation brought out the dynamics and fluidity that I believe the piece demands. To my ears, Khatia Buniatishvili's rendition of Gymnopedie no.1 remains one of the most sublime piano performances, and your guitar version is right up there with it. Well done!

[@rototypical]

the breakdown of imagery and feeling was so well done. your honesty and generosity shine brightly in this video, brandon (always the case with your work tbh). what a beautiful soul you have

[@Love-Is-Kind]

After listening to your critiqued comparison of yourself between today and 10 years ago, I absolutely love both of them! Here are my thoughts. Asking me to choose a favorite between the two performances is sort of like comparing children from the same parents. Although they're unique individuals with different personalities, they still share the same parents. And so this is how I truly feel about each piece you've presented in this video. They're both lovely creations from your heart. One is just more mature than the other. It's incredibly beautiful to me to see & hear the differences between them. What I did notice about today's rendition is it flowed a little more like rain gently falling from the sky into a quiet pond on a warm summer evening. The way each measure entered into the next one was like ripples blending into each other effortlessly from every drop of rain or like a conversation amongst notes that gradually joined together to form intriguing harmonic chords while the melody swirled & rolled around each other. Brilliant. Thank you & your lovely bride so much for keeping the old video up & allowing your viewers to see & listen to your improvements and growth. Pray you & all of your household to have excellent health and increased success for your channel. Have a lovely evening. 😊🎼🎵🎶🎸

[@dahunlee_acousticguitar_covers]

made me think of a quote by Bruce Lee, but if changed for guitar: "before I started learning guitar, a pluck was just a pluck, a strum was just a strum. now that I have studied the guitar, a pluck is no longer a pluck, a strum is no longer a strum! now that I have mastered the guitar, a pluck is just a pluck, a strum, just a strum." thanks for the cozy content btw man, it's highly educational imho. Also cool seeing how much joy you have when you're describing something interesting; that's a feeling we sometimes tend to lose as we go along in life. Cool to see it.

[@kay_glo]

What a thoughtful response to an old video. And it's such a beautiful piece as well. And yes, I enjoyed the new version more

[@MichaelSchmalGuitar]

Thank you Brandon! Your videos are informative and fun! Thanks!

[@BrandonDennis1]

Thank you for these candid breakdowns and insights. It’s very brave and says a lot about your character. Your dedication helps so much with understanding what’s important beyond the techniques. You’ve improved my playing so much with small tips you’ve mentioned in your videos over the years. I appreciate it!

[@bern_stock8946]

nice acting Brandom, eventhough we know that you've been there, out and about even before renaissance as a vampire lord. We know how hard it has been for you make a persona that you were like that 10 years ago, and now you've improved (eventhough you've mastered the guitar a century ago)

[@uncleslappie9608]

Your original version is the song that convinced me to get into classical guitar and is probably one of my most viewed videos on KZbin lol since I'm currently learning this song hearing you critique your original piece with new insight and improve on it is super cool!

[@bolionce]

I absolutely love the attention you gave to the ostinato in this video, the little back and forth and the subtle changes to the inner voicings have always been my favorite part of the song. It was one of the first songs I ever learned on piano and I would just sit and play the ostinato over and over and over because it felt so free and beautiful. Love Satie and love this rendition! Cheers

[@pinkbiscuit]

Don't ever take it down😭❤

[@brunosipavicius7867]

This video confirms your own past video in which you quote a cello classical player and put in it interviews of him saying the eternal development of the musician.

[@kn-zv7uc]

You're a perfectionist. Gift and a curse. And you have the talent to back it up. Most of us just see a great guitar player who continues to hone his craft.

[@VictorZamanian]

AMAZING explanations and metaphors for how you interpret this piece. I love that "watching the water" metaphor. It sent shivers down my body.

[@yotus3491]

Both of them are great and have a certain personality. I love this. The PASSION you have. I freaking love it dude.

[@michellecelesteNW]

The sheer skill added now and the delicacy added is so good. Thank you!

[@juanguzman2611]

That video was how I discovered your channel. I was in a bit of a funk and it inspired me to pick up a guitar again. Im still learning so it's interesting to see how you've evolved over the years. Both sound great imo. Thanks for sharing.

[@sleepcity]

So wonderful.

[@andyd8299]

That was one of the first videos of yours that I saw, I love it. But I also enjoy watching you progress over the years!

[@lllllMlllll]

Such an amazing artist .. Great progress

[@christopherstanford5599]

Just started learning this mesmerizing piece🎶🤗

[@scottconnuck3406]

Great video.... enjoyed watching your musicianship grow with time and experience, Brandon. Loved witnessing the development of the artist!

[@idkvwad]

Holy moly. I don't know much about music theory or how to play guitar, but after seeing your first gymneopodie video about a year ago, it inspired me to learn the piece. I've been working on it here and there, and I've got to say, this new version you've released is hands down EXACTLY the vibe I've been so eagerly trying to bring to life. When you resolve that first section with those high notes, it felt like cracking an egg of joy open. I dont know how else to describe it. Thats how i felt. It was so slow but so calculated, and so mmmmmf, GOOD. It fucking hit me to my core and stopped me in my tracks. This new rendition is hands down utterly beautiful. I'll be revisiting this a lot in the future. You killed it. Thank you.

[@garystringa6]

The nuances in the new version are the icing on a beautiful cake, but there's a genuine enjoyment of the piece that you portray in the original video. It seems you found something you liked and wanted to share your enjoyment. So I agree with others below - it should stay; it's not all about the performance, it's about the moment as well.

[@CookyOfficial]

OMG BRANDONNNNNNNN I was offline all weekend for a convention and completely missed this!!! I feel so much more motivated to keep learning this piece now! I remember you saying how much differently you'd play it now as opposed to then and even from the little bit I had heard you play prior the difference was insane to me. Genuinely seeing your growth and getting a little look into how you translated the piece and made it your own is incredible. I hope to be able to keep developing those skills as I know it's one of my biggest weaknesses right now. I have a tendency to get so caught up in playing the right notes that I focus less on how to play it. This video reminded me that it's not about playing it exactly as written but that there can be some creative freedom as well! Also, I'm sure you know I'm gonna say it, but remember how I said there was that one specific measure that I really liked? Now that you've extended that to the first few measures, something I never even thought of doing, I want to experiment with it now since that always struck me right in the feels because the chord is just so oddly unique! Thank you for re-recording this!

[@RitmosRomanticas-M]

Juego esto todo el día en el trabajo, a veces en segundo plano. ¡MUY calmante! Simplemente perfecto para mantener la calma en un lugar de trabajo agitado

[@JaRew]

Man, this is aspirational. Just the self assessment and honest expression of where you are now vs your past. So few people would be willing to face their past and to be so judgmental. But I know it’s done in the interest of progress, and that’s so so so moving to me. To do it so publicly honestly feels like a work of art to me in a way. It’s moving me to want to look at myself in a similar critical way to move forward and progress. I’m 37 years old and learning guitar. My mother taught music for almost 40 years and I regret so much in that time frame. I wish I had taken on more artistic pursuits. I’m working hard to learn happy birthday in a simple finger style for my son’s first birthday in a couple weeks. I just want to do right by him and inspire him to pursue more artistically. I can’t make up for lost time, but I hope I can do enough to be happy and find piece.

[@ipodman1910]

What an excellent analysis showing all the details and beauty hidden in this masterpiece…

[@qhodave]

Can't wait to see how you play it in 10 years

[@dougrobinson9236]

This was a great video. I like both videos. The new one sounds fuller to me - like you said where your brought out the back-ground notes more. Excellent.

[@helenmatthews]

I like the new version very much. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@micromoochie]

Your first version inspired me to learn this piece. I've been working on it for more than a year and I'm happy with my progress but want to continue to improve. Your analysis of the original was extremely helpful.... Thank you!!!

[@fretfrontier]

The original is for some reason so much more absorbing. Maybe it is the entire presentation with costuming, lighting, and even the wider complimentary rhythmic movements as you play. It’s more hypnotic as an overall experience in the original, while it is more precise in the remake where though the tone is exquisite, it overall felt more sterile… if that makes sense. BUT STILL, it’s beautiful both times. Your playing just rocks. Great video.

[@SundyPlankTon]

So many memories. I stumboled upon that video while searching for Gymnopédie after hearing it for the first time in movie "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya" somewhere around 2013. Such a beatiful tune and incredible perfomance.

[@kevinhernandez769]

just getting into classical guitar and your videos have been helping me improve leaps and bounds. thank you.