Handel: Air and Variations (The Harmonious Blacksmith)

George Frideric Handel's Air and Variations, nicknamed "The Harmonious Blacksmith".

[@avery.nowscholar9582]

The opening dynamics are breathtaking. What a wonderful interpretation. And yes, Great Expectations brought me here!

[@KhyeTheWandereR]

Perfect track for a montage of Pip getting dressed and going off to his new gentlemanly life

[@sevilayhaziguliyeva9021]

Yeah✨

[@Whatever_Happy_People]

The book bought me here as well. Peace.

[@stayjoyful]

Had to put the book down just before Herbert & Pip sat down to dinner & investigate this wonderful piece of music!

[@adongood1011]

@@stayjoyfulme too

[@cephalogenic]

I must have listened to twenty recordings of The Harmonious Blacksmith on KZbin and this is far and away my favourite: it's not heavily decorated or over-Baroqued, so it feels fresh and light. So many other performers make it feel like work, like a slog, but this evokes pure joy. I never tire of it.

[@ruperttmls7985]

Try Trevor Pinnock at harpsichord.

[@ProfFeinman]

Agree. Many interesting including Rachmaninov but this seems definitive

[@caitlynnclark6652]

Yeah and there is actually a story behind this

[@alainspiteri502]

R M j have always in my brain since 1956 Wilhelm Kempff in my brain with 45 t vinyl , Kempff was more a poet than a Beethowen-pianist , j have Beethoven-sonatas by Kempff for his wonderful piano not for his Beethowen !

[@alainspiteri502]

pur joy fresh light also as a melody j agree

[@resurgem]

I have loved this since I heard it on a record called "Introduction to the piano", played by Agi Jambor. This is the most beautiful joyous, lively, fresh, clean rendition, I can't stop playing it. So captivating.

[@davekwan2694]

Wonderful recording! Beautifully played! Thanks for no commercials!

[@adelefarough5123]

The interpretation is valid and entirely convincing. Excellent work!

[@lindaschreiber5932]

a truly beautifully musical performance.

[@MartyNemko1]

A lovely bit of baroque, very well played. Not just the clean note-playing but with just the right amount of nuance--but within the Baroque constraints.

[@cdnamerican9646]

Beautiful! I love, love, love The Harmonious Blacksmith...........

[@Michael_Arnold]

God this is beautiful playing and interpretation. I'm glad I lived to hear this. {{replay}} ...{{replay}}... {{replay}}...

[@infledermaus]

Damn, you play beautifully! A favorite piece! Thank you. Always great to hear a superior performance! You have a new fan!

[@souio]

The more I listen to Handel the more timeless I realize his music is and sounds. With Bach, he had a distinctive style where no matter what he composed it sounds "classical", but with Handel, a lot of his melodies have an ageless quality where they could be composed today and still sound contemporary. It's a shame that he's been overshadowed by Bach (who I also love for different reasons) and most only know him for Messiah/Hallelujah and Zadok the Priest because he has so much beautiful music when you dig deep

[@franr.3691]

Handel has not been overshadowed by anyone, least of all by Bach. Handel is the greatest composer of vocal and choral music of the time, the best dramatic composer. Where are Bach's operas and dramatic oratorios? Don't exist. Bach is rigid, mechanical and artificial, devoid of any dramatic sense.

[@jovaughnthompson354]

@@franr.3691 this comment deserves a thousand likes

[@eternal9971]

@@franr.3691 see, thats the beautiful thing with bach

[@christianindividual4550]

I think Handel was overshadowed by Bach because Bach was superior at what he did. Handel wrote wonderful melodies and accompanied them, as seen here. That is great music. Bach also wrote melodies, but wrote other great melodies on top of them, not just mere accompaniment. And on top of that, each voice often has a distinct and pleasant rhythm on top of the harmony. For this same reason, I find that the musical 'filler' or 'episodes' in Bach's music often surpasses the best works of other composers.

[@surengrigorian7888]

@@franr.3691 The belief that Bach is "rigid, mechanical and artificial" is generally heard from those who are not intellectually capable of appreciating his music. Handel may be a more appreciated or accessible composer, but Bach has essentially defined music for the past ~4 centuries, whether in opposition to or in agreement with him. Handel may be the greatest dramatic composer of all time, but Bach is the greatest composer. Not bar none, in my opinion, but if he has an equal, it certainly isn't Handel.

[@maclaren48]

Bravo, Mr. Barker! I will be back here often! Thanks for such joy.

[@camomile988]

Your playing the piano sounds like a harpsicord!! Beautiful and enjoyable music. Thank you.

[@Michelle6998832]

What a wonderful performance & interpretation, 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 🌹

[@susantheobald174]

Breathtaking! Lovely, thank you....

[@Handeltenor99]

Maestro, I’m no pianist but Handel, I know and May I say , I echo those who have said this IS the best rendition of this Handelian piece , I’ve ever heard (and will keep listening to) BRAVO!! 🙌🏽🎶🙌🏽🎶

[@nickaves2864]

Magnificent rendition

[@LittleSister60]

I often watch and listen to this and it always cheers me up. You make it look so easy. As someone who doesn't play at all, my admiration and envy of your talent knows no bounds. Thank you.

[@kerawelt2008]

The best performance I ever listened to.

[@jillstephens694]

I`m practising this for our next piano party with you as my tutor- definitely the best rendition I`ve heard so far. The subtle pedal work offset with appropriate stoccatoed accentuation is a brilliant interpretation and wonderfully inspiring!

[@mattiemuse4808]

SO talented! You're the reason I love this piece!

[@bellowphone]

Beautifully played.

[@hippie23708]

Great performance. Man the phrasing was just fantastic. I love the extra detail on articulation. Really great performance. This video get my thumbs up.

[@ThanudiWeerasinghe]

well played and it's amazing.

[@daphnedenneyproductions]

Gorgeous! I have been trying to play this and you are in inspiration! Watched this over and over!

[@SimonWasAlreadyTaken]

Superb video and playing. Really nice sounding Piano. Thanks for sharing.

[@artaxerxes360]

Every single variation was perfectly executed.

[@dpjr47]

An all-time favorite! Thanks.

[@plonkster]

I'm learning to play this at the moment, and your video is basically my number 1 reference outside of my teacher who I only see every two weeks. I've got most of it down, except Variation 4. To me that's the most difficult part of the whole thing... for now.

[@alainspiteri502]

3 for me , perfect equality right hand

[@pamcoyle1075]

Absolutely beautifully played. Thank you! I am learning a very simplified version (retired MD taking up piano on my own), and I wanted to hear what it really sounded like.

[@mauricioliborio7937]

Great job, Ken, excellent. We all love one of the greatest composers of all time

[@revdmichaelchild9736]

A great performance! I have always enjoyed this piece.

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

Absolutely devine, a fabulous interpretation of Handels masterpiece!!

[@Harrysound]

You rock! ....erm , I mean.... You Classical!

[@MrGidlibb]

This is a masterpiece from George Haendel and also well played. That was awesome

[@lisaleopoldi7766]

"Would you mind Handel for a familiar name? There's a charming piece of music by Handle, called the Harmonious Blacksmith" "I should like it very much." GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Charles Dickens

[@timrotenberg9050]

Great performance! Greetings from Germany!!

[@colinsmith4014]

It was so entertaining to watch you play!!

[@Hjominbonrun]

This is a great recording. Very satisfying to listen to.

[@GtrGlenn2]

My piano teacher consistently asks me to engage my enitre arm when I am playing. Watching this video gives me the right idea!

[@台灣米-o1k]

Beautiful piece and beautiful interpretation delight anyone, thanks. Greetings from the Republic of Taiwan.

[@kimhungqtkd]

Thanks. I really like your sound. I hope you always be good man with real music. Good lucky to you Ken Barker !

[@richardadugyamfi]

Nice technical expertise Ken. I am marvelled!!!

[@fortradon6537]

Certainly plays with good style and 'ease'. Great sound!

[@gunter50schymkiw]

Many, many hours of work to get up to this standard. Congratulations!

[@karinberryman7970]

Imagine how the children related to Handel would've delighted in this brilliant work! Such a wealth of pure bliss!

[@rudizukowski4288]

This is one of my favour piano songs, it is always a surprise how every different player various interpret this title, like it

[@RaDHeyward]

Excellent! Great video and audio

[@denisesmallcanyon450]

I'm trying to play through this, came to hear how those 32nd notes go and WOW!

[@DonaldGudehus]

A beautiful piece of music, excellently performed, and much appreciated!

[@MarkKlett]

Beautiful Job!

[@dorisdavid100]

Your playing sounds absolutely beautiful! im playing this piece for my Grade 8 exam and I am so glad that you put this up.. this inspired me to practice more to get it like you! thanks again :)

[@alainspiteri502]

dormisdavid100 : j don't understand what you mean ", ,,,,, j play it for my grade 8 exam etc .." ? can you explain ? you work piano since eight years ? also how many hours a day ? thank's for an answer j like to learn .

[@eternal9971]

@@alainspiteri502 bro that was 10 years ago i dont exactly expect him to respond

[@KasmuelMcOure]

@@alainspiteri502 Grade 8 in this case is an examination level by the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of music, typically the highest grade commonly aspired, (there are 3 more levels above it) and this piece was an exam piece back then. That's what I think Doris meant.

[@PrabhaviArushika]

Wow the techniques! And left hand!!😍

[@kedimy]

Bravo! I enjoy your interpretation of this variations. Reading your blog also inspire me. Signed, your fan.

[@negrostonguemyanus]

Brilliant! Loved your finish. Currently learning this piece, gave me something to aspire to. Kudos!

[@mikestewart6517]

Thanks Ken, you've enriched my life.

[@lauritsskjoeth]

Wonderfull music and interpretation, Ken. Thank You for posting

[@kerry5101971]

Bravo, BRAVISSIMO!!! This is so wonderfully played by you. I really like the sound/timbre of that piano, it sounds quite olde-timey, harpsichord-y. I'm having a rough time playing a slower & VERY simplified version of this song. Even with a week of practice (at least an hour & a half per day), I keep messing up on the same parts. Thanks for sharing this & I look forward to seeing if you have videos playing my other favorite, classical songs & maybe being introduced to some new ones.

[@Aramanth]

Like some, Charles Dickens brought me here... Hence? Here. Beautiful piece & beautifully played, well done!

[@one4change4thebetter]

Amazingly well done! Bless you!

[@tomoyboy]

Great expectations brought me here haha

[@aptenafly]

Me too.

[@victorias.4153]

Me either 😆 Great novel and great piece.

[@freeride5383]

Meeee 2222

[@commonwatcher]

now we are quite a bunch !!!! lol...

[@JWP452]

PIP!

[@tvonbrachel]

Air: 0:00 Var 1: 0:36 Var 2: 1:00 Var 3: 1:24 Var 4: 1:49 Var 5: 2:14

[@artaxerxes360]

He played every single variation perfectly. His skill is amazing.

[@jazztemple2]

Mr. Barker! Lovely!

[@DenibeustheGamer]

Gonna listen to this while I read Great Expectations

[@davidstone8978]

You must be a fast reader!

[@valentinacarvallo1342]

Is that a book? I´m sorry I don´t know it...

[@oraclex2976]

It is also referred to in Dombey & Son.

[@fjolneri7148]

Again amazing performance :D

[@bosiljkakempf9505]

Just beautiful1 Thanks !

[@ubarhd1]

Great performance thanks 👏🏻

[@ForMoronsLikeYou]

Absolutely brilliant! You play it beautifully! I'm playing this for a school concert next week and I'll be lucky if it sounds as half as good haha :)

[@EdwardLaiPY]

ur all song is just AWESOME!

[@Whatever_Happy_People]

Very beautiful.

[@saintmirrenmalky]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@vladdegs]

I also played this for my grade VIII. Excellent performance. Inspired me to relearn the piece. I play a great deal of Bach but rather overlook Handel but this a great little piece.

[@TheTranq]

Excellent Performance!

[@Fervorum]

0:37 I can hear happy workers systematically hitting hot iron with hammers and diving them in water.

[@terrytsui3416]

Cesar agree

[@neocortexlab]

Handel was a gay so... there are another ANALogies have to be... with "harmonious smith" and something hitting each other while on frictions... ehehehehhe

[@herobrine1847]

@@neocortexlab “a gay”

[@neocortexlab]

@@herobrine1847 yes, exactly article "a" becouse there are so much types of them... just look at new LGBTQK+ list and it is grows more and more year by year ))

[@JeremeeSheana]

Excellent very nice ❤

[@Iam13ored]

Very nice! The quality is exceptional as well! :)

[@TheAllNighters4]

We played this in our high school orchestra but it sounded nothing like this, this is so much better! You are really good, I wish I could learn how to play the piano like that!

[@joangarcia-alsina8278]

This is one of Handel's most exquisite keyboard works, and also one of his best known. In my opinion the best piano performance I know of is that of Gyorgy Sebök (vinyl, 1963), with a dazzling display of the stupendous Chaconne.

[@alainspiteri502]

J G A : there are millions and millions interpreters of this Haendel , j like here the melody . My first vinyl was " l'harmonieux forgeron " by Wilhem Kempff ( 1955 ) j have always .

[@ipoodaily]

your hands look great for sculpting and modeling other than piano. seriously you have cool hands

[@thombotomb]

Enjoyed greatly !

[@klematiszszimonettarose1797]

so harmonic and comforting :)

[@ilikepugdogs]

joyful and climactic, thank you for sharing

[@Kfamily888]

I love this song and found that this of Ken is the best .

[@piusais721]

my favourite as well, just perfect some how also peheriah is worth a listen too!

[@DavidTorresPiano]

Excelente mi amigo, gran técnica, saludos!

[@cabotcat1]

Perfect - thank you.

[@cleff123456789]

a stupendous display of technique...

[@zoomingvictor]

Encore! Encore! Bravo!

[@keithcarrick1691]

Fantastic, Thank you.

[@Froebs]

That run in the last measure is epic.

[@Kellalk]

Fantastic ❤❤❤

[@ranudihettiarachchi7528]

It's superb 🖤🖤🖤

[@Amittai_Aviram]

Excellent, crisp performance! I just wish that he had taken the repeat on the second bar in each variation. Having both repeats each time opens up a lot of space for subtlety of expression.

[@MrEbaby2011]

Good playing technique!

[@NoteZrabbit]

Just starting to learn this :) I like it because its so full of Baroquey goodness :D

[@pvs45]

I was brought here by public radio playing this

[@ebruromanovic3007]

Great Expectations 💜

[@KenBarker]

@Karateka2255 Thanks, I really appreciate your comments about the dynamics and articulation. It's something you can't stop working at.

[@markhughes7927]

Very good!

[@bikkies]

This is excellent