How I practice Bach's Partita #2, Allemanda | Practice Pals

[@SuminaStuder1]

The video hasn't even aired yet and you guys are already welcoming me in the comments 😭 You guys are the best, thank you

[@AntonioTotaroGuitar]

Don't cry ,,,, instead we thank you all for the beautiful videos you bring us on the channel! ☺☺

[@angels5449]

Thank you for all the amazing content! Love you and happy practicing

[@reesie_016]

You're back and I kinda miss you , weird i know. 💛

[@omniqwerty4175]

we all missed you it has been a while

[@johannesbachlein149]

That's by far the best "Show me practice" video I've ever seen, because you made yourself the immense effort to explain on every single note what's going on in your head. This gives a tremendous insight and helps a lot to improve one's own practice method. Thank you so much for this huge gift! And thank you also to combine it with a political message that cannot be said often enough.

[@Crevasse14]

A key take-away on this video is that analyzing the notes/phrases actually saves your practice time and improves the quality of your practice. I used to just practice everything mindlessly but realized that understanding the music is a lot better. This is probably why Sumina's phrasing is so smooth.

[@SuminaStuder1]

Thank you for paying such close attention! Tbh I'm the laziest person I know so it has to at least be efficient 😂

[@adambe1126]

Why do I not believe that? Probably to do with the immaculate quality of every single performance that I see.

[@Dynamatrix2000]

@@adambe1126 Simp

[@Lamadesbois]

00:00 intro on practice, motivation, racism and donating 04:42 play the bar in a single bow to understand phrasing 05:40 playing the firstand third beat of each mesure to bridge meaning and relations 05:57 recapitulation 06:58 noting voices in different colors 07:20 working on the 1st beat 08:05 bringing up the B A S S 08:10 checking fingering for intonation purposes 08:40 simplifying the bass 09:25 summarizing 09:36 experimenting with the 3-note slurs 09:52 lightening the bow 10:03 notes that bridge bars 10:58 simplifying to understand harmonic movement 11:14 marking voices 12:03 singing to get a feel of the phrase 12:15 avoiding to take time on every beat (too square) 12:20 experimenting with the bowing 13:12 beat the first note of each beat 13:20 exagerate to get the feeling 13:43 subdividing to work on evenness and coordination 14:22 recapitulating a few bars 15:25 exagerating to magnify intention 15:47 trying to control the bow less 16:06 playing slowly to understand polyphony 18:09 focus on 4th-finger vibrato 18:55 experimenting with different chord types 19:50 intonation check with octaves 20:07 playing introspectively to understand the music 20:35 recapitulating focusing on playing rather than practicing 22:25 recapitulating difficult passages 23:15 focusing on bow contact, horizontality vs verticality 25:57 whar are the “pilars” (motifs and associated emotion) 26:45 exagerating to internalize 27:50 playing metronomically to set a frame in which to be more free later 30:37 slur the bars to understand what phrasing to do 30:55 playing with instinct to get additional ideas 31:19 summarizing 31:50 focusing on an important note to match its sound with the feeling 32:02 summarizing 34:35 trying to sound less controlled 36:10 crawling back to the frog 36:50 recapitulating the 2nd half of the piece

[@brendanfitzgerald246]

This is so mind blowing, watching you practice... I’ve been playing violin for 3 years, and I could not even begin to analyze the music I play as you did in this video... you really are a musical genius, don’t be so hard on yourself! Not only are you an amazing musician, but you’re also an amazing person with a good heart. Be proud of yourself!

[@dreamannulet]

This video is a legit internet treasure! Thanks for breaking down your thought process. It inspires me to analyze and execute better when I play. I didn't realize there's so much going on to interpret a piece.

[@kikimeow5491]

OMG YESSSSS SHE IS BACK GUYS ! Edit : Thank you so much for hearting my comment, it really brings me joy when you post videos because I have started the violin and have been playing for almost a year. I am currently playing the Concerto in G minor by Seitz, if anyone has any tips, I would really appreciate it . 😊

[@duolingoowl7043]

Kiki Meow Tip: Do not edit your comment as your heart will disappear

[@kikimeow5491]

Duolingo Owl but it didn’t

[@bringstring6090]

@Kiki - my tip.... Ling Ling 40 hrs!!

[@teasokolovska8099]

Kiki Meow it did

[@teasokolovska8099]

Kiki Meow she hearted it again

[@ejgoldie]

When I hear or practice this piece it sounds like sobbing to me. It first opens up like someone crying but not knowing why, and the triplets sound like heavy breaths. Then accepting the reason for crying and letting the colorful emotions take over your life and actions till its all they see. Thought I'd share

[@Roma-kp4qg]

I wonder if Bach would enjoy watching this video, seeing a talented musician, centuries in the future, analyze his work and explain her interpretation

[@isaiasambicho466]

Omg!!!!! None shared their practice time before.. For that and more I love her!!!!

[@SuminaStuder1]

Thank you so much! I thought that it was a weird concept, but I'm glad you like it 😌

[@Torio24]

If I had ever been able to see a video like this one when I practiced this piece for a high school solo, I would've re-contemplated how much I should've practiced this piece and didn't. Thank you so much for recording and editing this video! All the thought processes shown throughout never crossed my mind practicing as an amateur violinist in high school, but inspires me to appreciate the entirety of the structure of Bach's Allemanda even more years later! An inspiring video for any violinist or instrument for sure

[@oliviapereira364]

I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in posting a practice session and explaining it step by step. It is, in fact, a private moment that isn't often shared on the internet. And that is why it is so precious. I have seen it a few times, parts of it, the whole session, etc, and it has helped me SO much with figuring out things in my practice. Thank you for showing us the behind the stage of your playing. It has been insightful and inspiring, you are didactic and a very honest artist: we tend to see just the result, just the "finished" piece and it is easy to think you already start from something almost completely ready. I am truly touched to get to know the process, that helped me immensely with my playing.

[@i_e_she]

This video shows so many insightful thought processes, your moments of real passion, as well as of frustration. Honestly it makes me feel so good, like it's okay to feel anything and everything every now and then, because I'm always too hard with myself and that hinders me musically. But..we're only human, I guess. Thank you so much for sharing this, Sumina. You're very inspiring. ❤️

[@luisthecomposer]

I have recently found interest in all these wonderfully talented musicians posting practice session videos with annotations allowing themselves and the rest of us to see the thought process behind the practice and realize how informative, entertaining, resourceful and groundbreaking this is! What a treat to see one for a piece I just started learning recently! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@emilykhine8098]

I never comment on KZbin videos but your video inspired me to because it's both so inspiring and educational! Please do more of these practice videos!

[@jenniferfaith7508]

Good to know I’m not the only one who randomly plucks my strings when I don’t know what to do.. 😂

[@liamderosa2157]

Same

[@dabonem5317]

Same

[@Ciaccona255]

Hi can someone tell me please what level difficulty is this piece? Thanks

[@datvy1195]

Awwww, inspirational video!!!!! I play this every morning and it makes me feel like somebody is practicing in my apartment!!! Keep posting these amazing and motivational videos!!! Thank you a bunch from Vietnam!!!!!!!

[@ninakemmler1864]

So happy you‘re back! Plsss do more of those practise vids. It helps soo much and is so interesting💞

[@estherjimenezprados]

Very useful video, I've seen during quarantine these "study with me" videos and I am glad finally a musician decides to do the practice version ☺️ I am also coming back to this piece and your practice session helped me to find new practice exercise to do in it. Thank you a lot Sumina 🙏🏻 Wishing everyone to stay healthy and safe 😊

[@fgorlando]

Thank you for your detailed insight on the way you practice this piece. So methodical and well thought out. And welcome back to KZbin!

[@amyspurrcaveney]

I was actually practicing this earlier today! It’s always fun to see how another violinist approaches practicing and learning a piece. Thanks for the video!

[@ayaaziz9099]

This is so amazing! I'm practicing this piece to submit to colleges as an optional performing arts portfolio and when I saw that you posted this, I seriously felt like the stars aligned in my favor, it was a perfect coincidence :-)

[@cinamonrollIM]

I also have a tendency to analyze every note and phrase very detailedly-glad I'm not alone! Thank you so much for showing all your hard work and your refreshing approach to practicing music :)

[@lu0844]

Sumina!!! It's such a treat to watch you play and be able to read some of your thoughts aawww so much to learn from you!! Thank you for returning to KZbin and for sharing your talent with us.

[@damianmendoza5800]

Wow! Me encantó! Me subió muchísimo el ánimo que haya alguien dispuesto a mostrar lo complejo de practicar y lo que conlleva. Muchísimas gracias por haber subido este video

[@bdanziger]

It was extremely nice of you to put this practice session together for others to watch. I find it amazing how much thought really goes into learning a piece to perform. I am curious how much time you think you spent on this piece prior to the video. Also because I am curious how much time it took to memorize and get to the point you were up to. Your music is phenomenal. Your sharing is gracious. Thank you!

[@randylazer2894]

So funny....I just played that last night, and appreciate you sharing with your great playing and feel. The sheet music on my stand might be a little bit older than yours, as I purchased the Bach Unaccompanied Sonatas and Partitas ....47 years ago! You are quite an amazing player, and I saw your video of Paganini's 5th caprice with the original bowing. Truly impressive. Could you teach me that? I have spent most of the last 3 years away from classical for my upcoming jazz-60's-70's violin cd, and Bach is getting my fingers back in shape. If your travels ever take you to Las Vegas, do let me know, as it would be great to hear you. Also, perhaps I could exchange a couple of tips for playing jazz violin if you could show me that bowing and help me with Paganini! Be well, and stay healthy!

[@clairean]

Sumina!! so happy to see you again 🌷❤️ stay well!

[@violin2222]

I was wondering when you'd come back😁❤

[@SuminaStuder1]

Tbh, me too 🙃 It's good to be back 💕

[@kylemaccloud8565]

I enjoyed the commentary, helps me understand what you are thinking about while belting out all those notes. The practice portion reminds me of all the effort that goes into the production of these performances. You're doing wonderful stay safe, stay well!

[@BillAlpert]

Having such a great technical foundation gives access to so many musical choices. Nice that all your ideas come out without any sense of struggle.

[@ralphtuber]

I have been watching your videos, and I'm impressed by your personality and thoughtfulness in every video you make. You're so likable and kind. It's funny that you hit some open strings when you're frustrated at the end of an attempt to play. I just laughed when I saw it because I always hit the E string with my pinky, in the same situation (usually embarrassed or angry 😂). Love your stuff, thanks for sharing and much success and health! ❤

[@delanemarshall4076]

i love this concept and i want more of these!! 🥺

[@Josefowiczfan]

Dear Sumina, thank you for this interesting practise session! It was really great to see how you build and achieve everything. Two things came to my mind. Maybe you already thought about it but if not it could be interesting (also for other violinists reading this comment). "Simplify" is a good thing but sometimes it could lead to overthinking as you wrote it. Maybe it's also good to simplify in your head with harmonies notes that are not written and that you dont play. Like playing trough and have a basso continuo in your head for example. Maybe it helps to have a bigger line feeling and to understand how the chords structure works. The second thing would be to work on harmony with the intonation. I noticed that you check with open strings which is good. But maybe it would be interesting to play the notes without rythm to feel the intervals, how the notes are connecting. Sometimes it has to be polyphonic and sometimes it's more like a melody in one particular tonality. Sorry for the long comment but it could give some ideas. I always think that it is very helpful to share views on practice techniques and therefore I'm very greatful that you shared you're practice session because it certainly benefits a lot of us watching it! Thank you and keep the good work :)

[@kf6768]

I love this! It must be super hard editing this... thank you so much for inspiring us to practice. I loved seeing what you thought while you were practicing! The piece sounded so different after I watched this; your comments really helped realise how beautiful it is.

[@Rabbittavo]

I appreciate that you opened this video with a call for justice and to be more human. I came here to learn Bach better and left feeling hopeful that other violinist really do understand what we are often overcoming as African American violinist/ Musicians of color. Thank you P.s good luck and great practice everybody. ✌🏽

[@offensiveteam007]

i am loving your playing, your way, your stylish, your tone, and ofcourse your youthness and prettiness makes feeling comfortably.

[@im_tacha]

Thank you for sharing!! I found my way back to the violin, decided to go to school after years of not playing. I'm coincidentally working my way up to playing this as one of my audition pieces to get into university (non performance major). I've been struggling with hitting some of the notes in the right place and my shifting needs so much practice. Watching all the videos I can find is helpful! :)

[@egx2236]

Well said! Well played! Well represented! Thanks for this great lesson

[@MohammedHajjar]

I really liked the video as it explains how you analyze the music. I suggest you make another instructive video where you tell us what you do when you reach such a conclusion. For example, when you say you want the notes to be more optimistic, what are you doing musically in terms of sounds dynamics?

[@looksbyaj7476]

perfect timing!! I just started learning this piece I couldn't be more grateful

[@jeffreyfranson1]

Watching your learning and interpretation process is very informative and motivational for my own practicing. Good to know there is a human being behind the master as well. ;) I enjoyed watching this and hope there is more to come. Thanks Sumina!

[@sk84life9100]

I admire you breaking down your thought process. Highlights your extraordinary intelligence and ability.

[@w.e.buffie377]

A String pulled - A note played, My heart string pulsed all while you played. A song that became a dance, together I felt as though we had entered an intimate trance ❤️ P.s Do more of these 😉!

[@nicoarena995]

Thank you so much for sharing such an in-depth and personal process! This is so refreshing and inspiring! Looking forward to seeing more. Nico xx

[@angels5449]

You're BACKKK!!!!!! I can't wait :DDDD Love from India

[@advancingviolinist5328]

Sumina, I love this video idea. But especially thank you for admitting that it's been difficult finding motivation to practice. I play in regional symphonies in the Midwest, and I sub with a major symphony. Now that all of my performances and auditions are gone, my sense of purpose (and as a result my self-worth) has taken a definite hit. Somehow just hearing other musicians say the same things out loud helps me feel less alone. If I can offer a practice suggestion that has helped me with unaccompanied Bach. I found it helpful to put the violin down and take the music over to the piano. When you plunk out the tune on the keyboard, you can see the compound harmonies a lot easier. Bach always has these notes that he leaves hanging a while before he comes back to them. Using the keyboard helps me see those even better than the method you used at 5:35. Try it, and let me know what you think! Eric Bate

[@perlyandherviolin7130]

Thank you so much for this video! I tried your method of “muting you and playing with you”, and it was so motivating! Thank you so much again!

[@klsdgreen]

Hi Sumina, Thank you for posting this video! I've been watching this before practicing to get in the "practice" headspace.

[@TheMalagasyMusician]

Yeah!! I missed you for a while 💜💜

[@johnalexander301]

Excited to see Sumina back in action!

[@michaels7889]

Fascinating Sumina, and illuminating. It is doubtful that one could ever reach a definitive version of this Allemande. Along with the Allemande in the 6th cello suite (played by me on the viola) every attempt to practise reaches new ideas, new feelings and new detail - very penetrating. Once, not so long ago on this network I read that music schools give this Allemande to children as an introduction to Bach's solo violin music. That surprised me in a way, considering its emotional depth. That is not to say that young children can't experience such things; I know they can. How did you first encounter it? I like your way of projecting and communicating. You have much natural charm and skill. Only one criticism: no, not the camera! but that the flash comments were sometimes too short a time on screen to be absorbed along with their subject matter. I hope by now you have recovered from the crushing impact of Covid isolation.

[@Somewhere_Bagel]

Return of the king

[@ninabucknor322]

I really appreciate this video, the musical and the social-empathy encouragement!

[@jasonlin5122]

Yay, so excited!!!!

[@missavaricebliss]

This was really helpful, thank you for sharing. This is my favorite movement, and also the only one that is really within my technical range yet, so it's on a pretty regular rotation! I particularly appreciated the thought bubbles.

[@kim-dandoan1058]

This does motivate me to practice and the best part is that this piece is something I can play! Can't wait to implement some of your techniques, thanks for the vid.

[@SuminaStuder1]

So glad you feel motivated to watch it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts 😊

[@jsv438]

OK, this is great. You said something important, about those 3-note slurs (as you referred to them). I think it starts in meas [7]. I NEVER THOUGHT of changing the emphasis or accent on anything OTHER than the first note--just always came natural. But I tried something after watching your vid (BTW I'm playing these on mandolin now, and used to play it on guitar). I'm trying to accentuate the THIRD note and came up w/a different course of feeling during that passage, because of that 4-note slur that comes after those, then that descending cadence starts the passage that sort-of "closes" the section before the dynamics want to change. Whether I leave it that way isn't important, but it now changed the way I'm practicing THROUGH that section. Awesome. Thank you for the tip, even if it was inadvertent. THAT'S WHY we should see how others practice these pieces. Arrgh! Sometimes I think Bach was messing with us, all of us, and he's laughing in his harpsichord right now... BACH... is a four-letter word! ~JSV

[@AntonioTotaroGuitar]

Sumina is Back!! Yes, Finally!!!....I attend this moment from 6 month

[@SuminaStuder1]

Hahaha better late than never I guess 😅

[@AntonioTotaroGuitar]

😅😬😬☺

[@10000kmstockholm]

Thank you very much for sharing your thought process. I’m also learning Bach (Cello Suite) and I often get frustrated with my own playing. But watching this video somehow reminds me that’s it’s all part of a process and we need to be patient in the process (?) anyway, great inspiration 👏🏼

[@biancarudolph7781]

So interesting seeing your practice process. I'm definitely going to try to take a leaf out of your book with regards to the amount of thought that you put into the interpretation. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@seunghoonlee5803]

I've never seen a practice video. But I think it's great! I'll cheer for you! I'm very happy with your Mozart Violin Concerto No.3. This is, too.

[@vicxia6309]

the sound of the violin is so damn good, full and resonant

[@SKS6184-]

it’s a strad so obvi is good lol

[@laikeatlim8261]

This is superb. Behind all the beautiful music is the practice. Thanks.

[@erenisfatherless3728]

YEEEY YOUR BACK 🤩

[@briannugroho9259]

OMG

[@ewaszostok6464]

I practiced with you! Bach as well (although a much easier piece - Double from first Partita, the one after Sarabande).You made it so much more enjoyable, thank you!

[@JE58-rbi]

Thank you, Sumina Studer, for sharing your detailed practice session on KZbin!

[@hkviolinteacher]

Welcome back Sumina! Could you please also show us how you practice Paganini no.5?

[@saritahernandez17]

me encantaa como tocas tienes mucho talentoo

[@fabianavaz5244]

Thank you so much!! You give me a lot of inspiration to keep going, practise and fighting. So you really help me! Kisses from Portugal! 😍

[@jorgebiniek6491]

Omg I'm so happy she's back 😊

[@manuelsestelo9948]

After watching the whole video, I really loved the ending. Looking forward to see more videos!

[@whitelotus187]

ive never related to anybody else like this, very nice idea to put your thought process, very detailed also, very good work! and cute

[@lukebarber499]

Thank you for the motivation to practice and a way to keep me tied to that practice!

[@christinefrazier]

thanks for posting this practice video. its funny i hate practicing around people. even practicing around my husband who is also a musician is painful for me😂 i try to practice when he isn't at the apartment even though he tells me all the time he doesn't care. i need to just be less self conscious and embrace the process! this also is motivating me to practice! ok let me go practice! 😂

[@Ciaccona255]

I'm the same. I can't practice when my hubby is listening. I go to another room and turn on my Ac. 😀

[@juliavoigt6903]

Extremely useful, thank you so much for all the effort you put into this!

[@jorgevallin2983]

Practice scales.. 3 Octaves to play along with you... thank you... you are amazing

[@hyl6520]

Thank you for making this video and speaking out for the black :) I'm an amateur and now working on this one and I find it difficult to phrasing and to play that Bach Style. Watching your practising do help me understand the context the polyphony... I hope that you can upload your other practising videos in the future, perhaps Partita 2 Sarabande ? Looking forward to get more new perspectives and instructive advices, and wish you the best !

[@alexis254]

The one and only {Sumina Studer} is back!! Please keep posting more!!🤯🥳

[@mugugarbine4516]

We love you! So excited for this video

[@hajnihety17]

In some point it felt like how I practice. It was good to see that you practice in a similar way🙂🎻

[@chrzanowychomik]

About “only boring people are bored” quote I think it relates to situation when you are bored and you don’t have alternative way of changing that like playing another piece. Definitely violin is instrument appreciated the most by perfectionists as it gives you infinite possibilities to polish your skill. Thanks for the answer. You are not only great violinist but seems like wonderful person in general. Best wishes!

[@jewelryboxballerina]

I watch a video of someone playing the violin. Doesn’t matter who, adult beginners, child prodigies, great virtuosi from the past, etc. Within about five minutes into the video, my motivation kicks in. I turn off the video and literally run to grab my violin to practice. That’s how I keep myself motivated to practice. Ling-Ling 40 hrs!!!! 😄🎵🎶🎻 🏅

[@elguerrero363]

love this piece

[@yozo.19]

Wonderfully done Sumina🙋 Thanks a ton

[@karlescuril3274]

I live for this half hour video. I missed watching you Suminaa. Stay safe and Godbless!!

[@Zxouf873]

Great video 👍 enjoyed watching how you go through the practice of such difficult piece 💕

[@ayu3565]

Omggg I love this idea of Practice buddy!! ❤️❤️

[@sabujpattanayek8799]

my god, i learned more about musicality in this one video than with all the private teachers i've ever had

[@matthewkesterholman5589]

Please can you do more videos like this? They are very interesting and I find them useful. Thank you!

[@tomboyer5608]

As a violinist who's lived with unaccompanied Bach for about 40 years now, I'd have one suggestion and I'm sure Sumina has heard it from teachers -- try to SING the lines. Then learn the dance steps to a baroque allemande, and try to dance it as you hum it. Maybe even find a partner to dance Allemade with you and dance to a recording while you sing along. Understanding this as a dance helps establish the rhythm -- which in the Baroque dance is NOT perfectly regular but slightly distorted, based on old traditions and probably stemming from the physical reality of dance steps. Anyway, get a feel for that rhythm and that will help you shape phrases. And that brings to the second point -- which is to understand the small phrases but also the long poetic sentences of this piece as they extend across many bars. As a mental exercise, try to think of this as an opera aria and sing it as an opera-trained person would sing it. The first line of this Allemande can be made VERY long, almost the first three lines of music. People pause but it can be played without pauses. As an exercise, try to create the longest strands you can create. Then think about pauses and inflection points. Not to second-guess Sumina's practice approach, but I think I would prefer she plays the piece through from beginning to end and try to have the entire outline of it in her head and THEN put some thought into what defines that overall outline -- what are is the structure, what is the narrative arc, what are the inflection points. Only when she has an understanding of the whole can she decide what to do with the sections and sub-sections. For example, how much vibrato and intensity to bring to the lower (bass) and how much lightness to bring to the upper (soprano) lines. We live in a golden age of Bach performance because violinists are free now to play Bach in almost unlimited ways. You don't have to play it romantically like Milstein any more (in fact almost no young violinist does these days), but you're also not required to play it in a slavishly Baroque-performance way. The most compelling Bach performances (like Isabelle Faust, probably my favorite) are hybrids of different approaches. Obviously for a violinist like Sumina, the technical challenges are not very significant. The challenge is in understanding this as a dance and as a song and performing it in a way that is compelling and true to the performer (and true to Bach).

[@dylanmorgan7900]

hope we'll get to hear you play the whole partita :)

[@srinitaaigaura]

First practice run off the score and she already plays better than most of us did in our entire lives...

[@JosefinaGuzmanViolin]

This was really motivating. Thank you, Sumina! :)

[@kikimeow5491]

Ok so ummm when I saw the premiere I saw that it was 7:30 so here I am now only to realize that she said a.m. and not p.m. 🤦‍♀️😂😂😂Silly me will be watching tomorrow ! ! ! !

[@icall_theshots9632]

Another thing! She’s playing the same band that Ray plays at the end of his live streams or videos, or is it just me?

[@Anastasiaviolinistparis]

The best video 😻😻

[@whyudontloveme]

KZbin me lo recomienda cuando di mi examen este Jueves, hoy es Domingo ajshjd. Peor gracias por todos tus consejos me ayudaron muchísimo.

[@charlespracha5981]

I always love your performance, l admire your perfect talent in playing.

[@wildtiger670]

You mean you admire her hard work? "Talent" is nothing without it.

[@mignuscarlsen5613]

Yay I’m also learning this partita piece

[@valeryfoyniak4934]

Thank you! It would be interesting to see you practicing a fast piece now (like Paganini's 5th caprice), maybe we could understand a secret of learning this hard thinks then (Bach is hard too, of course)