I can’t be stopped [response to TwoSet]

Some of you have been wondering what’s been going on. Here’s an update on everything.
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[@user-ov1ur4vc2r]

As a musician myself, I feel awkward and unreasonable about these scripted playing videos as Twoset does. However after watching Ray's response, I realize that these videos are not for musicians but for wider public to spread classical music. Thank you Ray for bringing music to people in your way!

[@ggtoxin6148]

Yes it's great to spread it, but, to play it off as if it's a random encounter is really deceptive and weird.

[@Pepesilvia267]

I sort of agree. These videos are supposed to clickbait so I don’t like that but I do like that the people who are at the train station or subway get to experience some great music and have joy. I personally would prefer if the KZbinr didn’t act like it was spontaneous and unplanned when they post the video. I’d still watch these style of videos if they acknowledge they were planned. I admire Ray for his approach and for being honest. Much respect

[@nancyjfs]

@@ggtoxin6148 So don't watch.

[@fabiennelaplace6278]

J'ai découvert Ray Chen grâce à ces vidéos et je suis ensuite arrivée sur la chaîne de TwoSetViolin, ce qui est assez ironique vu leur vidéo sur le sujet. Je me rends compte que j'écoute plus de musique classique depuis, elle me semble moins réservée à une élite. Par contre, même si je n'ai jamais pensé qu'il s'agit de rencontres fortuites, j'aimerais mieux que cela soit annoncé comme étant mis en scène, ça n'enlèverait rien à la vidéo.

[@yisu4539]

I like musicians like Ray who strive to spread classical music to the broader public. I also recognize their effort making such videos, and I actually enjoyed many of them. However, I can't convince myself some of them are not mainly to bait clicks which I don't like. There are many other ways of making fun videos that bring classical to everyone, which I much more prefer. ^ I'm not talking about Ray's videos though, most of which I found fun. Just some generic observations. Tbh if the video looks clearly scripted and not pretending to be spontaneous, may be much better. Even film behind the scene would be cool too

[@brucelam115]

Love Ray's reaction, instead of raging over the "roast", he took it like a champ and explained everything so clearly.

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

they are friends haha

[@rileylee3269]

Couldn't say it better myself. The video Rat was talking about was THE video that introduced me to classical music. ❤

[@shoppingreviews7755]

I actually got my interest in classical music thanks to those musicians-crashing-in-public videos, but my interest maintains and evolves thanks to Twoset and Ray Chen. And now I have been learning the violin for 4 months. Hope that I could play well someday!!

[@ecalpon1]

Keep going! You can do it!

[@Naerlyn]

Hey, great job and never quit it! One day, close to 20 years ago, one guy on the train approached me (I was carrying my violin) and told me "do yourself a favor and don't quit playing, I did and I've been regretting it ever since". Those words stayed with me during those periods when the violin was just no longer appealing to me, and I decided to trust it. Now, it's been 12 years since I've had any thoughts of stopping and I'm oh so glad I've kept going. So I'm passing those words onto you too, and may you have fun and find the ways to play that make you have fun :D

[@EidosTrantorianum]

The spirit of classical music now requires that Ray, Brett and Eddy do one of these, uhm, "spontaneous" videos together. Who better than Ray to get the boys out of their comfort zone to have some fun. Like if you agree ;)

[@blueyarn721]

Get them out of their comfort zone? Have you seen their video about chanting Rite of spring in public? 🤣

[@wakingtheworld]

Well Brett & Eddy have not long uploaded one of these 'spontaneous' videos only they went one better! All great fun, eh.

[@KatereenArt]

@@blueyarn721 I still can't fully comprehend how they filmed that 😆

[@littolcupcake1997]

oh that'll be really nice!😆

[@wakingtheworld]

@@blueyarn721 Just checked it out. OMG. THAT takes courage and risking to appear an absolute fruit loop.... What ya do for views, eh! But it was totally 🤣

[@shuya-ei8hp]

To be honest, if I were at the station and two musicians were willing to rehearse in advance and give me such a high-level performance, I would really be happy. Although it is indeed necessary to consider issue of safety, I am still very grateful.❤❤

[@sabrinai]

😳😳😳😳 oh my gosh! Didn't think Ray would actually answer to Twoset's vid but here we go.

[@wishhh9960]

It's actually nice to see that Ray isn't offended because, you know, Twoset has dark past with parody😂 Edit: I really didn't mean to start this 💀

[@stravinskyfan]

what dark past

[@wishhh9960]

@stravinskyfan once they made a joke about how a kpop song used a classical piece and after that they were met with countless hate comments It was really ridiculous if you ask me

[@stravinskyfan]

@@wishhh9960 oh, forgot about that one. thanks for answering.

[@AndySaenz924]

Ray makes both of them look like amateur violinists!

[@stravinskyfan]

@@AndySaenz924 irrelevant but ok

[@thenameisseanhong]

I truly hope Ling Ling insurance isn't failing Brett & Eddy lol.

[@harmonyrose7344]

I hope it does lol I like them, but they can be very unkind sometimes. I think they need a check on themselves.

[@sunghyeonmoon2506]

I get what you mean, but they're just stating facts and you can't really hate facts 😬

[@thenameisseanhong]

@@harmonyrose7344 Please tell me, in what way are Brett and Eddy being unkind? I'm genuinely not aware of any instances where they might've been actually "unkind" in public platform because as far as I can see, they still maintain their TwoSet brand (generally harsh but valid criticism [not every criticism has to be constructive]) pretty well. I don't enjoy their more recent content as much as their older ones (mainly due to the editing choices), but I still see them as the same ol slightly jaded "tough love" Asian violinist duo.

[@thenameisseanhong]

@@sunghyeonmoon2506 I echo your sentiment. I just don't want Brett & Eddy to be a victim of the cancellation mob who will vilify anyone with dissident opinion, or anyone who refuses to use the mob's preferred "coddling" language in everything ("emotional safety", anti harsh criticism warrior, if you know what I mean).

[@harmonyrose7344]

@thenameisseanhong I posted this in another comment. Pasting here now: How often are they genuinely kind to someone vs all the times they’ve dissed someone: Ray, Ben Lee, Vov Dylan, Lindsay Sterling, Andre Rieu, viola players, recorder players, Chloe Chua (in their 1st ever video reacting to her they said that people like Christian better and pointed out her going cross eyed..she was like 11), Alma Deutscher, I could go on and on. I believe Alma was hurt because I read that she tried to justify why she said “interesting” during the video and seemed embarrassed by becoming a meme. Way to go, 2 grown a$$ men, making fun of a little girl and humiliating her. I do like Brett and Eddy’s content, but I think they are not kind people in general. - I don’t think they’ll get cancelled, nor do I want that. I just wish they would consider other people’s feelings sometimes. Especially when it came to the two little girls, Chloe & Alma. Luckily for Chloe TwoSet simps over her now, but or Alma had tshirts made to poke fun at her and a video made at her expense all for clicks. Sorry for spelling/grammar mistakes. Typing from my phone.

[@SlapMyBass3825]

This is basically the same argument as wrestling where "fake" is the wrong word. "Scripted" is how you would classify these kinds of videos, whereas the performances are real.

[@bonner119]

agree

[@talisa222]

I think this is a good/the best comparison. I don't think it's a deception because most people who watch it are "in" on the premise, so they treat it as a show.

[@pkmnjss]

Well actually for decades, the wrestlers and promotions would maintain that all the matches, rivalries and relationships were real. There would be fans literally ready to murder the heels because of what they did in the ring. But Vince McMahon broke kayfabe in 1989, and confirmed the matches were predetermined and they employ story writers. Most fans get angry at the producers, writers and executives if their favourite wrestler doesn't win instead.

[@letao12]

Sure, but then don't sell it as a spontaneous thing that randomly happened and surprised everyone. It isn't. Call it what it is, a public performance.

[@stephc5781]

​@@letao12Totally agree with your point. I'm all for promoting classical music and appealing to more people to appreciate classical music. But spending hours on set-up, re-filming takes, editing, etc and then calling it spontaneous is an insult to everyone involved, and in particular the musicians themselves. You wouldn't call the sculpture of David a spontaneous piece of art. It also sets up completely unrealistic expectations about musicians, that they can collaborate and sound amazing together without rehearsal on a whim.

[@karentravis2357]

I love Ray’s approach to educating the public. To me it seems everything he does has that aim at its core and I applaud him for it. I’m a big fan of him and his work and encourage my own pupils to listen to and watch him. ❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeremyjeffes8603]

I absolutely agree with Ray that it’s important to spread the joy of classical music, and I agree that these videos are certainly reaching a huge audience, and I’m glad about that, but it seems a shame to me that the only way that the makers of these videos can get people’s attention is with the clickbaity and hugely over-exaggerated captions that actually damage the image we give music in a different way, and still don’t give the truth of classical music, which is what they’re looking to achieve

[@karengaray5114]

I have no problem with the idea that these performances are partly planned. As Ray says, it's about the enjoyment of music. My musical skills are nowhere near that level, but I use my knitting in a similar way. I knit in public to create interest in knitting, and to build connections. And I often give away what I knit, to pass on the enjoyment. Anything we can do to make the world a happier place is a good thing, whether it's planned or not. Also, why would anyone think this kind of performance "shouldn't be allowed"? That makes no sense to me.

[@emiliopiano.official]

Keep being amazing and share your music to the world Ray ❤

[@bonner119]

It was your video that made me meet Ray❤ thank you😊❤

[@samaritan29]

twoset are just a bunch of snobs for not being able to appreciate the humour and joy your videos bring to the general community, don't let them stop you from doing what you love!

[@yosoykibbles]

Agree to the comment above. It is you who introduced me to Ray! Amazing! Thank You for sharing Joy!!! ✨✨✨✨

[@rotalabong]

You're both awesome!

[@tinaw1763]

⁠@@samaritan29they aren’t being snobs. I don’t think you picked up much of the sarcasm..which is basically content they tend to make time to time

[@redpepperflakes8823]

I love TSV and I saw Ray Chen and Hilary Hahn in one of their videos. I now enjoy classical music because of all of them. Thanks to all of you who make listening to classical music more enjoyable.❤❤❤

[@baxter8it]

Same for me, but I saw Ray and Emilio first, then looked up TwoSet.

[@jenniferkuo6650]

I'm 60 and started to listen to classical violin because of Ray and Twoset. I hope Ray, Eddy and Brett are not mad at each other, because it's so fun watching you guys together. Love you all!

[@xandraxandra1437]

​@@jenniferkuo6650They are friends irl, don't worry.

[@teohyuanhui]

@@jenniferkuo6650 I think maybe even TwoSet's video and Ray Chen's reaction may be scripted or discussed beforehand, maybe it's to get more engagement from KZbin communities.

[@2434zzz]

I completely agree with you Ray about the purpose about these videos and the positivity it brings to people. After all, that is the purpose of music. My question is, why record it in a way that is so obviously staged? I feel like it’ll be much more authentic and interesting if you recorded videos by showing us the behind the scenes, how you set up the meeting, the practice, pre-recording, perhaps even some bloopers, interaction with audiences when you encourage them to request songs, and then of course, the performance itself, where the live audience is genuinely impressed by the sudden appearance of a flash mob. In this way, you can still spread positivity and joy to all, but in a more authentic and fun way. Just my 2 cents. Love what you’re doing and continue spreading joy to all!

[@marilynhaverly570]

You expressed my thoughts exactly!!!!

[@theiaselene]

Same!

[@sitbone3]

Clicks !

[@Gretchaninov]

Exactly. It's not like Twoset ever criticised the music or any kind of flashmob. It's the fakeness and the dumbed-down editing.

[@Msmcarlos]

those people are so lucky to see a free performance of world class musicians. I love how level headed Ray is… a true professional

[@HeatherAckroyd]

I think the main issue is that the videos try to pass these events off as completely spontaneous, when obviously they aren't. I love seeing these collabs in public places, but a little honesty in the videos would be nice. "Hey, we set up a meeting to make some magic in public. Here's the result." It still gets the music out there, it's still awesome, you'll still have a crowd in the moment - but you won't be trying to pass it off as random strangers who just happened to bump into each other with their instruments.

[@nancyjfs]

Really, why do you care?

[@HeatherAckroyd]

@@nancyjfs Because it's disingenuous. There's enough fakery in the world today without adding to it.

[@thenameisseanhong]

@@nancyjfs We care because clickbait has been and continues to be an annoying "cancer" in any social media niche (not just classical music and KZbin) for years and years. I care about criticising clickbaits used in the classical music social media sphere as much as clickbaits used in the business & economics sphere, for instance. Clickbaits cheapen people's perception of what social media content is, and this is bad because it spits all over the face of many other creators who dedicate hours upon hours creating honest, substantive content and trying to elevate outsider's perception of what a social media content can be. Compare an hour long MBA-calibre study case of the American diner industry to a _"Top 10 7-Figure Business Ideas You Can Start From Home with No Prior Experience and No Capital"_ video. The former is clearly more educational, but the useless, clickbaity latter one has come to represent Business KZbin, which is bad. People now see Business KZbin as a mere marketplace for creators to shill their courses or affiliate links, not as a useful platform where you can actually learn about the numbers side of any particular industry. If left unchecked, I'm afraid the same thing happens to classical music KZbin/Tik Tok/etc.

[@lindyk6366]

Honestly, it's just a show, so it's natural to treat it as such. I think most people can figure out that it's scripted without it being spelled out for them. Imagine if all action movies had a disclaimer before the first scene that said, "Everything portrayed in this film is fictional."

[@nancyjfs]

@@thenameisseanhong The gift is real. The talent is real. The joy is real. Lighten up or quit watching.

[@ThomUnderStars]

Ray has so many qualities (playing, speaking, etc.), and it's doing great things for the music community. Keep going, Ray! We are in your side!

[@stewart5738]

In his side? He probably hopes not... lol!

[@mozartsrosin8577]

Twoset may have been the ones who inspired me to pick up and learn the violin, but Ray is the one who keeps the passion aflame. So humble and encouraging. I love that you're making classical music fun in a soft and kind way that makes a lot of people comfortable.

[@323chukaman]

睇到兩個俊男一個鋼琴一個提小提琴 真的賞心悅目 我也是從emo影片認識Ray Chen，一睇就上癮了 其實有實力 唔怕比人抺黑 真的假的都不再重要 觀眾有腦自行思考 但諷刺人也應該裝備好自己先有說服力

[@kamui_harusame]

我還在小紅書上了解到twoset是怎麼對待員工的，還克扣了editor san的工資😂我已經脫粉他們倆了😂

[@323chukaman]

@@kamui_harusame 兩個跟本無賣點 低低能能咁

[@sabrinai]

Thank you so much Ray to explaining and shedding light to these videos! Love how positive you are and how clear you lay out things! And true! At the end of the day it's about sharing the art and joy of (classical) music or art or anything beautiful!

[@user-nt5rr8tb8r]

Any world renowned musician at Ray's level who generously shares his talent is giving a gift to all who are fortunate enough to hear him.

[@VicJang]

Respect! I love your response. The is the perfect follow up for TwoSet’s video. Great mindset and excellent player!!

[@christaherwig0404]

It's definitely not easy sometimes to face everything. But Ray, very honest, very natural, explains his performances to us. I would like to be there to experience that someday. His performance is always great🎻thanks Ray Chen 🎶😍

[@SuzyQ-bm4we]

100 percent agree.. it's done in the same spirit as what twoset do with humour... making classical music more relevant and accessible to new listeners. I was a bit surprised that they didn't see it in that light. Thanks for reacting.

[@TheAsianTree]

But twoset has never blatantly lied to their viewers for clicks. Ray says it himself that they rehearse and set repertoire.

[@SuzyQ-bm4we]

April fools?

[@user-ei2tn7de2y]

@@TheAsianTree they lied a lot

[@TheAsianTree]

@@user-ei2tn7de2y ik, but I mentioned specifically for clicks.

[@KG-rc3hu]

I have no issue with that. The problem is when the video creators try to portray the moment as unplanned, unrehearsed, genuine improvisation. Some even go as far as posting comments on their video like « I was just playing while this random guy pulled out his violin » There is a way for us to enjoy this kind of content without it feeling disingenuous.

[@pikavickychuu]

Such a humble response! You are such an inspiration and after watching a lot of your videos, I fell back in love with classical music.

[@sabrinai]

Petition for Ray to show us that video where they got called out by security 😂

[@oxoelfoxo]

BTS for sure!

[@anathardayaldar]

Security probably told them please don't record it. And though they had no legal right to comply, the performers need security on their good side for future performances. Again, they may have the legal right to perform there in the future, but its always good to leave positive memories with security, secretaries and janitors.

[@Anastasiaviolinistparis]

I already wrote my comment under the twoset video. That such videos are very important for the promotion of classical music, the video in the room does not give promotion. Ordinary people are not interested in them. Why I don’t shoot a lot of classics is because people are not interested in them. Why don't clients ask me to play pop music, because classical music is not known. I am very grateful to the pianists and Ray for making such content; it is very important. Orchestras do not have a budget; from the entire Conservatory class, only 2-3 work on music. We need to popularize classical music for ordinary people. This will give musicians the opportunity to have more work and people will go to concerts more, not only the older generation, but also the younger generation, and this is important. And if Ray Chen can make popular video with classical music only use some iPhones and this all this su genius 👏👏👏

[@user-gt3ug9hp8s]

Cheer up Ray! We will continue to support you and classical music!

[@ascphil]

Hi, Ray! Thanks for responding to TwoSet's reaction about the videos of musicians playing in public spaces to requested songs. They're actually how I discovered you on IG and made me find out who you are, causing me to follow you on your KZbin channel! You're doing a great job promoting classical music with your prowess on the violin. You're an exemplary musician and awesome educator!

[@HoferEric]

The impact is really nice! But the lie, not so much. In this video Ray is quite clear about what is planned and what isn't. Problem is the clickbait "UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER OMG!!!" while the situation was 100% expected from both sides. Coincidences are awesome, but same can be said about 2 good musicians having a good time with a crowd, no need to lie about it.

[@Claushanga]

this! I was looking for this comment. I really hate clickbait -_- and that is precisely the reason I don't watch those videos anymore, I don't like to be lied in the face, specially if I already know it is a lie...

[@NorthCascadeshiker]

True, but again it's all about reaching ppl right? Both live and online. Whatever it takes (within reason) to draw a crowd/views to classical music. Gotta sell it!! ❤ Clickbait? Maybe but the goods are there, regardless how they "met up". 😍

[@Claushanga]

@@NorthCascadeshiker so you are telling musicians can't reach people without being completely honest? That's just sad...

[@nuenokaedew8462]

@@Claushanga scripted doesn't mean lying, fake playing is a lie but scripted no, you can say that you don't like scripted content but that's not a lie

[@anathardayaldar]

@@Claushanga When is lying ok?

[@sharongerlofs8517]

Just thought this was a great way for people to be able to hear classical music. It’s fun and accessible. As a classical musician was playing harp outside for people at a church and was as asked by another musician a violinist if he could preform with me. It took a few minutes to decide on piece to play together, then just played the piece. It was fun and spontaneous, people loved it! Hope other musicians will feel comfortable with asking to play together with another musician in a public setting.

[@ptvignettes]

I love Ray's calm and honest explanation of his videos, he didn't have to do it. And anyways, what's wrong with him wanting to be a violinist AND a youtuber? We all have multiple passions and we're all multi-facted. Him being a youtuber doesn't take away the fact that he is at the same time a very accomplished violinist! So you do you, Ray! Rooting for you ❤🔥

[@BaggerVance]

Love your approach. Thanks Ray ❤️

[@leslieleong5522]

for that brief moment, those audience had a good time... and is good enough.... well done! do more... : )

[@lotusifght]

因為看了Ray和Emilio.paino合作的影片，才讓我重拾了對古典樂的喜愛。因為身邊的人大部份喜歡的是流行樂，也不想讓周圍的人覺得我很假掰，畢竟我又不會彈任何樂器，就絕口不提其實我蠻喜歡聽古典樂。 古典樂總給人一種高大尚的距離感，好像是某些特定人才能有的興趣愛好。 但仔細聽有些廣告、電影、動漫配樂裡都有古典樂在裡面，其實並沒有距離我們那麼遙遠。 雖然我不會演奏，但我一樣可以欣賞這些亙古流傳的旋律，透過不同的音樂家感受他們想要傳達的訊息和故事。 KZbin和短影片是一個很棒的傳播媒介，感謝Ray和所有音樂家的努力，讓這份美好傳承下去，讓更多人知道。 我想不管是看影片的觀眾，或是在場的聽眾都能感受到那份感動和inspiration是真的

[@theiaselene]

並沒有人批評他們把音樂帶給公眾，問題在於有欺騙成份，明明可以大方表演，為什麼要裝偶遇？看一兩次還叫有趣，看十次八次就覺得智商都被侮辱了，哪來的那麼多偶遇，從沒練習過又怎會這樣合拍這樣完美？我相信不帶欺騙的音樂演出和影片都可以達到一樣的效果，公眾也一樣可以感受音樂帶來的快樂

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

@@theiaselene 對，真是沒排練過的 反而 讓大家知道 演奏家 其實 也不是那麽完美的。好啦 至少Ray 沒逃避 也坦誠 也夠誠意了

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

正是因爲 古典給人高大尚的感覺 所以 廣告電影 都愛用。

[@lotusifght]

@@theiaselene 對我來說是一個驚喜! 快閃表演也要訂時間、地點、表演內容；真人秀節目其實也有劇本。我反倒會好希望能偶遇這樣的安排，然後內心裡大笑三聲：再演啊~你們兩個😆😆😆認真就輸了(茶) 不管有沒有排練，他是一個職業的演奏家，如果他随隨便便就把一個不夠好的表演帶給觀眾，那這也太不專業。即使只是拍一個短視頻，我相信他都會盡力做到最好。 以上只是我個人的想法。

[@Gretchaninov]

I feel like this misses the point. Music is great. But why the fake videos? You're glossing over the dishonesty aspect. Why pretend that musicians "spontaneously" started playing together when it was staged? Just because a "real person" agrees to come over and make a request, that doesn't make it real. It just means they're an amateur actor picked up on the day for zero dollars. Twoset make various videos, but they're open about it - they do satire and commentary, sometimes pranks. Why not just be honest about setting up the performance in the first place? Promote music, not triteness. Or perhaps you could actually go around and find real buskers and see what happens when you randomly ask them to play a certain piece and try to join in. Maybe it would be fun, maybe it wouldn't work, but at least it would be real.

[@hgcenty]

He also totally buries a key word at 0:54. They "enhanced" the recording. TwoSet had a video with editor Sean showing just how much you could enhance a recording using Melodyne and since we're already saying it's OK to fake things to spread joy about classical music, why not deceptively enhance your playing. Erase a few out of tune notes or places where it wasn't clean. After all it's just about making people happy right?

[@alicesmith4249]

I love these “impromptu” videos because my non-musical family members get such a kick out of them. They would never go to the orchestra with me or learn to play themselves, but they will always stop to watch these videos and enjoy the music. You’re right. It’s a fantastic way to spread the joy of classical music. It’s a good thing to remind people that professional musicians are passionate, hot blooded people who can bust a jam, and don’t live just in the halls of a symphony.

[@LittleDreamer1412]

I like how you just calmly explained this. I am a fan of both you, Ray, and Brett and Eddy and I owe it to you all that I started taking violin lessons as an adult. I love how you share the love of classical music nowadays and share it with people online. I hope there is no bad blood between you three from now on cause I love how much joy you bring to people and see you together 😊

[@elinamakela8435]

If Ray’s violin teacher used to wake him up in the middle of the night and make him play flawlessly, I’m sure the improvised airport/cafe/whatever during daytime is a piece of cake 😂

[@teawithtams6596]

Love this response video, no beef, just kindness and joy.

[@taimingchan9967]

You are so kind so polite to say this, I like this series, I don’t know what’s the matter in this and I would love to watch this kind of performance in life. Thank you, you are a real musician.

[@marjamerryflower]

❤ Thank you, Ray, for answering the questions. Your friendship with Twoset is strong. Brett owes you so much for studying together with him for the Singapore concert. We haven't forgotten that! We are truly grateful to you. Thank you for bringing classical music outside the concert halls to expose everyone and anyone to the beauty of it. We do appreciate you as a person and as the fabulous musician you are❤❤❤❤❤

[@timothykandel169]

I can't miss each episode! Your approach is delightfully captivating. When I was a student studying keyboard and voice (operatic) I lived to practice and refine my ability on every piece...never felt obliged to practice, just loved it! Thank you for your analysis on pieces and performers. During the fall of communism in East Germany I played a concert for Bach's birthday I was arrested for inciting an overthrow and condemned to death by firing squad they crushed my hands and I took 3 bullets, the underground pulled me from a mass grave...but my hands never healed but my heart lives in music. Thank you for your talent and sharing your love of music!❤

[@markchan7344]

I think Ray Chen is phenomenal and I love his content. That being said, what I don't think is addressed here is the fact that these kinds of videos are set up with the "supposed organic nature" of two musicians randomly meeting and playing brilliantly together. From the screenshots, to the captions and the click bait titles, to the zoomed-in reactions of bystanders (some/most which I have no doubt are real)...I never doubt the music, I'm in awe of all musicians who play to a great standard and are excellent performers. However, I just can't stand the way these videos are shot by pretending to be organic when it's all pre-meditated. It takes away from the authenticity of music because the music isn't the real focus; the fact that two musicians RANDOMLY start jamming together in a public place in perfect harmony is. If your focus was to bring music to the masses, why the need for the false pretenses? We live in a weird world.

[@chaotic_violist]

thanks for sharing your perspective on this! i think it’s important to have both twoset’s views and yours

[@kaygau85]

Ray, you have a beautiful spirit! Please keep inspiring people.

[@tiberiurus1289]

Now Twoset needs to react to your reaction! Also, i feel like what they're talking about, is when the musicians literally pretend like they stumble upon each other and just started playing, and i honestly get that, altough it doesn't actually harm anyone, but why even pretend like that, other than for likes on youtube or other platforms. But what Ray is taliking about, makes me think more of flash mobs. Anyway all 3 are great, with amazing taste and skill in music, so who cares about anything else

[@legendpossible7159]

Hey Ray, I support what you do and I love that you are passionate in sharing music with people regardless of circumstances. I will support you as always, wish you all the best!!! ❤

[@sonicheros3461]

Thank you for your videos. I have a granddaughter who wss adopted from Tai Pei. She is now turning 23 and attending de Paul completing year 1 of her master degree. She is a violinist who has been playing dince 5 yrs old.. When she plays I find great joy! I don't get to see her often. When I listen to you play different classical music I learn more about her passion. She wants to be in an orchestra and teach violin to children. She has been teaching young children for a few years. Thank you for making this grandmother love classical music! And I told her about watching your videos. She knew all about you. Small world. 😄

[@user-ei2tn7de2y]

Ray! It was exactly those videos made by you and Emilio that drew me into classical music. Plz keep doing so! Your videos always fuel me up. Scripts are not a big deal, even Twoset has scripted before they did that reaction.

[@Robinicat]

Love watching all your videos, Ray!

[@simplytwosetter]

Ray explains everything gently like a big brother!! I hope to hear Ray play in public one day lol It will be one of the best days in my life!!

[@user-ei2tn7de2y]

He is soooo nice

[@xandraxandra1437]

It is nice hearing him explain so calmly and honestly how it works

[@blauespony1013]

Thank you, Ray! Love the video. Who'd ever ask for a reaction 😀

[@igrowwearyofthisworld7369]

Ray, real talk: You say you do this to bring joy to people. I argue that you can do that without cringe scripted clickbait. Busk, be authentic, take requests and play pieces that make people happy. Also, no need to record that since it's about making the bystanders happy with an authentic performance and not about fishing for online clicks by riding a fake trend wave. Hope that didn't come across as hateful cause I enjoy your other videos. It's because of that that I want to see you be better than that.

[@ssatjapot]

Seriously...this was posted 4 hrs ago and there are 200+ comments... but Ray is so professional and incredibly courteous about this response. I also love Ray's subtle flex that he "can play vivaldi any time". Legit talent, Twoset!!

[@ssatjapot]

Also....I found Ray Chen through Emilio's IG post. I am super grateful for this cuz Ray is now one of my heroes and go-to inspirations on dark days.

[@pkmnjss]

Twoset never said Ray wasn't talented. Ray was one of the violinists Brett studied to prepare for his Mendelssohn. The Four Seasons are considered grade-level pieces for music exams by programs such as RCM, ABRSM, LCM, etc. They aren't among the pieces that'd be played for diploma-level evaluations. So Ray saying he can play them anytime... I'd really hope so.

[@izabelablawat6107]

Ray Chen You are an amazing musician and violinist, that is way it’s sounds so amazing live. ❤

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I appreciate Ray's response to the critique. If bringing more people to classical music is ultimately the point, I guess the question then becomes, "do these scripted "two take" performances bring in more of an audience than if Ray and his fellow musicians simply set up in a public space and performed without the premise that this encounter was a random meeting inspired by the request of a random person passing by?" I suppose it's like WWE wrestling...who cares, just enjoy the show.

[@eshleynn7142]

Ray shows his qualities and class

[@ViolinHobby]

Go Ray!!! You're the best classical violin KZbinr on this planet!!!

[@calliprice9320]

I love what you said about bringing music to people!!!

[@dvides89]

Ray I enjoy the performances but if I could give a little feedback, if you can just cut out acting that it’s not a planned performance it will feel genuine without diminishing anything. What is a little annoying is the actual acting, because it actually makes the viewer feel being lied to…. Just a thought, I’ve seen a lot of your videos were you say “we’re going to perform this live” and they are stupendous, there’s no need to make them look as if you randomly find the guy on the street.. That way if something like that really happens ever, it will be real.

[@nancyjfs]

Have you ever heard of a little white lie? In the service of fun!

[@potsdam521]

The problem is that those performances are promoted as randomly happen, better just say today im playing with this person at this location

[@bazingaShelly]

Hey, Ray! You have such a lovely personality. It's awesome to see we still have people like You on this planet. Your response is high-class. As much as I love listening to people playing music and I'd be on cloud nine if I unexpectedly heard/saw a world-class violinist like you at an airport, to be honest, I never watch those "randon surpirse piano" videos on KZbin, because of all the cringy lies like: "we didn't expect this violinist to appear out of thin air!" It reeks of being fake, and now you confirmed that the meet is planned. I mean, it does feel like those pianists are trying to make idiots of people. That's painful to see. One thing I would love you to clarify: why do they do that, instead of calling it what it really is: a flash mob! There's nothing wrong with a flash mob! It would be more credible and would gather as many views and likes as the charade they're putting up saying: "Oh, I didn't know he was a professional musician." Like, he didn't pick up on that during the first rehearsal? Honestly, I didn't enjoy those videos to the point that I asked yt to stop recommending me that channel. Phew... All that aside, my daughter and I admire you as a musician. My daughter loves using your app to practice playing the violin every day! It is amazing. Thank you for your positive impact on young musicians. 💖

[@today.2759]

I started to enjoy and sort of understand classical music because of TwoSet and I was also introduce to Ray Chen, this big and famous violinist, because of them.

[@elisejoy4968]

😊🌹 I love your playing for a number of reasons (can’t go into them here). We will be watching you live in Taiwan. 😊 Thank you for putting passionate and wonderful music in the world that touches young people too, who may never otherwise have taken notice of violin / classical music (like my nieces and nephew). ❤️🌹 With beautiful music you can transcend and nearly grace the divine, just for an imperceptible moment. But that might just be enough, you’ll need no more. It is that powerful and beautiful.

[@ascphil]

When and where will Ray perform in Taiwan?

[@elisejoy4968]

@@ascphil You can check his website for upcoming performances.

[@faithfrancisco9829]

Thank you for the clarification Ray! I love twoset just as much as I love you and I appreciate the clarification on this whole trend. I 100% agree with where you stand and I remember seeing some of the videos for the first time and loving how good all of the musicians sounded but was questioning how all of these videos were “random”. Nevertheless, I went to my trusty friends twoset and they seemed too skeptical about the whole situation bc well…they are twoset lol 😂 but either way, I am glad that you just let people enjoy the music and have fun bc that’s what’s it’s about 🥰 love you Ray!

[@Love-Is-Kind]

Thank you for bring clarity to an on going question of are some street performances planned or scripted. Beautifully explained. Stay healthy and take care.

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Fun to hear this video and fabulous musicianship to rock out these challenging pieces on the fly!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Love that you are creating positive impact. Mad respect.

[@realshaoran4514]

I really believe, that the people at the airport/train station/cafe/etc are going to have a great time, even if they meeting is scripted. Hearing a live performance by professional musicians is not something that everybody has experienced ever so I agree, those people are having the a great time and will have a very memorable afternoon. However, my beef is with the youtube videos and how they are presented and the feeling they are trying to sell, because in my opinion they are really cringey specially with those captions. I watched a few and then I have been ignoring them. Even if I don't like the videos themselves, I still think it's a really nice from Ray to do this collabs with other musicians, for them and for the audience that didn't expect such a class act.

[@worgle123]

Lol, was waiting for this. THANKS!!!!

[@pattylin6722]

Don’t worry I will always support you ❤

[@jshum02]

It doesn't matter if it's planned or not. I think random acts of music are great.

[@adi_demian]

Awesome back and forth! ❤❤❤

[@rmatson]

Dude!! First, thanks for making this explainer about this performance practice. Second, personally, I strongly agree with the idea of bringing performance to people, in whatever form feels right. The classic idea of concert hall performances, with all the vintage trappings, as the only legit space for "classical" is being overtaken by new ideas about what makes for a performance space -- a living room, a street corner, KZbin, TTok, a park, whatever -- as well as new ideas for stagings. RayC (and 2Set) are doing inspiring work in this area. I am seeing, around us, a cohort of world class musical artists who are opening the doors to artistic ideas that bring fresh air into a room that had started to feel stale. Besides RayC, I'm also thinking here of HH, the Metropolitan Opera, the NYCBallet, and several others of varying degrees of fame. Thanks to the work of these artists, and fun and nutty ideas like semi-impromptu public performances for YT or TT, this has become an exciting time to be a musician.

[@navodya]

Really appreciate you for explaining

[@Sanders-vd3tp]

That's so cool that Ray answered!

[@lapukaslapis]

i wish you get soo much followers like they have,,, you really deserved that 🥰🥰🥰

[@willy_wombat]

Thanks for your gift of music ❤❤❤

[@RobLandes]

Great points, Ray. This is a fantastic format to bring music to more people, especially classical music, so it's crazy to me to see TwoSet try to stop it. Don't let them! :D

[@dvides89]

Hi Rob, firstly Hi ( love your videos)… I think the issue (and there seems to be many comments on this same video to say the same thing) is that the acting part is really a downer for an otherwise wonderful collaboration….. I see for example your funny videos where people spontaneously react to your violin playing, it would very less encouraging to know they are acting …… You would still be playing awesomely but a viewer definitely wouldn’t like to be fooled…. And I think Twoset in their crude honesty have expressed an opinion many other people shared, they do it through humor but there’s truth in there. And as Ray said it, which we totally believe, they got many things wrong but not due to them being intentionally disingenuous but because of lack of context.

[@agent1149]

Hey Rob. I love your videos and keep up the good work! However that being said, Twoset was not trying to stop people from making this kind of content but rather just shedding light on the fact that it is staged and not genuine. Twoset’s whole thing is pointing out when people are being cringe or fake which is how they got this popular in the first place. They don’t sugarcoat it which is why I love them. They just say it as it is and that’s totally fine. I think we need both kinds of content creators. One that takes part in the show and one that calls out what needs to be called out. At the end of the day the content creators are clearly trying to portray it as “this is a random musician and totally genuine and not rehearsed at all” which is extremely cringe because everyone already knows it’s not real, so why are you trying to act like it is? Anyways what I’m trying to say is Twoset’s opinion is valid because all they did was give awareness to us(the audience).

[@paulinacaviggia1622]

I know you because I saw you in one of these videos. I hear you play. I found your name in one of the comments, and this leads me to this channel. No matter what they say, you are doing your way, and thats all right.

[@darry_5010]

Hey Ray! Looking forward to see you in China!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Jay-jg4ri]

GOOD SIR, YOUR FREAKING ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUSLY AND BRILLIANTLY AMAZING !!!!

[@neko-senpai4121]

Respect for both ray and twoset, I love the spirit!

[@isabellanakahara]

Great video, Ray! I think it is all wonderful, all great! You and other musicians who do this (I was a young busker back in the 70's in my home town of Santa Cruz) bring joy to others. I love it all. Blessings, Ray!

[@sherylyung6236]

Ray, I am so proud of you! What you did these years has encouraged and inspired me a lot on music and I started playing flute again which I have given up for years. And because of you, I found my passion for music and… of course practice again❤🤣 love ya

[@shadowbandit20]

I think what makes it so cringe is both the pretend surprise of the actual players, coupled with the wildly unnecessary emotion captions. The audience would still be just as surprised and delighted even if the players didn’t pretend it wasn’t rehearsed.

[@karthikkamathp]

Hope this turns about to be just some light hearted banter!

[@Riyoe]

always is, twoset never beefs except against kpop stans

[@sarahC19]

​@@Riyoehaha yes! 😂

[@blauespony1013]

Twoset and Ray are friends, why would it escalate?

[@user-bl2uw8hh8n]

Please come to Taiwan and give us such beautiful moments ~ I really wish I could randomly run to these great music 😆 , too. That’s so lucky!

[@FreyjaRKim]

Yes! I said I needed Ray's reaction and Ray delivered! 😂

[@dvillebenny1445]

We ,love you Ray Chen, Bring joy all of us.

[@rachelzitomer5081]

I love Ray's final point -try everything. At times I find myself being put off a bit by videos that I see from these classical channels that strike me as cheesy or pandering but in those moments I should perhaps be seeing a positive-if every video they made appealed to my taste they would be missing a huge potential audience that responds to something different. I love seeing comments from people here that these types of videos got them interested in classical music, or kids who started playing an instrument because they love twoset's content.

[@fromt789]

Ray - you are insanely inspirational. Please keep doing more … 😅😅😅

[@nb7524]

Hi Ray, great response video!👍🏽

[@yuyinwang6036]

Humble and positive! You are not only a wonderful musician but also a wonderful human being! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Ilcannone1743aficionado]

I don't play very good but everytime that I have an oportunity to visit a violin shop ,I feel the itch to try a different violin and is very nice when people in the shop tell you ,sounds great...or wow....can you help me to choose an instrument ....sure my pleasure....thank for the videos...

[@oiarasilva5790]

Good to see you on screen.oiara Brasil ❤

[@IgnorantSeeker]

We all know that Ray and Twoset are friends and that their roast is in a friendly spirit. However, there is a serious point in that criticism, which is the misrepresentation, effectively lying, that makes this type of videos cringe. I’m sure the live audience enjoyed the superb musical performance. But why the need to present it as an authentic random encounter in the video, rather than to let the music touch people? Comments on the two set video clearly showed that some people were deceived and their feelings were hurt. Just because the performance brought people joy doesn’t justify the casual attitude towards lying. Short form video audience also deserve the respect of not being misled/lying to. Maybe I’m just less tolerant of untruth, but I don’t think being lied to should be so easily acceptable in society. Ray’s explanation that the requests are genuine don’t really make sense either since he also said that they have practiced the piece beforehand.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Exactly, the requests are not spontaneous or random. They walked around the space until they found someone who would be willing to be on camera, walk up to the musician and request the piece they prepared. This is a scripted interaction with a chosen "actor."

[@heitron81]

Thank you! I support every single word you said!

[@KatJade269]

Way to go, Ray ! Thanks for the introduction to Vivaldi.