J S Bach arr. F Busoni Chaconne in D minor (James Rhodes, piano)

Bach's epic Chaconne written most likely in memory of his dead wife. Originally composed for solo violin, Busoni later transcribed it for piano.
Performed live and unedited at London's Barbican, late 2011 and with apologies for the occasional wanky facial expressions :)

[@evakofodhansen138]

"There is a crack in everything, that´s how the light gets in", Leonard Cohen. Thank you, James, for the Chaconne! It goes directly in the heart!

[@RBKerr]

"Shut up, I'm proud of this one" (Rhodes, J, )! Congrats, James!!!! You've got many reasons to be proud of yourself and your achievements! This interpretation of yours is really awesome!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@somethinglikethisorthat273]

This man has dealt with things I imagine most of you cannot even comprehend, so claws away people. Personally, I love the fact it isn't perfect - it shows it is being played LIVE, by a REAL human being, imperfections and all. This is one thing that alienates so many people from classical music, this near obsession with perfection and tradition. Who cares, if the music is beautiful and it is being played with feeling? Frankly, James Rhodes is who inspired me to pursue music - thanks James :) x

[@yoandmest4747]

Vladimir Horowitz himself hated perfection! James Rhodes is a real treasure! xxx

[@benno7568]

He's gay

[@anmiotiv]

Shut up evil

[@renatacamacho8659]

And Were is the problem ?! I do believe : You do not know one simple note...A FAVOR : MUSIC is LIFE and people like you be quiet...

[@11marlie]

Actually no, he's not. But it's irrelevant anyway. So was Tchaikovsky.

[@marykarensolomon7103]

James Rhodes communicates the sadness and raw sorrow of this piece better than anyone else I’ve heard. He moves me to tears.

[@rodovre]

Madly difficult piece. Both technically and musically. It is wonderful to see artists reach this level of mastering the piano. It takes guts and grit to perform this one live! Well done James!

[@johnbrothers8226]

Once you know how much James Rhodes has conquered you will enjoy and be inspired by his playing

[@rr7firefly]

I am reading "Instrumental" right now and each time I pick it up I force myself to stop after 2 or 3 chapters to fully appreciate James' stories from his life and his reflections on the selected classical pieces that precede each chapter. I don't want this book to end. He has a real gift for writing and for conveying the torment of his mental chaos. Hearing him play this key Bach piece gives me great insight into his psyche (the crack in the roof that let in the sky).

[@rr7firefly]

@modfather1964 It is often with a sense of relief and victory that we look back at the tough times we have survived. I realized at some point of my adult life that I was not the only human who had ever experienced depressive anxiety and this helped me to see things more objectively and to have hope. Best wishes to you.

[@josecarlosfernandezsantama1970]

Acabo de leer su libro y después de escuchar esta pieza todavía le admiro más. Gracias, James.

[@MichaelNatib]

Llegué a tu libro por azar, actualmente estoy leyendo el tema 4, Bach y Busoni, en ese capítulo dices que Goethe dijo que la arquitectura es música congelada. Hoy, mientras leo tu libro en una inhóspita ciudad abandonada por la suerte, me doy cuenta que no tengo un hogar, que no tengo un refugio. Sin embargo, hoy tengo tu música y con ella y con tu libro construyo un refugio donde mis miedos y mis sueños pueden coexistir. ¡Gracias!

[@Marcela_Pineda]

Como se llama el libro ?

[@1955ROSARIO]

@@Marcela_Pineda Hola, el libro es INSTRUMENTAL 🤗

[@beatrizmendez3180]

Maravilloso lo que dices!!!!!

[@marykarensolomon7103]

Beautiful, expressive playing. Every time I hear this, I cry. I think that’s exactly what Bach meant.

[@helenherrera7111]

He plays it so beautifully, with such depth and emotion.I would love to play like this! So sad as well that Bach composed this for his wife who had died.

[@arnold4194]

Bach's music always amazes me... so ahead of his time

[@RascalRaccoon15]

So beautiful James I get the pain and anguish and your amazing courage Bachs music heals Rosella Robertson

[@raquelrodriguez777]

Bach is the musician of God.

[@The-Organised-Pianist]

All your heart and soul and all the struggles of the human spirit are in this transcendent performance. Hearing it is one of the greatest privileges of my life. Thank you, James!

[@jubiladajubilosa]

Ayer tuve el placer de escucharlo en un concierto que dió en el Palacio de la Opera en Coruña y me ha gustado su forma de interpretar y hacerse con un público no siempre habitual de los conciertos de música clásica. Recibió cálidos y repetidos aplausos.

[@lolyrodriguez9648]

Conozco tu trabajo desde hace tiempo y hoy leyendo Instrumental he descubierto a una persona valiente, sensible y tremendamente humana a pesar de tus traumas. En muchos fragmentos del libro me veo reflejada y puedo decir que no entiendo el por qué me alivia leer descripciones tan crudas y realistas, gracias James

[@soultotheuniverse]

You, sir, are an effing GENIUS in capital letters. You have something in your piano playing that simply shakes my soul to the core. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@alanajarquin8357]

James felicidades por compartir la música con nosotros. He leído tu libro y desde el primer momento te ame, desde la primera pagina, te admiro, tu fuerza, tu decisión de seguir. Eres increíble James. me gusta mucho como tocas el piano, tu manera de interpretar la música. lo que tu sientes por Bach, yo lo siento por Mozart, por que Mozart me cambio la vida de igual forma que a ti. Mi vida es antes y después del piano. Gracias por tu libro. esta increíble. Con gran admiración Alana Jarquin

[@tommyiglesias2267]

Thanks for sharing, your life is an example of never surrendering, no matter what. Can definitely feel the passion in your playing.

[@mikestewart6517]

Thank you James for your passion. Be good, be well, be passionate, be happy.

[@danihost1785]

Absolutely incredible performance.

[@Castukki]

I've never heard such a "Human" Bach :O... God, I loved it! Really touching...

[@empathyrevolution]

I believe James holds such a strong narrative for each piece he plays - an additional depth is achieved in his performances, beyond technical delivery.

[@connypiano5038]

Even though Mr. Rhodes' finger technique in this live-recording is not always flawless, I very much appreciate his playing. Wonderful singing tone, intelligent structure, great interpretation, and a very emotional message!. Beautiful.

[@GarySchmidtPianist]

Have listened to many interpretations of this piece of the years and must say this is now my favorite (Maybe not as technically perfectly as say Grimauds, whose is also excellent, ) but his passion and understanding of the soul of the music and humanity is incredibly moving. This is the musician and artist at work. Truly transcendent music played transcendent ally.

[@didiermontoya8572]

It's amazing how much you can feel personality on this interpretation.

[@amosvasquez]

BRAVO MAESTRO! respect for your art and life, after reading your book. Me quito el sombrero.

[@lovelyinlux82]

Definitely one of the most emotional and beautiful interpretations of this I've heard. Breathtaking!

[@Dpsv1987]

Brutal. Como una pieza puede transmitir amor, rabia, la muerte, la pena de perder un ser amado, la despedida, la vida. Ha sido emocionante. Gracias por esta valiosa interpretación. Una obra de arte sin lugar a dudas.

[@MrFrapado]

James, Tu Chaconne es una obra Monumental! Tocas todos los botones de sentimientos y emociones. Bravissimo! 👏👏👏

[@marianasantos-yc5dq]

Es algo duro escuchar esta gran pieza a la vez que leo su libro. Amo que de una pequeña sintesis de cada obra mencionada al principio de un capítulo. Gracias James.

[@jesuss.m.secundario4167]

Efectivamente, después de leer su libro se hace mucho más duro escucharla y a la vez, mucho más hermoso.

[@bibisanchez9073]

Mariana Santos de que libro es perdón

[@andreasmidt6243]

@@bibisanchez9073 "instrumental: memorias de música, medicina y locura"

[@bibisanchez9073]

@@andreasmidt6243 mil gracias por tú atención 😘🙏

[@elenaralucacalin5750]

Lo estoy leyendo ahora mismo mientras escucho esto. Es muy duro y muy emotivo a la vez.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Bach's most personal piece of music he has ever written. So much sadness, pain anger, desperation and yet there is this island of extacy in it, as he was trying to convince himself that one day he will see his wife again in heaven, which he probably tried to believe. But then the sadness wins again. Such an honest piece. And what Busoni has made out of this Violin piece is simply breathtaking. I know many transcriptions of the piece, the Brahms one for left hand, the Raff versions for both Piano Solo and Orchestra, the Schumann Version which just adds a piano to the original violin. This one here knocks them all out of the ballpark.

[@RBKerr]

I know when an interpretation really impacted me by the number of times I return to listen to it again and again! I’ve come back to your performance many times so far and I’m not done yet!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@luisfe6389]

Se demuestra que lo "perfecto" no es tan bello como pensamos. Bravo!

[@joannamurphy2549]

Reading your book at the moment, so I dutifully turned to the Chaconne. Never heard this Bach before or seen such majestic, passionate musicianship. -Awestruck.

[@JumpDiffusion]

There are many performances of this piece played by some brilliant pianists...I can't say this is one of my top 3 favorite performances, but it is definitely moving and original. No one can deny that James Rhodes plays it with heart and understanding the piece (..not just the score)...and that's the most important thing.

[@andrev1683]

It's been over a year since I first listened to this. It's for sure my favourite recording of this piece and I've listened to it at least once almost every single day since and I'm still constantly knocked off my chair. I think I love it more and more every time. I cannot believe I used to hate 'classical' music before this... Ever since I heard this I've been venturing more into 'classical' music and god it's been amazing. I used to not have an answer to "what's your favourite song?" But now, without a doubt, this is it. It's also inspired me to actually practice piano. Thank you so much

[@amandau7137]

The idea that any human is capable of such mastery blows me away. The artistry he portrays is astonishing. Just think... he memorized all of that. The flow and detail is unearthly. What an inspiration.

[@johnbrothers8226]

Read about his life. This playing is a victory celebration. We need to focus more on the musician, not so much the music and composer.

[@estelaalvareztorre2779]

Increíble y dolorosa vida la de este gran hombre, ojalá supere todo esto y pueda continuar con una vida de éxito,que bien merecido lo tiene.

[@lisabreuer681]

Increible con cuanta emocion y cuanto sentimiento tocas la musica del gran maestro J.S.Bach. Amo a sus obras y tocandolas tu me toca lo mas profundo del alma! Muchisimas gracias!

[@MrFrapado]

That performance was Incredible! 🙏🙏🙏❤️♥️❤️💫🌟💫

[@jr7845]

having been introduced to James and his beautiful piano playing many years ago, I got the chance to meet in Harrogate after a concert he performed, I fell in love with this kind soul, a man whom has been through so much, yet he still shines brightly j'adore

[@kathrynbell7024]

Thankyou for all the time and energy you put into bringing that magnificent collection of sound to life. You are remarkable and truly inspirational.

[@rowanwild8445]

This is too heavenly. Technically not flawless, but feels even better that way. Despite being being romantized by Busoni already, you're so personal that it feels like listening to Brahms.

[@alexbe2553]

felicidades ARTISTA.SIMPLEMENTE me encanta no solo tu musica si no que he descubierto que me facina,me tranquiliza y me evade de mi realidad toda la musica clasica...

[@mercedesachaboveda7768]

Gracias, gracias por continuar. Jamás te rindas. Tu genialidad transciende hasta la mismísima música.

[@robertwilson214]

How is matthews passion so well known yet this masterpiece is hidden away?

[@gloriaferrismalonda9609]

Gracias, James Rhodes, tu libro y esa maravillosa relación con la música que transmites, llega, llega tanto. Qué lo voy a intentar. Mil gracias de nuevo por existir y compartir

[@jacarojacaro7096]

James I put this song in my English Class and they got calm,,,a miracle!!!!!!

[@user-sv4ep5hx9r]

it's a piece. please.

[@MoreGemma]

I’m reading his book and I’m impressed. Thank you for all

[@isabelscdr1966]

I was lucky enough to see you play live more than once and... is incredible, fantastic, wonderfu, the only

[@cj5273]

This moves me to tears. Incredible

[@annajenny6804]

Playing classical flute for years lead me to learn to play piano and enjoy my own creative songs that I create. You are so right in the idea of that by just working a few hours a week with our 'spare time' we have the ability to expand our personal joy and enrich our minds and souls. Such a beautiful gift that you give to all of humanity through your exquisite mastery and love of playing the piano. Thank you! Priceless!

[@RobinThomsonMusician]

All time fav piece for me too. Played it on guitar and one day maybe on piano too.

[@juanpablograciamartinez6102]

En un momento tan difícil, has conseguido salvarme con tu música, has conseguido llevar a Bach, si eso es posible, al máximo de su expresión. La casualidad quiso que esta pieza se cruzara en mi camino. Mi profundo agradecimiento por tu existencia, James.

[@gabrielavillavicencio3255]

🎶

[@emiliolpp]

A

[@aluisaac]

Te recomiendo escuchar la versión de Martha argerich o Valentina lisitsa, o cualquier otro profesional, está versión esta un poco verde en comparación

[@juanpablograciamartinez6102]

@@aluisaac Sin ánimo de ofender, he escuchado a ambas y no me gusta su estilo. Por supuesto, jamás diré que son aficionadas. Me parece una falta innecesaria de respeto. Si te refieres a cuestiones de tipo técnico, el mismo James reconoce que su técnica no es la mejor con mucho. Sin embargo, después de tu comentario despectivo hacia él, me queda expresar, de nuevo, que la emoción tiene muchas dimensiones, y diferentes matices, que la subjetividad del oyente también es relevante. en estos momentos estoy escuchando la Moonlight Sonata interpretada por Valentina Lisitsa, y me ha dejado bastante plano. Su técnica es perfecta, pero no ha conseguido conmoverme. La percepción musical es subjetiva. Quizá mi oído es poco avezado. Lo desconozco. Lo que sí sé es que no pienso faltar al respeto a ningún pianista el respeto porque no me guste su estilo.

[@juanpablograciamartinez6102]

De hecho, te agradezco la respuesta, porque me has recordado la belleza de esta pieza. gracias.

[@semifusa6435]

Desde que te vi por primera vez en la tele me impresionó tu tocar sin partituras. Hoy leyendo Instrumental hablas de diez mil notas. ¡¡¡Qué memoria privilegiada y qué manos!!! 🙂🎶

[@janetwitman]

I just learned about you last night on PBS Christine Amanpour's show. I'm so glad to know about you and will follow your story and music.

[@renatacamacho8659]

Sorry for my enghish. I am from Portugal but is such people thath do not know the power of the music. I play piano since my 6 tears old now I have 30 years . Please : when you play piano you do live in a special " place" so beautiful...thanks !

[@kristienhintjens6383]

James plays Bach like he really knows and understands this composer. So moving and beautiful. I loved it. Thanks so much for sharing it. :) Your passion just shines through.

[@orvpibbs2905]

"To play a wrong note is Insignificant, To play without Passion is Inexcusable!" - Beethoven - James certainly has the passion - "If you have nothing new to say about a piece of music, DON'T play it and certainly DON'T record it !! - Glenn Gould - James, loved your BBC radio 3 special on Gould. Hope someday, I will be able to see and hear you play LIVE!!

[@isabelscdr1966]

He tenido la suerte de verle tocar en directo más de una vez y es...increible, fantástico, maravilloso, único

[@neteuse77]

la mejor interpretacion en mucho tiempo de la obra Chacona, gracias James por tu libro y por tu esfuerzo...

[@andrespaez2000]

Hace tiempo no lloraba durante 14 minutos seguidos. Infinitas gracias James

[@ArizonaAirspace]

That was beautiful! Thank you for making my afternoon enjoyable. A real treat to my senses.

[@MrInterestingthings]

I am tearing and my face is anguished . I don't know this man's story but the story of all humanity & the human condition is here !

[@noelwilde]

Stunning interpretation.

[@TheSuperTrickey]

James Rhodes play this piece absolutely perfectly. Such passion, such emotion, such grief. Two beautiful people meet in this piece of music, and speak to all of us, the audience, through it.

[@orgina1703]

Спасибо большое. Thanks a lot. Amazing music. And you are amazing too.

[@empoderamientomujer7603]

Hi James!! I'm from Colombia. I read you book and transmitted to me so much sensations. Not only you history. The music, its depth, the notes from the piano and approach to each artist and especially that way of unfolding all the emotions and experiences across the music. It's as to know that only you can live with passion for to express this that you live and that there is no other way to live than to show your art, your essence, your being. I wait for you next presentation here in Bogota. Please forget my poor english. Ciaoo. Hola James! Soy de Colombia. Leí tu libro y me transmitió muchas sensaciones. No solo tu historia. La música, su profundidad, las notas del piano y el acercamiento a cada artista pero sobre todo la manera de desplegar todas las emociones y vivencias a través de la música. Es como saber que solo tu puedes vivir con pasión por expresar eso que tu vives y que no hay otro modo de vivir que mostrando tu arte, tu esencia, tu ser. Espero por tu próxima presentación aquí en Bogotá. Por favor perdona mi pobre inglés. Un saludo.

[@robertosegovia7760]

Its amazing...I discover recently to James Rhodes....and my words are so tiny... Thank you master, you are a hero. Your book, your words are a dare experiencie.

[@beatrizmendez3180]

Eres maravilloso James tienes una misión en esta vida eso es indudable !!!! Gracias !!!!

[@alfonsoperdomo4469]

this is a really fresh interpretation, it's not the usually baroque stuff, some may not like hearing Bach being play it out of his period of time, but i found it very original, it feels so different and original, sometimes, i dont feel like im hearing a baroque piece on it's whole, and that is wonderfull.

[@capitanhadock1977]

No es una pieza barroca, es un arreglo para piano de una pieza de Bach realizado por Busoni, pianista de finales del XIX y del XX muy influenciado por Liszt y Bach

[@JordiFranchParella]

Listening to this Bach performance while reading an interview with the pianist. In some way or another, evil (through humans) marks indelible scars on everyone. Bravo for the music.

[@jonathanwalther]

Thank you James for your unconventional ways. Hope, you do well.

[@noonesflower]

Oh I'm so happy you put this up! There usen't to be anyone playing this on YT when I taught it to a student for a festival. I love this piece and your interpretation.

[@anasan00]

No he leido tus libros, conozco un poco de tu historia y tu compromiso con la vida. Las "imperfecciones" hacen tu musica cercana y me reconcilian con la humanidad. Gracias

[@lolalinares3701]

Acabo de descubrir su música,gracias a mi hija,reconforta mi espíritu.Muchas gracias.

[@luissouza6002]

Gracias James, recién comienzo a leer el libro, pero me gusta mucho Bach,

Tú si que vales, James Rhodes. Gracias de un español por amar tanto a España.

[@merysoutmartin]

Wordless....All I can say is thank you

[@veskovarbanov]

my life resonates in that... thank you

[@cglinuesa]

Lo he escuchado unas 30 veces y cada vez mejora.

[@kinggimped]

Amazing interpretation and arrangement. Absolutely beautiful!

[@stockcar5472]

Touching, moving, intimate, magnificent.

[@todolibroespolitico1398]

Hi. I'm reading Instrumental. Thank you very much. For your soul, for your kindness, for the love and beauty inside the pages. A master piece of pain and hope.

[@izeea]

i like how his performance isn't perfect but the emotion more than makes up for it

[@Moncada_ink]

Your book send me here. Thanks a lot. Maybe you dont care, but that fucking book, its changing my life.

[@sven-sandershestakov3294]

Sebastián Moncada Damn, I have to get his book too.

[@miguelitocorcheas6078]

Me encanta! Es una interpretación muy profunda, muy sentida!!👍🎶

[@laurangelish]

Fabuloso, James. Miles de gracias!

[@lisarochon1905]

Absolutely beautiful and emotional piece. Thanks for this 💖😍

[@veronicah.7668]

Hello James. I am reading your book and I am thankful to get to know a real person. Your art is also exquisite. Soul hug from me to you.

[@rominawhite]

I've discovered your music from James Rhodes: Piano Man. I've been mesmerized with you ever since.

[@RicardoDeSantiagoMusic]

Maravilloso, cuanto me inspiran tus manos!

[@SCAlex_Musician]

Brilliantly performed!! James you are very devoted and passionate pianist, really special :)

[@MrFrapado]

Precioso! A ver cuando subes a Manchester a tocar 🙏🙏🙏

[@sombracelta2586]

Acá en Bs. AS. EN CUARENTENA escuchando esta maravilla que me permitió olvidar por un rato para donde vamos con este titanic. Impresionante pianista!

[@okaminess]

Thank you, James. I needed this.

[@josebedeur2593]

Je devrais sans doute aussi m'excuser de t'avoir écouté les larmes aux yeux...

[@RicardoDeSantiagoMusic]

Maestro!

[@josesanmartin2058]

Que hermoso toca, y que genio!!! Me tomaria una vida completa hacer eso.

[@cuda719]

amazing. in tears, as was probably meant to happen.

[@fog152]

That's the spark of geniosity right there