J.S. Bach Cello Suite no.1 | Marc Sabbah, viola

Johann Sebastian Bach
Suite no.1 in G major for solo cello/viola
i. Prelude 00:00
ii. Allemande 02:42
iii. Courante 07:19
iv. Sarabande 10:20
v. Menuet 1&2 13:36
vi. Gigue 16:17
Instagram: marc_sabbah
Website: www.marcsabbah.com
Live performance in Hoepertingen, Belgium in June 2017
Video: Istvan Hollos
Sound: Jason Alder

[@MrViolinGuy]

The bow control, clarity, dexterity is magical!! Such a lovely, clean sound for such a pure expression of Bach.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you Grant

[@joelhirsbrunner1997]

Show the world that violas are no joke 👍

[@Lully0815]

-What's the difference between violin and viola? -Violin can be tuned. FYI, I am a violist, willingly.

[@yourfriend8052]

Finally a violist

[@pineapplewhatever5906]

TwoSetViolin: *roasts viola* Marc Sabbah: *plays Bach cello suite on viola*

[@TheAnonyy]

Please stop going on about 2 set its boring

[@StartIed2]

@@TheAnonyy No

[@aidanramirez2591]

Mark Ups No

[@roach6433]

@@aidanramirez2591 yes

[@NutsAboutHarry]

@@TheAnonyy YOU'RE annoying fuckwit you absolute fucking fun sponge!

[@danigonzalez-dotti2540]

I truly admire the no shoulder rest route 😂

[@yourfriend8052]

Dani Gonzalez-Dotti YES😂

[@musical1innm769]

Neck massages often??

[@shizhixv5856]

I'm ok without shoulder rest myself too, partially because I have a short neck lmao. One of my friend's got a rather long neck so he must use shoulder rest though. different way fits different ppl I guess

[@unnamed_boi]

How to trigger cellists: "cello is a bass viola"

[@marcsabbah5275]

Totally :)

[@josueelias1356]

“Wow that’s a big viola” 😂😂😂

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

How to make cellists die of anger: "Cello is a big violin"

[@veratucchi]

I have many different recordings of this piece, some on viola and others on cello. I always come back to your performance as my very favorite.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Susana Maria thank you so much for the kind comment Susana.

[@a17en85]

I showed this to my viola teacher

[@xXIceShowerXx]

Listen to the classical guitar recording, played by Ana Vidovic.

[@mads3917]

As a person who plays the cello and the viola, I love that I don’t really have to learn this twice, it almost translates perfectly

[@Basilisks666]

Wow, I was looking for a good performance of Bach Suites in viola and I found this! I myself am playing the viola and wanted to play them since they're so beautiful. I'm just so mesmerized. May your spirit always rejoice in the music.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you Musrar! Enjoy the suites, they are magical and mystical works that you will grow with over a lifetime.

[@appleuser1]

@@marcsabbah5275 Fantastic - I am hobby viola player. I discovered the hobby of playing after more than 10 years not playing. My viola teacher inspired me to play the Bach Suite while making fun. I think also that the suites will be with my lifetime. (I play on a wonderful Mare Zaharie viola, built 1981 in romania) Greetings from Austria!

[@marcsabbah5275]

Medientechniker I'm glad we both share the love of Bach and Viola. Don't hesitate to subscribe or check out my website if ever I'm playing in your area. Best wishes

[@nottheborg836]

will we ever find out what he’s looking at?

[@oocarlaaa]

Looking at nothing, thinking in everything.

[@nickelcadmium1401]

Looking at the boss himself, Sebastian Bach

[@TheAnonyy]

Yes it does look funny staring into space like that

[@jaschenski]

It's the Milstein look! Very classy! :-)

[@fanna2000]

When I’m playing, I’m doing the same. Kind of imagining the sheet, imagining the feelings what I want to bring into my play. :) And if you ask me, I have no idea what I’m watching, because of the imagining, concentrating.

[@Vokaynroks]

So damn clean. Edit: Except for all those coughing audience members and creaking doors.

[@katherinemcarrick8190]

Vokaynroks Those flaws help prove the video isn't fake. This guy's accuracy is quite unbelievable, awe-inspiring!

[@someasianguy5641]

7:58 is my favorite omg that sound

[@jacobplaysinstruments2018]

0:00 is my favorite

[@Kryrky]

18:02 my favorite part

[@MrLuteboy]

Beautiful tone, impeccable intonation!

[@Violin_Viola_Music_Box]

I love your choices, the depth of your crescendos, and the delicate notes you achieve with you bow control.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you so much Susan

[@heystevo82]

This has inspired me to learn the viola. I wanted to learn cello but can't afford one. I had no idea the viola sounds so mellow and beautiful.

[@hlkearns]

I am more than moved by your interpretation and the color of your tone, as it takes me to that place. I also love your bowings. Thank you for sharing as I believe Bach would be very proud.

[@violaferenc]

Amazing Courante, stunning freedom within the metrics...congrats!!!

[@raymonroe1983]

Absolutely flawless performance. The playing was as if I was in a different time and a different state of mind.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Wow thank you for your comment. I'll be putting up more suites soon.

[@lucosi98]

Hello, Mr. Sabbah! Congratulations on your interpretation ... I really enjoyed all the dances. Especially the Courante is the best I've ever heard. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@HALLBARBARA11]

Bach would have been proud. How blessed we are to listen to such musicians, such music.

[@NeomiNemeth]

Watched this video so many times....love it! Never thought that a viola could sound so majestic and beautiful. I would like to try one. BRAVO for the performance...so light, clean, passionate yet seems effortless 🥰 Such musicality and expression with such minimal vibrato....wow.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you! I'm very glad you liked it.

[@ItsNolifeluis]

so much passion 😭

[@natashadrissi2301]

My oldest son finally grew into the smallest size viola last year (been using restringed violin before), and he's studying this piece now. He's still on the prelude and your performance is a huge inspiration for him. Thank you!

[@bystroffc]

Marc, you are wonderful ! Could you record the other five suites? Please?

[@chaspoll1]

Until now my clear favourite for Bach Suites was Lilian Fuchs' marvellously rich heavy weight version... but I'm kind of wavering, now, coz yours work really well for me too....

[@nonsense7853]

Dude, I realise I have always played the Menuett 1&2 wrong. Excellent Interpretation

[@marcsabbah5275]

I'm glad I could shine new light on this piece for you. Keep up the good work.

[@a17en85]

Same

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

I still listen to this like every day omg

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thanks Madmax :)

[@bethslater9910]

I just started playing again after a two decade hiatus and this is the piece I started working on. It’s a rough one to shake the rust from my fingers. Came here to listen to it played competently

[@hanarosensabbah5025]

Listening to you playing Bach is the go-to destination from reality .... Thank you

[@jazzychazzy007]

Absolutely beautiful - thank you!

[@peterwu8471]

Bravo - I have played this so many times - but you knock it out of the park.

[@Thedominofan300]

Qualité du son toujours merveilleuse, comme le jeu, on ressent tout à travers cette vidéo, merci du partage !

[@tabely]

Me hizo llorar! Tan hermoso❤️🎻

[@cellosong]

Beautifully played and phrased. I love it!

[@stanislasplater-zyberk1373]

Magnifique cher Marc !!! Superbe interprétation !!!

[@pauloarnaudo1322]

Hermoso Marc! Felicitaciones!

[@alcon9026]

Everything about this is perfect wow

[@paolageraci]

Mesmerising wonderful sound of viola!

[@adsmoraesbrz]

Wow...best bach in viola I've see...thanks bud!

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

Still watching man always amazing!😁

[@rillah990]

This video is what convinced me to finally try to learn the viola. Thank you

[@rogermoura5585]

Umas das melhores performances que ouvi em minha vida, parabéns por passar esse virtuosismo para quem lhe ouve!!!

[@marcsabbah5275]

Muito obrigado Roger !

[@camicamite5321]

Your performance is just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing it, it became my favourite interpretation as soon as I heard it. Love from Argentina 😊

[@rikiocciano]

Sublime! Your playing is very inspiring. I never regret loving the viola.

[@dmswan3172]

Beautiful, very clean pristine quality and wonderful acoustical space! You brought out the unique and lovely sound quality that this under appreciated instrument is capable of. Thank you for your lovely playing!

[@violagang842]

I watch this video several times a week as inspiration. I hope to play this half as well as you some day. Lovely

[@arlenemeza3587]

Beautiful interpretation! Love your sound and how you play delicate notes

[@johannes6295]

In my opinion the best Viola version of Prelude G Mayor out in the web I've found. Well done.

[@karenlozada6006]

Still inspiring! Thank you!

[@theamericancristero7390]

I unironically use this as a focusing aid whilst practicing saber drill in the morning. Beautifully performed, bravo.

[@stevesewful]

wow!!! beautiful..thank you .

[@janischan931]

I love the music so much

[@jaye6568]

Beautiful music. Beautiful background setting.

[@babetterios3391]

So, so beautiful!

[@minjeongpark7686]

Amazing!

[@irenedeluna1482]

Beautiful.

[@sabbirmondal1954]

This perform has inspired me to learn the instrument .

[@rudolphkim7533]

I'm in heaven. I just want to thank you for this heavenly moment. Love your playing.

[@marcsabbah5275]

I'm so glad you enjoy it. Thank you.

[@javieroliveras344]

Mark ❣️‼️

[@tiagomerchan7243]

Que perfeição, passei a admirá-lo, tb sou violista, claro que não profissional mas estou aprendendo, bonito demais, meu Deus!

[@revsolution]

Brilliantly played ! Beautiful interpretation.

[@jason101other]

Wow, that was truly tremendous!

[@puritadope1170]

Amazing! ✨

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Excellent phrasing, very clean! Really enjoyed.

[@alex16cole]

Amazing stuff.

[@cerasus1279]

Wow! Beautiful!! I love this suite, your performance and VIOLA! I want to be able to play like you. Thank you for sharing.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you so much.

[@wiggsan]

Truly inspiring!

[@KM-px8cs]

Absolutely beautiful, executed nicely but still with emotion - that's what makes a great classical musician! And yes we all see the stare just ignore it lol

[@alaa4587]

That Was Different! 🖤🎻

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

So perfect

[@fanna2000]

I love, how you playing it! I’m practicing the 1st and the 3rd for my audition to university. And your play is my biggest help!! I hope, I can play it as you can!! 😊😊

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you so much Anna.

[@moiseshernandez1553]

Bravo! You play so effortless seemingly and without the facial grimacing.

[@rodolfomontero1726]

Maravilloso!!!

[@rwplayz5131]

U made a chordy song to live and elegant. I cant help listening and listening again! I can see u did a very nice job!! :) Your wonderful playing plus the great sound the place gave made these songs incredibly good! You're one of the best viola players I can find out there! Keep it up my man!!!

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@christianbucal6933]

I loved this music. I remember some episodes in Hyouka

[@andreaurbina9668]

Marc ídolo

[@datdang9113]

the Viola is simply a cello, just an octave lower. I think that's why this piece sounds so good on the viola

[@Squidynx]

**Octave higher and yeah it essentially is even though the viola is older than the cello

[@thegavin000]

A baby cello

[@pesto.3598]

@@Squidynx After the research I did, the cello and viola were founded in the pretty much same period (1530-1550).

[@Squidynx]

@@pesto.3598 Yeah pretty much. The viola is just slightly older since “cello” is derived from the Italian word “violoncello” meaning “little violone”; “violone” meaning “big viola”. Not a huge margin tho in age

[@pesto.3598]

@@Squidynx Yeah, that's true probably. Man, I'm so glad, that I can hold a civilised conversation on the internet without throwing insults at each other, but agreeing to the point from the other one.

[@jaymamel869]

Exquisite

[@jairooliveira3975]

Bravo Master the Music Genius🤩🙌🧠

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you Jairo

[@cuerdalu2250]

bravo! I love your style😍

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you!

[@DEYVAOi]

Sem palavras para descrever este som

[@DEYVAOi]

Sem palavras para descrever este som.

[@madaratupina9124]

Perfect! 😍

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you Madara

[@theeditboy6591]

So Cool respect to You ❤️

[@Yuriy21]

Bravo!

[@ARCtheCartoonMaster]

What I love about this is that you don’t even need to learn different fingering - all the strings are an octave higher than their cello counterparts.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thanks! Unfortunately, cello and viola fingering are very different. I wish it were so easy ;)

[@Netoviolino]

Hey Marc. I enjoyed a lot your playing. Congrats! Beautiful tone with special non vibrato moments made it so incredible. Thanks a lot for sharing it with us. I'd be glad if you could share about playing without a shoulder rest in this video. How are you dealing with playing Back and also the Vieuxtemps caprice? Thank you!

[@marcsabbah5275]

Hi Amaro, thanks for your nice message. Playing without shoulder rest is not something I do always. I felt like playing without it on that day. The viola sounds much better and responds with more ease when played with not shoulder rest. There is a delicate balance between holding the instrument with your right hand and your head. This 50/50 combination allows you to enjoy the full resonance of your viola. It is easier to play baroque repertoire with no shoulder rest as most of the music is in 1st position. When shifting and sliding for more romantic music, it can be more challenging but still rewarding. Viola is a physical instrument and needs muscle and stamina to play. Enjoy these aspects and good luck with your playing.

[@Netoviolino]

Marc Sabbah Hi, thank you for your response. Certainly the instrument responds freely without a shoulder rest. I feel the same. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my comment. Please, keeping playing and posting the videos, it has been an inspiration for all of us.

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

Is it crazy that I just came back to this piece?!?!?!

[@marcsabbah5275]

Perfectly natural

[@jesusperaltachunga1147]

FELICITACIONES, TE DESEO MUCHOS ÉXITOS Y DIOS TE BENDIGA.

[@katherinemcarrick8190]

WHOA! 👏👏👏👏

[@SergioJesus]

Bello, el Prelude, sublime.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Grazie

[@KHW12341]

마치 비올라연습 교본처럼 잘 보고있습니다!

[@javieroliveras344]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexkim5172]

HOW DO YOU REMEMBER ALL OF THOSE!!!! thats like 12 pages but it just shows u have great memory and accuracy Beautifully played

[@trinityuwu4853]

It’s honestly is just repetition

[@BlackXxScopez]

Thanks for posting this. I learned the first suite a while ago, but never really mastered it. I’m renting my first 16 inch viola, and I’m looking forward to playing even half as beautifully as you have.

[@marcsabbah5275]

Glad to hear it. Good luck discovering this rich and colorful music.

[@scrybminlow7949]

love this song so much i bought the music and am playing it on the viola

[@appleuser1]

me toooooooo but not as good as him :-)

[@a17en85]

Me too

[@fannyg8216]

super

[@imeealibudbud1765]

Thank you!!! You really give me idea on how should I play this piece for my finals this year😊

[@marcsabbah5275]

Thank you and good luck on your exam.

[@imeealibudbud1765]

@@marcsabbah5275 😊

[@VSNarasimhan]

Wow!!!!!!

[@magodoocio3866]

Adoro essa sarabanda 10:22

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

So I have a question How do you have the confidence like how do you play in front of people because I always get so nervous

[@marcsabbah5275]

madmax gaming I try to think only of the music and not myself. Once you become a factor than the performance becomes about you and your nerves rather than the composition. Maybe that will help you.

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

Thanks I’ll take any tips I can get I have to play this for region test and I’m super nervous but thanks anyways!

[@paloledaj373]

And also playing a lot in front of an audience helps a lot. You can always volunteer to play for elders' club, children, at church etc. for free - you'll become more confident with the particular piece you play. And after tens and hundreds of public performances you'll surely find a way to overcome the nervosity.

[@matthewgonzalez2040]

Thx

[@eldricgrubbidge6465]

Try busking. It can be very nerve racking to start, and then once you've got over the terror of putting yourself out there in such an extreme way, you have to not get demoralised when you realise lots of people just don't care about your music. Either way it's a good way to get over stage fright. And at the end of the process to can always say to yourself "well at least it's not cold and windy and these people came here specially to hear my music". Seriously, give it a go!