Jazz Violinist Reacts: Augustin Hadelich plays Jazz

[@nikkypriotis4582]

I understand that we are giving postive and negative feedback for this video but I still feel like it comes across as overly gatekeepy. There is definitely a lot you learn in knowing a solo by heart and not needing sheet music but saying that there is “no point in doing it while reading” is forgetting that the players are just trying to have fun experimenting in a new style, not necessarily trying to “ build chops”. Along with you saying that they “should have put more work in before putting out this video” i hope that this reaction video does not discourage anyone from getting into jazz by doing it the “wrong” way. As a jazz musician it makes me happy that people are even trying out style and I think we should be more welcoming if we want to continue to attract more people to it. Sorry for the long comment

[@RedWindField]

I agree in that “should have put more work in before putting out this video” is too harsh considering it really about sharing a style of music and possibly a great example of classical musicians exploring a genre, offering opportunities for reaction videos like this. I don't think Jazz is about "chops" tho, it's a music of the heart and of the moment. Although this does require a lot of listening, experimenting and playing to be able to meet this moment and not get too lost. I would have much preferred hearing their own takes on the form, perhaps some small quotations from Django and Grapelli even if they are still reading their solos at least it comes from this place of personal composition. When I hear a improviser, even if they're chops are simple, if they play from the heart, and if they're in moment, listening to themselves, the room, the other musicians, I will feel that connection and will respond better than someone mimicking the masters. I hope to encourage musicians to explore improvisation and to understand the philosophy.

[@mattias5157]

We are talking about an absolute world class violinist, I think it´s fair to be critical. I love the fact that he - Augustin Hadelich - is exploring other genres than just jazz, but it´s also fair for a jazz musician to say "It´s not as easy as you think!"

[@fiddlestix3025]

It’s tough, being the one on the tube which dares to take apart and criticize someone like Augustin Hadelich…. I’m a huge fan of both Augustin and Grapelli, and am sure glad that I’m not the one comparing them to each other 😉 Saw Grapelli live twice, and nothing compares to the man….. (here I go ;) He simply was mindblowing. His charm, wit, mental mobility and flexibility on the violin, paired with amazing technique, a razor sharp mind and endless creativity, left you completely gobsmacked. And the ease with which he did his thing…! Truly a life filled to the brim with jazz, and you could tell by his personality, the way he addressed the audience, -always with humour and a twinkle in his eye. Us classically trained violinists are like poor, cagebound birds, compared to a real jazz player. Wings clipped, terrified of almost everything, lest we make ‘a mistake’…. At least that’s what I get from myself and a lot of other classically trained violinists. Augustin dipped his toes into jazz (he’s played some other semi-jazzy, bluesy things too), and I like the charm and sweetness he has in playing this piece. Quite inventive and interesting too. But yeah, like so many genres, jazz is a complete universe unto itself, and you’d better be prepared for a long, long journey…. Grapelli had an extraordinary life. All of it infused his playing, and I feel NO ONE can ever compare to him. But classical players have tried their hand at jazz, through the ages, and they probably have their fans. Plus they’re getting a taste of just how different as a person you have to become, think and feel, to be a good jazz musician. My two cents only ☺️

[@MattHolborn]

Interesting insights! To be clear though, I really am not comparing them as musicians, nor am I comparing the artistry, dedication and love that goes into either art forms. They are both different beasts and I think each style has its own version of creativity that is integral to mastering it. However my main point with this video is that I feel like reading a transcription of a jazz solo for a video is entirely missing the point of jazz and the work that goes into it and if either musician had followed the path of transcribing the music themselves, they could have really gotten into what make the music great, at the same time as seeing what it takes to learn jazz. This can serve as a lesson for any classical musician learning jazz that even the greats of classical music cannot get Jazz JUST by reading it.

[@fiddlestix3025]

@@MattHolborn I think I got that, Matt, most of all your respect for both art forms. I think I got it all. It’s just hard to put things in words adequately, and do everything and everyone justice-. Thanks for taking the time to reply ☺️

[@MattHolborn]

Agree!

[@Dianecites]

Ah yeah, that’s my biggest issue with classical music. High intense level of technique, also amazing, but too much standards.

[@nycviolin8578]

Funny how one quick and fun video made in May 2020 can inform so opinions about someone’s ability to learn jazz/be a jazz musician. I don’t think it’s that serious. They were looking for something to do while they were sitting at home during lockdown.

[@Zenderxn]

Now play the Paganini concerto🤔

[@andyharpist2938]

I feel that Paganini would, if asked to play that piece, simply have just created another concerto. And then another the next day.

[@iaf4454]

And the tchaikovsky!!

[@timguitar]

I enjoyed watching this Matt, thanks!

[@nycviolin8578]

I feel like while trying to make a point about them missing the point, you missed the point of his video. Look at the date- recorded in May 2020. I hardly think Augustin was trying to make any point about jazz, but was trying to keep music, any music going by collaborating across the internet to colleagues who want to try something new during lockdown. He has a whole series about it, learning how to record himself, answering student questions, and yes, experimenting in one video with the minor swing. It’s not so serious.

[@MattHolborn]

Ha fair enough! Just looking at his feel and approach from the eyes of a jazz violinist, with a bit of an educational angle for teaching others about approaching jazz.

[@bgates1128]

There is mprov in the classical tradition. It's called cadenzas. A composer realizes a gifted soloist might have a different interpretation, and adds a section where the orchestra drops out a it's now only the soloist and the theme. Agustín has great cadenzas. He has also played famous transcribed cadenzas. At times a gifted soloist might scribe and play from their own cadenza. That would be slow motion improv?

[@madhabfr]

cadenzas arent improv anymore lmao. they are all written down and practiced.

[@FilippoSciarraViolin]

​@@madhabfr that's just false though, there are plenty musicians still improvising cadenzas on concertos of the classical period. haydn, mozart or even beethoven. of course there are not improvised cadenzas on romantic or later concertos, since there they are not supposed to be improvised.

[@madhabfr]

@@FilippoSciarraViolin really? I have never heard of anyone of late improvising a whole cadenza for any classical/early romantic concerto

[@FilippoSciarraViolin]

@@madhabfr I've heard a lot of cellists improvising on Haydn and also a few improvised cadenzas on Mozart 2 and Mozart 3 (violin) for example. dunno if I can find any on youtube, I'll look that up

[@johnjones4129]

Absolutely no comparison between classical improv. and jazz improvisation...sorry

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

If only the video was in sync!

[@MattHolborn]

If only!

[@kathilisi3019]

I have a CD of a collaboration of Grappelli and Menuhin, and saw a behind-the-scenes interview of the recording, there was so much mutual respect and admiration between two musicians with very different backgrounds and styles. Menuhin's contribution probably made the music a lot less "jazzy" but it was still a really interesting and beautiful combination.

[@andyharpist2938]

I always found Menuhins struggle to make impromptu jazz cringey. I felt the adulation of the public spoke much about the level of them too.

[@kathilisi3019]

@@andyharpist2938 hmm... Maybe it's because I saw the interview first that I enjoyed it. Menuhin seemed genuinely humble and insecure, and felt very much out of his comfort zone, and was genuinely awed by Grappelli's musicality and skill. After listening to the interview, the "cringey" elements seemed kind of adorable to me.

[@andyharpist2938]

@@kathilisi3019 Ahhhh! So you were in love with him?! :-)

[@kathilisi3019]

@@andyharpist2938 his personality more than his violin playing, really. He had some beautiful recordings, but a lot of the time he seemed to be struggling, either with the music or with himself, and then it sometimes sounded strained. But when he was in good form, his tone was beautiful.

[@johnjones4129]

@@andyharpist2938 I read an article at the time where it said that Grappelli wrote out an improv. for Methuen and that he memorized it...

[@mattias5157]

I still love his eclectic mind and the fact that he is doing it.

[@originalmusic1111]

Learn by feel play from the heart. That's where real music comes from ' in improvisation finds freedom creation and true self expression.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

A rock musician, pop musician and a classical musician walk into a bar. That’s where the joke ends because a jazz musician insisted on being carried inside on a high chair, but his head kept banging into the door sign.

[@mbradley5683]

A classical violinist who loves Augustine, this is a take I can respect. As someone who loves jazz, it is kind of cringe when I see classical musicians try to “do jazz”- as much as I can respect great classical virtuosos trying to “branch out” but I can greatly appreciate the honest critique from a real jazz violinist- as someone who listens to more jazz than classical music these days, this was a very interesting take, and I’m sorry for all the pretentious criticism of people who don’t know wtf they’re talking about and just want to defend our king, because truthfully in the classical world, he’s probably the best right now, (Hilary Hahn maybe close second, and technically speaking James Ehnes as well, but god damn Augustine just has that soul in his sound) still doesn’t make him a competent jazz interpreter though😅

[@madhabfr]

He said in a reply under the video that they wanted to essentially recreate the recording because they really loved it? something along those lines. He replied this under a comment criticizing on this very point lmao, the fact that they're just using a transcription. In that why I dont think it was ever intended to be a true attempt at jazz.

[@oxoelfoxo]

can't do all that jazz improv if you're recording from separate locations and stitching a video together y'know

[@MattHolborn]

True!

[@migmig9406]

Which impov? It's a transcription, and there are core problems with their swing feel, and guitar simply doesn't support violin solo, he should have listened to violin. Anyway hard to be a fan of Augustin and see this reaction but Matt nailed it. I was going crazy when i read comments in the original video about how great his interpretation is...

[@conradgittins4476]

I wouldn't bag their efforts at all. Something that isn't said, is that in jazz you will sound like you and no one else. It is music that comes from within and it is as individual as personality. Augustin doesn't swing like Stephan Grappelli and neither does anyone else. Augustin has classical precision and articulation and Stephan has jazz articulation (which is incredible). If you listen to Grappelli play Bach, he can't quite stop his swing articulation. I doubt that Augustin and Mak were reading btw. Both have phenomenal memory and were probably just watching the screen as it looks like an online collaboration.

[@nickphipp1949]

The last head, he appears to be playing semiquaver swing, rather than triplet swing. This really grates against the triplet swing the guitsrist is playing.

[@MattHolborn]

Yeah but I guess they both recorded separately, someone wasn’t listening to the other anyway

[@Bobeeha]

semiquaver💀

[@Dianecites]

I don’t think he did a terrible job considering he’s classically trained! I’m classically trained and now learning jazz violin-I’m like 0.01% making progress 😂 it’s something though, it’s a WHOLE different ball park. I’m certain if he had the proper training, he can definitely learn to be good; it’s as someone told me, it’s learning a whole different language since you’re learning a new skill. Yes, while you’re classically trained, you already have certain skills you can use, but you’re learning different things. Unfortunately his rhythm is all over the place so it’s hard to count even where 1 is (that’s just me), and his bowing is very classical (swing doesn’t use that much). A lot of classical musicians just need the proper training for jazz violin. 😅 I feel like even Ithzak Perlman would be fantastic at it. Even Menuhin struggled with improvisation-he was an amazing violinist. It’s a shame that classical violinists these days aren’t taught much of improvisation.

[@togoth1]

Plenty of jazz guitarists play finger style.. I find that a weird criticism. Your right about the flaccid swing feel they have though

[@sogehtdasnicht]

but the nylon strings sound weird in this context

[@bernhardkainerstorfer3074]

The problem is not punching up... but talking and talking blahblahblah and not playing a single note to point out the difference you have in mind

[@MattHolborn]

No worries, I wouldn’t subscribe to this channel as there may be more just like it.😀

[@eriknystrom5839]

Menuhin tried to play jazz together with Grapelli . Augustin is definitely a better jazz violinist than Menuhin was. I have a ticket for Augustin playing Mendelssohn VC next month. Will he play something jazzy as encore?

[@iaf4454]

Now, play the tchaikovsky and the mendelsonhn in a row!!

[@marcvilleneuve1889]

Ok ok ok...why not just enjoying the great music they are making. They sound both amazing 😍❤️❤️

[@haraldstein5625]

It takes time to get a good Swing bow❤

[@mattdahm4289]

How come jazz players don’t need to play in tune- or all the notes on the fiddle? I’m sure he could do better but jeez- criticizing him for playing octaves? I’m assuming jazz players don’t play in octaves because it’s too hard, not because it can’t be integrated into a jazz style

[@MattHolborn]

Jazz players don’t need to play in tune because tuning is actually a social construct. Also jazz players don’t need to play all the notes because jazz only has 10 notes in it…. Joking aside, I’m criticising him for not really playing within the style of jazz. I’d say it’s a fair point but I realise it might come across as a bit mean.

[@mattdahm4289]

@@MattHolborn totally- I just think he should get credit for all the musical elements that overlap between good violin playing and jazz violin playing- like pitch, rhythm (like not needing a drummer to keep the beat), articulation, sound quality, projection, general facility, dynamic range and the like. Plus he had the courage to try something new. I don’t hear about any jazz greats taking on classical European violin pieces, ever

[@MattHolborn]

@@mattdahm4289 ok yeah, I did try to give him some credit but perhaps I could have given more.

[@dwm1156]

⁠No, you won’t hear that for the same reason - any musician trying to play outside their expertise will not sound authentic without unlearning and relearning habits and techniques and lots and lots of practice!

[@oxoelfoxo]

no one's gonna say you're out of tune: you're playing jazz!

[@luciopalazzo]

Hrappelli never did the same piece the same way twice. Hadelich is an impressive violinist. A true virtuoso but this is not jazz!

[@andyharpist2938]

Reading jazz is a contradiction. I left at this point. In fact, reading any performance loses 90% of the music to me.

[@suedavis3525]

I am still bowled over by Hadelich's virtuosity. But I am classically trained.

[@MattHolborn]

I do love his playing, great sound!

[@suedavis3525]

@@MattHolborn He has a wonderful Strad which must help!

[@joemartin2258]

Hahaha. I'm with you on this analysis but it still feels a bit mean to slag him off. I'd hate you to record a reaction video to my playing 😬

[@joemartin2258]

It's like when Yehudi Menuhin did those duo recordings with Grappelli, you could always tell who was playing when because there's was a classical feel to Menuhin's playing, but hats off to him for giving it a go! I don't really know this guy but Menhuin always struck me as a really nice fella

[@MattHolborn]

I’m sure he won’t care what I think 😅 On Menuhin, I agree. I really didn’t enjoy those recordings. Great to have a go but maybe don’t release it. Saying that I think he contributed to Grappellis later years fame.

[@krumpelschtiltzkeen]

They're both stiff as a board. It hurts.

[@blow-by-blowtrumpet]

100% agree. Impressive technique but wierd stabby swing feel. I've played in traditional British brass bands and it felt exactly the same when we did any swing pieces. They are thinking metrically rather than listening and feeling.

[@MattHolborn]

Interesting! It’s a funny feel, a classical musician trying to swing!

[@sogehtdasnicht]

Not bad for a classical violinist. I've heard significantly worse jazz from classical violinists.

[@MattHolborn]

Yeah I agree, some of it is alright!

[@Dianecites]

@@MattHolbornI watched Twoset’s video of them playing jazz, that was uh…something 😂 Ya know, at least they tried. E for effort lol

[@music-gf6ib]

Hadelich es un músico excelente, con capacidad de interpretar cualquier estilo u obra de cualquier nivel. Primero, el Jazz es un género que proviene de la música clásica en parte y que se puede ver en su instrumentación o base armónica. Por ello no se debería de criticar a un músico con capacidades técnicas mayores que usted y que muchos otros; como explica, es uno de los mejores del mundo. Parece ser que ahora un músico que toca un repertorio generalmente clásico no puede colaborar con un gran guitarrista para hacer con ello una obra de jazz. Si yo fuera usted no hablaría de los ''swings'' ante un maestro del violín. En el jazz y la música clásica no son tan diferentes, según algunos el jazz es 'Más libre'', señor en un concierto clásico eso se llama cadenza. Y realmente el jazz está repleto de cadenzas con una base armónica. No hay que hablar del arreglo, porque me parece una falta de respeto hacia un teórico del violín como e Grapelli. Lo que me ha llegado con este vídeo ha sido una repugna hacia el músico que toca un nuevo estilo, sólo quiere dar una opinión que no tiene ningún sentido ya que ni usted ni yo nos podemos comparar con Hadelich. Los clásicos no podemos tocar otros estilos, si no, somos criticados. La música se respeta, al igual que las diferentes interpretaciones de los músicos. No hay color en la interpretación que hace el maestro Hadelich con la que enseña usted. A usted no le gusta, me pregunto por que. Supongo que porque es 'demasiado clásico'; y a usted no le gusta lo clásico. Antes de criticar métase en la piel de un músico mejor que usted. Se llama empatía. No hable de jazz si no sabe música clásica, porque ella es la base de todos.

[@westcommonroom9737]

It's definitely Steph's solo but the guy can't swing - you're too kind. As Steph once said about Menuhin after their first meeting "three bars into Lady Be Good who's the maestro now?" In return Menuhin said he'd love to able to improvise but it just wasn't given to him. He should listen to Florin Niculescu to see how it's done.

[@MattHolborn]

Yeah, I reckon if he put in the hours he could 100% get all the ins outs of it.

[@martinmulvany1157]

It doesn’t swing the same.

[@daniellopezmoreno2672]

At this point you're just complimenting your ego througth some unnecessary over-sensitive criticism

[@MattHolborn]

Thanks for letting me know 😀

[@MattLeGroulx]

The rhythm... oof.

[@MattHolborn]

Yeah that’s really it!

[@simon8katz]

The amount of ignorance displayed by this 'reaction video' is staggering. Bordering on idiocy, I'm afraid. Especially when you're trying to assess Hagelich's playing. You have no agency talking about that, at all, my dear sir. Stop embarrassing yourself, please.

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

I love his playing but this starts out horrible. 30 seconds in that was terrible.

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

not getting better. This sounds like a weird midi recording guitar wise.

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

I used to play Irish fiddle...same deal. I think classical players see it all on the page and are like: this is easy and then approach it like that. It's actually super hard but I know why it seems easy. I'm sure he was inspired by Django and Grappelli and came at it with honesty. I never really get how you have monster ears and technique though and you think that's ok. He seems like one of the most genuinely kind and giving musicians in the world and is ungodly talented, obviously.

[@MattHolborn]

Yeah great musician but I think it’s a good indicator of how even the best musicians can’t just pick anything up without putting in the hours.

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

@@MattHolborn 100%. This was impressively bad. His playing was better than the guitarist's but also their coordination together was so amateurish. It is surprising that he doesn't hear that, I don't really get it. It is such a hugely different concept of rhythm though. Minus some technique stuff I think Jazzers do way better playing classical music than vice versa....I think they come at it from a place of respect and curiosity.

[@shobarsch]

I work at the symphony as a violinist but I also play a lot in Irish sessions. A colleague of mine told me about fiddle music: "I never played it but of course I would be able to do it if I had the scores". And... yeah, no, you've missed the point.

[@TadejBenedik]

i dissagree. Augustin is for me the best classical violinist and also his jazz is much better than other performanses that i listened on yt He is the king of violin(jazz or classic doesnt metter)also i rally wanna see your playing of jazz, if its good then talk

[@MattHolborn]

Sure these are just my opinions on the recording coming from a jazz musicians perspective.

[@franklee1550]

2 ladies are walking down the street and as they pass by a park they see a frog sitting in the grass looking up at them. Suddenly the frog hops over, looks up and says,”How’re you doing ladies?” They are both amazed. Then the frog says,”If one of you will kiss me I will turn into the world’s greatest jazz violinist.” One lady bends down, scoops up the frog and drops him into her rather large purse. The other lady says,”Aren’t you going to kiss him?” She says,”Are you kidding? I can make much more money with a talking frog.”

[@franklee1550]

2 ladies are walking down the street and as they pass by a park they see a frog sitting in the grass looking up at them. Suddenly the frog hops over, looks up and says,”How’re you doing ladies?” They are both amazed. Then the frog says,”If one of you will kiss me I will turn into the world’s greatest jazz violinist.” One lady bends down, scoops up the frog and drops him into her rather large purse. The other lady says,”Aren’t you going to kiss him?” She says,”Are you kidding? I can make a hell of a lot more money with a talking frog.”

[@MattHolborn]

You could make a hell of a lot more money with a regular frog that’s doesn’t talk!