Jens Kruger plays Bach Cello Suite No. 1 on Banjo

Hear Jens Kruger's Banjo in a classical piece.
Recorded Sep. 20, 2011 at Double Time Studio in North Wilkesboro, NC. Produced by Philip Zanon.
Features AEA A840 Ribbon microphone, Deering Jens Kruger Banjo.

[@virginiaorganbuilder]

Bach's genius created music that can work on many instruments, and Mr. Kruger's genius brought that music to life. Bravo!

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

$ 16,000 banjo helps !!!

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

Agreed!

[@workerdrone1963]

I am classicly trained, I've not even thought of using a banjo for this kind of music. wow!

[@letsif]

Bach sounds good on almost any instrument. The chord progressions are so melodic and structured, that allows for many beautiful crossover instrumentations.

[@withelisa]

Most three-finger type banjo music is made with streams of sixteenth notes; executing the work of Bach on the instrument is only natural. Beautiful piece.

[@Post-ModernCzechoslovakianWar]

@ungratefulmetalpansy Ok, I want to look that name up thanks!

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

truly!

[@kishascape]

Not that trained if you couldn’t even consider transpositions

[@clc1967]

The man is clearly a musical genius and the smoothest banjo player I've ever heard.

[@edenandkoi]

Wow... this sounds absolutely gorgeous!!! The possibilities of a banjo... I never imagined this instrument being used like this. Love it! 🥰

[@saltabiten6088]

Great

[@michelleterblanche5636]

Beautifully played

[@peterdarling6237]

Who said that the banjo cannot be classified as a classical instrument?? Is that good enough for you?? Jens you played that beautifully and made my eyes well up with the beauty of your playing. You are my master and I love you.

[@Taxi_drivers]

qualche testa di minchia... simple!

[@don4279]

Peter Darling A rose by any other name is still a rose! . . . a brilliant rendition, I think Bach would have approved.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

agreed!

[@tylerminix2028]

Jens is an inspiration to anyone who does or plans to one day play the banjo.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

One of the best!

[@JustClaude13]

Like most great successes, the banjo was the result of the convergence of cultures; an African lute of Central Asian origin modified by European technology until we have the perfect instrument. It's the hybrid vigor that brings out the best.

[@JustClaude13]

@Jay Cole21 Not the oud. That was a much later instrument. There are ancient rock carvings of a Mesopotamian string instrument that appear to have had two strings and a hide face on a small body like a shamisen or sanshin, possibly made from a small gourd. This instrument was carried along the trade routes through Central Asia and Egypt until it evolved into the instruments we know today in China, Japan and West Africa, and then across the ocean where it was modified according to European fashions to become the modern banjo.

[@Shotzeethegamer]

Dumbest shit i've ever read.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

so true!

[@Tthorpe456]

OMG! Jens is from another planet. I never cease to be amazed at his talent and ability on the banjo. Wow.

[@Tthorpe456]

It is simply amazing to watch and listen to Jens become one with his instrument and the musical composition he happens to be playing, whether a Bach concerto suite or a bluegrass breakdown. I continue to be in awe of this fine musician and nice guy!

[@theduncandude]

The Andres Segovia of the banjo. Wonderful.

[@memerider9410]

I saw him with his brothers play with Symphony of the Mountains in TN. Spectacular performance.

[@besomebody01]

Jens is much more than a great banjo player. He is a musician. Thank you Jens!

[@espinosajean-pierre7334]

Lorsque je l’avais entendu pour la première fois en 2011 au Merlefest en Caroline du Nord j’avais été étonné et touché par la délicatesse et la sensibilité du toucher de l’artiste donnant à l’instrument ces notes si légères. Jens Kruger est un artiste de très grands talents sachant apporter cette sensibilité dans son répertoire de la musique classique à la musique Blue grasse au sein du groupe Kruger Brothers For the first time in 2011 in Merlefest in the North Carolina I had by the sensibility of the touch) of the instrument of the artist. Jens Kruger is an artist of very great talents who brings his sensibility of the classical music to the Blue fat music in the group Kruger of the Brothers

[@zehchaves]

I really enjoy this kind of videos.. where some genius plays an stunning song on a completely different instrument than its original. Bravo!

[@nakiarobby3996]

Same

[@philipallen3497]

My moms family came from Switzerland, I play the banjo, and I thought Bela Fleck was my soul-brother. This great banjo player is too!

[@LukeBanjomin]

Phenomenal.

[@therealdiehl4671]

My wife who does not care for banjo does have a great ear for music. She noted that he's the first banjo player she ever heard use dynamics. What a difference it makes.

[@ren-w]

This is the most classy banjo I've ever heard, didn't know that classical could really be played on banjo!

[@DulcieDuck]

Jens Kruger plays his OWN classical-style compositions, too. Check out Appalachian Concerto or Roan Mountain Suite or Spirit of the Rockies, composed and scored for string quartet, or chamber orchestra or full orchestra. The man is brilliant. Just sayin'

[@walkswithantsbear6151]

A melding of my classical favs and my appalachian heritage. You've earned 4 tears from me, sir.

[@waynerausch5002]

You sir are a virtuoso. I have never heard a banjo player with your ability to play so smoothly and flawlessly all the while making it look effortless..

[@Jeapster321]

I have followed The Krugers for about 10 years now in Ottawa 🇨🇦 and Kingston 🇨🇦. I have seen them 8 times and can say I have enjoyed their concerts and music like no other band or format. Wish they would make another trip to Ottawa for another hurrah. I remember St Frigid!😍 #TheKrugerBrothers.

[@denniswade6727]

You play with great skill and feeling. Well done! I love finding unusual banjo pieces, and this is great! Bach was such a genius . His musical pieces sound wonderful on ANY instrument.

[@rabino250]

Gracias desde argentina!!! Mientras tomo mi cerveza los escucho!!! Yo y mi perro somos felices!!! Buen sonido!!!

[@thestringdreams]

My favorite composer!!! Such beauty! Thanks for playing with Kitty today At WH Shop! It was great fun!

[@VirginiaL99]

Gorgeous! Thank you, Mr. Kruger. Thank you for continuing to demonstrate the wide repertoire that can be played on the 5-string banjo.

[@adamm4064]

Every time I watch Jens play I realize how far I have to come. He is just so amazing. You inspire me.

[@johnmceuen]

whew... Earl never did do that... but he would have loved it. I hope to be that good someday

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Earl was fantastic - this is a new generation of banjo!

[@Portrayalpress]

Earl might not have, but John certainly did and influenced many. Thank you! Uncle Charlie was my first introduction to Clemente ;-)

[@hermikaleta2912]

bewundernswert - hätte nie gedacht, dass man es mit einem Banjo spielen kann

[@davegingrich9788]

Und er war im Schweiz geboren!

[@rahang4126]

That's just a proof that banjo is a noble instrument. Good work !

[@dcorrette]

Beautiful!!! I'm learning on the 5 string banjo . says Judy Corrette

[@tenormac]

My Dear Jens, thank you so much........Joe

[@phoenixme74]

Well hell, it has all been done. So good.

[@michelleterblanche5636]

Absolutely beautifuly played😊

[@d-link8593]

Du rührst mich zu Tränen Jens....Wie schööön!!!!BRAVO!!!!!

[@markrobinson891]

i never thought a banjo could bring me to tears. Got me!

[@Juraberg]

Bachs barocke Klänge auf dem Banjo. Unglaublich schön. Und absolut perfekt gespielt. Gratuliere! 👍🏼

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Kruger definitely would of made Bach proud. I can put this on a loop and listen to it for hours...🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕

[@matthewdoughty5936]

Ausgezeichnet ! Danke Herr Kruger.

[@judwatkins9478]

Masterful performance of a timeless classic! Bravo!

[@larrycortner2210]

Well, played Jens. I just found you the other day on KZbin and I'm very impressed. Thank you for the beautiful music.

[@davegingrich9788]

Jens Krueger is the best I have ever heard.

[@thatgardengal2057]

Beautiful 💕

[@Eleuthero5]

Wow. Just wow!!

[@frogbear02]

I am quite happy I've found this, it goes to show there is still hope in the musical world ^^.

[@TheAngieIshmael]

Beautiful

[@melvinlewiswellsjr.2619]

amazing...BRAVO!!!!😎😎😎😎

[@carolynfrance335]

The great Jens Kruger love all of the Brothers! Great musicians

[@kirbonite]

that is the most minimal amount of pick noise I've ever heard..

[@chuckkhubbard610]

I noticed that too. Looks like his finger picks are bent. I tried this before and couldn't do it. When I die, it will be from pick noise. I have asked before on forums how the pros do it, never got any real answer. I suspect that audio processing also plays a part. That's not terribly hard to do with a solo instrument, but this is soooo clean. What I notice is that there is more pick noise when the string is already vibrating, and it is not only noise: there is also a pitch sometimes, as the string can actually vibrate audibly between the nut and the pick while it is touching the string (which inevitably produces a very discordant note). And yet, the guys who have escaped from pick noise never mention any of this.

[@TheTalemaster]

Thank the ribbon mic used...cuts a lot of highs.

[@Silverdaay]

@@chuckkhubbard610 I've recently discovered this issue on my Gold Tone Ebm 5. If you have any solution, that would be very welcome : as of now, the only way for me to record stuff and to avoid this "very discordant note" is to use another mic than the mic that is inside my banjo. What is the point of an acoustic-electric banjo if you can't play the sound that is coming straight from the mic :(

[@csl1315]

@@chuckkhubbard610 he has been working on pick designs for decades, also he plays for over 8 hours daily

[@lsealey20]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@drjimlewisnc]

Very nice Jens. Bach would love it, I think!

[@robbrien8506]

Proving that you can play great music, particularly Bach's, on any instrument and it will still be effective and moving.

[@MrJbaker7]

Just beautiful Jens...Jack Baker NYC

[@RichardNDixon]

Amazing.

[@skyfrazier8906]

Beautiful! Tears rolled, such a great job.

[@msmith53]

Beautiful room to play Bach!!

[@mrgreenmeat]

Beautiful Jens, just beautiful!! I wish I would have met you when I was much younger. I wouldn't have been alone blowing in the wind as it always seemed for me. I love ya man!! Eddy Davis (You know "The Manhattan Minstrel")

[@theclimbingchef]

This tops yo yo ma's rendition. So beautiful!

[@scottmantooth8785]

*imagine a duo being played on both a front porch in the mountains and then fading into a performance within a grand cathedral hall...both would be exquisite*

[@aimeemartin1204]

Thank you so much for that moment of beauty. I saw Bela Fleck do something similar years ago and this is just as wonderful

[@Laiuka1]

Absolutely beautiful. It is amazing, especially considering how you learned to play the banjo. Very inspiring.

[@Caramelle58]

Wunderschön !

[@flyerpicker]

So inspiring Jens.... Thank You!

[@librandy77]

You really are a master…fantastic🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕

[@3179johnboy]

Just in awe over this, you are amazing and I truly love this.

[@mackinbox]

Beautiful. Jens is an inspiration

[@tacomahill]

OUTSTANDING!! Well done, Sir.

[@webbrov]

Wonderful! Grüsse aus der Schweiz

[@davegingrich8642]

Bravo!

[@two.two.two.]

Bravo 🙌🏻

[@jmdurant2000]

Excellent performance. As an aside, what a beautiful studio setting. The ones I have worked in are as dark and claustrophobic as a coal mine.

[@idtapthat12321]

bringing class to the banjo. nice.

[@poetinasia]

Oh lovely. I was wondering if classical music could be done on the Banjo. I now have greater aporeciation of the banjo

[@karendevault1962]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@davcnslt]

Brilliant...went straight to amazon to download. I can't remember the last time I did that.

[@joshuacriss2632]

Most excellent.

[@brianosullivan5441]

Sweet !

[@davismusicalinstruments]

The Man!

[@yvonnepeters1914]

Wow, that's different. To play banjo to a classical piece. 👍😊

[@randalbladel2817]

My favorite banjo player. Guessing he and Uwe were classically trained when young.

[@yukon2445]

What about Bela Fleck?

[@jeaninehemel221]

Just lovely!

[@silver-hammer]

Just superb, bravo..!

[@MaryMarisStella]

So beautiful. So inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@alancook7174]

Samuel S. Stewart would approve! Even more so on one of his. This is amazing though!

[@stratpac]

Wonderful.........I love it.

[@chuckHart70]

Excellent! Wow.

[@mrsgorgon]

Beautiful!

[@gabriel_kyne]

What a beautiful room!

[@AdrianWhyte]

Amazing!!

[@monelleny]

Love this -- thank you so much!

[@Aniando]

Thank You Jens. Aniando Sweden

[@DavidSmith-kc4hz]

Superb.

[@Missouramule]

Excellent - thank you.

[@DrBobDeYoung]

Unique, uplifting and inspirational-Thank you so very much for this.

[@ChrisBiesterfeldt]

Really beautiful playing! I love the way you let notes ring together and use open strings. Interesting to hear this on 5-string banjo. I have played this on tenor banjo which is tuned like a cello but up an octave which enables the use of cello fingerings. Very different sounding with this tuning even if the notes are the mostly the same...

[@Ukulele_am_Limit]

amazing, this is where I want to get one day ...

[@estrellarubio7892]

Nice music, I love it.

[@apresmidi153]

Around the time that the banjo was coming into it's modern form in the 19th century it would have been used to play music like this. Ves Osman and Fred Van Eps (father of the well known jazz guitarist) would probably have given concerts of classical music and ragtime.

[@leofarnley]

That was gorgeous !

[@tilmar120]

wow ...beautiful piece

[@brunotripodi6587]

a new face to the banjo! Very good !!

[@barryclevenger7456]

bruno tripodi Jens is hardly a new face to the banjo. Look up the Kruger Brothers and prepare to be amazed.

[@brunotripodi6587]

Barry Clevenger I was not referring to that Jens is a sacred monster !! It was reported to the classical piece by Bach arranged for banjo ......

[@5ivestring]

beautiful