Julian Bream Masterclass 1978: J.S.Bach Fugue in A minor

From BBC web: www.bbc.co.uk/i...
First Broadcast: 18 Jan 1978

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

This is how television should be used.

[@andrewwilkins2667]

I am 59 years old and, as a child, was forced to learn the violin - which I did to quite a high standard. I rebelled and spent my youth listening to ELP, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and Free. I still do listen to them but something amazing happened about a year ago. I was trawling KZbin and came across this video - I had heard of Julian Bream of course, but never paid him any attention; however, I watched this video and rediscovered, after nearly 50 years, my love of classical music, and Bach in particular - but also the beauty of the guitar. So, here I am aged 59, now learning to play the classical guitar - and I watch this video at least once a week, (more often if I am finding something particularly difficult) for inspiration. All I can say is "thank you Mr Bream, you continue, to inspire me on a daily basis". One day I hope to be able to play this piece!

[@usfghost]

Andrew Wilkins how is your guitar adventure going sir

[@samday9328]

@@usfghost - thank you for asking - struggling on. Can now get through the Largo from Vivaldi's lute concerto and starting a easy(oh really!) Bach Fugue. :)

[@skinnykarlos710]

Andrew Wilkins, I imagine that if you've continued your studies that you're at quite a decent level by now; I do hope so as the guitar, like the violin are two of the most wonderful inventions of mankind. My journey mirrors yours in that it was the guitar that I studied as a child (and continue - do we ever stop?) and in my 40s (I'm 55 now) wanted to learn a truly orchestral instrument and with $ as it was the violin was the cheapest to both buy and string ongoing. I love them both as I love Bach and continue to play the rock/blues that you alluded to in your rebellious teens but it will always be the classical music that keeps me glued to both the guitar and the violin. All the best from Australia, Mark.

[@markupton1417]

If you'd seen Bream play with Grappelli it'd make you want to go back to violin....

[@misterree1443]

That is truly wonderful.

[@lanechange2795]

Extremely difficult piece to play fluently and sufficiently separate the voices. Took me 3 months of daily practice to perform this fugue adequately, and another 3 months to perform well. The problem with J.S. Bach compositions is there is no breathing room: just an endless barrage of notes. So if you fall off the beam, its almost impossible to find your way back on. Kudos to these students who had to play this monster in front of one of the greatest musicians who ever lived.

[@emilvincent5034]

i also began learning this piece, it kinda bothers me that i was only able to finish 10 measures or so a day

[@hydrabane72]

3 months is impressive! I’ve been trying to learn Bach fugue in Cm for 2 years haha

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

I played this in an exam along with Rodrigo zapateado, sors magic flute and Frescobaldi aria, and torroba sonatina in 3 months , it was a tough program, you can see why people play the same repetoire over and over,

[@davidschestenger3366]

@@emilvincent5034 lucky you if you are able to study 10 measures a day, sometimes a couple of them can keep you forever

[@CatalogueVillalobos]

I am not sure. Maybe there were more pauses and breathing on performing music at the Bach' s times... And perhaps the pace and tempos of the music were also much slower...

[@larryjohnny]

I love these master class videos by Julian Bream. His advice is so real and he's not afraid to share his secret strategies. I hope classical guitar gets popular again!

[@larryjohnny]

I agree with you 100%. I wish classical guitar would come back to popularity. It's a great contrast to all the digital interaction we have today. Playing classical guitar doesn't need electricity, wi-fi, nothing... just some dedication!

[@deenibeeniable]

I like them too, even though I don't play guitar. It helps me to learn what I'm listening for.

[@Ana_crusis]

it's never been unpopular. and nerdy assholes?? Have you looked at the current batch of 'pop' stars ha ha ha ha ha

[@mattbod]

Classical guitar is super popular these days.

[@kristijanpavlovic]

Classical guitar is today probably the most popular its ever been, so dont worry.

[@michaeldeane9029]

I saw a Bream lute recital at the Sydney Opera house in the 70's. On the very last note he played to end the first half a string broke. The audience and Julian broke up into spontaneous laughter. Not only was his musicality amazing his humour was evidenced by his reaction. I'm so pleased to have seen him live in concert. I wish I had been talented enough to attend one of his classes, these participants obviously gain great insights from his feedback. I also saw him on a tv special where at a party he played some of Django's music. Legend..

[@Lpminutes]

I took a masterclass with John Mills on this particular fugue,he instructed me to whatch this video,in which you can see him attending too !

[@thebeatcreeper]

Julian Bream is an incredible musician. God bless his soul.

[@axeman2638]

Indeed, my favourite classical player.

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

Yes, and also a highly polished speaker.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I quite like how he even catches himself. 10:55 This not only gives the student a chance to feel less picked apart, but also, and more importantly, this illustrates the simple fact that _everyone, no matter their skill level_ should always be working on _mastering_ the instrument. Once a person believes they have attained mastery, they may as well quit playing, because they have just lost sight utterly of what expression is all about.

[@terrygribb9185]

As a rock guitarist I've realised how technically advanced they are. I bow down to them.

[@steveb9325]

Classical guitarist respect rock guitarist too! Have you heard Sharon Isbin play Steve Vai guitar? It's pretty hilarious. There's definitely a way different touch and technique to an electric guitar...true musicians respect each other no matter the genre cause we all know it takes hours and hours and years of practice 🙏

[@tribestribes2555]

This it,s so bloody easy to play.

[@philtanics1082]

Sucks when you realize youre not even good enough to be on stage getting ripped apart by Mr Bream lol

[@lukea5067]

I wish I was good enough for Julian to tear me a new one

[@beerdeddi1]

Julián Bream was a great person. One sees here his friendly and obliging kind. In return I look at Segovia's masterclass 1965, Segovia was like an asshole to his participants. Overbearing and without any empathy. In addition, Segovia was overvalued anyway and Bream was better than Segovia.

[@benkim2016]

Agreed. Segovia often got angry and scolded and even kicked some students out of master classes. Some of these students became professors and take it out on their own students as well. The psychological damamge must have been deep.

[@noodledoodle4828]

Agreed. Segovia's top disciple John Williams said Segovia's way of teaching was not good. Julian Bream was not only a great guitarist but also a man of character. RIP.

[@DHTCF]

The last student in this class seemed quite nervous. Interesting to see how he didn't abandon the purpose of the class with her, but wasn't overbearing.

[@monktrane325]

I just started at 68 years of age. Julian is brilliant.

[@theshapeexists]

Never too late to pick up such a therapeutic hobby. Hope you're still playing and making progress.

[@kevinmaillet4712]

Ive been learning this fugue since i was 17 and the year was 1987. Here I am at age 54, still learning. That is the beauty of Bach

[@growandgame]

I honestly think Julian Bream is the best guitarist to ever live.

[@MrLuridan]

Me too.

[@francolaferraro5145]

QUPD

[@steviejd5803]

I agree.

[@steviejd5803]

Truth God I’ll go and look him up now.

[@theshapeexists]

The guitar is too dynamic an instrument to name one the best. He certainly is top tier classical guitar players. Shawn lane in my opinion was the greatest electric player but the instrument has been reinvented and reinterpreted as to what is possible since his passing. This new wave of players are incredible. Tosin abasi, Antoine Dufour ,andy McKee, Tommy Emmanuel, Tim Henson, Paul Gilbert are great examples of how dynamic the instrument is. Bream is like the Itzhak Perlman of guitar

[@systemofstrings4697]

Don't make programmes like this no more by the BBC. A great find, fun to watch.

[@skinnykarlos710]

Julian Bream is very sadly missed. His life truly was a life well lived. Wonderful music and a ceaseless passion for it.

[@robs5252]

I just heard of his passing - so sad and such a loss. When I started studying the classical guitar back in 1993, Bream was the first album/CD I purchased to listen and learn from.

[@chaswilliams3354]

Listen to this...learn from this...enjoy this....he is giving you pearls of wisdom .

[@handdancin]

im glad everyone decided to have their worst hair days for this video

[@dylanharnettmarshall9700]

Wow that second guy came in with a vision. Very interesting interpretation

[@jc-wx3sm]

"with rest stroke?" "yes, as rest as you can."

[@eschelar]

Fascinating to see Bream treat everything uniquely. He really takes on the character of the music he is playing. When it's baroque, it's baroque, when it's romantic, it's romantic. He has a keen ear for beauty and it was great listening to him differentiate between 'pretty' and 'beautiful' here, with instruction on things like choosing where on the string to play and such. Fine advice to listen to one's self. I think I'll have to add that as a 5th step to my 4 steps of learning.

[@austinafrench]

eschelar where does he say that?

[@TruthSurge]

Just searched YT or Dan Beckerman guitar. nothing.

[@johnmcmahonBXLA]

This masterclass is absolutely gold. Julian is a treasure.

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

I liked his way of speaking, really polished.

[@bruceboome]

Thanks so much for this. I'm working towards doing my performers, with this as one of my pieces- but can't find a teacher in my area who can help me. Who could be better than Mr. Bream.

[@thoyo]

you have amassed an amazing collection of guitar videos. I've been subscribed for years and will continue. thx my friend :)

[@TruthSurge]

1:55 Tolan - "oh crap.... this Canadian kid's GOOD!" hahaha

[@thomasszejnmann3917]

"we like you, but we like the music too" - a nice way to say: we want to hear Bach and not just somebody who tries to be a superstar.

[@Lindhofguitar]

Excellent and very instructive - thanks for sharing... Regards Per Lindhof

[@JasonGwynne]

"and Table Tennis" :)

[@fusion-music]

The best teacher of classical guitar. There are many great players, but he stood out in his poetic form & soulfulness.

[@nendracung]

Maestro Julian Bream, is also a great teacher of classical guitar

[@michellevine1879]

"We like you very much but we like the music too!" 33:40

[@tasmedic]

I started learning Classical Guitar when I was 6 years old, kept on with it until 17, when I had to drop it to study at Uni, then life stepped in and now after raising a family and working hard at my day job, I'm back on with it at 62 years old. As a young player, I hated Bream and couldn't get my head round most of what he was dribbling on about. Now I'm older, I've more patience, experience of life, and what he suggests to these younger players makes absolute sense to me. I'm enjoying my guitar revival, and I already feel I'm a much better player than I was in my teens... although my fingers are a bit stiffer and the brain is a teeny bit less speedy at getting new pieces under my belt. I enjoy playing guitar more than I ever have in my life. Pity there's not a lot of time left to run with it!

[@rThorWenzel]

Miss. Gangbar really hit the nail on this masterclass. I really enjoyed her performance, she was very nervous but confidently took on the challenge of raising to Bream's requests. Wonderful recording, can't stop learning from it.

[@leonardfleet50]

I found this so interesting, it must have been a brilliant help to the students involved.

[@bastiatintheandes4958]

Why Irishman James Galway has been knighted and not Julian Bream?

[@TruthSurge]

14:09 he rushed those 2 notes.

[@brianmcshane8268]

RIP Julian. Thanks for everything.

[@truman90]

I remember Glenn Gould

[@KevinToine]

Lol, At 47:44 he holds his right hand in a unusual way at the very end. As if he is showing nr 3. He does the exact same thing in the video of him performing this piece.

[@namor637]

He was and still is amazing…….blessed, refined, articulate

[@Xiaobla]

"Well I'm beginning to know this piece now" gotta love this guy

[@joshuabijo1673]

If julian bream was teaching me guitar then i would have totally failed cuase he is the best.

[@mattbod]

He’ was a great player but i don’t think he was a natural teacher: he appears tense here unlike say john Williams or Pepe Romero who are super laid back in masterclasses.

[@Soytu19]

That first student played better during the introduction hahah. what happened to him? he can even do it wrong intentionally?

[@jean-claudepapillon5518]

I hate the British because they get Julian Bream teaching Bach and all we get are 20 shows featuring Kim Kardashian.

[@garthly]

Sadly, one doesn’t know what one’s got until it’s gone. And I am afraid it is going fast.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I’ve had an ongoing 30 year relationship with my classical guitar, albeit a bad one . I’m now 56 and I reckon I’ll need about another 200 years practice until I reach this level but it doesn’t stop me picking up my guitar daily without fail .

[@pingdingdongpong]

I don't play any musical instruments, although I do listen to a lot of music. I felt proud that I could spot most of the things Bream were pointing out.

[@yaakovhassoun8965]

he just speaks about this peace like he's heard it 10,000 times played by any guitarist that's dared try and record it, it's such a start difference between someone (the students) who learned this piece by score and someone who really learned to appreciate the piece

[@garthly]

At this level, he is to some extent communicating a sensibility, which is of course, his own. Inevitably they each have their own, which is slightly swept aside, but they will return to it eventually enriched.

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

Bream plays music not the guitar , watching this and his insights makes me realize how much I dont know ,these advanced students are no mugs yet he can knock them down to size very quick

[@nbnguitar]

Agreed

[@MrMjp58]

Magnificent. Julian and the students all on top form. Very enjoyable. Try as I might, I can’t come to terms with Bach on the guitar. Even in expert hands, the classical guitar seems to have the wrong tonality for this period of music, it brings in innumerable intonation issues and doesn’t evoke the spirit of the composer.

[@alcyonecrucis]

By Jove, this Man is an OG Brit

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

+alcyonecrucis actually I've always thought he looks like a Portuguese crime boss

[@giscone1]

I saw Bream several times at various points in his (and mine) life. When I realize that I will never get to see/hear him again I want to cry.

[@tribestribes2555]

This is not a romantic piece for Gods sake. It,s rockn roll from 1700 damn it. It,s only to torrment the guitar. Full speed ahead.

[@slavaukraini404]

There probably isn't a classical guitarist on earth that didn't learn something from Julian Bream or at least learn something from someone who learned something from him. He was like this when he was 15. People who make comments that he is trying to make a clone of himself don't understand anything. He is a genius and is trying to communicate that genius to others so that they can be the best they can be. These students can already play guitar. He is teaching them how to understand the expression in the music as it was written. They already play the notes. There is another genius in the room who gets a say also and that is Bach. Bream is his messenger. Bach can get heavy, but it can also be as light as the breeze. Imagine sawing away on the Cello's in Air on G String. The bass is light and magnificent at the same time.

[@electrolytics]

I bought a Bach Classical Guitar CD many years ago. All the songs were played by Julian Bream. I never paid any attention to the player. I always listen to classical music as if, in this instance, it was Bach himself playing. That CD is one of my favorites. I always did marvel at the guitar playing on that CD. Not just the technical virtuosity, but the absolute perfect, soulful feeling that performance by Bream has.

[@greendude27]

RIP Mastro!

[@brotherjames1623]

Sat here in Spain listening 🙂🇪🇸

[@chrisginn5073]

Love every note Julian Bream plays

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

And I love his speaking also.

[@cycling.guitarist]

In 1972 I learned to play this great Fugue during my second year of college as a non- music major , now some 50 years later I am re-learning every nuance and musicality within this piece from the great master Julian Bream! Thank you for the opportunity and uploading this video.

[@robdoubletrouble]

It's amazing how much subtlety can be in even playing the same bloody note 4 times - can hear the roughness in some playings, the strictness in others and the "pedestrian" ( how he puts it - i really like this concept ) of others

[@ragnarkisten]

From the moment I heard this I thought, what is up with the rhythm and tempo? It is very strange that such an advanced guitarist - the first one - has such an unsteady tempo.

[@Kittygo9553]

En 36:22 es fantástico el sonido de las cuerdas. Se nota como Julián queda impregnado de las vibraciones.

[@chipthequinn]

The frickin' gold standard for musical insight.

[@tatozy]

Remarquable ! Les conseils d'un grand maitre sont d'une aide précieuse pour l'interprétation de cette fugue

[@fidemservavi3128]

It has been a privilege to be part of those classes. You can see and listen to a real Maestro, capital M

[@edbartek6550]

who's more talented Julian or his barber, sorry had to.

Julian said "Lift your head"....that means LIFT YOUR HEAD.

[@marcellovacca3155]

37:36 to 37:41 Best music lesson ever. Period.

[@TheSphereFrance]

Jullian Bream is the best classical Guitarist ever. The way he brings music and explains it is so obvious once you know it. Amazing and very moving.....

[@nendracung]

Yes, i agree

[@michaelfreimann9974]

classical guitars have huge necks. Kills my barring finger but really makes your finger strong

[@thebeatcreeper]

You should only need to apply just enough pressure with the 1st finger of the left hand to make a sound also the notes your holding down with your 2nd 3rd or 4th finger don't need to be re-enforced with your 1st finger....Hope this helps! : )

[@mangore623]

michael freimann You really don't need to apply a great amount of force in order to barre correctly; all that it truly requires is that the finger is kept convex in relation to the fingerboard. If you concentrate on the middle joint of the finger making optimal contact, everything else falls into place. Why this technique isn't taught I'll never know. All that you hear bandied about is foolish nonsense like "Use the weight of the arm," and other such bs. Once your barre is effortless, your guitar work will take off like a freakin' rocket.

[@robs5252]

Slight twist of the finger towards the thumb side of the index finger will give you a better surface when baring than trying it flat

[@emilvincent5034]

4:45 violin version arrangement for guitar

[@thewickedpickett]

Dear love these guys. Bream simply different level.

[@terryjohinke8065]

Bach is very good on guitar . However I find Bream's teaching almosr psuchologically damaging. He is correct on many points but he is brusque, boedering on rude and rarely gives credit to these talented students . I would walk out on him.

[@mangore623]

What a deliciously eccentric personality.

[@johnwayne8114]

So civil and well-spoken, and he really teaches. Segovia, on the other hand is absolutely unbearable to watch in masterclasses: he interrupts at every change he gets and acts smug and all-knowing.

[@moosefromhell666]

That guy at 6:04 looks sooo bored XD haha.

[@morioro]

What a joy listening to this is, after 40 years playing (as an average amateur) just the first bit of advice ‘there’s a pause, I take a breath’ has changed my appreciation and approach for this, my favourite, Bach piece! And there’s still over an hour of more insights to come! What a treasure this is!

[@tonybmusic1166]

In the mid 70’s I studied with Joe Pass who used to tell me to sing my solos in my head, essentially trying to get me to think melodically rather than letting my fingers do the walking through memorized scales. When Julian Bream plays this piece it appears to me, that he is singing the fugue subject in his head because he brings it out so beautifully. It is not even remotely mechanical playing.

[@jimbobskullduggery1749]

Yeah but can he play Wonderwall

[@civilenggggg]

I know this is from 1978, but a lot of these students would have improved greatly by just listening to past recordings, there was no crescendo w the first kid...also want to note i would be extremely nervous to play in front of Bream and kid probably plays it 10x better in the privacy of his own home, at least that is how this piece was for me

[@martinamencarini9230]

If you can do it, you can't look at your left hand. But this is not enought. Segovia, Romero and also Bream (etc), look at their left hands. And It Is not for an unlike soul's lacking..It Is because of the left hand has its importance and the right one makes the difference alone..they are indipendent and linked at the same time. Love, soul and passion are their matched result.

[@Hilaire_Balrog]

Rarely do you see a teacher this kind towards his students and essentially musical inferiors. You can sense the joy he gets in teaching his art. It palpable how much he cares for their growth, the music and the instrument.

[@philoaviaticus]

Metronome needed for first guy.

[@mcdeadcat]

Fabulous insights

[@aadityakiran_s]

Great. I hope it's not taken down. Such things without being here on KZbin most people won't even know exists.

[@beerdeddi1]

Bream was way better than Segovia!

[@gofer9156]

"way better" - nope!

[@jamma246]

Yep.

[@SuperBartles]

Bream was numero uno of the classical guitar.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Art is not a race. If you believe it is, you _may_ attain a certain level of precision, but you will _never grow as an artist._

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

Julian Bream's musicianship, versatility, scholarship and taste never cease to amaze me. But I wonder if a J. Bream would have have even existed without an A. Segovia.

[@janicegeorge-allen1924]

I much enjoy the remarks of Students of the guitar, where here is a demonstration,of what could be extremely stressful experience.

[@jamespython5147]

2:34 why is he using his thumb so much? I'm sure they would not allow that in professional guitar tuition these days.

[@theshapeexists]

My major in college was classical guitar performance. This is gold. I had one hell of a teacher and he praised Bream on a daily basis. Best time in my life was learning all this music and performing it. Wish I could've made it a career, but the economy went south when I got out of college. Still play almost every day though. Ill play until I die or my body gives out.

[@DHTCF]

Even at my best I wasn't a very good guitarist, but the idea of getting a masterclass from Julian Bream would terrify me. He was sooooo good.

[@CT2507]

the second guy really had a problem with tempo and i wish Bream would have told him to play it slower. playing it too fast and forceful usually shows a problem with tempo and subtlety. expert sensitivity from Breams side.

[@mariuspessah2991]

What a great musician and teacher . I learned so much from this video . Thank you Julian !

[@eugeniuswilliams5457]

I came across Tolan's record in the 2nd hand record shops of Sydney. It is a brilliant album . I think they are his own compositions, and are very individual tunes. His record stands out amongst the many standard repertoire classical albums.

[@fidemservavi3128]

MAESTRO Bream is giving fantastic advices, this is a real master video

[@jeremyboot3552]

TV as it was. Now we have Love Island and other rubbish.

[@crazycat1345]

The lady at the end is a very nice player, but I wonder if the guitar is a little too big for her.

[@NichesBeCrazy]

I love the way Julian Bream plays this piece, it’s 👌

[@isi2isi67]

Crazy none of the featured guitarist seem to be playing any longer.

[@isi2isi67]

I just found reference to one of the guitarists that released an album more than 2 decades ago.

[@iagobroxado]

Isadore Michas Living out of classical music is not easy... or any other genre of music .

[@isi2isi67]

oddly enough most of the tenured guitarists teaching at most universities have no recordings either. This I find interesting.One really has to sacrifice in that game or be born independently wealthy and even then.A bad bought of trigger finger put an end to my playing over 10 years ago. There are too many variables working against you.

[@larryjohnny]

I agree. I have managed to play classical guitar until now but the income is becoming an issue... It was my choice and so far I still think it was worth it to dedicate my time to the classical guitar, especially Spanish guitar.. Perhaps all the modern music just turned everyone off. I mean have you ever tried to listen to the entire cd of modern guitar music, or even really old renaissance stuff. I can appreciate it as a musician but the music just doesn't connect with non-musicians the way that other genres do.. It partly due to the lack of music education at all levels of the education system. Let's face it, the modern stuff needs a manual in order to enjoy the music. The modern stuff just can't stand on it's own the way the traditional Spanish guitar pieces do..

[@philtanics1082]

larryjohnny ya its very hard, I could never make ends meet playing , and work construction to pay the bills, but the beating it gives my hands and nails makes it very hard to even maintain my meager skills at this point. I really hope you are still able to play professionally, its a wonderful skill.

[@drawwithbeektor6329]

I’m so glad we have the ability to see all of these so many years later.