Leonard Cohen, Las Vegas ,Who by Fire, Javier Mas, Final Concert world tour 2010.

Javier Mas plays a magnificent solo at the beginning of Who By Fire, at the Leonard Cohen concert in Caesars Palace on december 11th 2010.

[@josefm.9288]

A sad young Flamenco Gitarrist was his first teacher, and now the circle is closed with this intro. This is so touching.

[@RiccardoPelc]

A 50 year old woman introduced me to Cohen when i was 14, I sat in the room watching her dance to this song and felt that I could feel who he was, deep lyrics. I've been addicted ever since. Rest in Peace Leonard.

[@tagaudi]

Javier Mas is a prodigy. His musicality is a wonder. He is playing like the last prophet. I bow - - -

[@warwicksimon]

I could watch Javier's solo to my last breath. Unbelievable!

[@rhonacameron5014]

Saddest of days - the Maestro of Words has gone silent but never ever forgotten. I, too, saw this genius live and truly soothed my soul, as he always could. Hank Williams is now a hundred floors below you.

[@ארזבןשלום]

Rhoca C

[@barryfraser8952]

What a privilege to be in the same world and time as Javier Mas, to listen to his exquisite mastery of his instrument in this clip is a sublime experience. A maestro.

[@sunlion9676]

Every. Thing. About this performance!! I close my eyes and I’m lost-gone-enveloped. Free. Thank you Albert! Thank you Leonard and musicians. I salute your genius! 💝💝💝

[@tagaudi]

Leonard was very lucky in having a musical heavy-weight like Mas play for him. His musicality is exceptional. Fact is, it's his spirit. Thanx...

[@SnoOpDoGGfan100]

I'm still not over it. Rest In Peace dear Leonard Cohen

[@mikekimbrell2662]

I was there, absolute perfection!

[@nancywhitehead6397]

At 78 i am madly in love with this man and his enormous talent and like rare old wine he just keeps getting better with age! Bravo Leonard.....

[@ssfaber1]

+Nancy Whitehead I feel the same way as you

[@esthercaporale2306]

Cohen continues to enchant with every word, every note...

[@anncrowther6327]

Miss the man and his beautiful music so much. Bless you Leonard

[@alexandertye3244]

Ur probably dead. Rest in peace.

[@joostbrouwer472]

it does not get better than this played it 3 times in a row

[@Kinkazzo]

Thanks Leonard for contributing to the soundtrack of our lives for half a century. As the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inscribed in 2008: "For six decades, Leonard Cohen revealed his soul to the world through poetry and song-his deep and timeless humanity touching our very core. Simply brilliant. His music and words will resonate forever. "

[@Bronco541]

I can't get enough of that solo. Beautiful example of a Phrygian melody.

[@mrcathy21]

Mais entre temps j'écoutais tant et tant de chansons de Lui , à présent , il y aura encore plus d'émotions ....Reposez en paix Cher Monsieur .

[@jesyponce7271]

For ever and Ever Leonard...he live !! Thank for compartir, desde Argentina, gracias!! Es lo más hermoso que escuché!!

[@wandelust]

Simply sublime. I could watch and listen to Javier style of playing all day long 👏👏

[@hanikamalelkadi876]

Unprecedented "OUD" performance by Mas!

[@jamismif]

One of a kind - this man was in a different class

[@joannahoyt5471]

beautiful, was lucky to see this tour in Seattle…. rest in joyful samadhi…. perhaps Mr. Cohen.. thank you so much for your interpretation of the language of the human soul

[@rachelorian3686]

Who by Fire - Wonderful. I saw them all on stage. So talented .

[@rachelorian3686]

Their performance at the Portland's Rose Garden, twice, is unforgettable. I feel blessed that I was preset in these two performances.

[@JuanRodriguez-zw8ho]

Tuve el placer de escucharlos el viernes 5 de octubre del 2012, en Madrid. Me parecieron maravillosos. Javier Mas nos deleitó con este solo y ... no hay palabras para describir los sentimientos que es ese momento sentimos. Incoparables.

[@dauntless78]

nobody these days could possibly appreciate this masterpiece.

[@wandelust]

Javier Mas = Musical Genius!. WOW! - what an intro!

[@YonatanZunger]

This is a magnificent performance: Javier Mas opens up with the sort of long Spanish Guitar solo that made him famous, and then it flows in to Leonard Cohen singing _Who By Fire?,_ from a recent concert in Las Vegas. Leonard Cohen's music has always meant a great deal to me -- he speaks (and writes) to things deep in my heart, often with painful honesty about our motivations, our conflicts, our triumphs. I had the chance to see him perform in Oakland last year, which was an amazing experience; the profound _respect_ which he showed, to his audience, to his fellow musicians, to everyone around him, was palpable. People were driving so politely when they left the parking lot; it just wouldn't feel right to act like a jerk after that. This song also has deep meanings for me. Cohen based it on an old prayer, Unetaneh Tokef, about how our fates are forged by the hand of God, essentially by forces outside our control: who will die this year by fire? Who by water? Who will rest, who will wander? On Yom Kippur, the prayer says, our fates for the next year will be inscribed; repentance, prayer, and charity, it says, may not save us, may not change the course of things which will happen, but they "avert the severe decree." The prayer itself -- so the story goes -- was written by two hands, Rabbi Amnon of Mainz and his closest friend, Rabbi Klonymos. (Who is my Nth-great-grandfather) Amnon was taken in one of the persecutions, and ordered to convert; he delayed, he refused, and as punishment had his arms and legs cut off, and was returned unceremoniously to his students and family. A few days later, in the synagogue at Rosh Hashanah, he recited this prayer, and died. Soon after (the story says that Amnon came to him in a dream and asked him to do this), Klonymos wrote it down, and it became part of the standard liturgy of the High Holidays. The prayer's power comes from the way it captures all of the fear and uncertainty about the year to come. Even though the story above is far from certain, it was definitely written in days when the fear of torture and murder was on everyone's lips, on top of all of the other fears: of fire, of plague, of war, of loss. And yet there was hope, trying to spring out of everyone's chest, and this captured that conflict. Cohen turned this into a question for our modern age, but left behind none of the fear. I've always loved his ability to do that. via *****.

[@ihabawad]

I can't listen to this style of guitar playing (which I love btw) without hearing the Arabic _taqsim uud_. I also love the Cohen song and thanks for the reference to the prayer -- I had no idea!

[@JohnLieske]

When I began reading the post I wondered if you'd reference the prayer. Glad I wasn't disappointed.

[@GiselleMinoli]

Sublime Yonatan Zunger. I love Leonard Cohen, too. There is no one quite like him. I hadn't known that story. Certain or not...incredible...

[@SeanCowen]

Yonatan Zunger I played a Leonard Cohen song last night in the middle of the night over at FRIDAY NIGHT SESSIONS ("In My Secret Life")! I have a rocky relationship with my dad, but he always loved Cohen (and so does my man *****). I'd love it if you wanted to play some of your favourite Cohen tunes sometime on FNS. *You are missed there!*

[@GraceMontedeRamos]

Thanks for the back story. It makes the song all the more poignant.

[@esthercaporale2306]

Moments of healing during this time of our wounded world...

[@Redheadedlady55]

~Enjoyed his playing on my dvd Leonard Cohen....& the bad was amazing ❤

[@epicurien72]

I began to listen to this singer and poet (Leonard Cohen) when i was 15 yrs old, however i was not understanding english language, but i loved his music and his voice. when i started to know what he says he fascined me to the death.h's a magnific, and giant in his manner of singing. I love Cohen.

[@jackets6699]

I was lucky enough to be there his final two concerts of the 2010 leg of his tour. As always, absolutely perfect! Also, met the Webb Sisters, Dino and Anjani Thomas at the VIP party afterwards and we all partied in the casino till the wee hours. Such beautiful, classy people!!!

[@carollong7956]

I was there and was blown away by this performance and everything else about this concert. So grateful to have been in their presence!

[@pavelt1480]

What city was this in?

[@jackets6699]

I was there, freakishly beautiful!!

[@brendaleona]

startling refinement,passion and grace combined....such heart and soul stirring intro by javier mas

[@archivestudios9418]

a golden voice in a golden heart.

[@barrynicholson7357]

I dont pretend to understand all his music but enough to know we are in the presence of a musical genius

[@anarudholm8919]

Zsuzsanna yes!! From Unetanah Tokef.

[@davidmitchell3618]

Barry Nicholson what an honest comment. I was late in my life until I ‘Got’ Mr Cohen. His lyrics can be so deep that I assume that some sections are only for him and the one he mentions. He is glorious though in his poetic rhymes.

[@tagaudi]

Well said. He embodies centuries of music. "Who shall I say is calling...?"

[@patriciachew2141]

Thank you Albert Noonan for recording and posting this incredible performance.

[@tagaudi]

Javier Mas. The archlaute solo is one of a kind, so many traditions behind it...

[@MrOhjok]

Virtuoso. Javier Mas. I was there. Fabulous time. They played for over two hours.

[@emilioi1250]

Qué grande. Qué suerte. Gracias Maestro.

[@SabineVerena]

LOVE (T)HIS VOICE for so many years by now!

[@carollong7956]

I was there and that entire concert was stunning! It is a beautiful venue with excellent acoustics, superb video screen camera work, and an overall respectful atmosphere. Leonard truly chose the finest musicians to join him on this tour. My husband was not a Cohen fan until this concert and he sure is now! Loved every minute!!

[@chriskarl9221]

I was there, too, just amazing

[@guariban]

I have seen this video many times but today I read your comment. I do not have many heroes in my life, somehow though Leonard Cohen is one of them. It is not only art, it is much more that music and lyrics. He was or came across like the perfect gentleman with his manners, his respect for the public and for others. Just the way would take off his hat and gracefully, and with humility interacted with other musicians; said a lot about this great man. I was there too. i was very fortunate to have the opportunity to see him during this one day only concert in Las Vegas. If i remember well the concert started about 9:00 P. M. Despite his age and who knows if by this time he was also terminally ill, we were there enjoying this man's music until around 12:15 A. M. and we no lack of energy. For those fortunate enough to have been there and live this experience, can say more than art and music we enjoyed, this experience felt in a way like something sublime as if we were in a temple, a church, a synagogal. It was nice to read your comment and to know what you describe "...overall respectful atmosphere..."

[@cristianpopescu7285]

Acest tip cu nume hispanic si cu aparenta gitana si cu inteligenta si cu feeling amestecat este genial

[@feliperoche460]

I studied with Javier long time ago in a far galaxy!. Bravo for him.

[@zevguber]

Had the good fortune to have seen this concert from the 7th and 9th rows on 2 consecutive nights at Radio City Music Hall. Unforgettable. Transcendent. He was a blessing on and for us all........

[@jonsonator3576]

He expands our souls

[@laurarheahagenlocher8879]

I lose one of my best friends, slowly but surely. Cohen helps to overcome that loss

[@laurarheahagenlocher8879]

"Study hard" as my Irish friends suggest"

[@petehunt4534]

Virtuoso performance ... bravo!

[@TofunmiAwodein]

Goosebumps

[@juliehiggins7350]

My wonderful feelings of joy at hearing so much splendid music on the pc have been much enhanced by discovering the songs and the singing of Leonard Cohen. I am so impressed and delighted by his music, and just today - my birthday - I was given a copy of his book "Book of Longing", which I will read with - I am sure - a very great deal of pleasure. I will now go and listen to more of his work!

[@dhutube100]

🙋🏼🕊 i have recently became a Leonard Cohen music fan. PlThis is definitely unique

[@Dubwolff]

I saw this show in Winnipeg, I still get goose-bumps from watching this fantastic solo played by a true master! Dubwolff.

[@alexandreaugusto193]

what a great performance! he is incredible!

[@norahatkinson2678]

The only words i can get together are AMAZING. What talent there was on that stage.Dublin

[@vivahate33]

What a great musician, Javier!

[@hirundine]

The audio to this video is wonderful!! .... Oh the maestro and his friends give a superb performance, too!

[@francaragusa7367]

Bravissimo Javier Mas

[@WonderMagician]

Outstanding!!!!! Thank You Mr. Mas

[@watro1]

Heard the intro to this live and I agree, every note writes a sound story that carries hundreds of years behind him. Was the most beautiful sound I've heard since I don't know when.

[@bjarnecola6384]

Incredible, Mas

[@bellestarr6484]

Thank you for this reminder of how we are all linked, by music, by death.

[@purpleturtle6068]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ART! ת.נ.צ.ב.ה May his soul be bound in the bundle of life ...On Rosh HaShana they are written; And on Tsom Yom Kippur they are sealed. How many shall pass, and how many created: Who shall live and who shall die; Who in their time and who not in their time; Who by water And who by fire; Who by the sword And who by a beast; Who by hunger And who by thirst; Who by disaster And who by sickness; Who by strangling And who by stoning; Who will rest And who will wander; Who will be go peacefully And who will go violently; Who will be calm And who will be harried; Who will be poor And who will be rich; Who will be degraded And who will be exalted.

[@kostasbr51]

Great song, great intro. Thanks to the artists that make it real.

[@frankrogerbuaroy1779]

Amazing!

[@lizziecohen]

And it really does look like he's staring into a fire, Albert. Look how the fire lights his face and his guitar strap sometimes appears to be in flame. I was fascinated at the time and still am at how the spotlights reflected on Javier's guitar surface and made it appear pearly white. I watch your videos and wonder all these people can possibly go their own ways after such an intense three years together [Javier's intro seems a goodbye to them]. Thank you, Albert. Professional & heartfelt.

[@debbiejaynes2652]

I LOVE YOU Leonard Cohen!

[@Enyawestie]

Breath taking.

[@katiecannon8186]

Great videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sikzak100]

wauw - the best intro ever

[@TheSamygamgy]

Words aint enough when music is here....

[@mmore]

His name is Javier Mas and the instrument he plays on the "who by fire" is called spanish archilaud and he puts nylon strings on it and tunes it in forth...

[@berlingaming2471]

mmoris1360 does it work the same as a guitar?

[@dauntless78]

too good.

[@kestrel571]

Wow, I am blown away !!

[@warrenleming9049]

sounds very like an OUD doing Sephardic music of Spain..marvelous

[@FirstUsedBooks]

Amazing Javier and Leonard. Perfection.

[@wayneinorlando1]

I was there.

[@Agg95Boss]

Coincido totalmente contigo amigo, fue increíble, sobre todo Mas y el violinista. Gran concierto, cruzo los dedos por poder ver al maestro Cohen en más ocasiones.

[@ruthgrubert1454]

blown away by the talent of these giants

[@mrcathy21]

C est magnifique , à écouter de bon matin , tout devient baume au cœur ....

[@josesanchezdeocanagomez]

Una inolvidable melodía llena de sentimiento.

[@gerp41396]

Mesmerizing.....

[@nestoralvarez8035]

Maravilloso, mi alma agradecida!

[@andymonet8756]

Salute " MR Javier Mas and thank you for the Magnifique Guitar solo - Divine,

[@del4297]

Albertnooan. Thanks so much for sharing this magnificent solo of Javier Mas. Leonard Cohen a great singer and poet never fail... he share his talent with others so generous. Cheers to all Javier's and Leonard's fans. From New Orleans the city of jazz. (Las Vegas was my home before N.Orleans).

[@zbartfast]

Rolling Stones

[@dinonicoletti]

Beautiful Leonard Cohen

[@aritraX1985]

Epic seniors are epic, period!

[@nadiaghalem2969]

Thank you. Love.

[@EdwardBishop]

Awesome playing and oh, the words/singing!

[@exjazzer]

Thank you!

[@simkanieh]

Excellent poète et musicien, j'adore.

[@patojochispudo]

So 29 idiots didn't have ears for the music, brains for the lyrics and hearth for the feeling of this marvelous rendition of Who By Fire?

[@carmenbabuglia4882]

Canta autor uno de los mejores. Caballero uno de los mejores. Entrañable, enamorada siempre de sus canciones y de él. Inolvidable.

[@tagaudi]

It is to Cohen's credit that he surrounded himself with musical heavyweights and the musical direction of Beck is a major factor here. This music could not be conveyed without these people and this specific ensemble producing it. And, ahem, Mas is a Maestro.

[@MrSirDrew]

Lyrics And who by fire, who by water Who in the sunshine, who in the night time Who by high ordeal, who by common trial Who in your merry merry month of May Who by very slow decay And who shall I say is calling? And who in her lonely slip, who by barbiturate Who in these realms of love, who by something blunt And who by avalanche, who by powder Who for his greed, who for his hunger And who shall I say is calling? And who by brave assent, who by accident Who in solitude, who in this mirror Who by his lady's command, who by his own hand Who in mortal chains, who in power And who shall I say is calling? And who shall I say is calling? And who by fire who by water Who in the sunshine, who in the night time Who by high ordeal, who by common trial Who in your merry merry month of May Who by very slow decay And who shall I say is calling? And who shall I say is calling?

[@Cskidsstuff]

Truly master musicians! Bravo!

[@trevorjoffe219]

two maestros.wow!

[@fofovivi1]

An oriental touch, wonderful

[@OberonXXXXXX]

Spanish music

[@bgerystt3801]

Outstanding!!!!!

[@exjazzer]

Fantastic!

[@netty9140]

genius....spanish guitarist plus rock plus leonard !

[@bgerystt3801]

Jeannette Kenny spaniard

[@bgerystt3801]

Outstanding! magnifico!

[@e.sp.6115]

Grandios 🎶💞