Anne Akiko Meyers: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga | September 7, 2023
When violinist Anne Akiko Meyers walked into NPR headquarters, I half expected her to be flanked by bodyguards. After all, she was carrying a very rare instrument. Her Guarneri del Gesù “Vieuxtemps” violin, built in 1741, is worth at least $16 million. Instead, Meyers arrived only with a pair of publicists and the perceptive pianist Max Levinson. She seemed nonchalant about the fact that her fiddle is worth a fortune.
What matters, naturally, is how the instrument sounds and few can make a violin sing as sweetly as Meyers. The San Diego native was already performing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson at age 11. Three years later she enrolled in New York’s Juilliard School and at 18 cut the first of her 40-some albums.
A devoted champion of contemporary composers, Meyers opens with music by Philip Glass, who is currently writing a piece for her. The violin and piano arrangement of his “Metamorphosis I” oscillates between tranquil, long-held notes and flurries of arpeggios, while the piano toggles on mournful chords.
“The Swan,” the hit single from Camille Saint-Saëns’ 1886 Carnival of the Animals, follows gracefully. Meyers’ diaphanous performance is a master class on how to achieve a rich tone with light bow pressure. The luxurious, low end of the Guarneri is spotlighted on Dirait-On, a gentle choral work from 1993 by Morten Lauridsen, which closes this set of unhurried, contemplative music.
Meyers may drive a hot rod violin worth millions, but it takes a true artist to handle the instrument and bring out its singular voice.
SET LIST
Philip Glass: Metamorphosis II
Camille Saint-Saëns: “The Swan”
Morten Lauridsen: Dirait-On
MUSICIANS:
Anne Akiko Meyers: violin
Max Levinson: piano
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Tom Huizenga
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Michael Zamora
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyounai
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #anneakikomeyers

[@zeitlos2997]

Sometimes I am so envious of people in the music world. (Whether they make it their profession or not.) They seem to be in a different world from reality, putting their emotions, images, and thoughts into sensory music. Beautiful!

[@MiguelFajardo]

Why don’t you try it yourself ?

[@adrd208]

It is that way, you don't have to be a virtuoso to feel it. Try and worry not of judgment.

[@TheAls4173]

Agree. Was the first song part of a movie soundtrack?

[@zeitlos2997]

I wanted to try it, but kept putting it off, thinking, "Maybe someday”. I think I'll start something as a hobby. Thank you all for your wonderful comments! Wishing you all something wonderful as well!☺️

[@alansmithestay9636]

@@zeitlos2997 It's never too late, seriously, I hope you get the time to find an instrument that makes you feel nice and simply enjoy what music can offer, not gonna lie, it is hard, but it really means nothing compared to the amount of joy that you can receive from it. And as you said "start as a hobby" that's something, hope you can give it a try and enjoy!

[@noirberries]

Thank you for inviting classical musicians on the show. Such beautiful music!

[@harounel-poussah6936]

Thus, she loves contemporary composers, which is delightful.

[@randywatson5713]

I'm a metalhead, I don't know anything about classical music, but I respect and admire beautiful music from any genre when it's delivered like this. Wow.

[@MarkWendland]

Many metal guitarists were classically trained.

[@Anitsirc25]

Check out Rachel Barton Pine, she is a violinist and also a huge metal fan. She does some crossover metal-classical on the violin!

[@harounel-poussah6936]

@@MarkWendland Unfortunately, it's rarely the case nowadays since the most of youngsters don't learn soloing any more...

[@moretromain]

Phil Glass on NPR, now that's a new challenge! Big thumbs up, Anne Akkiko and Max are giving us a wonderful performance of this piece, so simple and yet so difficult...great miking and mixing decisions too, letting the raw music speaks for itself, straight upright piano, straight violin, no exagerating anything, a straight way to emotion land, thanks for that ! 😛

[@malibflat]

As a Violinist, she just made me realise that I'm not practicing hard enough 😅.She's brilliant 🥺🎻I'm a fan now 🔥

[@melxdan]

You should NEVER think you’re practicing enough lol

[@Dinozor-fp5rs]

Another one you can check is Mari Samuelsen, brilliant too ;)

[@malibflat]

@@Dinozor-fp5rs I'll do that thanks❤️

[@SempreGumby]

40 hours a day so I'm told. ; )

[@malibflat]

@@SempreGumby It's believable 💀😭🤣🤣

[@the_g9456]

She was absolutely brilliant. And something that may go unnoticed is Max Levinson. He knows precisely when to come in and when to gently stop. Wonderful tiny Desk Concert. One of the best I've heard recently.

[@adrianwright8685]

I think maybe Max gets a bit of a clue where to start and stop from the score in front of him !

[@msudlp]

I've also got to give kudos to Mr. Levinson's steady beat on Metamorphosis. The skill needed to keep that left hand steady throughout the piece is phenomenal. Not only is he playing the piano, but he's also playing with his iPad (which I assume has the sheet music) while keeping the beat steady!!! Fantastic!!!!

[@TheTransitmtl]

Sure but many pianist do that. Have you seen Nils or Hania play.

[@nelsonsanchez7279]

This channel has been such a valuable source of joy for me... This concert was (once again) magnificent... Thank you to everyone making this channel possible and to all the artists who share their talents with us... Art gives to our souls a sense of freedom and plenitude that can not be found in anything else.

[@wsviolist]

I teach and play violin and viola and it’s lovely to see a violinist get a Tiny Desk concert! In June, a student of mine performed The Swan and it brought me to tears. Let’s hear more classical music!

[@emmepiemme]

Almost 300 years of maturation and refinement in the voice of that violin, and an Artist capable of bringing them all out: Excellent!

[@thechief_88]

As a hip hop and Rnb fan. This is an absolute masterpiece! Extremely talented artist! Love this ❤️

[@mariapaganmusic]

This is the most beautiful mini concert I've ever listened to and watched. I cried my little eyes out. I love Anne Akiko Meyers and her playing. There's definitely something special about her. I first listened to her playing in a violin compilation CD called "Violin for Relaxation", many years ago. That CD is so dear and special to me still today. 💜 This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

[@v.w.2701Timber]

Absolutely fantastic, the piano takes you up into the clouds and the violin takes you further and frees your soul! Great, best regards

[@jrs63]

This really raises the question: can you get Philip Glass himself to do a Tiny Desk?

[@DJKuroh]

The tone of that fiddle... Her vibrato...How connected each note feels... All just immaculate. I was trying not paying any attention until she started playing, then she hooked me.

[@MediCali951]

What is vibrato? I saw a video where a guy was scamming fake violin playing and a pro knew he was faking by his vibrato? A guy was just pulling that same scam down the street from me

[@DJKuroh]

@@MediCali951 Vibrato is the wavering of her left hand on the strings to create a rhythmic and consistent wavering of the pitch. It evokes a kind of weeping of the violin. The guy was probably watching his hands and seeing that his movements and the sound he was hearing was not matching up.

[@val91201]

That is not a fiddle (unless you live in Appalachia)

[@DJKuroh]

​@val91201 Yeah, I was going off the NPR description in the video where they called it a Fiddle. Also, "A fiddle is a bowed string musical instrument, most often a violin. It is a colloquial term for the violin, used by players in all genres, including classical music." Sooo.....

[@val91201]

@@DJKuroh 1. wikipedia is not the Bible 2. I'm in my 70s and have never heard anyone calling a Stradivari, Guarneri or Amati a fiddle

[@BrittanyC87]

Just what I needed to start my morning!!! Another day above ground is a good one!❤

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

You made it sound like you’d be fast on your way to being 6 feet under…

[@mikededmon]

The Philip Glass: Metamorphosis II - was stunning. I also loved how it's not really a violin piece as it is a duet. It would be nothing without the piano and vice-versa. Perfection.

[@markaprill6501]

Have you seen that woman play Glass on the harp I can’t remember her name but it’s pretty amazing. That was pretty amazing violin playing.

[@tshep0]

Mad Mad Mad Respect for you Anne Meyers. How do you make the violin talk, laugh and cry like that?😭😭😭

[@macleadg]

Practice. Years of practice.

[@chrisschneiders6734]

Not my usual type of music but when played like this it's heavenly.. truly gorgeous.

[@secilymusic]

The frisson is palpable! My eyes aren't dry and my heart is full. I absolutely love music. This is the best way to start my day.

[@ericsmith768]

I’m a huge fan of Ann Akiko Meyers and Tiny Desk concerts. Truly magical to have her perform at this unique venue. I have been listening for a few months her performances of Morten Lauridsen’s choral pieces transcribed for the violin. The most beautiful music ever written and Ann elevates it with her exceptional virtuosity. I will cherish this Tiny Desk concert for along time.

[@margett__]

What a treat! I LOVE how she plays Pärt, so ready to explore some other pieces performed by her as well ❤

[@cheezestixx]

Simplify beautiful and brought me tears! That last one made me picture my daughter growing up and going out to have a family of her own, and then me playing with my grandkids out in a field... it was so wonderful!

[@christianefleurant7089]

Can you believe that being a professional musician myself I did not know Anne Akiko Meyers? Beyond the fact that her violin is unique as you mentioned, she speaks directly with the melody admirably! Above all her interpretation of the Swan fulfilled my need to express that a swan is more than an image, it's part of the animal kingdom. Thank you Tiny Desk, once more the quality of the recording is very satiating. 🌹

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

What a soulful, lyrical way to start the day! Beautiful music! 👏👏👏

[@andydonham8612]

BOY, was everybody on their game. Audio was perfect and the performers knocked it out the park. Thanks TD. Bravo.

[@Setsuzo17]

I’m a big fan of Tiny Desk Concerts AND what a delight to find my favorite violinist performing on it! Beautiful…soulful…and sometimes, just indescribable. Melts my heart. Thank you!!

[@dadberndi]

and the sound engineering is wonderful, thank you NPR for such a treasure! greetings from Switzerland

[@gentlespirit4]

OOOMMMGGG!!! 😆🙌 Anne Akiko Meyers is one of my all time favorite world class violinist! Thank you so much, Tiny Desk Team!!! 😭🥰🥲😇 She's literally like an angel of music! 😍🎼🎵🎶🎻🤩💖💯👏👏👏👏

[@superb63amg94]

Wow! I would love to play like her one day.👍🏼

[@janices6140]

Beautiful music soothes the soul. Her violin and his piano playing combined to produce an exquisite sound. Thank you both!

[@Preciousvibez]

Ah yes lovely indeed . Strings the emotion carriers . 4:18 unique and beautiful arrangement 5:18 also it purges the soul. ❤ thank you

[@Sonny1065LV]

Just perfect!

[@mfargas]

Excellent “Metamorphosis I" arrangement 👋👋👋

[@sharonammirati2042]

this music is so lovely, but seems so painful for her to perform. hard to watch, amazing to listen to .Thank you

[@DaphnePrunus]

Thank you. Your music is guiding me through a really hard time. No words could tell you how much I appreciate this .

[@Durgacantautora]

Es increible ver como conecta sus entrañas directas al instrumento, no es ella tocando el violin, si no es una extension de si misma. Que bello, muchas gracias.

[@bbcocallaghan]

the emotion shown in her face during the third piece is as transfixing as the music

[@errollharper2061]

Superb. Sublime. Your time spent listening to high quality musicians producing music of this quality is time not wasted. Selah.

[@Fafnerluver922]

I love Anne Akiko Meyers. The first piece I heard her play was Fratres by Arvo Part. She's incredible!

[@dM-ij1we]

I always think about the person who has to do the dusting in the tiny desk concert. 🤣 The music is sublime too. 😉

[@sometalkaboutbeinghuman]

Absolutely captivating from the first note. The way she makes those arpeggios look effortless is so impressive, a true maestro.

[@pichaliiiin]

I'm not usually a classical music guy, but I love The Swan and The Carnival of the Animals. This rendition brought tears to my eyes. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@wakingtheworld]

I got back into classical music thanks to TwoSet Violin, currently on a world tour, and have discovered the incredible variety, depth and joy it gives me. Some say it's boring.... and Cage's 4'33 could be a case in point but then again one could say 'There's no such thing as silence'

[@Projacked1]

Ahhhh, I needed that. Wonderful ..... 🥰

[@iancurry]

So beautiful...It doesn't get any better than that....

[@tritonneptune3834]

Incredible, she is just incredible. Was hoping for Fratres but oh well.

[@adilraz]

she is amazing

[@greatmindsthinkalike1378]

What a Great way to start my day ❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@馮萱]

love this tiny concert, it companies me for many study nights!😄

[@franciscojavier-lj7tz]

Hace falta alimentar el alma de excelentes vibras que hermoso viaje deja esta excelente musica

[@wakingtheworld]

Wow, goosebumps.... Soulful indeed. I defy anyone not to be moved by the Glass piece. It may not be technically challenging but its execution and interpretation is on another level. [Hope for me yet maybe]. Simple is sublime here. The other pieces were exquisite.... They get right under your skin.... B.E.A.U.tiful

[@tamerlano]

It is technically challenging:) deceptively difficult music to get right .

[@goshane23]

it's the sublime step from playing to breathing that is the challenge in glass' piece. pure breathing and singing without voice while playing an instrument. she has an absolute amazing bow-technique that allows with her outstanding interpretation taking this step into the sublime of the music

[@wakingtheworld]

@@tamerlano I feel I have to respond to this comment... somehow. I don't wish to dispute your statement. I'm too much of a newbie for that but being aware of some very advanced violin techniques & some composers whom I'm sure wrote music so difficult that only they could play it, I feel this is many notches below such. The challenge is in its execution, performance and interpretation.... Music being, of course, far more than just notes....

[@brenda0101]

Heard this for the first time a few days ago, and I’m listening to it again to prepare me for my very first competition in my sport. This is absolute perfection and is calming to me in every way possible. Thank you for your brilliance and experience shown through your performance❤

[@jetvlz8592]

This is a delight. Been following her music since my College days.

[@dyliu6126]

The purest sound and soul.

[@manjahorner1693]

Stunning precision and beautiful feeling. I ❤ this performance

[@jasnaveljanovic]

Thank you so much for this performance. I usually follow Tiny Desk Concert for the popular musicians I love, but as a professional musician, having such an experience as a listener, in a warm atmosphere of a Tiny Desk Concert is a blessing. The violine sounds like a fortune, but it's the performer who give it "the soul". Congratulations to the performers.

[@carlitah74]

This is beautiful! Beginning my more with this notification is the best.

[@a.a.1744]

Beautiful!

[@thedeeprot]

absolutely unreal 🔥

[@Hlw36]

Beautiful ❤

[@xxnoshowxx]

Thank you for an awesome moment this morning.

[@johnq6361]

An amazing performance by both ❤

[@mimirose3009]

Her makeup, haircut and of course the lovely roses (my last name) she is slaying literally the 🎻 and everything else

[@ruannekarp6348]

Soo, Beautiful ❤

[@nylirama]

As I have said before, thank you Tiny Desk for bringing variety to this platform. Always a delight to see who is on, even if it is not my style. I love to be exposed and expose my kids to all kind of different music.

[@africanyak41]

Sublime. 🎉

[@lphil2660]

Génial, génial, génial, merci!

[@silentstringquartet]

Bravo Maestro Anne Meyer. We need more chamber music in tiny desk concert.

[@symphony357]

Such a moving performance. Thanks for posting!

[@mattrobins2002]

Just perfect. What a talent.

[@TheGirleeTomboy]

Beautiful 🥹

[@crshuby]

Incredible! Beautiful music! More composers to explore! Thank you.

[@dropthatashe]

I love the emotion coming out of Anne

[@PotooBurd]

I love this so much! Amazing content, best wishes to you and your future projects! 🌻

[@DaisyTea1]

May I also commend the fine playing of the pianist. His timing is impeccable, and his playing lovely.

[@Good-dd9vr]

Beautiful 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@JustRelaxNow]

The emotion, precision and vibrato👏🏽

[@jalflores]

Beautiful and sensible violin

[@jandrewscali]

Thank you Tiny Desk. Another extraordinary musical experience!

[@PabloCrj23]

Oh my God I am crying. It is so beautiful 😢

[@MapleLam]

What a great way to start the morning! LOVE!!! ❤

[@AliceJones-yc1kh]

When I saw this, I was mesmerized. The accompanist is tight and outstanding. As a retired music educator, Im breathless. Please bring on more Classical music. I saw a African child with autism who is highly gifted. A piano tuner brought a $10,000.00 concert piano for this child. I was it on CBS news. 👏

[@tamarawarren2591]

I just signed my baby up for violin. Looking forward to learning and growing...

[@Snifflesintheattic]

I met her once after a concert and she was so nice! Lovely performance by both! Thanks NPR!

[@roku9770]

First time hearing you, and of you, early this morning of the 27th. You bring chill bumps to my arms, and tears to my eyes. So absolutely exquisite! Thank you! The sounds are very healing to the soul!

[@entornohumano7945]

Listening this violinist make me feel as if i were embraced by universe. The sound of this violin is amazing, like a velvet. I loved it, thanks and obviously to the pianist aswell. 🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶❤💛⭐

[@zahranaderi5643]

this is so pure and soft deeply touched my heart

[@ianwright8154]

Fabulous

[@kickflips]

This was absolutely brilliant. Experiences like hearing this for the absolute first time is part of what makes life worth living. And I mean that with all of my heart.

[@lylalamb1588]

I listen over and over and over…

[@DaniTessa]

just lovely :D

[@theTrend7]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thanks again Tiny Desk for introducing us to some of the most beautiful artist to exist,it's always a wonderful experience.

[@mariale5061]

I love Anne Akiko's music . thanks ! ❤

[@mirtieraczo5842]

Absolutely beautiful. I especially liked the first song, Metamorphosis 2.

[@dbradx]

Fantastic, wasn't it? Philip Glass is such an amazing composer, I've loved his work ever since I rented 'Powaqqatsi' on a whim from my local video store way back in 1989. If you haven't heard any of his other work, I think you'd love it. Cheers!

[@joanlansberry9160]

So beautiful! Such exquisite playing! Thank you for featuring Anne Akiko Meyers!

[@quaver1239]

Exquisite. Thank you. ❤

[@annabartonova7782]

This is just sooo amazing music! Love love love it :)

[@LovelyEniki]

С первых секунд и нот на видео музыка пробирает. Как же красиво!

[@chrislink73]

That was excellent

[@nubianfx]

she picked 3 of my favourite composers... loooveeeeeee . oh and this was magical