David Russell - 1st Lute Suite, BWV 996 by J.S. Bach - Omni On-Location from Spain

[@ChrisAndersonSixesMusic]

I watched the premier on Saturday night. At the time, I was hesitant to stake a claim, but after a few days of thought, and watching it again now, I believe my initial reaction was correct. This is the finest Bach ever played on the guitar. I believe it will be included with other guitar history landmarks: Segovia’s Paris debut, Bream’s “20th Century Guitar” recording, and the 1975 Toronto Guitar Competition with Sharon Isbin, Manuel Barrueco, David Leisner, and Eliot Fisk winning prizes. It doesn’t just set a new standard of guitar playing. It is music of the very highest order.

[@micktulk]

What a superb performance

[@tbgtbg6311]

@John Strozzi You need to see a doctor ASAP.... an ENT or Neurologist would be a good start.

[@nickrobinson2023]

The devil is in the detail. The clarity and evenness of the trill as well as the other ornamentations are perfect. Your reflexion is absolutely correct. All the best.

[@Soytu19]

For me he is rushing, his excessive use of trills is a bit annoying, his guitar sounds nasal, lack of tone differences. Yes, he is technically perfect, but nothing else for me. The live recording of Yepes of this suite belittle this.

[@mer1red]

​@@Soytu19 I think you have some good points. He's technically very good, this should not be a surprise for anybody who knows him. But with all respect, I would never play Bach like this. This simply just doesn't sound as Baroque music. I play not only guitar but also viola da gamba and have listened a lot to harpsichord music of that time. His ornamentations are strange. It's a suite, which means: dance music. Some passages of the performance just don't reflect the nature of those dances. And a lot more.

[@kimbatteau1]

This is the greatest performance of the Bach lute suites in history. Astonishing.

[@baddogmintz]

This is precisely why he's David Russell and everyone else is everyone else. It's deeply gratifying to listen to this.

[@gregorioribeirojr]

A man, his instrument and his soul, playing the best music! God bless the art! Without music, life has no rhythm... Or meaning!

[@antoniomattana6706]

Out of this world. Unbelivable.

[@datdang9113]

2:09 Prelude and Presto 4:35 Allemande 7:07 Courante 9:25 Sarabande 12:44 Bourrée 14:00 Gigue

[@lucasjuliancarballeira6392]

Da real mvp

[@adriyansetiawan5225]

Did you know the piece in the beginning of video?

[@sleazebee]

@@adriyansetiawan5225 I think it is a cantata, bwv 156

[@franciscoabreu5159]

Thanks

[@dawinybastos]

@@franciscoabreu5159 cantata 156 - arioso

[@IntellikronTech]

The best performance I've ever heard in the last 30 years. I studied classical guitar for 10 years and remember the conversations about David Russell on 1987 in Alicante, Spain where he was a legend amongst the students. He was also famous for reading music at first sight perfectly.

[@Rodrigo-me6nq]

It's hard to believe he's nearly 70, this is one of the best interpretations of this suite I've ever heard. There are plenty of young artists who can play with the same level of virtuosity, but few have such clean execution and gorgeous tone. His fingering choices and ornamentations are also very tasteful.

[@lucasjuliancarballeira6392]

Def gonna steal them all 👌

[@goscott444]

_Ida Presti!_ 😁

[@rootshers]

Simply amazing and also a lot of work into the pureness and whole phrasing of this suite. It all makes sense when listening as whole piece. It’s definitely my favorite interpretation of this suite as well. You can definitely hear what Bach was to say with his music. And david is also a truly nice human being, had the chance to organize a concert where he played. Unbelievable musician and really interesting person!

[@davideperduca1066]

That’s true! But try to hear the version of Marcin Dylla! Superb

[@spoolstring1853]

His tempo is insanely consistent, and somehow it's all so gentle

[@adamgoad4131]

Man, that Gigue is absolutely incredible. I've personally met John Williams, Pepe Romero, Chris Parkening and others and I can safely say that David has a seat at the table, of the greatest masters of our age. He has the power of a freight train but can dance across the strings with a lightness I can't comprehend. Bravo sir

[@cdickson01]

I just want to thank the Omni Foundation for providing all of these beautiful classical guitar performances. As a beginner, but aspiring to get better, this is so inspiring and moving. Thank you!!

[@hrburrell7587]

One of THE best players in the baroque style.

[@FlexingClassicalMusic]

🌟 Classical music, a celestial dance of notes and rhythms, is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity. It's a symphony that paints emotions in the air, inviting us to partake in the grandeur of artistic expression. 🎨🎶

[@tonato17]

Best version of 1st lute suite I've ever heard. David Russell is the brightest star in the guitar firmament

[@alexkomodore5241]

David- Is always the guitarist we can aspire to , and the soulful man who communicates the utmost that humanity has created.

[@tardx]

I am astonished and ashamed that, having enjoyed the playing of Segovia, Bream, Williams, and Lagoya for decades, I had never heard of David Russell until now. He clearly ranks with these masters. Thank you for this performance.

[@RobertoMartinez-kv5tp]

✔

[@b.berggitarre]

He is one of the best interpreters, perhaps the best interpreter, of Bach's music!

[@kimbatteau1]

This is Bach, without a doubt, of the absolutely top order. Fantastic...

[@ricardolemus5937]

I share the same feeling. Just a few years ago I didn't know of him.

[@NylonStrings83]

David is the absolute best

[@JimMcFerry]

This is an old piece for me, 55 years at least. An old friend and mentor, unfortunately gone, performed this suite surely and convincingly. I've since been pursuing this all my life. I am now 70 and promised myself not to leave the game before mastering this lautenwerk suite, one of the most elegante and beautiful from JSB's legacy. Others will follow. But this rendition and especially David Russel's technical approach will be of great help and inspiration. A huge thanks from Porto Portugal!

[@paulhennessey51]

Fantastic. No one does baroque ornamentation on guitar as cleanly, precisely, and with as much feeling as David Russell. Wonderful video.

[@astrodad656]

My favorite rendition of the Gigue is this performance. DR is truly a living legend. And despite his age his playing is still in top form. Respect!

[@JMBailo]

My favourite person in the whole world. I have no words to say how much I've always admired him, and of course I still do. A trully legend among the guitar players, and an absolute gentleman.

[@hoursk]

Never seen this gigue played so fast and clean at the same time... very impressive

[@kitharodia1952]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoTZpJeGms55oK8

[@전해용-h9n]

Absolutely I agree.

[@bariswheel]

This is beyond exceptional, especially the Gigue needless to say. Unparalleled level of playing with so much feeling, such great tone and ornamentation, and for a man who’s played as such for almost 6 decades now, to maintain that fitness, perhaps to even new levels, it’s hard to find the words to describe such unprecedented levels of achievement. There will never be another David Russell. I can’t wait to hear the next 3 suites, what a time to be alive! Thank you David and the Omni foundation for sharing this with the world!

[@Larry30102]

Watching this whole series of Russell playing Bach requires only one word, from the production, to the best performance of these pieces: perfection. These will endure forever as jewels in classical performance and guitar.

[@kipponi]

The most beautiful lute music and this place acoustics, perfect ❤🙏.

[@homosapience6949]

This Virtuoso of the Guitar allow me to experience of essence of baroque pluck instrument again. Ever since I knew David Russell, 20 years ago, I always appreciate of his special performances of different times. I think he is a magnificent virtuoso of the guitar.

[@FatherKeeg]

I can hardly believe what my ears have heard and my eyes have seen,, flawless perfection! Each of the voices of the piece are presented with full clarity within a composition so complex it's amazing to see it actualized on a Guitar. Bach himself would probably be impressed.

[@fidemservavi3128]

Perfect acoustic and interpretation😊

[@kingtutt61]

Great to see Russell still displaying his unique style and passion for life.

[@brucegelman5582]

These suites should set the world on fire and bring joy to nations.Alas too few know what Mr. Russell has accomplished and the level he has reached.And so it goes.

[@oscarlueb1522]

It is a pleasure know again of David Russell, I had the opportunity to see him play on a concert. He's an incredible performer. I hope the best for him.

[@thesharpwatcher]

One of my favorite classical guitarists for decades - since last century. I am an amateur classical guitarist, and when I hear him play I am always happy that I chose this instrument decades ago. His very beautiful way of playing the compositions is like 'telling a story' with his guitar.

[@GustavoDB]

For me, my best classical guitar player ever. ❤ Thak you Mr David. And thanks to my music teachers and companions in the school for introduce me David Russel. Heard Bach, Mangore and more great composers from his hands for so many years, and always refreshing me. ❤

[@Michel-Fiorelli]

Fantastic Master ! Thank you a thousand times and more.

[@telmymacallister4420]

THANK YOU dAVID! SO BEAUTIFUL

[@iakamuri]

thank your for your wonderful performance, dear David!

[@allanwells4886]

Terrific playing. He's fortunate he can still play the guitar at 70 years of age. Many great artists suffer from medical issues when they reach their 50's to 60's.

[@OmniFoundation]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the live premiere!

[@vikennazikian6903]

What is the introductory background music during the opening 30sec of this video please ?

[@robertom.gonzalez9031]

@@vikennazikian6903 IE J. S. Bach: Arioso BWV 156

[@vikennazikian6903]

@@robertom.gonzalez9031 Thank you so much. I wonder if it's also a David Russell transcription & recording, & how I would find it ? With much appreciation. V

[@robertom.gonzalez9031]

@@vikennazikian6903 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIK5q4Npma-op9E

[@OmniFoundation]

@@vikennazikian6903kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3-5YXtmeb6gj5o

[@eduardoussia4129]

Gracias MAESTRO por tus admirables interpretaciones y por enseñar las maravillas de España.

[@НаташаПолякова-т4щ]

This is called, with good reason; an extraordinary journey.

[@cycling.guitarist]

What an incredible journey into the distant historical architecture adorned by a wonderful rendition of Bach’s suite #1 by David Russell. I can only describe this virtual experience as a transformation into time and space, an experience which few, or none can match! Mr.Russell’s masterful performance of this Baroque suite deserves a place in the permanent display of the Celenova monestary.

[@johnrodgelatenemusic7262]

An absolutely riveting performance. The best I've seen. A masterpiece of playing.

[@wimbronkhorst7382]

We need to study Bach more. And Russell. He is such an anointed musician.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

In addition to guitar, I teach general college music courses (theory, form & analysis, counterpoint, etc.) and use this recording as an example of the baroque suite, binary forms, etc. According to my students (not just guitarists), David not only blows all other guitarists away, but in addition they favour his baroque interpretations over those of other instrumentalists, too. An almost impossible feat. Of course the oboists and French horn players in my classes have no idea (nor do they care about) how insanely difficult it is to accomplish such a feat on the guitar. It makes me proud to be able to present a guitar recording not as a curiosity but as a genuine choice of a musical recording of a musical genre. Thank you, David and producers!

[@florentvauxion3664]

I have liked to be here, sitted nearby him on a corner of that beautiful church... And listening the echos of the Master.

[@pablogaribay]

Gracias por tan bello arte, Maestro David Russell. Siempre ha sido y será una inspiración para mí.

[@eduardoangelonipedron9961]

Beautiful performance of David Russel. He's a great classical guitarist.

[@teomartinez7570]

Absolutamente maravilloso, enmudecedor y trascendental. A lo que el Maestro nos tiene acostumbrados cada vez que toca. No hay una sola nota que haga que no me transporte a otra dimensión. Cuanto más estudio, y más le conozco, más le admiro.

[@GuitarMaster2410]

Y cómo le fluye todo, qué dominio. Lo toca con la misma facilidad que si lo cantara. Por muy endiabladas que sean las dificultades, no pasa ni el más mínimo apuro. Es el mejor sin discusión.

[@robertcostagliola3741]

Please put this on CD! I can't tell you how much guitarists vary when they play Bach. This is just perfect!

[@virtualpilgrim8645]

Let's face it, regardless of all the naysayers, haters, detractors, competitors, and trolls, David Russell stands out.

[@viarnay]

it is a freaking master :- O

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

Majestic. Solace for the broken heart! And so clean... Thank you, maestro.

[@kitnewell]

Lightning-fast ornamentations and passing tones. The apotheosis of baroque performance.

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

Very very impressive the ornamentations are so damn smooth, almost doesn’t even sound like a guitar. The counter point on guitar as well. That’s just crazy

[@jarabenitezromero8792]

Gracias Maestro por este bello regalo. Con ganas de escucharte las próximas. Un abrazo de Alfredo, Álvaro, Manuel y yo desde Alicante. Estuvimos juntos disfrutando de tu directo. Un beso enorme. 💪💪🌹🌹🌹🌹😘 Nos encantas estamos pendientes. Precioso. Un abrazo.

[@halvey123]

There are no words to describe this well done production. Thank you for posting.

[@gooseface2690]

This man is a sentient machine! Breathtaking performance!

[@jdpazmino2010]

The intro really set the mood and provided wonderful context to connect with the piece in a much better way. And what beautiful perfect technique!!! Bravo!!!!!

[@christianadamsson5745]

Wow, at this tempo 🙌

[@enriquejareno8628]

espectacular el maestro Russell, grandisima interpretación del gran Bach, tan agradecido en sus melodias como dificilisimas de ejecutar. ¡una maravilla! asi como el lugar tan apropiado. Gracias por permitirnos gozar de ello

[@Astromott]

Absolutely magnificent crystal clear sounding and embellishing! Many thanks !

[@derekdaniel3361]

This is a breathtaking treat of ornamentation and precision. This series of performances in churches sets the standard for guitar playing.

[@allanlees299]

This is awe-inspiring. I've listened to many gifted performers on lute and guitar but this is simply in another class entirely. The technique is entirely at the service of the music, which is heart-rendingly beautiful even for those of us who find Bach rather relentless at times.

[@llp0001]

No words ! Great performance and production. Filmed in my beloved Galicia it is a plus

[@eduardotorres9743]

Thank David; you have proved once again that you are the greatest guitarrist ever and I already knew that. Andres Segovia or Regino Sainz de la Maza only play4dnor recorded the reducir the Bourrees of the studies but never dare to play or recorded why of the suites. Your Ormantation in impecable, a dream. Still waiting for the Fourth suite and the violín and Cello, Suites, Partitas and Sontas. Please keep them coming, this is a document for future generations. Bravo Maestro. Bravo!

[@massimopanicucci]

I almost cried to watch and listening as such a beautiful performance. Perfect execution played with heart and emotions. A true legacy for all classical guitarists

[@philippegauthey3689]

Ce Grand Maître inspire un très grand respect, pour le Musicien et l'huminanité qu'il dégage.

[@raffitorossian6994]

Excellent performance of Bach....Mr Russel is a super artist. Thanks for uploading.

[@Remi-B-Goode]

His ornementation technique is the most perfect and adequate, this is astonishing how it sounds good. He is incredible.

[@7thdaybeliever]

Gorgeous tone and trilling ornaments sounding like the baroque guitar, lute and even harpsichord. Always am thrilled and inspired by Maestro David

[@villalobos2]

What a fantastic performance. Great sound, beautiful interpretation and style and makes you truly believe why Bach on the guitar makes truly sense

[@hjns62]

Amazing musicality... Russel turns everything fluid even in the sharp angular movements in this suite... Thanks the opportunity to listen!

[@LongTrout]

The pipes...The pipes are calling.

[@LorenzoMicheli]

What a marvelous performance! Thank you

[@kennethfuquay5126]

The purity of the found and the acoustics ! What a thrill!! Bravo Maestro, Bravissimo!!

[@Michel-Fiorelli]

Huge and so Gentle Master ! God bless you. Thank you!

[@sinasamira3644]

The sarabande is a pearl! WOW David!

[@saidtinat985]

Just magnificent performance! Thank you David Russell. ❤️🙌

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Phenomenal clarity! David is one of my favorite guitarists. There are so many great musicians out there and I’m thankful that KZbin gives people a platform to put their music out there. Plus it gives us more access to the already accomplished musicians. Great playing of some beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

[@vitastory]

BRAVO!!! BEST GUITARIST EVER!!!

[@TheJaoz3]

Russel, please, don't you dare stop playing for us!

[@nunzioangelopalladino155]

Grande, un eseguzione sublime. Avrei voluto incontrare un maestro di chitarra come lei. L' ammiro tanto, complimenti ancora per questa esecuzione.

[@davidfreel1451]

Eagle's eye view at all times, inspirational.

[@StanichPlays]

Insanely clean performance !

[@Ivanrijos]

MAESTRO !!!! Dulce y hermosa paz entrega usted con esta monumental obra de profundas verdades. Gracias por su gran entrega y sacrificio para tal noble resultado de descanso y solaz . Bellísimo, hermoso y profundo !!!! Muchas felicitaciones y bendiciones !!!!

[@javbas1]

Pero qué interpretación más sublime, realmente no tengo más palabras, solo muchísimas gracias por compartirlo

[@davematson939]

Thank you Mr Russell

[@robertodelaprieta8842]

OMG DAVID

[@victorhugomontecinosfernan4117]

Muy hermoso. Los adornos muy bellos. Brillante interpretacion de esa suite de J. S. Bach

[@KeepThatConfidence]

Such a great performance! And very nice introduction to the history of this place.

[@RafaelAguirreGuitar]

Impressive playing! Bravo, David!

[@marctucciaronemusic7738]

It doesn’t get better than this !!!! Thank you David

[@AngeloTomassi.Guitar]

Eccezionale non ho parole per esprimere tanta bellezza infatti non servono le parole grazie

[@Betterthantelly]

Astoundingly beautiful art on so many levels. Thank you so much.

[@Peter-vd9wi]

A Nice summer-present! Thanks Dave 👍

[@MacMic333]

Really brought this to life , more than any other version.

[@georgessemaganda2741]

Thanks to the one that made you.

[@albertoloi6709]

Non ho parole. David Russell é il piú grande chitarrista di tutti i tempi. Persino il grande Segovia é abbondantemente surclassato da Russell. Grazie, Maestro, per tutto quello che ancora ci regali.

[@philippehuysmans3159]

Yep, this interpretation is epic. Really in the spirit of the Master. I learned to play the bourrée, I know how hard it is , and it is not the hardest piece...

[@theobenjamin]

Such a beautiful interpretation by the Maestro!

[@ricardolemus5937]

The best performance of this Suite.

[@gesualdo1613]

Gracias Maestro por compartir esta extraordinaria interpretación.

[@metalgeezerdude]

Watching a listening to David do trills with his right hand on the bourrée is amazing. I never imagined doing it the way he does. Signed “frustrated guitarist “😜