Ray Chen reacts to Twoset Mendelssohn 4M

[@RayChenViolinist]

Be sure to practice (like Brett) and download the Tonic App (tonicmusic.app/join-in) to stay motivated with a community of other musicians!

[@bgkaufhold]

Hey Ray! there's gonna be a web app of Tonic? so i can use it on my computer besides the mobile app. Thank you!! :)

[@ThomUnderStars]

I love the app, specially the skins :D

[@MidnightMusician]

im playing that piece rn!!❤❤❤❤❤ fun fact i played violin for 10 yearss❤❤❤ ty for ur videos ray chennnn it helps me too🎉🎉🎉

[@claudiosilva3965]

200%

[@firerunner1]

Do you happen to know what violin he’s using? I’m actually mesmerized by it’s colorscheme, it definitely reminds me of a strad. This is coming from a total novice though! :D - this was typed before you mentioned they had loaned strads 😂 guess they do look obviously different!

[@sabrinai]

Ray saying stuff like "beautiful tone", "nice", "hmmm" about Brett's playing makes me cry 😭 because I just think Brett's Mendelssohn is so sweet and beautiful.

[@princessyanina]

"interesting fingerings"

[@kokod2736]

The best I've heard....tho I might be a tad predijuced for Brett.

[@willemhaifetz-chen1588]

The Strad is honey

[@tiffcat1100]

Same ❤

[@kishascape]

@@willemhaifetz-chen1588 I'm more about dem 1610 Maggini violins.

[@maroonkitty]

Brett’s playing has a wistful tender tone to it, many people can play superbly, but he speaks to his audience. And we know him better through his playing. Since then I’ve listened to many more soloist playing this, and I still like Brett´s take on the Mendelsohn. Bravo Brett. Ray has a clear idea of what this piece is about, lol Ray you’re so intense. Reminds me how much a musician practice for that 30mins on stage.

[@nancyjfs]

I agree with you! To hear Brett playing and Ray demonstrating in the same video showed me so clearly how different musicians have very different voices! I saw Ray play the Mendelssohn in LA.

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

Brett's Mendelsohn is really beautiful.

[@asterixe1]

Did Brett develop this later on? Would he had played so wistfully, with so much vulnerability, if this was earlier in his life? Brett has really changed over the years. In the early years of TSV, he was very dashing and confident, and had upswept hair. Then by 2018 or so, he mellowed down, and became more of his current self, like sweet and likeable, like a Peanuts character or cinnamon bun! And he has more understated clothes now and a moptop or mushroom cut, which makes him look more sweet and child-like.

[@joshgill3189]

@@asterixe1wtf are you talking about 😂

[@perseus31]

Any piece you play for 30 min long means crazy amounts of hours.. I play classical guitar aand for a 3 min long piece I had to work whole day just to figure out whole piece, and then start to work on it

[@mukilnarayanan]

Brett definitely practiced for 40 hours (*edit: a day) to prepare for this concert! Ray listened to us fans!!!!

[@musicbetweenlines]

Yes!!!

[@sharraleigh]

*40 hours a day - There, I fixed it for you, because he definitely way more than 40 hours in total.

[@mukilnarayanan]

@@sharraleigh I agree!

[@andreashansen5313]

@@mukilnarayanan Actually, Brett doesn't need to practice more than 40 hours in total, he's just that good.

[@sarahandrade5728]

I love how Ray gets nervous for Brett and feels proud of him. That’s so sweet ❤

[@sudharmansitaraman8377]

I remember in the pre-Mendelssohn days Brett reviewed his favorite performances and highlighted his takeaways from each. He discussed Ray's innocence, Anne-Sophie's old-school vibrato, and Hilary's clean and playful third movement. It's amazing how he incorporates each of those elements, especially without making things robotic copies of one style. I wish the the others (especially HH) would react to the video as well, so we can see what and how they think.

[@susanbryant6516]

There’s a violin teacher called Simon Streuff who has a KZbin channel. He did an interesting 3 part review of the entire concerto. Maybe go check it out if you’re interested in a little analysis and appreciation of Brett’s playing

[@n0tale438]

This is really neat. I vaguely remember the same things. Well spotted.

[@jessicawong3081]

@@susanbryant6516 Yes, it is pretty in-depth and he casts some constructive criticism but also a lot of positive comments!

[@KoongYe]

I for one really like Brett's old-school vibrato. It has romantic charms to it.

[@saturn2896]

it took me 19 minutes to notice Ray was supporting Brett not only as a friend, but also wearing the Debussy "La Mer" shirt

[@nathaliegauvin5161]

Brett feels like an ultra sensitive person and we hear it in his playing. He is very musical. Thank you for sharing

[@JDWindtPlaysGuitar]

Brett's vibrato is very Itzhak Perlman-like, very much old school-influenced but with a modern edge to it. This was BY FAR their best million-subscribers concerto, that 1st movement is on par with the pros. Love to see TwoSet playing to their most professional musician levels...

[@Erincutioner]

I see why it sounds familar

[@lilylee1660]

Your conclusion is spot on Ray. It's the connection that we deeply felt from Brett's performance as well. He was there to make a statement and we al feel like proud parents watching them achieving this milestone.

[@kokod2736]

LOL, preaching to the chior 👼

[@sabrinai]

Oh my god! Is this becoming a tradition as much as the mil sub-concertos itselves? I can't wait! And if twoset would react to it too, that would be the best!

[@lilylee1660]

Ha ! Twoset reacts to Ray reacting to Twoset. An intriguing idea 😄

[@xandraxandra1437]

That would be awesome! Still waiting for Twoset's own reacting video, but I think they will never do one.

[@CookyOfficial]

@@xandraxandra1437 lol they just posted a video of themselves reacting to their old performances

[@toramenor]

I can't tell you how many times I've listened to Brett's performance. It is definitely never boring. There is so much emotion and life in it. And since I'm not a violinist, I have the luxury of not noticing any mistakes 😅

[@wakingtheworld]

Same here plus the appraisals that have been done as well; can't tire of this performance. I am a violinist (with L plates though) and learn so much. Shall be looking out for a bent pinkie/tension when I watch my own videos!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I notice all the mistakes but I know that Brett is not doing concert performances for a living, and so I simply don't mind them. To go out there and play such a well known piece, is no small feat.

[@wakingtheworld]

@@Quotenwagnerianer If you watched Simon Streuff's appraisal he had nothing but praise for Brett's playing esp considering the above. This was his first performance in front of a live audience with an orchestra. No Eddy having to 'play the entire orchestra part' on his violin! Simon had this to say: “Also that the Classical Music world should a little bit be careful with its elitist behaviour because someone like Brett Yang is a violin KZbinr; he can perform this concerto in some aspects better and convey more music than many other professional performances I have heard from world classical violinists....”

[@Earthbound017]

I always go back to it

[@LizThomas-dp7sr]

@@Quotenwagnerianer If your noticing mistakes you aren't actually enjoying the music. Music is never meant to be perfect that's why is a performing art. You don't want mistakes listen to computer generate music it always plays the music 'correctly'.

[@rolinlu]

knowing that even Ray is also nervous watching this, I feel much better about how extremely nervous I was when I watched live!! Ray we love you! Thanks for responding to our calls and making this video

[@JSB2500]

Just as I started feeling notice, Ray said that he was feeling nervous. He's SO good at verbalising what's happening!

[@aquamarine9568]

Can’t wait for your reaction Ray. I was blown away by Brett’s Mendelssohn. He definitely practiced hard. I had moments where I was almost crying it was so beautiful to see him live his dream of being a soloist. I felt his third movement really shone. You could hear, see and feel his joy in the music.

[@littlefurnace]

I definitely think the fact that we know he was pushing himself to do something out of his comfort zone adds to the audience's enjoyment. He did a fantastic job, and he worked insanely hard, and everyone can see how proud he is; it's really a joy to see.

[@ravenwillowhart4501]

What I have always loved about Brett's playing is how he sings through the violin. I don't know any other way to say it. His playing, no matter what he's playing is so sweet and melodic - it sings and I am here for it.

[@jensenackles-nj6po]

I KNOW RIGHT

[@carolhayes7750]

I remember being very nervous during Brett's performance. I stood the entire time in front of my television like I was "helping" him along, lol. Today I was SO nervous watching you watch Brett! I enjoyed your reaction and the fact that you were nervous for him too. I think that if he could actually take that "on the road", he'd become more confident as well as more animated or "cheeky" during his performance of the piece. Anyway, so glad that YOU reacted to Brett's Mendelssohn. Great video!

[@lia1b652]

Feel that sooo much

[@BannedWidth]

I’m 😅o😅o

[@carolinebrown539]

I found twoset during the pandemic when I couldn’t listen to my daughter play. To only have the Strad violin for 1 month &, not a professional soloist, after the WW bug, to play 1 concert only live with an orchestra with 1.3 M watching online, deserves the highest praise! It fulfilled a lifelong dream of his & his performance was a joy to watch. 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@wakingtheworld]

Absolutely, Caroline... To attain and maintain this level of playing when all these other factors could bring down his performance is incredible. I have nothing but praise for Brett's achievement...

[@xandraxandra1437]

1,3 mil watching online? I didn't know it was that many, wow! Where did you find the numbers?

[@carolinebrown539]

@@xandraxandra1437 I was watching it live via KZbin & just watched the numbers go nuts!

[@xandraxandra1437]

@carolinebrown539 I saw it online too, but didn't think about the numbers. That's crazy! Though it was around 60k. The one released on YT got 100k viewers per day for nine days. Also crazy! Brett is worth everyone of them.

[@Casutama]

Somebody who reviewed Brett's Mendelssohn on KZbin said the soulful quality of Brett's playing from 00:53:36 to 00:54:39 (in their livestream video) is one of the best renditions of this part of the concerto they had ever heard and I agree. His tone is beautiful throughout but especially during that part imo.

[@Erincutioner]

I agree, this is why i only lsiten to bretts mendy

[@rjashton2]

You can really feel how much he grew into it and really started to enjoy himself especially into the 3rd movement.

[@auricia201]

Brett's performance was the first time I listened to this concerto. After that I've listen to many other versions, but specially Ray's performance. So now I'm noticing the differences in tempo and phrasing choices!

[@ravioliburritochampion1610]

Brett's performance was what got me into violin concertos and just most classical pieces which I listen to now as a whole

[@Casutama]

@@ravioliburritochampion1610 You should tell him that in a comment, I bet it would make his day!

[@kathryntitus9647]

I can't believe it's been a whole year since we enjoyed this treat from TwoSet. And it's the first thing I've listened to today, so waking up to Mendelssohn's violin concerto could not be sweeter. Bought a little tear to my eye. 🩷🩶💜🩶🩷

[@mukilnarayanan]

I know right! From the moment I watched Brett play Mendelssohn live a few months ago, I was shocked!!! He was that good!

[@WorldifySanity]

It has been a whole 6 months since then.

[@wakingtheworld]

@@WorldifySanity Yeah, I wondered that too; I know time 'flies' but....

[@ynot5478]

Thank you for your review of Brett’s performance. Your assessment was warm, appreciative, and constructive and your friendship with TwoSet shined through. You are so fortunate to have one another.

[@Tirryna]

There something warm and smooth about Brett's style. I've watched Twoset since 300k...Eddy is crisp and sharp as an edge. Brett's playing has made me tear up, before

[@jensenackles-nj6po]

I think his deadpanned face is in exchange for all his emotion through the violin cause god is beautiful

[@sabrinai]

The ray-view we all need and crave for!!!

[@nicholaspossinger7993]

Brett's singing melodies have reached like world class levels. He's not the biggest shredder but like Ray said he's got an old school feel in the really sweet flowing sections that is very impressive. I'm so proud of these boys!

[@jacc88888]

I’m amazed at this achievement. For someone that probably rarely performs entire concertos to an audience this is very impressive. Brett is a very accomplished violinist. A dark horse.

[@nancyjfs]

One of the major gifts of your review right now Ray, is that Brett and Eddy got so swamped by the BlackPink hate and KZbin's copystrike policy that they and we never got to simply feel the love in the aftermath. B. and E. have never come back to talk about that fabulous evening. Such a shame. You brought Brett's performance back to life!

[@susanbryant6516]

I don’t think the Blink thing affected them that much personally, or their enjoyment and sense of success from the concert. The copystriked was more important, but they got that sorted out pretty quickly.

[@TypincsVideos]

The Blink incident eas such a huge mistake. I felt really sorry for Brett.

[@nancyjfs]

Thanks Ray, for reviewing Brett's Mendelssohn and Eddy's La Campanella! They did great!

[@nancyjfs]

@@susanbryant6516 Well they never spoke of their concert again!! It was like it never happened. Brett when from "I'll remember this forever", to acting like he barely remembered it all. Ray saved the day!!!

[@nancyjfs]

Ray, I applaud you for mentioning the word "vulnerability"! You could see it was (unintentionally) Brett's secret sauce, because we could all relate in some way to his feelings and they were expressed in his performance. I am sure international stars of your caliber weren't trained to be vulnerable, but B and E's Ling-Ling workout had a way of bringing that right to the surface! I salute you for being so humble and down-to-earth--and such a good friend to Brett and Eddy.

[@silversnackan7037]

10:20 One of my favourite parts of Brett's playing is his vibrato, it's always so nice and tasteful. Just really pleasant to listen to.

[@royoser3055]

Thank you Ray. As you mentioned, how a full time KZbinr, no matter how much practice he puts into it, and no matter how much great coaching and advice he gets, can step onto the stage in a real concert hall with a real symphony orchestra and tens of thousands of people listening live all over the world, and play that concerto as if he had been touring the world with it for 30 years, is beyond me. Your help and advice obviously was a big plus for him, but still. BTW, your own live performance of that concerto on KZbin is insanely good.

[@thehappyguitarist]

I am a professional guitarist and I thought his performance was absolutely great. I just listened to the tone and the musicianship and if I had been in the audience I would have been standing and applauding like mad. Most musicians know the Violin is the most difficult instrument to play and anyone who can carry that piece off has my utmost respect. Well done Brett . John 🎸🇬🇧

[@awanna-bechristine9324]

17:05 as a dedicated twosetter I just have to say this spot-on imitation of Brett FLOORED me lmao

[@rufusdrumknottvgc]

So glad to hear your review of Brett's performance. It makes me love it even more. Almost 6 months on I'm still not tired of listening to it. It feels so special especially because we all know the journey he and Eddy have been through. And it's so true that Brett has such a beautiful sound. I've heard it in his Tchaikovsky as well but performing with an orchestra really allowed it to come through. Watching Brett's performance was the first time I understood why being serenaded is a common romantic fantasy. It was like falling in love. I so hope that this isn't the last time we'll hear Brett and Eddy perform with an orchestra, and I hope that future opportunities will let more of their personalities shine through in their classical performances.

[@leilayh]

I feel the same way!! Brett‘s Mendelssohn reminds me of romantic love, and falling in love. I have read quite a few similar comments about his performance, that people feel in love listening to Brett. And I remember in the video where they had to play a piece when they are presented with a prompt, Brett got a prompt that says „being in love“ or „his first love“, and Brett played Mendelssohn 2nd movement in 3 seconds. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kongkonasahadola2949]

Honestly, I wish I could hear them play Tchaikovsky and Sibelius with real orchestra 😅

[@rufusdrumknottvgc]

@@kongkonasahadola2949 agreed!! Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto is my favourite piece in the world and when I heard Brett’s Mendy I thought, what wouldn’t I give to hear Brett play Tchaikovsky with an orchestra 😭 And I want to hear more from Eddy too. The La Campanella was awesome but too brief. Hearing him play Sibelius with an orchestra would be the DREAM.

[@Casutama]

@@rufusdrumknottvgc Give them time! I want that too, but first they have to play some other concertos, because the list is so long. I can only rest in peace after I've heard Brett's full Brahms violin concerto for example. But at some point (maybe for 10 mil?) it would be amazing if they could revisit Tchaikovsky and Sibelius with a live orchestra, the lovely sound production team they had during 4 mil, and (most importantly) a long period of preparation. While it's not nearly as good in quality as Mendelssohn, I'm always amazed when I go back to watch Brett's 2 mil Tchaik, because he only had ~3, at most 4 months to prepare and I think it's insane to which level he managed to polish that concerto in so short a time, next to his full-time KZbin career. (In comparison, we know from old videos he'd already started to seriously practice Mendelssohn by January last year)

[@Oka33]

I believe I have a crush on Brett (I am 77). The son any mother would love.

[@JacquesLuu]

I really enjoy Brett's meticulous choice of glissandi and portamenti, his artistry is top of the chart

[@user-yr3tk2rk6h]

I just noticed: RAY WEARS TWOSET APPAREL

[@chimbiepaladin4629]

I think what also makes it so special is how much we all love Brett. And what him and Eddie do. But we appreciate him so much we are all so with him. WAY more then a normal performance. Its so rare to see people SO be themselves on stage or online. And Brett inspires me just being him.

[@marissaferro8865]

In addition to Brett’s beautiful playing, I agree with Ray’s comments about timing and togetherness. I have played this piece before, and appreciate his tempo choices…second movement wasn’t too slow and allowed the phrases to flow without dying (although Brett does an excellent job sustaining the musical line). The third movement wasn’t too fast, so you could actually HEAR every note and he, the conductor and the orchestra were really in sync! I’ve seen performances with even big name artists and they really push things, so they don’t line up together. It ends up sounding sloppy and anxious. Clean, steady playing will actually sound faster and more energetic, and that’s what Brett proved in this performance!

[@Xion-Rotti]

Brett’s performance gave me second hand joy. Had chills the whole time and was legit yelling and clapping.

[@Siansonea]

I've always loved this Mendelssohn piece, and Brett nailed it.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Brett's playing and interpretation. I really felt the uber-romantic mood of the concerto, the moments of exhilleration. There may have been a few minor glitches, but it is a live concert so not everything is supposed to be perfect.

[@Casutama]

Brett's tone has a quality that makes it particularly suited to the great romantic era repertoire I think (so next he'll have to play Brahms!)

[@beno_o]

@@Casutama and the golden strad aswell was a blessing

[@cassandra913]

Every time I listen to Brett’s Mendelssohn, I can always find something new to entertain and inspire me.

[@IgarashiDai]

Such a wholesome analysis haha, I love seeing how proud Ray is of Brett! He be like “I raised that boy!”

[@eugenia_valero]

Every time I watch Brett's Mendelssohn I'm so fricking nervous and excited and happy for him... I don't know how many times I've watched it, but every time I find something different and I love it even more!

[@cliffsun]

Brett's performance was absolutely brilliant! He totally rocked the technical and musical elements of the concerto. Mendelsohn would have been so happy to witness this if he could.

[@feb5th]

Brett's rendition of this piece was very Brett like and even though it wasn't the best played version, it mattered more that it brought so many people from all over the world together just to celebrate this milestone. I really enjoyed your review of it from the point of view of a seasoned soloist, thank you for doing this Rayray!

[@ShadowTheFosterCat]

It's fascinating to hear Ray's thought process as he listens to this performance. I don't play the violin, and I'm far from a professional musician, so these insights help me to appreciate the performance on an entirely new level. Thank you!

[@dougdumbrill7234]

Probably not always the case, but the violin community (as evidenced by Ray) seems really supportive, helpful and appreciative. Also Ray’s comments about relaxation and tension and their balance could be heard in martial arts dojos all over the world!😳

[@CrazyArcher2160]

I very much enjoyed the way Brett placed the accents in his performance. I'm not a classically-trained musician, and Mendelssohn's concerto was a kind of "gateway drug" for me when it came to classical music. I've listened to it countless times performed by various soloists and know every turn. But Brett (on top of his overall solid performance) managed to surprise me with his interpretation. Thanks, Brett, and thanks, Ray!

[@tobelieve627]

Mendelssohn violin concerto remains to be one of my favorite violin concertos ever. Brett did a beautiful job here. The passages are very well done.

[@Sam-Pereira]

I did mention on their original video that the section you react to at 6:15ish is one of the sweetest interpretations I've ever heard. So I'm glad you singled out that part, because he made me cry with that actual 1 minute of music. 😂

[@isabellanakahara]

This brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I have been watching you, Brett, and Eddie (like binge watching) for 3 or 4 weeks or so now., so we feel like we are becoming acquainted. I LOVED your review of Brett, and what you observed and had to offer. This was wonderful, Ray. I used to play (a violist 😄) back in the 70's and 80's, semi-professionally. You guys have inspired me so much. I want to play again. I love what you are all doing, and my hubby is getting quite the education here. Blessings to you.

[@Thermoskan1]

I started learning the violin at literally my 30th birthday. Your point on playing for other people while you feel fragile is very on point. My wife has been playing piano for 20+ years and cello for 3 years. It is VERY intimidating to play a piece for her, even when I am very confident that I can play it.

[@lanwu28]

What a beautiful performance by Brett ❤Ray's comments were constructive and supportive 🙏 Loved how Ray explaining the music, a true artist. Brett's techniques were superb; I hoped he enjoyed this performance as well as the conductor (15:40) and us. Thank you, Ray! 🙏🙏❤❤

[@itisflat1356]

His Vibrato sounds like David Nadien.. so heart warming and full

[@Yusio]

oooooh so when Ray is talking about holding the tension in other places he holds it all in his expressive eyebrows, I understand now! :D but honestly this was so sweet to watch, the Ray and Two set violin are honestly such a gift to the music community!

[@grutarg2938]

It’s all in the eyebrows.

[@PositivelyNice]

Wow! I love how Ray gives such great highlights while respecting Brett. Takes a master to hold such space for fellow musicians. Ray is so awesome to wear Twoset Merch. ❤

[@mydarkestlovely2166]

I'm their fan but it's actually my first time watching his performance too. And I'm glad to be watching it along with your review as a soloist and as their friend. My highlight would be the part you gave an analogy of a person walking alone and together, and question and answer. It's very interesting to know as a non-musician like me. Thanks for sharing your reaction and review!

[@winciedoffing1433]

I love seeing musicians support each other 🥰

[@stuurlintje3393]

I find this so amazing! Brett must have worked so hard. It looks so natural. Like he is doing this daily. Very interesting to see how Ray Chen comments his playing. Ray is an amazing artist and an amazing teacher.

[@rosyxiao6889]

REALLY LOVE his playing and watched for countless times. Thank you so much for this reaction, inspired and taught me a lot.

[@xxPenjoxx]

5:40 to 6:14 is so endearing, so beautiful 😍 😭 I loved his performance.

[@gl8282]

I thought this was well executed by Brett, agreed that the nerves was running him down initially, but when he has gone into the zone, OMG … I enjoyed the “singing” from his heart. @Ray, just started following you and enjoyed so much on your comments on technicalities … fabulous video! Congrats!

[@ViolinWithKids]

Loved Brett’s performance and Rays very thoughtful commentary!

[@sherylyung6236]

I’m so touched by this video. How Ray commented on Brett’s performance is very warm and nice. This is what we call real friendship. I saw proud and pride in Ray’s eyes. ❤😊 Love this kind of content. Learned a lot. Thank you for sharing, Ray : )

[@_marimopeace]

i-- as excited as i am to see this wow i legit feel like i'm watching a diff person 😂 i'm so used to hearing ray being aussie along with brett and eddy and i did NOT expect this video to open with such a neutral american accent omg

[@Dryfee]

What a champ to wear that sweater

[@DavidBergman1776]

Yasssss Ray listened to us!

[@mukilnarayanan]

Ling Ling 40 hours!!

[@Casutama]

I very much agree about the "double-edged sword" Strad effect, though I think to them, getting loaned Strads for the concert was still worth it. But certainly, he'd have played differently on his own instrument.

[@jadewycheung]

"Being vulnerable it's something people really connect to".

[@mikecabral1579]

I really enjoyed your review. Brett did a fantastic job. You need to remember that he makes his living goofing off. I’m sure he had tremendous pressure on him and with an instrument he didn’t know well. I’m sure he’s preformed in the past many years ago. I’m sure he still loves to play and has a regular schedule for practice. Great review and an awesome performance. Thank you. I’m a Janine Jansen fan I enjoy the most. I’m going to add Ray into my collection. He is just a kind soul and so talented.

[@kryzak123]

So good to see a friend react to another friend's performance. Loved the insights you gave about Brett's performance, especially after seeing how you helped him prepare for the concert. Go Tonic!

[@daniluzzu]

The curling down of the left pinky is something I have observed in some 90% of the students I've ever had and have. And sure enough, I was doing it too when I was little. I really put in my best effort with each student so that they get rid of that habit, and often it's tough. In any case, Brett's performance was really touching!

[@valariemeltzer1059]

The concert itself was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. I watched it on my roku TV so get the full feel of it. The orchestra played so beautifully. It was one amazing concert. They are awesome. It has nice flow to it and movement and sound were all there. Brett did an awesome job. I loved that they included some of their antics but left it mostly serious. Very well played across the board.

[@alexandremaurel9159]

Very nice video Ray. No complacency and a lot of love. Brett is a bit your student as well and he gave a lot to the audience. Beautiful concerto - too often forgotten behind Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, etc. ✨👏

[@sarasate89]

Thanks for your reaction to this!! It's lovely to hear from you just how well Brett did. It was a fantastic concert.

[@jdaniloc]

When I saw this concerto, I just fell in love of this music

[@jackiechoi4509]

Bro your video came in clutch, I literally have my masters recital next week and your tips on performance just makes SOOOO MUCH sense!!! Definitely gonna put those in my practice from now on!!

[@reminworld]

Gosh, what a great tutorial from Ray. Brett's vision for this wonderful piece is quite different from Ray and Rays explanation make it easier to appreciate Brett's interpretation. I missed Ray's concert in Sydney by 24 hours and would go anywhere to see him play Mendelssohn live but this was a bravo tutorial by him to a gifted violinist in the true spirit of musical comradship. Thank you Ray and Brett

[@silverbobcat1855]

Playing the violin is such a mind game. Not just the notes, but where to relax and where maintain tension (or maybe power would be the world). So many things to think and yet so many thing to push out of your mind at the same time.

[@emma_bemma07]

I love the friendship between you guys 🥺🫶

[@bean2046]

Came to this video after watching Twoset react to their old performances. I felt like they were so harsh on themselves, but that kind of comes with progressing in any skill, so I wondered if it wasn't nicer to just perform in front of amateurs. This video definitely made me see the best audiences for different purposes for any skill. You want to improve? Get in front of professionals. I know Ray said something about how to hold your pinky, which is probably useful, when you know what that was about. You need a quick confidence boost? Get in front of amateurs/people without any knowledge of the skill. Because I was sitting here full cave woman mode like "woah! man makes pretty sound with stick! must be next panini!" However, if you want to improve with a great confidence boost, get in front of nice professionals. Someone going "nice!" at so many parts of my work while also providing useful tips and explanations why I 'messed up'? Now that's constructive criticism. Additionally, if you want an excuse to quit get in front of a-holes. I know some people who would deliver corrections like that so obnoxiously, it would make me want to throw away my violin and I don't have one 😅

[@OChen2010]

"Eet mor vegtabel Brett" - Ray Chen (2023)

[@gimo8384]

Omggggg❤❤❤❤❤ yayyyy Ray reacts to thisssss!!!!!! Brett’s playing was awsome so I’m looking for some advice that Ray gives to Brett after Eddy’s Sibelius!!!!!

[@thisisnotmyname4700]

Wow, wow!! Touching, captivating performance, fantastic insight from Ray, ...amazing!

[@chipcurry]

Great job, Ray, you guys are doing so much for music on this planet. You've got millions of people watching. You are making this music so accessible in its complexity.

[@pianistsdream]

As a pianist, I was intrigued by your remarks about playing on a strange instrument and how you would not do that unless you had the instrument for months, or even a year, I have a sold out concert tomorrow and I have no idea what the piano will be like. I am not comparing, or being negative, I was just curious. I love Brett's playing, I thought he did an admirable job.

[@antine1279]

I feel like pianos are more similar than violins. Violins seem to be quite individualistic

[@dotdotdot...176]

I'm so proud of Brett

[@1annelenna1]

there are SOOOOOO many interpretations of Mendelssohn around, but honestly- Brett took me the most! reaching out for the music above technical issues, reaching out to audience (on a instrument that he had in hands for 2 days??) and the inner strength to go on even better after something that didn't go as planned- really amazing!! being familiar with the way of his thinking exposed in their channel, i could hear what's going on in his mind while playing :D there are a lot of us- pretty ok violinists around (obviously not a competition winners and probably not even once attended to any, or very little solo playing experience after schools are ended), but who didn't ever dare even to try to step on a higher shelf than a probably first violin in a quartet. miracles happen when u have the courage to step out of your comfort zone- huge kick to develop and motivation to practice because suddenly the goal to reach seams pretty clear. solo with an orchestra- is TOTALLY different story from any performance practice you have had before! you as a performer have to take the whole orchestra to follow you, you have to convince them to listen to you, respect and trust your musicality!! Bravo Brett!!! and thank you Ray for your reviews- very motivating to move on and get to practice :)

[@Chihuahuauno1]

He had the instrument (they both did), for a little over a month - STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH IMO.

[@lanireawhite8363]

Hello, Ray! Just want to thank you for your videos, energy and inspiration that you share with us! I really love how you interact with other musicians in a friendly and supportive way. By the way, I enjoy your streams with review of practice sessions of other violinists a lot! (even though I'm a pianist myself, still finding great tips for intonation and mindset for the performance) It is amazing that you being a high-class musician interact with your fans in a way that it actually feels like having a conversation with a good friend. Love your content!

[@nxdevera]

Not a music person but I love hearing the insight and comments from people in the know (especially ones that are world class). Great video Ray!

[@jodydickson5713]

I’ve been waiting for this review from Ray!! Love it! Brett played so well and yes he touched a lot of people with his playing!

[@aesma-daeva]

Your inner Vengrov came out when you started explaining the dialogue in the second movement. 😁

[@JasielMartini]

Love Ray casually repping the TwoSet merch

[@gentlespirit4]

Splendid review, my dear! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The touches of humorous moments with little edits of Brett, Eddy, and yourself just tickled my soul. 🤭 Loved every second of this video! 😍 Looking forward to more of your content. 😃 Tysm for sharing. 😇🙏🏽 Please take care, stay awesome, and enjoy practicing. 😇🎼🎵🎶🎻🤩

[@willy_wombat]

Sweet as well as interesting to look at ❤ . Supportive. Thanks Ray!

[@mandyu8621]

such inspiring reaction!! Even I am a flute learner I can still get a lot of tips about performance and music interpretation from this video. Shout out to Ray😍

[@roseenix8795]

That critique was so educational, Ray! Looking forward to seeing you in Boulder, Colorado next year! I loved Brett‘s Mendelsohn. It was definitely a capturing performance.

[@sabrinai]

I hope Brett and Eddy see this. They might know a lot about what Ray said in this video, but there are so many interesting insights with how one should not simply relax during rests. Maybe even they can learn something new.