Ray Chen Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

[@RayChenViolinist]

Lots of practice hours sunk into the Mendelssohn but totally worth it! Speaking of practice, want to stay motivated and have fun while you practice? 🎉 Download my app Tonic today to join a community of practicers: tonicmusic.app/join-in

[@hayoolleeviolin9779]

Hi. I am Hanna. My mom is always there for me and helps me. You are my second reason I practice. 😊😊 My mom always tells me to have positive mind sets.😊😊❤

[@mtthwng]

Bro excited to see you perform in Ottawa

[@dorotaxxl6476]

😢😢

[@ViolinistGL]

Your Mendelssohn is in my opinion the best.

[@julkoczapla8185]

need money ?

[@felixmendelssohn4301]

I am so proud of Ray... he nailed my concerto 10/10

[@johannsebastianbach1649]

My sonatas are better *Scoffs*

[@franciscadavies]

Hey felix I like your A minor string quartet

[@pessimistpuglet5209]

Why are there so many of these channels

[@becbrennan8257]

ummmmm felix is dead

[@becbrennan8257]

Yeah so do I

[@stevesaunders5037]

This mans intonation is phenomenal. I never hear an off note. Truly one of the great violinists of the 21st century.

[@johannesbrahms3322]

5:02 *ALERT* 27:32 *ALERT* still a great performance :)

[@johannesbrahms3322]

@@fjolle.8186 Having a "good ear" and therefore being able to tell if something is in tune has nothing to do with perfect pitch!

[@johannesbrahms3322]

@@fjolle.8186 Oh ok I'm relieved that it was sarcasm. But distinguishing between stupidity and sarcasm can be pretty hard on the internet. Believe me or not, there are a lot of pople out there thinking your comment is true...

[@thelastslayer757]

While i'm sure that you didn't intend your comment to, it is almost as if your saying that is all that matters. I must be mistaken - surely ((kidding) or am I?)

[@Light-br1wl]

oh there were multiple notes out of tune, but it's typically just slightly sharp (which is hard to tell) Otherwise, I think the performance as a whole was phenomenal. Sometimes, 442/444 hz is intentionally used for A4 so playing a little sharp is not much of a problem

[@dolphinsandsunsets]

Eddy and Brett really opened up the whole door of classical music to me..where I once merely peeped through the cracks, now I am discovering wonderful musicians like Ray and Hillary and experiencing music more profoundly. BRAVO TwoSet!

[@Whatisneutral]

🙏

[@daughterofaking9003]

Same!! I don’t even play an instrument but randomly found TwoSet and now I’m here lol!!

[@tredyki]

they are amazing, also listen to Augustin Hadelich. it's my favorite

[@tyraedmonson9677]

Literally

[@RapidBlaster]

Same, I barely peeped through the cracks too and now I picked violin and plan on doing it for gcse and love classical music

[@dannyboy2267]

All phrases of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto I. Allegro molto appassionato 0:20 - the opening (main subject) 1:06 - epic & powerful part (octaves) 1:20 - tutti main subjekt 1:51 - dance-like part 2:59 - hopeful part 3:39 - quiet & lonely part 4:46 - energetic part 5:22/5:38 - explosive part 6:16 - unclear part 7:48 - cadenza part 8:59 - last phrase of Cadenza 9:27 - cadenza ending (Main subjekt return) 10:04 - abstract part 10:39 - soft & empty part 11:45 - epic part 12:22 - most epic part 13:02 - ending part II. Andante 13:50 - the beginning 14:29 - beautiful solo start 15:49 - new melody 16:23 - bright part 17:37 - ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ part (orchestra) 17:50 - mysterious part (solo violin) 18:00 - epic octaves 18:30 - tense part 19:30 - magical part 20:25 - warm part 21:01 - soft ending III. Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace 22:05 - sentimental opening 22:52 - main subject start 23:40 - festive & epic part 24:20 - steady & skip-pie part 24:46 - hurrying part 26:04 - lovely part 27:17/27:39 - triumphant part 28:18 - ending of the Concerto If you want me to do this on another video in the future, let me know in the reply section :)

[@hannahellen1257]

It’s always a treat seeing you in the comments 😂✨

[@aasserelzoghby6781]

Eyy this is so good thanks

[@agatasisiliasitanggang876]

1 more like please..

[@gaulchtaillnn]

@@dannyboy2267 104 likes! Can't wait!!!

[@dannyboy2267]

@@gaulchtaillnn Nice, 2nd mvmt will be finished in at least 2 weeks :)

[@juliantso4280]

i bet he could play the violin with just his eyebrows

[@ich_musste_das_fur_komment5897]

+Jᴜʟɪᴀɴ Tso No, Just by staring at it! :D I love him!

[@oliviamontemayer7089]

+Jᴜʟɪᴀɴ Tso I do that when I play... I practiced in front of a mirror and saw how high I looked.

[@FlowerCat22]

I've been told that I look really scared and worried, very angry, very surprised and happy all at once when I play my viola. I guess everyone has their own music face ;D

[@yawenliu6648]

Very creative and funny comment, i wonder if it would make the musician himself chuckle if he sees this :p

[@TheNeilsolaris]

FlowerCat22 If I played the viola I'd be all those things too, except maybe not happy! Only kidding!

[@jt3hg-jt3hg]

Ray is one of the best violinists of the time. He really is fabulous.

[@tamarahimmelstrand8985]

I totally agree! the wind section isn't responding with the same musicianship unfortunately though.

[@rogert5854]

Mr. Chen, I have listened to this piece many times. I must admit that it is usually when i am cleaning this house. It gets me moving faster but today I stopped and watch at times. I must extend you wonderful compliments because you really are enjoying yourself and your face elicits some much expression. And this time I saw a brief smile between you and the conductor. Thank you for sharing this gift of music with a large audience. I hope you come and play here in Austin, Texas one day. I would enjoy seeing you in person. Peace to you always :)

[@KitKat-sv9qp]

This is a very wholesome comment

[@yu-hengwang8338]

Awww...

[@stralbem]

I love the "usually when I am cleaning this house.". I listen to it whenever I work haha

[@randomperson-en8kq]

This gets me

[@ambercruz5623]

I hope you’re doing okay fellow Austinite with this crazy weather on top of the pandemic 🙏🏻

[@Casper_Cassie]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that we can all watch such an amazing performance for free at home in such high quality anytime we like? 30, heck even as close as 20 years ago this is the kind of thing only the upper classes could have had even semi-regular access to. Thank god for youtube and modern technology.

[@reeser8]

well, for generations, the masses just had to use their ears, record players, and "hi-fi" high fidelity sound systems. I remember my aunt had 5 records of the same thing and I was like, "why do you need more than one recording of a concerto?!"

[@anjobanjo1221]

Your point is taken, but PBS used to play this type of media all the time. They've strayed way into weirdo land with the material for their pledge drives, but it wasn't uncommon to see major performances like this regularly. Also, much of the time, the cheap seats for the symphony are totally affordable and worth it. It's more a question of exposure. Lastly, classical has been maligned as elitist for quite some time, so that hasn't helped.

[@nflippo6201]

Been thinking about this a lot lately. It's a shame many didn't have the opportunity to witness these performances. I was able to as a kid because I volunteered at the local university to usher their shows and it has powerfully affected the course of my life.

[@gamsachung8346]

​@reeser8 narrow minded

[@kinorspielmann4649]

Well said!

[@mikanakazato5492]

今日初めて聴かせていただきましたが、あなたのバイオリンの世界にノックアウトされました。今まで聴いてきたこのメンデルスゾーンのコンチェルトの中で、最高に興奮しました。何回も聴きたいです。KZbinに上げてくださり、ありがとうございます。

[@user-tx4ep3jk9q]

i know ray isnt gonna read this comment , but i want you to know that your violin playing got me out of depression/anxiety zone, Thank you very much for your performances

[@twosetviola6278]

I read it

[@7sage469]

I read it too

[@mr.clasher-clashofclansboo7286]

@@twosetviola6278 you aren't Ray

[@mr.clasher-clashofclansboo7286]

@@7sage469 you aren't Ray

[@beep3639]

@@mr.clasher-clashofclansboo7286 Still means that it's receiving some sort of recognition, so regardless of if it's Ray, the message got put into the world (being KZbin), and was read a several people. That's all I think they were going for, not specifically for Ray to read it (although that would be cool), but to show their appreciation for Ray.

[@gingerjam095]

In my opinion, Ray Chen is one of the most talented, expressionistic and passionate players of our generation, if not the most. I absolutely love the way he appreciates music, understands the music and the composer. His sense of humour and passion are unmatched. He can have fun while playing accurately and that is amazing. So much hard work has been put in to achieve this standard and it really shows, also how much Ray cares for the music.

[@debanwitahajra]

And he is very kind as a teacher, he gives online classes to teach techniques.

[@owdy3973]

I really love ray chen especially because of his expression (I mean the music, not the glorious eyebrows)

[@idk-qc9zy]

Christian li and chloe chua:👁️👄👁️

[@brachaalmondnamu9551]

Must be! Just discovered him. So grateful. Hear Menslson's Jewish soul singing!!! Grateful!

[@brachaalmondnamu9551]

Yes, exactly and a marvel! Thank you and blessings Chen!!!🖖

[@addisondurrence1431]

Ray Chen: Good playing: ✔️ Handsome: ✔️ Technique: ✔️ Speed: ✔️ Facial Expressions: ✔️(definitely)

[@DyslexiGamer]

If you can play it slow, you can play it fast.

[@berenicerodriguez9309]

Stan jungkook

[@berenicerodriguez9309]

I ❤️ BTS and k pop in general rm is my bias

[@wendyjiang5384]

Army!!!

[@sueswayzee8674]

That mouth! I’d like to take it for a test drive!

[@Michael-mg4tx]

Everyone has their favorite violinist’s version of this classic. Can we just agree that this is spectacular playing?

[@angelachew709]

Absolutely

[@MrFlicknlick]

@@angelachew709 yep

[@darudek6016]

yeah but not as good as Itzhak Perlman

[@segala7853]

​@@darudek6016Do you not comprehend the words you read? 😭

[@tamer27antepli]

You can hear the years of practice as if he was born doing it

[@mertensduplooy8870]

When I try to introduce my students to Ray Chen (my favourite violinist); they're like: "yeah, I know him. Why do you think I wanted to learn the violin?" Thank you for inspiring so many teachers and pupils.

[@katam6471]

I kind of wish that the camera would stay on his left hand the whole time. Seeing Rays fingers dance on the strings is something I can never get enough of.

[@xiaozhongli6335]

I agree with you

[@cke900]

same!!!!!

[@aurora.22K]

I feel like someone didn't do their research on how it angled and has cello buddy staring hard direct into the camera so I bet they pan away . .which is a shame.. is better to be on Ray and his fingers ! hah

[@ksh7011]

No matter how each individual think about their favorite violnist for their own taste and preference,All world class violinists need to be respected for their life long hard work and talent. In that sense,As time goes by, new generation represnts their time period. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to maestro Ray Chen for posting this precious performance.

[@besura_tambura]

Touché!

[@speed7944]

Exactly!

[@eddominates]

Some soloists just make it look easy. Ray shows you exactly how difficult it is, and shows his appreciation for the difficulty at the same time, all while making it look easy. It's a really refreshing style. Shows passion both for the piece and for the genius involved in its creation.

[@JSB2500]

💯 💯 💯

[@arazaratsyan6478]

Really interesting how it seems like they've planned out who's following whom when. At times when the orchestra has more of an important melody, Ray is watching Maestro Nagano, while when Ray has a more important solo part which requires him to take some liberty with how it's played/rhythm, Maestro Nagano is watching him. I don't think soloists are usually concerned about conductors this much.

[@johnhunter8965]

As a conductor and violinist I totally agree with you.

[@TheJoker-ku8wc]

Thats true, but you'll see that in every good cooperation. But I agree with you, even if it should be like this every time, you don't see it as often as you'd wish to.

[@dextrogyren]

With Maestro Nagano, you are. During practices or repetition, he is very close with the musicians.

[@xxy5757]

Isn't it all on the score???

[@yannickandrle7402]

@@xxy5757 Classical music, unlike modern music, doesn't use exact bpm based tempo. The tempo is subject to change depending on a variety of factors and there is no ''click'' or metronome. The score only gives vague descriptions such as allegro non troppo (fast, but not too fast). Even simple modern metal bands with only a few musicians playing generally use a ''click'' to stay in synch live. Here we have a large group of people playing perfectly in synch while the tempo is dynamically changing. It generally is one of the conductor's jobs to signal the speed to the entire orchestra. Many people misunderstand a conductor's job in the first place. Their job before the actual concert is probably much more important than what they do during the concert. Basically, they will slowly train all the sections to play in the way they envision the composition, correct or improve phrasing, tempo, volume, and so on. It is vital to a good performance. The soloist is generally somewhat of an exception.

[@plsignore3509]

Wonder if we added a few TwoSet handicaps in...

[@regisyuen511]

NickC_145 (Cough) left right (Cough) double speed (cough) up two octaves (Cough) Lindsey Stirling (Cough) g string (cough) viola gang

[@jerrysiao4990]

Hahaha that would've been AMAZING

[@lachieagain5178]

I wish

[@huangxiaofeng3448]

every D he must say "Ray" cus its special for him (not stolen 100% original)

[@huangxiaofeng3448]

@Regis Yuen isnt it triple speed

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

I love Ray. He's not just a wonderful player but he's a great guy, really fun, modern, cool, clever... really, he has it all.

[@RionPhotography]

More musicians need to smile when playing classical music... thanks Ray 😅

[@LocksVid]

Rion Johnson especially the flutists

[@salihayorga2445]

@@LocksVid That's joke was excellent

[@lekhapratap1652]

Heifetz will remember that.

[@brendonmanning7280]

@@lekhapratap1652 : Nah, Heifetz didn't smile. Never did. Never will. Didn't have to.

[@brendonmanning7280]

It's unfortunate that so many people are starting to criticize and judge musicians based on their facial expressions and body movements.

[@tonysamosa1717]

You're like the only soloist who looks like he's having a blast. Soloists are always so stoic

[@blancheleblah1195]

Well, some are. But then, there are several others like Vengerov, Joshua Bell, Hilary, etc. who aren't quite as stoic.

[@elricky1996]

@@ChiefHerzensCoach indeed

[@Meusefulstuffchannel]

Bro it’s only because they r old. When they were young they were like Ray Chen, but although Ray Chen has more

[@bachiirksss594]

The fact I love about Ray is that you can see how much fun he's taking while he plays

[@lucascourcier2302]

I like looking at him playing. He has so much energy and is super expressive in the music and in his face.

[@francoisrobberts6626]

Ray executed the cadenza marvellously. He played each note crystal clear. From 9:27-9:51 is one of my favourite sections. This is the best interpretation I've heard by far.

[@sophiapoon3268]

This part is really fascinating although I don’t share his interpretation in some places

[@francoisrobberts6626]

Sophia Poon I think there are as many interpretations as there are people and find that it is quite impossible for one musician to satisfy every listener's preferences. It just comes to show how unique every person is. Which performance do you prefer? 😀

[@D8vid]

Francois Robberts hace you listened to Hillary Hahn’s version?

[@haiimsunshine3]

He played it beautifully but was too fast for the orchestra, Hilary Hahn version with the orchestra was better but both are beautiful

[@JBCIssac]

The end of the cadenza is also my favorite section!😀

[@irisce2799]

Ray's Mendelssohn is honestly king. I don't think anyone plays it better than him. Mendelssohn VC requires the perfect balance of just playing in a way that sounds nice and not tilting too far in any direction which many soloists with strong playing styles tend to impart on their interpretations. Ray's performance is just a service to the music and delivers each note and phrase in the Goldilocks zone, the ideal interpretation.

[@rokugoshitsu]

Goldilocks zone is a good expression.

[@nicolasferreiro3953]

I was looking for this comment. You couldn't say it better "a service to the music". I found many interpretations too subjective and personal, while this one is just excelent.

[@airman122469]

Perlman’s rendition is really good too honestly. Though that may depend what you mean by “contemporary” or “modern” since the performance I’m thinking of is probably 30 or so years old now.

[@rd9831]

Why is everyone obsessed with Ling Ling in a Ray Chen performance. ? Here even Ling Ling listens and enjoys the music instead of practicing 40 hours a day.

[@randomperson-en8kq]

He's practising his listening

[@MrWhangdoodles]

And I found the LingLing wannabe.

[@khinthan2923]

Ling Ling can do both things in the same time.

[@rwhooshed7800]

That's not possible, there's only 24 hours in a day

[@becky7468]

@@rwhooshed7800 oh sweet summer child

[@purvadhanashreecotah5163]

Ray chen constantly making constipated faces is genuinely becoming my new favourite thing to watch.

[@alwaysLurking]

I love the emotion Ray puts into his playing. He truly gives it everything he has. It's as if the violin is an extension of his soul.

[@sigmaConservative]

❤

[@puzzician]

High def recording reveals all the bow hairs that bravely sacrificed themselves to produce this gem

[@thatrandomperson4377]

LOL

[@IvarsBezdechi]

The cat gut is also getting stimulated!

[@helenwhs]

@@IvarsBezdechi Pretty much everyone uses steel strings for the brighter sound. Gut strings are petty expensive now and is harder to project over an orchestra :)

[@kylehui7777]

fr

[@applepie-sq8mm]

I saw that!

[@SpecSirius]

15:46 - 15:49 wen ur crush catch u starin but u pretend u be doin ur "work"

[@ayu3565]

Sev LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO 😂😂😂😂😂 How did u even🤣🤣🤣

[@Light-br1wl]

Lmfao howd you even pick that up haha

[@karina5159]

My favourite comment so far

[@sarahhall4689]

Sev that’s great man!

[@mimiabdo7159]

Makes it look like ray has a crush in the conductor lol

[@ailing4782]

You have to watch him play the violin, just listening is not enough!

[@JaxonBurn]

Dude, when the end of the cadenza melds into the rest of the orchestra coming back in with the main theme around 9:20... absolutely phenomenal.

[@niapawina]

yess i replayed it soo many times!

[@troyking4502]

I noticed that too.

[@dorothea_walland]

omg awesome.

[@rostharan]

The wind re introduced themself so smoothly, it was seamless.. like they never actually left

[@Iamwisewoman]

Just listened- you’re so right 👌

[@justforcomments3155]

Why is everyone praising Ray when his eyebrows did all the heavy lifting

[@远方-f6o]

:(

[@laurenlofton9039]

😂

[@varunsathya1912]

Because he was the one controlling the eyebrows?

[@LlghtShlne]

@@varunsathya1912 his eyebrows are controlling him

[@rwhooshed7800]

Wrong, it was his beautiful bowing, intonation, rhythm and tonal quality that did the so called 'heavy lifting'. His eyebrows are insignificant.

[@hayoolleeviolin9779]

The way he plays the violin makes everyone happy.. The smile on his face when playing this is such a plessure..❤❤

[@RLsoundoost]

Ray Chen plays with a very beautiful tone snd intonation.

[@siuhhonkeung]

We use to see mostly Korean and Japanese young lady violin soloists on KZbin. They are superb violinists. It is quite a pleasant change to see a young male violinist of this high standard here. My first exposure of this concerto was back in the 60's when I was a teenager. Yes, it was a recording of Jascha Heifetz. Much later on KZbin, I like Sarah Chang's performance with Maestro Kurt Masur in New York when she was 15 years of age. Both played the concerto in straight adherence to the tempo as indicated in the music. Mr. Chen plays some passages in the first movement in somewhat slower tempo. It is not till the 3rd movement that he plays Allegro throughout. Maybe I am old style, I like it that way.

[@Hekxcz]

thanks for sharing!!

[@Bangeslakhu]

From the day few years ago when i saw this video for the first time and heard this piece for the fisrt time i promised myself im going to play this pieceone day as a soloist with violin it keeps me motivated and practicing in one year im going to middle school to srudy violin the also i want hight school and just enjoy the violin and be the best i can thank you for this performance i really love to listen to it how you played it its just amazing.

[@communitychannel]

so good

[@mariapalomo1835]

No

[@preciousjewelamor]

hi

[@Tybeena]

Wow didn’t expect to see you here!

[@nemesis7456]

*godly

[@harlinable]

同意/他熱情如火一如我一樣/我很喜歡他也愛死他了/

[@Jason-mg3fk]

Ray plays with such a passion but without seeming arrogant, he just loves the music and smiles at all the parts I smile at

[@BackSeatHump]

So good, so good! You played that with every fiber in your body. I am surprised your bow tie did not burst and fall to the floor. Thank you, Ray Chen.❤

[@Rx-mn5fv]

Lots said about the violinist, but the music remains one of the real standouts for violin and orchestra. Mendelssohn you made the performance possible. Bravo to both.

[@felixmendelssohn4301]

Richard Yiengst ty sir

[@crystalc4311]

i'm laughing so hard

[@如歌的行板-m3d]

This is one of the best Mendelssohn violin concerto I have even heard. Passionate and powerful. All the details are just in perfect. Bravo!

[@teresinhasabioni2149]

如歌的行板 Richard Clayderman

[@Betterbest1]

Hilary Hahn has 20M views on this song!!!!!!!!!

[@katanimon-3860]

Wei Ashley correction, its concerto not song smh (or at least piece)

[@damy9454]

29/01/2024, bien que je ne sois pas familier avec la musique classique, chaque note a réussi à m'émouvoir profondément, au point de déclencher des larmes. C'était la première fois qu'une œuvre musicale suscitait en moi un tourbillon d'émotions en moins de 30 minutes. merci.

[@sayjoy5306]

I love how Ray is smiling the whole time, enjoying every moment. (Makes the conductor smile too.) 25:50

[@novasafo4741]

Can't argue with this world-class performance. And even Kent Nagano seems on board, which is saying a lot. I've performed with that man. He's brilliant, but oh so hard to please. :)

[@YvonneWainaina07]

There is nothing beeter than listening to Ray Chen playing the violin

[@angelawee5103]

By far, the best interpretation I've ever heard 😍

[@tomtriffid]

Have you heard the Nathan Milstein version?

[@jimmydeng453]

I like his interpretation too

[@echen1716]

I think so too! Ray’s interpretation is the most musical

[@kingsc92]

I like Hilary Hahn's

[@acamberwell74]

@@kingsc92 I think she has a perfect articulation of this piece

[@samkim4541]

How many horses does Ray Chen have to kill every year to rehair his bows?

[@lerlerma8832]

For one second I read bows as brows... as in eye brows.

[@jonathanvasquez8598]

attempt at a joke: 2/10. Horses are not killed for hair, and most modern bows have not a single horsehair in them.

[@felixmendelssohn4301]

Jun Lee lol

[@User-t9g7k]

Jonathan Vasquez "Most modern bows have not a single horsehair in them" Really?! What do they use nowadays? Mine surely has horse hair.

[@andretsou5667]

How do you kill a horse by taking off hair

[@vanessakatharina1442]

I don't listen such a classic music very often but every time I do, I am crying and the dynamic let me feel like nothing is more important than having emotions and let them be... That's music🥹 wonderful

[@GLXLR]

Literally one of the best renditions of this piece I've ever heard. Your energy is driving the orchestra's sound instead of vice versa, and your technique is electrifying. Will always be your fan Ray because you are amazing!

[@euca9569]

6:04 Ray trying to cheat of the conductors score

[@brianlin922]

Suhyun Choi the joke flew over your head...

[@vincentyi8047]

u/ st0zy lol

[@meichuanglin741]

I guess his solo rhythm is much more faster

[@martinkimklingsheim4670]

Hahahah

[@katanimon-3860]

Omg army haha

[@charlotteho2378]

I’m proud of Ray Chen, I think he plays 40 hours a day like Ling Ling! Beautiful performance and passion to not only his music ……but his violin. A strong and sturdy vibrato and lovely expressional tone! If I were Mendelssohn right now then his score would be 10000000/10000000. Amazing playing!

[@poppyrowland1385]

Ling Ling! ❤️

[@Niccolopanini]

what are you talking about? geniuses are born, not created!

[@poppyrowland1385]

@@Niccolopanini BUT, any virtuoso will tell you that no matter how talented you are, to make it as a performer, you still have to PRACTICE! A LOT!

[@Niccolopanini]

@@poppyrowland1385 it’s clearly a joke, I took it from a TwoSet violin video

[@speed7944]

​@@NiccolopaniniWhy are you here making jokes huh?! Ling ling is practicing 40 hours a day and you making jokes lah?! Go practice

[@hlbai]

Ray, you catch my ears then my eyes then my attention on who you are. Then I google and realize that you were born in Taiwan, so proud of you! Your music really touches my heart!

[@jancowell]

Almost as good as Ling ling

[@LeNoLi.]

Let's not get carried away. Ling Ling would have played all the orchestral parts as well

[@milim3dia965]

almost!

[@eviesyd]

lingling should play 45 hours otherwise Ray is going to catch up

[@jhchoi7105]

Ling ling everywhere. He is too busy to leave a comment here as he's practicing 40 hrs a day.

[@Lan-ek1qz]

Lee lingling isn’t an asian musician, lingling is a musician of the world, lingling IS the music!!!!!

[@Alexander_Acoustics]

I started learning the first movement of this piece about a month ago. I'll be doing it for college auditions in about a year. So helpful to hear it played by one of the best!

[@Robbie0929]

He makes it look like a little kid in a sand box . Beautiful, fun, and playful. Amazing Ray.

[@ichtisek]

To jest utwór doskonały! Piękno zamknięte w dźwiękach! A wykonanie przecudne, wrażliwe i dokładne, dziękuję!

[@bethsanchez3574]

I really enjoy watching him play. His expressions are delightful and his fingers are mesmerizing.

[@Junsuiwakiso-e8]

I’m so finger-sexual about him😊

[@RVgeeks]

I grew up listening to a magnificent recording of Jascha Heifetz performing this, one of my favorite pieces of music of all time, so that’s the benchmark I’m used to. Ray has done this piece incredible justice! BRAVO!! This past weekend we had the pleasure of attending another fantastic performance of it at the Vancouver Symphony, with Nikki Chooi as the soloist. Can’t get enough of it!

[@buddys_dad]

100%

[@buddycollier5056]

Too often I think this world is a terrible place and then comes along something as beautiful as this. So glad I got to see it.

[@jessicabui6114]

Just discovering this today and this is the best version I've heard. I can't even tell when Ray is bowing, it's perfectly fluid and silky. Wow!!

[@DankChallenger]

ever heard of milstein or zukerman? Guess not

[@jessicabui6114]

@@DankChallenger Legends!! 🎻

[@cke900]

@@DankChallenger ever heard that people's opinions differ? Guess not

[@marykier]

Also Ray, I like that you treat the orchestra as an ensemble. You are not just playing expecting them to follow, but your are playing WITH them!

[@valentyna787]

Благодарю Вас. Концерт замечательный,получила истинное удовольствие.

[@decst33]

Oh man, Ray is nice. I must have played this video at least a hundred times by now.

[@opera888able]

A Dynamic yet sensitive performance. Brilliant cadenza. He obviously delights in playing this great masterwork. First rate orch. accompaniment too.

[@jennybae1948]

I love his performance even his eyebrows' performance. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

[@stew148]

Ray Chen has given me inspiration. I played violin before I knew of Ray Chen and I was never about to quit, however, Ray Chen has given me the inspiration to push myself and to see how I play violin from a completely different perspective. He has shown me how to connect with the music and the composer and that when you play, you’re not just playing notes on a page; you are expressing the emotions of the composer. And to be able to do that, you must feel that same emotion. Ray Chen shows this in his playing. The way he plays, not only can you tell that he feels the emotions of the composer, but he also makes the audience feel it too. That is inspirational and that is why I aspire to become a professional violinist when I graduate high school; so that I can help others see this too.

[@domerbacher5430]

Definitely the best interpretation of this incredible concerto. Ray's tone is just so gorgeous, his intonation is flawless, and he is so engaged in the music. You can tell that this is a true musician who loves his music so much. He's not just doing it for the performance, he's doing it for his own enjoyment!

[@yossarian00]

so grateful to live in a time where i can watch these wonderful performances whenever I wish

[@goblinsRule]

And people chose to watch Kardashians

[@karentravis2357]

I love the interaction between Ray Chen, the conductor and the orchestra. The conductor even at one point in the last movement seems to step back and allow Ray to lead the orchestra. Has to be my most favourite live performance. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@elbertwan4038]

*favorite

[@limelight9517]

@@elbertwan4038 bruhh

[@elbertwan4038]

@@limelight9517 hahahahaha

[@AnitaandLucas]

@@elbertwan4038 favourite is correct in England English and Australian English. Only US English spell it without the u.

[@邱英絜]

I agree!

[@thelastslayer757]

They need to turn on the air-con, cause Ray is on fire... no, like literally, can't you see the sweat!?

[@Light-br1wl]

yeah very intense and exhilarating performance

[@crichtonmatilda7083]

what if he sweat on his violin

[@thelastslayer757]

Ludwig Galaxy 30 minutes of epic Mendelssohn!

[@danwebster5439]

Part of the Ling Ling challenge. Play this in a sauna

[@thelastslayer757]

Dan Webster we want Ray to live, he’ll overheat!

[@lennoxdyerviolin]

8:57 is my favourite part I love your phrasing

[@gavriel5291]

The secret to being good at the violin *Eyebrows*

[@berenicerodriguez9309]

Hotel? Trivago. Stan jimin I❤️ BTS amd k pop in general RM is my bias

[@gavriel5291]

@@berenicerodriguez9309 beb, pls dont comment about BTS on a non BTS vid thank you :))

[@natalie6042]

The secret to being good at the violin PRACTICE

[@Ling__Ling__]

40 hours everyday

[@varunsathya1912]

@@berenicerodriguez9309 no one cares about you or Jimin

[@richardwhitehouse8762]

Hi Ray. Thank you for posting this. What a marvelous performance. There are some pieces that you fall in love with in childhood which you grow out of and there are others, like this, which you never tire of. I first got to know it as a geeky, music-mad kid. My mum had some records which very occasionally she would let me listen to. Her version was played by someone called Mischa Elman. (For years I thought the cover photo of the striking redhead wearing a black frock and holding the violin was the person actually playing on the disc...). Not sure what I loved about it more - the youthful, passionate joy of the piece or the rich yet sweet sound of the soloist. Somehow the two things became inseparable in my mind and now half a century later your playing has brought all that back to me. You have a wonderful, communicative gift and I wish you every success. Today you made me very happy. Thanks Richard

[@scuunjieng]

had the good fortune to watch you play this with the New York Philharmonic and it was easily the best performance I have watched and I am 64! Hope to catch another live performance of yours soon. Bravo

[@salmongaming6753]

lol same age as the opus number 😁

[@lindapitts9915]

I have seen may performances of this, my favourite violin concerto. This has left in tears. So passionate. Thank you for allowing me the pure pleasure of experiencing this most profound performance. Having played the violin in years past, not many people realise that to play such a wonderful masterpiece of music without the score in front of you, even with it, it amazing. I will definately be watching some more of this wonderful young man.

[@kylestevens5835]

Saw your playing from TwoSet Brett and eddy and was just astounded by your talent and feeling for one so young you’ve really captured the essence of Mendelssohn Bravo my friend absolutely captivating performance your are truly talented on your way to becoming one of the greats!!

[@darksaber5437]

Ray, your violin playing has been such an inspiration for me, and ever since I joined my city’s youth orchestra, I hoped to someday play this piece in our orchestra with someone like you as the soloist. It would honestly make me one of the happiest violinists out there 😂 Keep being amazing Ray!!❤

[@ponyonoodles6568]

9:52 - taking off broken bow hairs like a badass!

[@AndySaenz924]

This is probably my favorite cadenza out of all violin concertos ever! And he played it so brilliantly! Well done, Ray! He’s a Ray of sunshine!

[@coupliu6946]

Don’t be so judgmental. Given appreciation to this whole team who all contributed to their best effort of this beautiful performance. Simply just enjoy it.

[@emilywheeler9199]

The way he plays is so gentle to the violin, it’s almost as if it’s living

[@MrInterestingthings]

I came back in May 2022.The opening is full of subtlety/The theme repeats often enough so you let it just present itself at beginning but his shading and phrasing is top=notch.His bowing technique is incredible !He's popular for goodreasons!!!Chen 's face is everywhere but I hadn't heard him till just now . He makes every phrase musical and it says something with charachter . His triplets in the beginning made more sense than I ever heard anyone before make with them and he can actually color his tone with bow speed not just vibrato . Remarkable musician :more than just a violinist . I want to hear his Sibelius , Bartok 2 . Has he rcorded the Shostakovich a minor or Neilsen ? He's so good looking and the playing speaks if he plays either of the Prokofiev concerti Iknow I will dream and cry ! Wonderful music -making here !

[@n.9352]

He did played Prokofiev 2nd I believe. But KZbin took that video down.

[@sincerelymaya]

@@n.9352 wtf why?

[@MrInterestingthings]

@@n.9352 Thankyou.I'll go and buy him.He's worth so very much. There are a lot of unbelievably welltrained perfect techniques out there now. Chen may have more perfection than Heifetz.I'd like to hear what top teachers (hes trained with them all !) say about him !

[@Marlais88]

I have listened to Mendelson’s piece since I was twelve, and I have never heard it being played so remarkably well. Mendelhson was a very detail-oriented composer, and you seem to understand ( quite clearly) every single note and nuance he used.

[@suatgocer356]

Maestro thanks to much playing this great Mendelssohn piece, I know you since today, only by chance I got in to your page on KZbin, and regret how I missed a musical genius , as you are, from now I will become one of your greatest fan, the way you play, your energy and professionality tells me something about you, you must be a former prodigy, I see you are one of the Paganini_like virtuoso, just a few came to this world of the entire music history,!

[@themulza]

Amazing performance Ray. I must admit I never heard of you since now that I casually found your video. You have a wonderful technique, I have now a new living reference to improve my technique. I love that thumb relaxation, it clearly gives you a very smooth left hand articulation. Keep up the good work!

[@rokugoshitsu]

It's a performance that I want to listen to over and over again. I think Ray and this orchestra are a good match.

[@lawrencegroves8307]

9:27 start of accelerando is the best part in my humble opinion.

[@99milliion]

“Ray, You’ve Done It Again” -ImAnimated 2021 I know this was 5 yrs ago, but this will never ever get old, from beginning to end.

[@のん-w3q4u]

TikTokで初めてRayChenさんの演奏動画を見ました！いつも楽しそうに弾いている姿がとても素敵で演奏ももっと聴きたくてKZbinもチャンネル登録させていただきました！ かっこいいです！！

[@amandalim3330]

I saw him play this in Melbourne just last week, and it is truly amazing to experience it in person. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us - there will never be a day that I will get bored of listening to this concerto performed by you.

[@nonenone8118]

Mendelssohn was a genius! This is a brilliant performance! Thank you!

[@multilingual972]

Ray Chen, Hilary Hahn, Isaac Stern, Yitzchok Perlman--I don't known who plays the best Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. This piece absolutes makes me cry from total joy and lifts me out of a depression when needed, or when I'm feeling great I listen to it as well. As far as I am concerned, it is the violin concerto of all time. Thank you, Ray, and thank you all the others who keep this violin concerto very much alive for generations to come!

[@박성미-d7i]

Ray is the BEST!

[@VihaanReddy-up3sd]

Your forgetting Eddy Chen

[@angelinarogatch2933]

Definitely the best performance of Mendelssohn Violin Concerto - so much passion and emotion. It"s just HIS piece, he feels every note of it. Breathtaking!

[@yang4488]

The third movement is so lovely…! Thanks for your wonderful playing, Ray!

[@jeanettcristinagaitanramir9434]

Se ve que disfruta muchisimo ticando el violín. Ejecuta esa pieza magistralmente, es un gran violinista. Que suertte tenemis de disfrutar de estas bellas melodias que hace un siglo solo lo hacían quienes podian ir a un concierto en vivo

[@issuestownhouse3299]

An emotional masterpiece. Was Ray going to crack? Was his violin going to crack? No pressure. Just pure brilliance. Smooth. Balance. I never thought I could feel music the way I just did. A real gift! This is absolutely magical. ❤

[@tj-co9go]

Chen is an amazing violinist, with much vigour and beautiful melody