Beethoven Concerto SHOWDOWN 🎻 ft. Hilary Hahn, Itzhak Perlman, Clara Jumi-Kang & Henryk Szeryng

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Who has the best Beethoven Violin Concerto? I personally love Henryk Szeryng’s GOLDEN tone.
In this video I go through what makes the Beethoven Violin Concerto so epic and review 4 soloists and their musical choices they make to best bring forth Beethoven’s S-Tier Concerto 🎵
Let me know if I didn’t cover YOUR favorite performer 🎻 Drop a comment of others who you want me to review!
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - Henryk Szeryng
4:47 - Itzhak Perlman
10:19 - Clara Jumi-Kang
12:38 - Hilary Hahn

[@RayChenViolinist]

The best way to learn & develop your playing is to listen to how others practice! You can do that for free on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in 🎵 Give it a try and let me know how you've enjoyed it!

[@sk7321]

Hi Ray, it will be a blessing if you could perform in the near future your interpretation of this Concerto!

[@kelleyforeman]

I saw Augustin Hadelich perform this concerto a couple months ago and it was one of the most incredible musical performances I've ever seen in my life!

[@yawenliu6648]

Yup I agree, his tone is very divine; reminded me of the old days’ violinists

[@SkunkworksProps]

Augustin is superb, no doubt.

[@robl5455]

I saw him recently, too. I was lucky to be sitting in the eighth row and I could hear so many notes from his violin in the louder sections that are usually drowned out by the orchestra. His projection was phenomenal.

[@paulb9842]

Augustin plays LeDuc same Violin as Szeryng?

[@tomatehostil]

​@@paulb9842Yes

[@TeaseMelissa]

Hilary's cadenza (this Beethoven concerto - can't remember who arranged it) is out of this world... it is not shown here but the simultaneous voicing with one melody ascending and one descending, interweaving, both crystal clear, is just insane. Her whole Beethoven concerto is of legendary status because it suits her style and skills to the T. Love the other interpretations too but this one goes to Hilary for me.

[@Luguanyu307]

Kreutzer's cadenza, it was very very beautiful

[@TeaseMelissa]

@Luguanyu307 Yes, thank you. And yes again, it's just sooo beautiful. I decided to do a quick search and there are 6-7 (more or less) ? Arranged by well known names. I am curious to check what people play the others.

[@aguilajohnjeffersona.2137]

It’s quite literally perfect. Technically daultless and musically fulfilling

[@M_SC]

I like it when people express their opinions the way you did

[@nelsonliew84]

@@Luguanyu307Kreisler

[@danastefan8986]

Until two months ago, I didn't pay attention to classical music, but now I'm fascinated.... and that's only thanks to Ray Chen, who always amazes me. His music is wonderful.🎻❤

[@Cessna172G]

Beethoven isn’t classical. It’s more Romantic period of music.

[@zacarymiguel7127]

Clara-Jumi Kang's Beethoven led her win multiple international violin competitions while she was still a student. This demonstrates how, despite her age, Clara has developed the maturity to perform this badass concerto and is now living her dream as one of the world's most renowned violinists. Everyone in this video is on top. God bless them and their playing. ❤ Thank you, Ray!

[@jenvogue5005]

Clara is amazing!!!!

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Weak Tchaikovsky 4th prize winner weak Clara Jumi Kang is not great! Come on Ray Chen you can do better tips and hints! There are over 200 better recordings of Beethoven concerto than Clara Jumi Kang's Beethoven! Crazy world we are living when weak 4th prize winner in weak competition is the greatest!

[@jenvogue5005]

@@RaineriHakkarainen crazy world when someone calls Clara Jumi Kang weak! She has absolutely beautiful and strong Beethoven!

[@lattelover5471]

9:20: "[Perlman] just decides to go onto the G string ..." I heard a story that, at the start of one concert, a string broke on Perlman's violin. The concertmaster offered his instrument but Perlman shook it off -- and played the entire piece on the remaining strings, re-fingering everything in the moment. Can you even imagine?!?

[@TheBlacksmith2012]

Perlman is a monster of technique, but in this particular case he simply uses Carl Flesch's fingerings (as did Szeryng, who was his student).

[@lattelover5471]

@@TheBlacksmith2012 Thanks!

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

Isak's sound has a fluency about it, not laboured.

[@kurufeemo8076]

It's unbelievable that artists of this caliber such as Ray himself share their superprofessional opinion with us. It's such a blessing, thank you!

[@godgramms5700]

I agree!!!!Thankyou Ray and thankyou Lord Jesus!!!

[@JasielMartini]

I feel like the first 4:50 is just Ray fanboying over Szeryng lol Edit: I saw James Ehnes play this in Raleigh last year and it was fantastic. Dude has insane stage presence. Very juxtaposed to his usual demeanor. Dude walked up looking like a 7th grade history teacher in a tux and played one of the best Beethoven’s I’ve heard live.

[@yawenliu6648]

James Ehnes always dresses in a tuxedo with the long tail every time he appears in stages. He is so elegant and classy, and i think he is really HOT actually! VERY BEAUTIFUL MAN, violin tone is very crystal clean

[@wernerkremlicka4513]

It would have been great to add Mıdori and Hadelich.

[@hojowarf6488]

Hillary's long phrasing is amazing. Her volume control is absurd. With all the other performers I can hear when they move between strings. When Hillary plays ascending passages especially in these clips I simply can't hear the string crossings. Her tone control is just that even.

[@twstdreality]

I remember done long in very next but I think you’d agree

[@Bnio]

Whenever I hear her playing, I think, “Crisp.” In a very good way.

[@juliabkw]

Having listened to violin music for about 45 years and having played the violin (although not to Beethoven-concerto levels) since I was 7, I discovered a whole new order of magnitude when I first heard Clara Jumi-Kang and it hasn't stopped since. The short pieces you clipped from her Beethoven interpretation here leave me with the very same feeling: there's something ethereal about the music that leave her violin, as if each not is floating on some invisible angel's wings into the space of the audience. From a different world. At least for me.

[@jenvogue5005]

Clara is amazing!!!!!

[@NancyM1115]

As someone with horrible stage fright, if I were to down half a bottle of whiskey I’d be under the table before the performance even started.

[@ninekta]

The bottle of whiskey might actually help you on stage instead of make you more afraid

[@NancyM1115]

@@ninekta "under the table" means "passed out drunk". I've used Beta blockers for anxiety, does nothing for me. I don't drink, so even NyQuil puts me to sleep.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

How low Ray Chen is going when best Sibelius violin concerto playing was Awful colorless Sarah Chang! Ray Chen his choice Clara Jumi Kang is wrong! Why Ray Chen praises these Second rated violinist!!

[@NancyM1115]

@@RaineriHakkarainen I don't know why your comment is here, but Ray can showcase any person he wants on his channel.

[@cindyzer2860]

I sincerely hope you can overcome your stage fright!

[@zatherog]

Violinists will never run out of adjectives to describe someone's playing 😅

[@M_SC]

😂

[@PlumberryPuppet]

I was always so fascinated with Itzhak Perlman as a young kid, I think in part because he always seemed so relaxed and casual while playing the most difficult things perfectly. I think it might have something to do with the fact that his disability means he's always sitting when performing, or the size of his hands. But most people when they play, things look difficult, even if the violinist makes it look like it's easy for them and they are having fun, the piece looks difficult to play. And then when Perlman plays, it's like magic, like he's barely doing anything, just moving his fingers and waving his arms (like he's pretending almost) but then this perfect music comes out with what looks like no effort.

[@M_SC]

So true

[@susanbryant6516]

Perlman’s pudgy meaty hands- I love them

[@masonwelty8058]

Strings are really hard and hand size helps tremendously. There's simply less work. Just take a look at a big handed cellist vs a small handed cellist; what one can simply stretch the hand for another has to shift and move much more to reach.

[@Skw-ij7jg]

Could you please make a video about "A Day in the Life of the World's Famous Violinist - RAY CHEN"....I mean a normal day VLOG for what you do throughout the day (just curious about your daily routine)

[@MariusRab]

Frrrr

[@robl5455]

Augustin Hadelich has three videos on KZbin where he describes his interpretations of portions of each movement and the first movement Kreisler cadenza. Great to watch even if you're not a violinist.

[@M_SC]

Ty

[@danielakbari5637]

Perlman is similar, but I still wish you included Heifetz; his first movement is majestic as the king 👑 and his second movement, will it’ll just cut through your heart ♥️ and he plays the third movement very fast, like a dance 💃

[@susanbryant6516]

Thanks, Ray, I really enjoy these type of videos, and they really help me LISTEN and HEAR the performances better

[@blessakim]

I really enjoy these breakdowns and interpretations of different performances so much. There's so much that goes unnoticed to people like me with an untrained ear so videos like this really help! Thank you for another great video making classical music much more approachable and fun!

[@amysinnott3832]

My daughter is a freshman student at UMass Amherst and she saw your concert yesterday evening, and she said it was the greatest experience of her life. I’m so glad that you were there and she had such a wonderful opportunity. I have encouraged her passion for all music all her life and seeing her truly enjoy it still now gives me great pleasure.

[@ruxiwang9571]

your analogy on Hilary's playing is really inspiring for me. probably the most inspiring musical analogy I've ever heard. that's some real deep understanding of music there.

[@Highlander515]

Thanks Ray for another in-depth analysis of these artists' interpretations. I would never have noticed anything different between them without these insightful videos.

[@user-hl4kk8wd3k]

Ray's videos are so fun to watch! I learn so much; he is always so upbeat and enthusiastic about what he is sharing! The editing is great, and Ray's playing is top tier!

[@nealeperl9528]

Way to go Ray! As a cellist, it’s great to hear a musician at your extraordinary level analyze the interpretation of these great violinists. Btw, my son told me you gave a great recital appearance recently in Carmel, Indiana. Thank you!

[@xenasloan6859]

That slow movement...world class otoise themes, spectacularly reticulated in the passionate self-belief of a tiro. And the bonus - he lovingly arranged it as a piano concerto. Joy!!

[@johnlam7036]

Great work, Ray. Enjoy and learn so much

[@juliegill6278]

My Dad ABSOLUTELY LOVED Beethoven and LOVED this violin concerto!!!!!!!!! His two favourite composers were first of all Beethoven then Sibelius. It HAS to be said it IS AN ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL piece!!!!!!!!!!!. Julie Gill, Glasgow, Scotland.

[@credos97]

Hilary's first movement cadenza might be the most incredible thing I've ever heard on violin. I've looked for other versions and no one compares !

[@valappleby9960]

I just loved this video!! Thank you!!!

[@hojowarf6488]

Szeryng has such an intimate tone. It's like you can hear each grain of rosin as it scrapes the string. I don't know what violin he is using, apparently he had many. But I don't think you or Perlman could replicate it with your sweet, resonant Strads. Those instruments resonate so fully that the sound coming from the wood overwhelms the rosin on string sound he gets.

[@M_SC]

Intimate? It’s military!

[@christinejoyabenoja4020]

GO RAY! YA GOT THIS! 👏🎖✨️ We're here to support you no matter what ❤

[@Bnio]

Ever since watching Maxim Vengerov’s masterclass on this piece, I have interpreted it as a meditation/celebration of the change of seasons and how it affects a small community. The first movement is spring, second is lazy summer, and the third is the fall harvest. Not sure if that even crossed Beethoven’s mind, but I like it. Listening to that clip of Clara Jumi-Kang’s first movement, I can hear the birds of spring.

[@jenvogue5005]

Clara-Jumi Kang is amazing!!!!

[@PepGuard-tp4ny]

Beautiful sounds. Thank you.

[@andrewknippenberg761]

I’ve been waiting for this video since you started this series!

[@GabdeVue]

Oh - for this concerto, definitely Anne-Sophie Mutter, too, yes. Her interpretation in my eyes is profoundly... "classic" - so strong, musical, confident, completely one with the piece. Absolutely love Hilary Hahn's interpretation, too! Your selection was an absolute delight and loved to listen to your insights!

[@killerecho]

I've always been a fan of Szeryng's since hearing his Mozart VCs on the Philips recordings. He had that sublime balance between old school control and expressiveness without over romanticizing. Also, how Perlman is able to maintain such precise intonation with those catcher's mitts is absolutely bonkers.

[@user-uv7wo3kl8w]

今夜もVideo楽しみです、しびれる演奏、期待しかありません、🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🎉

[@Ilcannone1743aficionado]

Great video...my favorite H. Szeryng I saw him performing in Mexico City when I was a kid...definitely one of the best....

[@bogumiauczak8018]

Ray, You play is magic! 🌹❤️

[@oiarasilva5790]

I love watching you play.

[@emilioroderburg5418]

Hi Ray, another fantastic new video. Could you perhaps record a video in Cremona (Italy) at the violin museum? I would be very interested in this 👍

[@jasonguo6513]

Great video❤Great coffee station setup！

[@pie3566]

I love your programs Ray. Regards from Chile.

[@sampolinad]

Interesting thoughts! Captivating to hear! In one short interview Itzhak Perlman said that he loved the Beethoven concerto, he felt that there is always something to discover. And about the Tchaikovsky he said amongst other things that that concerto was uncomfortable in many spots to play. Always think of how Ludwig van Beethoven upon a remark from someone that something was too difficult to play allegedly had said: "Do you think I care about your wretched violin when the spirit moves me?" haha - one of my personal favourite quotes

[@jh.y00N]

Professor Ray is here! 🥇👑✨🫶🏻💯🫰🏻😻

[@prunesquallor3444]

I’ve always been amazed, and amused by noted performers talking about stage fright. Just knowing these talented men and women experienced stage fright like me helped me pass the jury exams so I could study classical guitar at a primo college.

[@Tennisisreallyfun]

Perlman with the Kreisler cadenza. This is the standard I try to emulate every time I perform this concerto, and perhaps the most perfect cadenza I have ever heard for any concerto ever!!! Oh, and that shift you were talking about at 6:00, that glissando is everything to me, I can't help but play it🤩

[@ioana938]

Perlman's ligtness is his magic superpower... This concert really showcases it. It might not be everyone's cup, but I am just so amazed when i get to hear how light and resonant his bow can play... I forget any other considerations... Maybe do a Vivaldi violin concerto other than the 4 Seasons, or Mozart (5th?) comparison next, definitely including him!

[@PatchCR]

Frank Peter Zimmermann has a recording that blows me away 20 years after I first checked it out of the library. In particular the voicing he does during the first cadenza will always be one of my favorite moments in violin repertoire.

[@SkunkworksProps]

Perlman's opening felt very playful, a definite contrast to Szeryng. I hope Clara Jumi-Kang gets a little more recognition as well, I saw her play Sibelius a while back and it was incredible.

[@jenvogue5005]

She is amazing!

[@zacarymiguel7127]

She is superb! One of the best of her generation of amazing violinists! ❤️

[@jenvogue5005]

@@zacarymiguel7127 agree!

[@NgocAnhNguyen-1501]

Every time I feel weak, I go find Ray videos to recharge myself. I wish I could have 1/10 of his strength. 😭

[@trs9295]

Perlman ❤️ I love his interpretation, his sound and his way to enjoy it ❤️

[@worgle123]

Finally, I'm here for a premiere!!!!!!!!!

[@user-xr4bl4et3d]

Absolutely right

[@ItzTiger1217]

You should definitely do a PAGANINI VIOLIN CONCERTO NO.1 SHOWDOWN!!

[@hi28]

"Beethoven doesnt need protection" -Ray Chen

[@RobertFallon]

@Ray, I really appreciate your videos that discuss different masterful performances. I would love, however, to have you speak a little more about the process of arriving at an interpretation from the perspective of a virtuoso. Being a musicologist, I would like to hear some acknowledgement of Beethoven’s stylistic periods, or his biography, or why he wrote this concerto, or what genres (opera, marches, hunting topos, etc)-anything beyond the typically technique-oriented perspective of bow speed, vibrato, phrasing, etc, that you talk about that can give the piece meaning, a narrative, coherence, and vision.

[@susiesunbeam]

That preview of Ray.. Stunning. Just.. 🤯 Mesmerising. 💕

[@briannafrancis6410]

I would love to hear you play this concerto one day, Ray.

[@BlackViolinist_]

Perlman❤always doing he's magical ease😢❤❤ 9:04

[@zack_getlucky7133]

Besides these great artists, I really enjoyed your such good performance a lot even though only few part of it😂

[@BB-io2ue]

I love Seryng's playing from I was a child. In this video he is really old(he died with 69), and he was alcoholic, but in the 60's there is a recording playing Beethoven with the conductor Hans Schmidt Isserstedt(with Joachim's cadenza) that I hear dozen of times and it was amazing.

[@M_SC]

If you die when you’re 69 are you ever really old?

[@BB-io2ue]

@@M_SC What I mean is that he looked like really old because of his way of life and he died only with 69.

[@jenvogue5005]

Itzak Perlman, Ray Chen, Hilary Hahn, Henryk Szeryng all need to take vibrato lesson from Clara-Jumi Kang..... no one can replicate the ethereal quality of her Beethoven!!!! She is the only one featured in this video that doesn't have a wobbly vibrato.

[@ForceOfPhoenixx]

Yay! It’s Beethoven’s Violin Concerto! ❤❤❤

[@EverGreenElephant]

My first encounter with this concerto was Perlman, so I'm very fond of his interpretation. It were the days when youtube allowed no videos longer than 10 minutes, so I downloaded all the files and lumped them together in an editor, just to find out that the last video was a few Hz higher pitched than the rest (for whatever reason).

[@M_SC]

😂oh no

[@marinalopez9765]

Sublime ❤❤❤

[@Light71717]

I can’t not smile seeing Perlman perform 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@narayans3364]

Yaaa I’m excited ❤❤🎉 I love to listen to people nerding over violins and classical music I do it all the time lol btw Ray do u actually reply to comments ? Because I wanted to ask u if u could do more studios on tonic I love listening to u play 😊

[@nancyjfs]

He occasionally does.

[@zevelgamer.]

You should get an intreview with Itzhak Perlman

[@juliancardenas4474]

Ray! Please publish a violin show pieces tier list 🎻🙏🏼👏🏼 it would be very helpful to have your views! Thanks!

[@nancyjfs]

I think he did.

[@oiarasilva5790]

Ray es um sucesso, como dizes e magico.tancks.

[@bryophyta9500]

I like Hilary's third movement. Also, you should review Janine Jansen's recording, it is one of my favourites.

[@thevector384]

You should also include Patricia kopatchinskaja performance as well 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@adalyman773]

I adore Hilary’s style. She has such a bold wardrobe that truly reflects her bold playing.

[@cedricpicard297]

Shoutout to the espresso setup! Collab with James Hoffmann when?

[@user-jo2gg2dl1m]

Ray you should check out Roman Kim's violin concerto! (3rd movement is absolutely amazing) Note: only 2nd and 3rd movement have live screen-

[@Saserca]

Hy Ray thanks for your videos, can you maybe do a video of Gipsy music on high level violin or whatever? Cheers!!

[@christu8148]

I'm interested in those coffee gadgets & machines XD

[@agatafurczyk9149]

I've listened to these recordings by Itzhak Perlman and Hilary Hahn before, but now I'll definitely check out Clara-Jumi Kang's and Henryk Szeryng's too. But I know for certain what kind of lesson I'm not going to internalize: Forget violin playing... I would topple over after a half of the first glass of Szeryng's stage-fright-dealing-method! 😂

[@torsteinmikkelsen1508]

Would also love to hear your take on Oistrakh's interpretation

[@alhfgsp]

I'm very surprised that Oistrakh's wasn't included, being one of his signature pieces.

[@hlarjay7503]

Dealing with stage fright: Chronic alcoholism👎 Tonic👍

[@rjkbuny]

I almost thought Ray was going to say "within that calmness there was half a bottle of whiskey"

[@hashdankhog8578]

I saw james ehnes perform this a while back, he held a qna afterward and I was able to ask a question on what the most difficult part was, he said that its super easy to play but playing it well is impossible

[@byron4406]

Absolutely sublime. One vote goes to Clara jumi kang.

[@Ahmaddakheel5]

You're my favorite violinist in the world, Ray!

[@oiarasilva5790]

Youre my favorito Ray.saudades.

[@Mrprince-tu9hv]

You should do a vid like this for the first Shostakovich violin concerto

[@SmithBeatZ1]

Ray, I've been watching tons of your content lately. Why do you have an accent in some and not in others? Thanks!

[@nancyjfs]

He speaks two kinds of English: Australian from childhood, American from age 15. Depends on where he is and who he is with.

[@diviajar1411]

Please, do a Shlomo Mintz! And Hadelich! And Ida Haendel!

[@shannonmoro401]

Will be fun

[@popitoto]

I heard Anne Sophie-Mutter,a recent video and is well lyrical,maybe a little too much but so beautiful sound and colour

[@jackchenqinyao]

🎉 love your video! How abt doing a video on Henri Vieuxtemps violin concerto no.4 in D minor op 31, Adagio religioso.I am learning that now and have been hearing Hillary Hahn’s version. Would like to hear your views😊

[@Sarcalamu-cm7jk]

Next can you do Dvorak Violin Concerto Showdown?

[@dehanbadenhorst1398]

Great video! Just a heads up, the chapters of the video show the wrong names😅

[@michaelayers3998]

Absolutely love Hilary, but my all-time favorite is Heifetz. His Beethoven is simply breathtaking.

[@BlackHermit]

What are all these dots on the whiteboard in the background?

[@4ndreLuiz]

Muito interessante o vídeo. Fiquei com uma curiosidade. Você já conhecia as peças ou conseguiu reproduzir apenas ouvindo os trechos dos vídeos?

[@susanbryant6516]

He would know it, he’s performed it as a soloist, so it’s in his memory banks

[@righthyunho]

I love Kyung Wha Chung’s rendition too

[@alhfgsp]

I'm surprised David Oistrakh was not included in this lineup. This concerto was one of his signature pieces.

[@evasuh7978]

Can you please review a Beethoven performance by Julia Fischer/Anne -Sophie Mutter as well? They played Beethoven so many times, and also would be interesting from your perspective to see if a German musician playing German composer would also be recognizable from an interpretation perspective.

[@davidejin57]

Please review David oistrakh's Beethoven violin concerto.

[@gyddeonkwan2479]

Ray You played this on 2 set violin!

[@imsamduh]

Guess ill wake up before 6 am to see this!