Sibelius SHOWDOWN 🎻 ft. Sarah Chang, Hilary Hahn, Joshua Bell & Vengerov

[@RayChenViolinist]

Stay motivated together throughout the year on Tonic with the practice community: tonicmusic.app/join-in 🎉

[@CF_NeverForget]

From all of those violinists I prefer Ray Chen! 🎉

[@ascendedbox612]

Anything for you bbg

[@yew2oob954]

I can't choose amongst the violinists mentioned...but Sibelius performed by Ida Haendel is amazing.

[@amii8902]

I’m not a violinist but @Raychen’s Sibelius made me cry and slowly introduced me to the classical music world. ❤❤❤

[@323chukaman]

都係你拉小提琴最好睇 個人氣場同小提琴二合為一日 真係唔係人人練到 好鍾意睇你拉小提琴 賞心悅目 吸引力好重要

[@ZaraSantos-sf6zp]

I just love how Ray Chen doesn't says like "oh this performance is way better than the other", he is just showing how each violinist is playing there, the techniques and giving his opinion.

[@Siljamaarit]

Hilary Hahn performed the Sibelius concerto last year with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The Finnish audience was enchanted and gave her standing ovation. I was there and the concerto was almost reborn by her, with unique details she brought out differently from all other violinists. Most of us Finns in the audience knew the concerto thoroughly even though all are not violinists, having heard it tens of times, as many follow the Sibelius violin competition every time and all finalists must perform it. Yet she was able to astonish us. She was just perfect; even better than in this older recording.

[@aliasoma]

Is that performance on YT?

[@earth2jennyl]

Thank you! I am going to watch!

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Hahn never played in the Sibelius violin competition and big reason is no prizes for Hahn!!

[@mikecabral1579]

I my view after her Covid break she is new and improved. She’s been my favorite 1 or 2 between her and Janine Jansen. The new Hillary my opinion just as accurate as ever intention perfectly however, to me she’s more fluid I feel that she even moves more freely. I watch most of my music from KZbin and I have a good speaker but I just don’t know if the fidelity level is really something that I should use to comment on. I only know what I like and enjoy. I love the music and listen everyday for a few hours. I had wondered about the look to the conductor and never realized what was happening. Thanks Ray for pointing that out. I assume that I was a point brought up in rehearsal and she was just communicating a concern about volume. I’m just a self taught drummer who played 35+ years in general business weddings etc. sorry I’m rambling here at 75 years old.

[@johngarson7010]

Sarah Chang's performance is my absolute favorite. Her artistic expression and sense of urgency always keeps me wanting for more.

[@nhaboush]

Totally agree

[@ChingmayAnais]

Totally agree.

[@AndySaenz924]

Sarah Chang’s is my favorite performance of the Sibelius violin concerto! She makes her violin SING. She is a storyteller, her playing takes you on a spectacular journey through all of the emotions that Sibelius felt when he composed this masterpiece. She’s absolutely magnificent.

[@jenvogue5005]

Agreed!

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Not true! Sarah Chang thin colorless violin sound and voice! Like black and white tv picture!!

[@JarZ-l9u]

​@@RaineriHakkarainen Please consider getting help for your mental disorder.

[@jenvogue5005]

@@RaineriHakkarainen She has a very robust sound..... jealous much?

[@susanbryant6516]

@@jenvogue5005 that guy really has a bee in his bonnet about Sarah Chang, haha!

[@honeyfarmer0]

Sarah Chang so beautiful sound...

[@trustworthyme1]

I like Sarah Chang and Vengerov. They are way different from the other two violinists. Different levels. My favorite one is Kyung Wha Chung’s Sibelius. It is legendary.

[@yousefgholipour819]

Sarah Chang is a legend

[@aero2312]

Vengerov's Sibelius is literally what kept me alive some years ago. I'm really happy you are reviewing it

[@quest-cequecesttonvisage]

damn

[@MaisonIkkoku-jm4cx]

hugs for you friend

[@larkspur77]

I do understand. Music has been my salvation and Vengerov is part of it. So glad he and Sibelius helped you.

[@sodoffbaldrick]

same. Vengerov's Sibelius and Radiohead's In Rainbows from the basement

[@jason101other]

Sibelius concerto kept you alive? Girl please

[@kxkx8243]

Sarah Chang is the best

[@sonyakim5133]

Am a huge fan of Hilary Hahn and was at her concert last Jan in NJ. It was truly amazing but still Sarah Chang's Sibelius is my favorite. It sounds more alive and takes me far into the music. And I like the Sibelius that way.

[@peterbaxter8151]

I think mentioning the year of recording might be significant. Both Hahn and Vengerov have changed their performances significantly over the years.

[@vantilate]

I was just thinking exactly this. Those recordings were made quite a few years back and they both play differently these days (as people do - they change and try something new when they revisit repertoire!)

[@carlossantana3049]

there is a very recent performance of vengerov playing sibelius in buenos aires (December 2023). completely different than the one here which was from 1997. The hilary hahn performance took place right before 2020 so it is relatively recent compared to other videos of her playing it posted on youtube.

[@peterbaxter8151]

@@carlossantana3049 that’s the one I was thinking of too.

[@ioana938]

It's not just the time, but the conductor and orchestra. In this recording, Vengerov had his back assured with Barenboim leading the Chicago Philharmonic. They understand each other really well and build that powerhouse of a concert absolutely together. He played it a bit more safe in Argentina. He was there to honor their retiring concertmaster, only gave one encore, which he played with the concertmaster. Class act. On the other hand, Hilary went swimming in that red concert dress -- midnight swim in broad daylight -- after she was done! She also had a strong orchestra backing her up that day, and a great connection with the conductor. This was a great video.

[@nhj7534]

Sarah Chang is absolutely amazing ❤ couldn't stop listening 😍

[@lisfong]

Just heard Sarah Chang today in concert and I'm utterly amazed at her skill, artistry, and presence!

[@mintchoco5640]

Sarah Chang's performance was the first time I heard the Sibelius concerto years ago. Still one of my favorites. There is such an air of tension right from the start, she's a true performer. Even if the opening isn't as cold or snowy as the other interpretations, I love that I can feel this electricity in the air even watching through a screen.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Sarah Chang have a thin colorless violin sound and voice! Like black and white tv picture!!

[@susanbryant6516]

⁠@@RaineriHakkarainensince you repeat this comment several times here, may I suggest you word it a bit differently, so you don’t come off so much like a surly wanker? - perhaps you could say “ personally I find Ms Chang’s interpretation rather dry” or “I prefer the warmer, darker playing of so-and-so”, or whatever it is you prefer about other performances. Try making it more of a sharing of a personal taste, rather than a rude dismissal.

[@RayChenViolinist]

Happy 2024 everyone! Thanks for all your support throughout the last year 🙏🏼🎊 One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to be able to continue uploading videos and practice on Tonic on a weekly basis. I’m looking forward to having you there with me 👍🏼

[@buffywasright]

Happy new year Ray. I hope this is the year of the collaboration with Sensei Chloe, finally.

[@musicforlife5465]

happy new year

[@DavidZhou-g3d]

“Happy New Year Mr. Chen!” Interesting analysis. To listen and understand the different approach of interpretation and approach and style of a violinist. Thanks for the education us novice in what we are listening to. Thanks again and have blessed week. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Paimonsito]

Igualmente tilín!❤

[@Dilsli]

Happy 2024! I've missed Ida Haendel. I'd like so much to hear what you'd have to say about her Sibelius!

[@miriams.4341]

Could you do this more? I really struggle to see these things in classical music. Vengerov did a masterclass over at Two Set where he explained the emotions and colours of a piece and that was also really helpful. I sometimes feel I am ‘blind’ when it comes to purely instrumental music. To me it is either pretty or not pretty, and I would love to get more nuances!

[@marygifford9379]

Yes do this more.

[@pablomunozgodoy1278]

Well... his face expression is priceless!... you can feel the cold in this piece!

[@miriams.4341]

@@pablomunozgodoy1278 Definitely! It’s why I do enjoy going to live events with soloists, as usual the facial expressions really help guide me along!

[@bbgoodnough]

Do you play an instrument? If not, you would be amazed how fun it is to pick up those nuances! I appreciate this video too because I am also unaware of the nuances of violin. I fell in love with listening to classical guitar after I started learning the instrument and discovered how to use certain techniques.

[@miriams.4341]

@@bbgoodnough I’m voice, so as soon as anyone is singing, I am really good at picking up these aspects. But purely instrumental pieces I struggle with. My flute and piano playing isn’t good enough to introduce me to those nuances.

[@termin29671]

Vengerov doesn't even need a first name

[@a_personme]

lol. by chance, the video in my feed next to the box that im commenting on is '4 levels of violin masterclass (Ft.Maxim Vengerox) - TwosetViolin' wow what a coincidence

[@andygossard4293]

Actually it's Snake

[@dieterjones2563]

Hilary doesn’t need a surname 😉

[@stellafokas12]

No kidding, that made me think of another name, although not on this list, Heifetz🎯

[@fatdoi003]

God level artists only knew by one name.... Argerich, Menuhin, Mutter, Perlman, Rubenstein, Oistrakh, Horowitz etc....

[@SergioSanchez-zg9jw]

I've seen Hilary Hahn concert like 50 times. She truly is a living legend playing the violin.

[@shanrshan1]

Sarah Chang has been my violin idol since I was a child ❤

[@twoblink]

She was the first violin CD I ever bought with my own money...

[@rubyzlan]

She's not performing as much 🥹 Hoping to see her concert one day

[@JKmusic231]

I met her once after a Brahms concert for an autograph over a decade ago. They were closing off the queue right before me but she asked the staff to let me through 😭 Genuinely wonderful human being.

[@ioana938]

My first concert as a young adult in San Francisco, nosebleed section -- and I was able to bring my mom along on my dime. Fond memories of her... and so happy to see her included!

[@catius9206]

She was a child prodigy herself

[@user-te1lo2zwy8s]

When it comes to Sibelius Violin Concerto, Sarah Chang and Maxim Vengerov are the best for my taste. I can literally listen to their performances over and over, but not for the other two.

[@MangoGalaxyYT]

Same here. All are great in their own ways, but for my personal taste Vengerov and Sarah Chang were the best. I loved Joshua Bell's opening though. Hilary is great too especially the ending, but there is nothing she did there that Vengerov didn't, and Vengerov had a beautiful beginning along with that.

[@catius9206]

Sarah Chang's Sibelius Violin concerto is the best Sibelius violin Concerto ever came into existence, ever performed so well, ever played so well, ever conducted so well and the best you might hear in this world in this life.

[@davidl9781]

Ray, I think you're great. You're honest but incredibly respectful of your colleagues. When you play it always looks like you're having the time of your life!

[@deanjones2525]

I love listening to the violin soloists of the previous era such as David Oistrakh and Jascha Heifetz. I would love to hear you juxtapose their playing with today's contemporary soloists. This will help the younger players learn from them as well as to appreciate their skill.

[@soyoungschaedel6781]

I don't have any opinions on other songs, but sibelius wise, Sarah Chang's recording is the best. So touching. You can find many professional comments on her sibelius recording on KZbin. Joshua, Hillary, and others are good but something special about Sarah's recording.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Sarah Chang have colorless thin ugly violin sound like black and white tv picture! Sarah Chang Hilary Hahn AnnSophie Mutter never played in the big violin competition and reason is no prizes!!

[@breadstuff]

@@RaineriHakkarainen ????? Your mum love u bro?

[@kuvhlubkojibleegxwbo]

Sarah Chang definitely has the best interpretation of Sibelius

[@jamescps8799]

Sarah Chang is definitely the best for Sibelius on KZbin; It's pure music and enjoyable to listen to everyday.

[@bbbbb5542]

A bit too much vibrato on this one tho

[@Cursed_Baljeet]

He literally stated that there is no “best”. While it is outstanding, don’t call it the “best”. There is no “best”.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@Cursed_Baljeet >>"He literally stated that there is no “best”." He literally stated that there is no "best" literally falsely.

[@PhamNgocHai1989]

Love Sara Chang ❤❤

[@ProudBerliozian]

Vengerov’s sounds like a prayer. He has a minimalist, even dynamic in the first theme, and it works so well! Very passionate. But I’ve been a huge Chang fan ever since I was a teenager, and she never ceases to amaze me. I don’t like to watch her (she’s absolutely GORGEOUS, and I simply don’t want to be distracted by that,) so I’ll generally opt for a blind listen, but she ALWAYS plays to my taste. She has the dynamics, portamento, vibrato, and bird’s-eyed phrasing perfectly in proportion. Her musicianship is simply stylish and brilliant! About Bell: I admit I used to say and write such ‘critiques’ about him when I was younger. He really does sound so contrived and manufactured, inauthentic and belabored. However, he does have the technique and intelligence to back himself up. He knows what he’s doing and why he’s doing it, so ultimately I cannot question his performance. He may not be everyone’s taste, but he need not be; he doesn’t fill up concert halls with mannequins-they are (usually) sentient humans who appreciate his style, and who do like his playing. He’s no less a master due to his naysayers.

[@margaretavanekova4808]

at First I tought that I would like Hilary most, but Vengerov was ... wow mindblowing... so intensive and strong.. I like that very much...

[@AndySaenz924]

Sarah and Maxim are my top 2 favorites of the Sibelius violin concerto! They are amazing!

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Sarah Chang has colorless dry ugly cold violin sound! Chang never played in the big violin competitions and the reason is no prizes for Chang! Crazy world we are living when the crazy deaf people claiming colorless Chang is the greatest! Why this video headline is Sarah Chang! How low you can go Ray Chen! Come on Ray Chen you can do better tips for Sibelius violin concerto!!

[@mrsisrael6218]

Maxim, wonderful - agreed. Also, Sarah's performance is superb

[@stenquists1]

For me, I think the inspiration for the concerto is so important, where Sibelius was grieving his failed violin career. It can feel like a lot of world class artists get hung up on the fact that this is a challenging piece and thus want to play it in a more (showy?) Virtuositic way and for me Chang and Bielman and the two players that somehow capture that sense of struggle, reverence and mourning while still playing incredibly well and that is more important to me than some of the other mindblowingly technically impressive performances.

[@jsot1988]

Maybe you have heard it already but for those who haven't, there's another version of the concerto that's WAY more difficult and long brass stay blowing meanwhile the cadenzas making it a struggle for the soloist just to be heard, there's very visible the intention that Sibelius had to make it the hardest piece ever written, but he had to put the bar down a bit otherwise this piece might have fallen into oblivion. Kavakos has a great version of both!

[@stenquists1]

@@jsot1988 That's crazy, a few years back I literally listened to every single Opus Sibelius ever put out in order and thought I had heard it all, but I did not know that existed. Listening to it now.

[@lazychickenugget]

My favourite is Red Dress Hilary, and Hilary in 2010 in what I like to call the “Mermaid Dress”, performed with NZSO. I love her so much 😍

[@franciscodanieldiazgonzale2096]

Pay attention to her post-covid one. Late years she changed violin but also has a lot of new freedom. It is somewhat different now in 2023 and beyond, and not for the worst.

[@lazychickenugget]

@@franciscodanieldiazgonzale2096 i will, thx!!

[@PP-wp2bx]

Sarah's version is the staple version of this piece....coming right out of Finland's landscape.

[@Stanvansandt]

I LOVE these comparison videos, Ray! I'm always surprised by my reactions - it's usually the opposite of what I expected. Sarah Chang nailed this one for me, though Vengerov - as usual - has the most gorgeous tone IMHO. I too would love to see more with earlier generations of virtuosi included, though often you would have to settle for studio sound recordings.

[@tapiolankiira1968]

Know little to nothing about music, but boy I enjoyed how totally different emotions each performance aroused. Hilary was like telling story, almost like movie, but same time sounding like ancient common knowledge based "ritual" or something, last one almost gave migraine. Not because it would of been bad, quite contrary , it felt like ultra hifi technicolor , with so much more color and details, like Attenborough's nature documentaries, that it was just too much to try to take , all at once. I really love the world that music can open . Channels like this are really important, so I and other people can learn and continue, how to kept in touch to our inner selves

[@JD213]

Not ashamed to say that Rays version is my favourite. I actually cried watching you perform this live 🙏

[@hiendo5846]

Thank you very much for your lecture analysing the techniques behind these violinists, from a violist of the same calibre🙏 Vengerov and Chang for me. Used to love HH.

[@vvreno]

That Vengerov performance was the first time I heard the Sibelius concerto and I can't bear to stray far from it. It just sings to my soul. Another performance I really enjoy is from Augustin Hadelich. He has a beautiful touch. They are both exceptionally gifted and also play from the heart.

[@lucaspiano]

Hilary Hahn is the violin queen! To me she is a living legend. Been to her concert 3x and will do it this year again, hopefully! Her playing on the Bach's Chaconne is the most beautiful one I've ever heard.. she plays it with more feeling and slowed down the tempo which is amazing!

[@alandoan1640]

I think Ray explained why I always like Hilary’s third movements. Hilary’s just so good at maintaining clarity and an almost giddy excitement when playing quickly.

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

Chang's my favorite. Vengerov is also excellent. Hahn and Bell do not hook me.

[@MrNigelTBean]

Interpretation is everything I feel, and for me it depends on how I'm feeling at the time of listening, but also someone else' interpretation can change my mood so subtly. I like the way Sarah plays "off/with/against" the orchestra. It is a good journey. However the longer bowing of Vengerov takes it for me if I have to choose "the best".

[@singingviolin5492]

Love your “nerding out” on other violinists like this. I learned a great deal this way and agree with your assessment. Spot on on Hilary. You don’t have to play with Amazon junks anymore. Just please do more of this.

[@heyosii440]

My newest favorite Sibelius on internet is Julia Fisher with Frankfurt Symphony Orchestra. Thanks for made this video. Never heard Sarah Chang before. So thank you.

[@tweezers3802]

Sarah !!❤❤

[@tinevindfeldnielsen6685]

When Sibelius Violin Concerto is played in a certain way, it reminds me of walking in a nordic winter landscape - freezing cold yet calm and extremely beautiful. The Sarah Chang version took me by surprise, because suddenly I felt transported to east Asia or Spain, which is very far from the winter cold Oslo (Norway), where I live. For me Hillary Hahn and Vengerov in different ways got that nordic winter feel just right, so they were my favorites.

[@shantihealer]

A really superb job of comparison! All your comments are right on point and enlightening. I've always been most in love with the Sarah Chang performance. Seeing her again on this video instantly brought back the tears to my eyes. And that's what passionate music should do! The other three play well each in their own way but Sarah's the one who most engages the emotional heart of this piece and this listener.

[@Finn.285]

1:04 this is also my favourite part. I just love it. 😍 For me, that part is just pure longing and nostalgia.

[@TacticalStrike]

The Hilary Hahn red dress recording is my fav 😍

[@lazychickenugget]

Couldn’t agree more

[@deehoo40]

Also agree.

[@agatafurczyk9149]

I've already shared my opinion, on whose performance of Sibelius I like best, under your Sibelius' concerto video 😊. Sarah Chang also plays it in a way that really "attracts" my ears. I've enjoyed how you structured this video 👍. I hope, that someone, who thinks classical music performance is about making it sound exactly the same, every time & by everyone, stumbles across this video to realise they were wrong 😄 Unless you play something like "New Satiesfaction", classical performances set strong boundaries for what's acceptable, but when the artists succeed to imbue the music with their own "voice", that's what makes it special & unique 🦄 😊.

[@jasster8]

All amazing performances! I feel like Hilary’s adds an emotional depth to the piece. To me, for the piece itself, I imagine a scene of snow followed by a storm. Something like Sarah’s performance (which is flawless) perfectly sets the scene, and the focus is on the environment. Hilary’s performance adds a person to the scene, and the focus is on them and their emotions instead. Maybe going through turmoil despite the beauty, and then accepting the beauty in the storm. I love both for different reasons, but I’m drawn to Hilary’s version. From a performance perspective, the choices made and the style are like Ray says, but those choices can really add a depth to the music even if it’s not what you’d expect to hear

[@Jeff034]

These players are so awesome. ANY of them! Inspirational to keep me practicing. Thank you.

[@ideasmatter4737]

I love listening to performers who interpret music differently from others. I feel a different range of emotions and believe I came away richer for the experience!

[@aesma-daeva]

Maxim Vengrov's performance on Sibelius is unforgiving and unmatched.

[@davidoliver9886]

Thank you Ray for taking time to do a very sensitive and insightful overview of the performances of my favorite violinists. I had the privilege to listen Sarah Chang performing in Cape Town in 2015. She gave a wonderful rendition of the Sebelius violin concerto. My favorite performance of this concerto however is the one rendered by Maxim Vengerov that you used in your review. He maintains a specific tension throughout the piece. His playing is pure theater. Stay blessed.

[@aisyahazmi8835]

I donno violin, but i feel. I love vengerov n sarah chang. 2 different feelings. These 2 i can visualize the music n emotion ❤❤❤

[@Musicisforlife99]

Ya… music is about sharing not bringing down who is not really good. Every musician has their own unique way expressing themselves in music. I had learned something new whenever Ray shared the thought of different musicians how they play the piece. Thank you, Ray.

[@IvarsBezdechi]

Not because i really like you, but your online performance is my favorite especially at the end where it sounds like the soloist and orchestra is competing who can roll down a grassy hill the best, you seem to have more fun with it, especially at the point where ir is like you are swinging on a long swing and end it all on the glissando vs. playing each note (32:15 in your performance from nine years ago) I listen to whichever performance based on my mood. Your performance is when I'm alone in my bedroom in an introspective mood. You totally rock, Ray!

[@happywolfie1980]

This is great! I love such videos and this goes beyond being a mere music review. You're helping to educate us on different stylistic nuances of Music performance and it is exceptional coming from a top artist like yourself! It is unfortunately... Too short a video 😅

[@moskinner8392]

Exactly my same comments. Thank you for this, Mr. Chen, please do the same with other concertos!

[@BG-iu1ld]

He calls it nerding out on music! ❤

[@marktaylor1801]

Thank you so much, Ray. Sebelius actually wrote a personal letter to the great Ida Haendel after hearing her play his concerto. And he was so very complimentary.

[@andacomfeeuvou]

Thank you, Ray👏👏. Regarding the highlighted criticism of Joshua Bell, whenever I come across extremely negative comments about a renowned concert artist, I am convinced they come from a hater or someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about, and therefore, they’re not worth paying attention to. This concert has a magical atmosphere that allows for many different approaches and this needs to be well established with the conductor and in rehearsals with the orchestra. Well, I would also say, and this is my opinion, that there should be about 30 to 40 seconds of silence before the orchestra starts.

[@mattias5157]

This happens to be may favourite music all categories. I listened to your concert with Götborgssymfonikerna yesterday and was deeply touched by it. I really felt that you got it, and when I later read your commentary that you saw it through a lense of wintery landscapes. This is concert is all about suffering and joy and the relation between it, and you got that: You can not take any part of this concert easily. It takes an enormous humility to play, since it´s so inviting to the ego. You really have to be at service of the music playing this

[@v7951]

I love how I'm always learning new things by watching your videos! and your "showdown" videos make me discover new performances I would've never watched on my own. My favorite performance out of the four you showed was Sarah Chang, and I've never heard of her before, so thank you for always expanding my musical knowledge!!❤

[@adamdonovan5633]

FANTASTIC CONTENT, man. Big Thanks for taking us on this "tour" of musical genius. Would never have this level of appreciation without your guidance: clearly a labor of love and respect. And what a "spell" the Sebelius casts....awesome.

[@randydalton4799]

I love how you break down the different strategies of the performers playing these peaces so that even us laymen can appreciate the differences. Its subtle and most of us would not notice on our own.

[@echen1716]

I like Ray Chen’s interpretation of Sibelius the most ❤ I love his passion

[@sabrinai]

Listening to all these interpretations and how Ray reviews them just makes me love this concerto even more! Every interpretation is so unique and yet so fitting for Sibelius.

[@matheusguitarra89]

Im not a musician, and to have someone breaking down so many aspects of a performance that I would neve perceive by myself is amazing. It is like looking to something that's already amazing but with some stupidly well trained eye. Thank you for the content, and please keep doing it!

[@noahyes]

hi ray! really cool idea for a video, and i really enjoyed going on this journey with you, thanks! ive studied/performed this piece, and it is still one of my favorites to pick up now and then. you were saying all of my thoughts out loud about each player as i was thinking them, so it was fun to have that instant gratification ha. the perspective on hilary's playing is particularly insightful - she really is like a race car that is tuned for speed. i saw an interview with her some years ago where she discussed heifetz. the thing she finds so special about his playing is that even though his tempos are ridiculously fast, each note is perfectly clean and clearly articulated. so yeah, makes a lot of sense that she emulates this style in her own playing.

[@stephenbaluran3298]

The race car analogy to Hilary Hahn is very accurate. I'm not a violinist, but how well she can articulate at fast speeds is what stands out to me about her playing. "Lean and mean", as they say. Her version of the first movement is not my personal favorite, but her third is. The faster tempo just unlocks her.

[@vanessaxi9153]

Thanks Ray for creating this video, helping us understanding classical music better. And, love your performance in Shanghai earlier this year!

[@hpwratvr18]

I’ve always loved Sarah Chang’s interpretation because it’s on the more “aggressive” and intense side. And I was an angsty teenager so it really spoke to me lol.

[@lydieviolinart]

Hilary is so steady in maintening the deep expression of the phrases. All the bow is used perfecly to express the music

[@isleofdeath]

I just love Vengerov's interpretation best. Emotional and brilliant at the same time. Hillary is just smashing in her own way, perfect in technique and intonation.

[@celli_ec._.]

I love all Hilary Hahn’s interpretations of Sibelius Violin concerto ❤

[@kristingarson2413]

David Oistrakh had the definitive performance. It was stupendous! And so visceral. No one else played it like he did. That's my humble opinion.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

Indeed ‼️🎻🎶👌

[@camelot_crusader3024]

Sibelius himself agreed!

[@stevenc5826]

That's a funny spelling of Ginette Neveu. 😁 (Note that she actually beat Oistrakh at the inaugural Wieniawski competition.) That said, I think Ray's own performance is the best one since Neveu's at catching the emotional sweep of the piece. Would love to hear or see a more recent take from him than the one on KZbin though.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@stevenc5826 >>"Note that she actually beat Oistrakh at the inaugural Wieniawski competition." Yea, sure. Neveu was a better violinist than Oistrakh. (Lol)

[@MaisonIkkoku-jm4cx]

I think that Vengerov performance is the most impressive performance that a violinist has ever given in history, it was magnificent, especially because you really connect with him in your heart, it is an emotional depth unique to Vengerov ❤

[@fool3087]

YESSS I AGREE

[@moskinner8392]

I Agree with you

[@fairejuste2309]

Totally!

[@foljamb]

mr chen, this video in particular made me realize how much i'd love to hear your professional take on single older masters from the past associated with particular concertos-i'm thinking of ida haendel's sibelius (and wonderful youtube material available)--i know nothing about violin playing so shop talk is over my head, but i love hearing young experts talk about old masters...

[@elaine378]

I love Hilary’s Sibelius 🥹

[@TheEternaut]

My all-time favourite Sibelius is David Oistrakh's. But these world-class violinists (I include Ray of course) have amazing and lovely performances that are more than worthy listening.

[@floriansaurusrex]

Saw Ray play Sibelius in Edinburgh 😍 what an incredible treat it was, and what an amazingly effusive personality he has!

[@adi_demian]

Fantastic video that makes you open your mind and ears. Joshua Bell is a violinist many (me included) love to hate, but, indeed, his beginning of Sibelius is so poetic, so... "epic!" I can't help liking, admiring, responding emotionally to it. Thank you so much for these wonderful videos! ❤❤❤

[@georgehorvath8343]

These are all fine performances in their respective ways, since the concerto lends itself to a range of interpretations. Having said that, Oistrakh’s performances have a degree of sheer authority that is hard to match. I am surprised no one mentioned Victoria Mullova, winner of first prize at the 1980 Sibelius competition. She combines a rich tone and technical command with passion minus any excess theatricality. Hers are among the most satisfying interpretations I have heard.

[@eddiemerribaker]

I’d enjoy more contrast/comparison videos between old school 20th century violinists and present day. Love your passion and enthusiasm for our beloved violin!! ❤

[@luizguilherme8416]

Your sibelius violin concerto performance is my favorite piece of all time so I guess I think yours is the best :)

[@pisiculverde]

Sibelius violin concerto is my favorite, and I love it in all different performance variants. The concert offers pure joy to the hearts. Among others, some notable performances from the past are by Ginette Neveu and David Oistrakh.

[@frankiedomenico3999]

Vengerov's performance was my fav. I would also love to see a comparison between contemporary violinists and golden age violinists - Oistrack, Heifetz, Stern.

[@terminallyinquisitive1731]

Really interesting comparison...personally I like the Chang and Vengerov - more passion. But my favourite performance of this concerto is Kyung Wha Chung (LSO, Andre Previn) but I guess there isn’t video of her performing it

[@kj62431]

I like Bell and Vengerov's beginning with lesser vibrato because it seems icier to me. Hahn is amazing on those quick passages and if you listen to the 3rd movement of Sibelius, she is amazing. However I love Vengerov's 3rd movement because he has articulations that no on else does. Note the part in the 3rd movement where the harmonics are played. They are all amazing and I'm sure it depends on the performance, whether you're there in person, and how they feel the music on that day. That's what makes music so rich.

[@rikspector]

Ray, You point out the personal differences between all the great Artist ,it make me a better listener, thank you

[@kelly3225]

Always my favorite version is Sarah Chang❤ for Sibelius

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Sarah Chang has thin colorless dry cold violin sound like Black and White tv picture! Chang never played in the big violin competitions and the reason is no prizes for Chang! Hilary Hahn never played in the big violin competitions and the reason is no prizes for Hahn! Hahn has thin colorless violin sound like Black ink painter! Ann Sophie Mutter is so restless and out of rhythmic balance all the time! Mutter is famous only because Karajan was her friend? Mutter never played in the big violin competitions and the reason is no prizes for Mutter! No other areas like Nobel prizes or chess or Mathematics or tennis you see south Korean USA women is the greatest! Classical music is so sick business! Crazy world we are living when the crazy deaf people claiming weak colorless dry cold violin sound like Black and White tv picture Chang world ranking 1500th in history of violin playing is the greatest! Same lie probaganda here in Finland Kaija Saarisho is the greatest composer! Poor Gramophone says too Kaija Saariaho is the greatest composer ever! Sick times we are living!!

[@claraflecksteiner6667]

Un des plus talentueux violoniste que je puisse connaître et un des plus humble. 🤩 Bonne année 2024 encore !

[@Chamtechie]

The only Sibelius performance I've attended live was Augustin Hadelich and the Philadelphia Orchestra. His approach is so different from anyone else, such a clear and airy sound using so much bow it almost sounds more like woodwind instrument. Hearing HIlary play it is on my bucket list though, I love her performances of it.

[@Applebutter52]

I love Ray and this channel but more than anything since I was a kid Hilary Hahn has been my violinist. I love how Ray almost always disagrees with her on interpretation (which I'm still partial to) but still pays her respect for her supreme clarity and technique. I will never get bored of hearing the titans playing the great pieces, thanks Ray for saying it so well at the end. And include yourself in these videos please I want to hear you break down your own interpretations so bad!

[@vindknt]

Something I learned with jazz was playing around with playing both behind and in front of the beat. Playing behind the beat helps with giving off a layed back and or soothing feel, almost hypnotic at times; while playing ahead makes it quite unnerving and urgent feeling. Worth messing around with from time to time.

[@shihjehwu4193]

The most impressive and Authentical performance of this concerto is from King David to me. Oistrakh brought the brusque, piercingly chill to the bones of the listeners but also with abounding tender feeling in the center movement. His bowing is totally of male heroism. Hilary Jane caught up up with him at the fast passages. Bravo!!

[@myrtillegrandesoreilles8275]

13:50 your double stops give me life

[@Orson2u]

Many thanks, Ray - for sharing your total enthusiasm for your art and giving mere mortals the best in edutainment!

[@Andorus17]

I’d love to hear your thoughts, or at least a similar analysis from somebody, on the 3rd movement. Sarah Chang reigns supreme for me on the whole piece, while Hilary Hahn’s interpretation is really hard for me to listen to precisely because of her (as you perfectly described it!) syrupy, connected, precise style. It’s just such a mismatch for this piece, but perfect for others (like, say, the Barber). Thanks for this!

[@jenvogue5005]

So agree