Schubert: Song "Du bist die Ruh” (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

For more classes like this one, please visit the Benjamin Zander Center - www.benjaminzander.org/
Abigail Lee, soprano and Yuan Wang, piano
Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
with Benjamin Zander
Dave Jamrog Audio/Video

[@claudiadalchow]

One can speak about talent, experience, technique and craftsmanship. Yet, what is even more present in this room is grace, humor, love and magic... What a life-changing experience, even watching it on KZbin. Love precious humanity. ♥

[@tsecphk]

What a precious gift from God that these students can attend a life changing class like no other classes.

[@frogmouth]

Lovely teacher. He explains what he wants well and immediately recognises and acknowledges improvement immediately. He enjoys his role and converts that to the pupil

[@shupingwang3392]

Benjamin Zander : outstanding teacher, excellent conductor, first rate communicator, intelligent, witty and musical person.

[@florencioq]

Mr. Zender made the lady sing with more emotion. Beautiful.

[@EudoraPrice]

@@florencioq Yes! Beautiful ♥️

[@savioalves1234]

Good to see a masterclass of a student that is not almost in a opera super star level, singing a ultra hard aria... This is trully helpfull... (Like Deby Voight once said in "Linving The Classical life": "Everyone whant's to do Norma, no one whant's to learn 24 italian songs and arias"). We need this kind of masterclass in here.

[@brendant19]

Honestly, I don't think this singer is at a level where interpretation is a huge concern. I was actually hoping to see what Zander might have to say re: interpretation with singing, but I don't think this singer is strong enough to make a lot of meaningful interpretive adjustments beyond tempo and minor phrasing changes. I think interpretation matters a great deal, but only if you have already nailed the technical aspects of a piece. I don't think this vocalist is at that stage yet. That's not to say Zander didn't help her improve, but there were a lot of technique issues that also need to be addressed above and beyond interpretation.

[@VMRVid]

“I’d be in Vienna.” That’s my new motto for when I’m too hard on myself and get down in my feelings.

[@walterjoosten5750]

This brought tears to my eyes. Schubert combined huge sadness with huge beauty. Benjamin Zander teaches these young women how to bring these extreme feelings into their performance. Wonderful.

[@antoinegaillard9440]

I love the singer, she seems so happy, she makes me smile :)

[@wellspringer]

Such a pleasure to watch how Benjamin Zander works with these musicians to bring out the life and passion of the song! I once worked on this song, in voice lessons. Initially, I had no understanding of the German, but could feel the great longing in the piece. I asked my teacher for the translation, which was very close to what the singer and Zander said. However, my interpretation of Du list die Ruh is that it is a prayer, reaching out (as he says) from the bottom of one's soul, but to the Divine. The song is never far from me.

[@olga8303]

I've been involved in music for many years now, but it's still extraordinary to me, how this man has such a deep understanding of the music score and music in general, and how well he transmits that knowledge to these people. It takes ages of practice, studying, listening and maturing in order to collect all this knowledge and it is truly admirable to watch him unravel his wisdom. Wish I were in their place!

[@1000pollak]

John Carol Case taught like this, individually and in master classes. Zander is fantastic, and John was in the same league. I know, because he was my teacher ❤

[@remasopoaga278]

This was the first time I ever heard this song, and when she sang the part he asked to sing with pianissimo, it moved me so much, tears rolled down my face. I then searched the song to see if the professionals could move me and only one came close, but only close to potraying that same emotion. Benjamin Zander is so amazing! Bravo!

[@goodgoyim9459]

its actually a really bad performance.

[@MusicaAngela]

"It has nothing to do with piano technique, it has to do with wanting it enough"❤️

[@mcmedia7303]

I love every episode ... it has an addictive effect on me.. through his teaching I learn a lot about classical music though I am not a musician

[@docktornjathika3773]

He had me at "one buttock playing "😂😂😂 musical genius

[@caltamino]

You can see it in the audience as well. They got the magic.

[@VMRVid]

The accompanist was like “great. Now I’m getting a lesson” 😂😂 but he right tho, the piano is important

[@miwir1248]

Victoria To her credit, she understood what he wanted and adapted right away!

[@xaviermarican4557]

The importance of accompaniment is often understated! Minako Sugawa does an excellent job playing piano with Nobuya Sugawa, the saxophonist, and how seriously she takes that music can bring the performance to a whole new level. Same goes for Arno Bornkaamp and Ivo Janssen

[@beimilyvan]

OMG every class is a treasure!! Blessings Prof. Benjamin Zander!!!!!

[@beimilyvan]

Professor Benjamin Zander is a Genius! We can see how started and how ended this Masterclass!

[@miwir1248]

What a marvelous teacher....and receptive students too! We all learned something from this video!

[@blackpoolram]

Wie immer, der Meister betont die Leidenschaft! I'm impressed.

[@babynature3]

Love his lesson so much!!!

[@priyankachoudhury2965]

Lyrics and the translation: Du bist die Ruh, Der Friede mild, Die Sehnsucht du, Und was sie stillt. Ich weihe dir [Voll]1 Lust und Schmerz Zur Wohnung hier Mein Aug' und Herz. Kehr' [ein bei mir]2, Und schließe du Still hinter dir Die Pforten zu. Treib andern Schmerz Aus dieser Brust. Voll sey dies Herz [Von]3 deiner Lust. Dies Augenzelt Von deinem Glanz Allein erhellt, O füll' es ganz. Translation: You are the peace that mild peace. You are the longing and what stills it. I consecrate to you (declare;sanctify) Full of pleasure and pain as a dwelling place my eyes and my heart Come in to me and close you Softly behind you the gates too. Drive all other pains out of this breast. May my heart be Full with your pleasure. The tabernacle(temple) in my eyes by your radiance alone is illumined: O, fill it completely!

[@ciaraferry2289]

Wow. I love Zanders videos so much, so beautiful. The lyrics of the song are very interesting - the English translation speaks to me immediately of the Eucharist, of Jesus really present. The moment when you stumble into a Church and see the little red light which designates the presence of the Prince of Peace - thats what this piece says to me. I've no idea if Schubert was even Catholic but this is gorgeous.

[@siramadist]

I love this song!...and the teacher too!... thanks a lot... regards from Chile.

[@brittanyww617]

This is such a gorgeous masterclass.

[@FranzFischerSDG]

When the one of the greatest tenors ever lived Frederick Jagel was the chairman of the Voice Department at NEC in the 60', he often turned away for few moments from student after hearing and even sometimes singing together with student saying "isn't Schubert wonderful" in tears instead of praising the student.

[@kingamitrowska]

Amazing masterclass , love the passion and musicality of the teacher. To work with such a musician ❤️

[@jrk9357]

Wonderful masterclass

[@caltamino]

Just one more comment, to Albert. This music, as all music must be listened to with your heart. What Zander does with this young singer, I repeat is extraordinary, and should bring tears to your eyes if you listen to it with your heart.

[@Davdiwl]

It was really nice having you (Zander) do these demos as well ... it really helps hear your intent ... please keep doing it - it is really helpful! Once again, thank you so much for such amazing material!

[@SingingblissofRajat]

Most blissful voice ♥

[@EudoraPrice]

Beautiful Amazing Song Lovely Voice Amazing Teacher for Singer and Pianist ❤🌺🎵

[@laurab1057]

amazing song. and what a difference in her singing by the end. wow! beautiful voice!

[@tatevikkocharyan6026]

she is so beautiful and tender and sincere

[@stevenhaff3332]

I think he created a wonderful way to make musical points for the singer to consider was in his concentration on the piano part and the necessary elements the pianist needs to make evident. She could rethink how she approaches the piece.

[@user-dc2ze7xh2h]

She's so cute and beautiful. Thanks for great lesson and amazing voice

[@caltamino]

This is an extraordinary video that produces a transformation which is pure magic in half an hour.

[@maiarho]

No. The German is too bad.

[@maxl229]

Its not about the German here. You cannot learn German pronunciation in half an hour. It is about the music behind, and there, the two of them are transformed completely.

[@semme01]

its just we as an audience who are transformed, not the singers. maybe the singers are, but they still cannot deliver it to us. its just us that hear that beautiful music 30 times in a row without being forced to do it, which delivers us. Its not the singer, its him talking that gives us the subtext of how we should feel it. its him playing it non square and in 1 that does deliver us. her german is not bad. its just the U vowels that are not closed enough. there are many german singers, who cannot pronounce it better. Her problem is, that she is not singig with her actual voice. her speaking voice is rich. her singing voice is a cloud. she doesnt use her voice at all. she is singing with 5% capability. I dont know if she is just afraid she is gonna destroy it. I hope she finds a teacher who gives her some confidence.

[@alexfonvereshchak]

Benjamin Zander is a great professional. Thanks him a lot for his work) He just told all what this kind of couch have to.

[@RochestersGotTalentbyPaulRefic]

total package just beautiful

[@caracarissima5808]

Thank you so much, it really helps to study my music. Regards.

[@divamieleamore]

The lyrics are based on a Hafiz poem, a Sufi poet who learned from Rumi. It is about our relationship with a supreme being.

[@francesfree]

a lesson about love, as well as music...

[@callistrate1]

What an amazing professor. He would make stones sing. How wonderfully he gives all his time and knowledge and wit (excuse for my frenchie english).

[@autumn.fireliliy]

Bethany- I dedicate this masterclass to you if you ever see this comment! Thanks so much for uploading this video! Really great!

[@VMRVid]

The first time she sang it it sounded like someone singing while cleaning their house like Cinderella. Like someone thinking about their lover but their lover not actually being there.

[@valkhorn]

This is a very interesting interpretation. I heard this at a memorial concert and thought it was about grief and loss, then read the translation and thought that it was about that even more so. I suppose on a more generalized level it could be between two living people, or one living, and one dead.

[@ausbavaria5661]

Dieses Mädchen hat eine sehr schöne Stimme. Die Tiefgründigkeit von Rückert's Liebesgedicht wurde vom 26-jährigen Schubert so sehnsuchtsvoll komponiert, dass es fast weh tut. Dieses junge Mädchen ist der Tiefe einer Empfindung zu einem anderen Menschen in Rückerts Sichtweise sicher noch nicht begegnet - das muss kein Nachteil sein, denn ihr blieb dann auch der Schmerz der Trennung erspart ("treib andern Schmerz aus dieser Brust"). Schumann z.B. ist möglicherweise vor lauter Liebe zu Clara verrückt geworden. Auch ist bei 'modernen' Menschen mit Hang zum Partnerwechsel die dritte Strophe wohl kaum zu verstehen (warum sollen "hinter Dir die Pforten zugeschlossen" werden, wenn sich was "Beseres" anbietet, z.B. in der Besenkammer?). Ich vermute, dass Barbara Becker dieses Lied versteht, Boris Becker sicher nicht! Ich halte die Asiaten mit ihrer ausgeprägteren Bindungsfähigkeit für geeigneter, diesem Lied den nötigen Ausdruck zu verleihen, wie z.B. Sumi Jo, deren Beziehungen mir allerdings ruhig verborgen bleiben dürfen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYHEnYuto96Xd9E

[@resons]

magic

[@kunzklingsor9156]

Although no Dame Janet Baker yet, I liked it much..... Applause please !!!

[@user-mr9ge1fs3b]

Lachen und Weinen?

[@virajdeorukhkar6847]

Wow! I love how he transformed the song! However I think that he made the tempo a bit too quick... I am doing this in my grade 8 soon and Benjamin Zander's insight has been vital for my exam next week thanks!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@frogmouth]

He made the tempo faster to accommodate the singer who. has not yet got the breath control for a slower tempo.

[@maxikahnorto3715]

Erfurt is not a little town for a german citizen:D it has over 200.000 inhabitants and is the capital city of Thüringen (Bundesland in germany) but anyways when is Mr. Zander in germany ? Haha

[@ansalee4948]

Thats Not True. Erfurt is small.

[@maxikahnorto3715]

@@ansalee4948 yeah kind of. Anyways its a heavily beautiful city

[@inpyohong7787]

소리가 참 예쁜데 긴장한 모습이 보이네요. ^^

[@LanceClark]

Could someone please help me: what does "one in a bar" mean?

[@LanceClark]

@Jacob Duffy awesome. thank you!

[@deraoffokaja1172]

beautiful. please what is the singer's name

[@nvidencia536]

Dera Offokaja, her name is Abigail Lee, it's written in the description ;)

[@Elpaso555]

I like her lovely angel voice .. a bit shy in her expressions because of Chinese culture I guess

[@manonclaudia]

From her name most probably Korean

[@Choral-Tenor]

I wonder why the previous one (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJDIcmpnrMR-fZI ) is “unlisted”.

[@iamashleyiam]

Where is Lachen Und Weinen?

[@katshepherd6855]

that is exactly what im asking !!!!!!

[@seungjongroh4617]

Most singers of today tend to sing this song very slow and 3/4. Some sound like a funeral song. However this song is purely lyrical song set to Rueckert and time is 3/8, tempo, largehtto. Mr. Zander certainly knows this one beat movement, but kept saying faster. This can confuse performers about the tempo. As we know tempo is Larghetto, I think Mr Zander should not use 'fast', but rather, he must pursuade performers what 3/8 time requires. Another matter is on dynamics and expression where crescendo and forte occur. Mr. Zander looks as if he demands a passionate feeing , but they are not forzando or forte with accent. I believe Mr. Zander asking performers too much of dynamics and passion. This song sounds like a love poetry, but it is closer to a devotional song.

[@caltamino]

If you don't see the magic, there is something seriously wrong with you. The German may be too bad, but she is not German, so maybe you should try giving her a break, and concentrate on the music. Zander's German is of course perfect, since I believe he was born in Austria.

[@Francescomedardo]

He is born in Buckinghamshire, south england.

[@frogmouth]

O for Pete's sake. He admitted the sounds in German are very different. It takes a lot of practice. I spent an hour in the language lab for every hour I spent in tutorials and lectures to get rid of my Aussie accent . It took two years of solid effort and I can still get sprung by native speakers. But usually am suspected occasionally for being Dutch

[@patrick6110]

The master also teaches German. See how the singer improves tremendously and Zander is not even a voice coach.

[@eldarsadykov]

All romantic music is in zero!)

[@eunicetan7671]

Kko

[@nyadet212]

Malaysia? And chinese? lets ignore that little micro aggression... second hand embarrassment 👌🏿

[@blauauge2]

Very , very bad pronunciation

[@ragnarkisten]

OMG he touches her back! This is what #metoo is all about!

[@wilwynn]

We are so sexualized that we do not understand kindness and love. Therefore, we are not able to extend them, let alone understand them. That concern trivializes what has to be a transcendental, sublime moment for any musician. It was for me, and I'm only watching. We all should have access to a generous mentor and teacher in our lives. I never did, until now, at least vicariously.

[@Ethan-mv2un]

@ragnarkisten Are you for real? I feel sorry for the lack of affection and fellow feeling in your pitiful excuse of an existence.

[@frogmouth]

I don't think so. He is on task not suggestive

[@eddiereece5050]

Yes, he TOUCHES her back. He's not stroking or rubbing her back or being creepy. SHEESH.

[@rudolfhitler5165]

Benjamin zander is just a mediocre! Nothing special