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

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Sarah Chang or Hilary Hahn - who's style do you prefer when it comes to the Sibelius Violin Concerto? What about Joshua Bell? Or do you prefer Maxim Vengerov’s smooth legato lines?
Let me know if there are other performance versions of Sibelius you love in the comments below.
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Joshua Bell
2:03 - Negative comments
3:49 - Sarah Chang
7:00 - Hilary Hahn
10:55 - Maxim 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

[@termin29671]

Vengerov doesn't even need a first name

[@StrawberryxPearl]

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

[@malikghoubije3364]

I thousand percent agree...vengerov is god

[@dieterjones2563]

Hilary doesn’t need a surname 😉

[@stellafokas12]

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

[@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!!

[@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

[@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!!

[@user-ck4yk4rt2p]

​@@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@TacticalStrike]

The Hilary Hahn red dress recording is my fav 😍

[@chia_s_ee_d]

Couldn’t agree more

[@davidhoggan5376]

Also agree.

[@SergioSanchez-zg9jw]

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

[@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 👍🏼

[@LordAsturgis]

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

[@musicforlife5465]

happy new year

[@user-ll6se8kv9i]

“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!

[@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.

[@late8641]

As a Finn, I think to play Sibelius well, you have to get into the Finnish state of mind. It's a serene and stoic concerto, and it can't be played in an overly romantic style like Tchaikovsky. It requires a held back interpretation. I've heard so many interpretations that are too agressive, too romantic and use too much vibrato. It completely shatters the fragile vail of serenity surrounding the piece.

[@alexsaldarriaga8318]

Love your comment. Very insightful and helpful. Thank you! 🙏🏻🎻

[@meganwong9508]

Is there an interpretation out there that you are quite fond of? Just curious because I would love to get a sense of what you're speaking about and compare performances. Thanks!

[@late8641]

@@meganwong9508 I think Maxim Vengerov's interpretation is one of the best and it's the one I listen to the most, but I think Pekka Kuusisto's interpretation from the Sibelius Violin Competition is my favorite. Not a surprise that a Finnish soloist with a Finnish orchestra does the best job at interpreting a Finnish composer. Or maybe I'm just biased. But generally it feels like only Finns and Russians understand Finnish music. I hate to say it but I don't really like Ray Chen's versions. 😂

[@katherinepettus5132]

Absolutely!

[@franciscodanieldiazgonzale2096]

There is a recording by a young Salonen that I wonder if it matches better with your views.

[@kxkx8243]

Sarah Chang is the best

[@honeyfarmer0]

Sarah Chang so beautiful sound...

[@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.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

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.

[@chia_s_ee_d]

@@franciscodanieldiazgonzale2096 i will, thx!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kch2371]

To be honest, Sarah is the best at this concerto. At least she's the best performer in romantic composer

[@jenvogue5005]

Of the ones that are mentioned here, Sarah Chang is number one. Hahn just doesnt have what it takes to play Sibelius. Talking about the second theme... the best recording is Kyungwha Chung. Nobody can play that part like her.

[@trustworthyme1]

I totally agree with you

[@jenvogue5005]

@@trustworthyme1 I'm so glad someone else recognizes it!!!

[@AndySaenz924]

Ray is one of the world’s best violinists! He should have included himself in this pantheon of legendary Sibelius performances!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@PP-wp2bx]

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

[@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)

[@dasportsfan2122]

My favourite Sibelius is either Vengerov or Hadelich

[@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.

[@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

[@11kwright]

Tbh I think most people would get a fulfilling feeling definitely with Chang and then Hahn and Vengerov following but Bell left me somewhat frustrated wanting more deeper feeling. However, straightaway Chang had everything of all three and more in my opinion.

[@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.

[@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! ❤

[@PhamNgocHai1989]

Love Sara Chang ❤❤

[@JD213]

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

[@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.

[@davidteitelbaum7335]

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.

[@elliechoi._.]

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

[@Cephiraxite]

Please check out Yoon's performance, it had been one of the most distinct performances I've heard of Sibelius

[@sumimimi0]

I agree with you! One of my favorite renditions

[@Coolguy-ge3qx]

Maxim Vengerov with cond. Ricardo Chailly at Carnegie Hall in 1998 was absolutely perfect as for Sibelius Violin Concerto performance. His Stradivari as well.

[@lighthouse66]

It is truly interesting how differently people will judge these performances. Being a non-violinist but living in northern Scandinavia, Sibelius’ violin concerto has always felt like being “part of my blood stream”. Of these four, Vengorov is the closest to my soul, with Hahn coming in 2nd (smile or no smile, haha).

[@ninnusridhar]

If I'm not mistaken vengerov went from this insane rendition of Sibelius to that ludicrous ysaye encore. It was my introduction to Sibelius and ive loved the piece ever since

[@Visitkarte]

Hillary Hahn is playing the strings of my heart- she is making me almost cry. Beautiful.

[@corgansow6173]

Most of y'all never heard of Christian Ferras. Listen to his Sibelius and give it a try

[@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!!

[@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 🦄 😊.

[@giraffecolor5681]

love this kind of video!! thanks for the analysis!

[@Anil18834]

Happy new year! ❤ 🎶 Thank you for this lovely gift.

[@nadinefamille3855]

I love this video! Thanks Ray! And a happy new year to all.

[@echen1716]

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

[@teresavicario5848]

They are all wonderful!!!

[@jet3xi]

Should also have added Lisa Batiashvili and Nigel Kennedy's versions.

[@jaster8857]

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

[@jenniferleemyers8104]

Awesome thank you for unpacking each soloist loved it.

[@ffsrsw]

Thank you Ray for this outstanding content!

[@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.

[@harukashen4285]

Love this series! Can’t wait to see the next episode!

[@marcuscotton5042]

Thank you for being such a great inspiration! I love these videos.

[@jacqueswoodcock2982]

Ray, I’m really enjoying these analysis videos and they are by far my favorite content you’re producing. 😊 Thank you!

[@verdeo4046]

This is so precious! Thank you for sharing this. It will definitely help broaden my horizons of enjoying classical music.

[@frankgustafson1905]

Love the video's you post Ray. So much musical information that one can't help but learn something new in every post. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year!!

[@vig_gy]

This is the content I never knew I needed. Amazing

[@philostreet781]

Love it Ray! When you explain, you are making demonstrating it ❤

[@Yume-Hanabi]

I love those comparison videos, your analysis is always so interesting, and I really love your positivity❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@nhj7534]

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

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Thanks Ray wonderful insight into high level performance

[@Orson2u]

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

[@Highlander515]

Thanks Ray for the detailed explanations of the various interpretations and gestures. I would not have picked up on any of them myself. Very insightful video, please keep them coming!

[@vulpes9932]

More content like this, please. Fantastic and highly educational!

[@Christian.L.Rodgers]

Really crushed that segway into your Tonic plug, well done.

[@markkeller9378]

I really like hearing the explanation of the different styles and versions. They all sounded great….very educational!

[@aquamarine9568]

This was so interesting. I also think we should all listen to many interpretations of pieces. There is so much out there to learn from others. Thanks Ray.

[@paulabennett7513]

😊you always play with the most beautiful harmony and perfection..

[@kelleyforeman]

This was a lot of fun to watch! Thankfully, I don't have to pick a favorite--I can love them all!

[@Chris-gg9mq]

Thank you Ray! Love such kind of comparative reviews! Especially this is my fav concerto! U inspire us of how to understand different interpretations, some details we may not have noticed before. ❤👍

[@micahmilton1101]

Please do a comparison of several violinists (including Hillary hahn, and perhaps yourself 😉) playing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto!

[@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!!❤

[@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.

[@mehraneahmadi645]

I love these kind of videos... it helps with my listening and it's fun thank you Ray 🤝 I wish we can get a complete analysis of a whole performance [ I'm not sure I said it right 🧐] Btw HAPPY NEW YEAR Ray 🎉 wish you the best ✨🙌 love you 🤎🎻

[@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.

[@happyyas3293]

Thank you a million

[@Xingqiwu387]

They're all WONDERFUL! I could listen to them over and over, and Ray's interpretation too :) !

[@cooperandpeterbagpipes4109]

This is awesome! Makes world-class playing accessible to beginners/mortals.

[@emilyzhang3959]

rayray happy new year!!!so happy to watch this video while im reviewing for the exam 2 days later hhhh

[@luizguilherme8416]

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

[@ahmadsahyouni8301]

I've listened to all of the mentioned musicians before this video to see the difference but i always come back to your version. the sound you produce in the second theme always gives me the chills

[@ArchangelLBC]

Ironically the first time I heard this live was your rendition with the Baltimore Symphony! Love these insights into these interpretations!

[@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.

[@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!