The Impossible Duet: Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia for Cello and Violin

[@shadinio]

OK, who else thinks we need an HD remake of this amazing performance? let's get Wells's attention!

[@marloekyrilmaruyama133]

REMAKEEE!!!

[@blacat2168]

It is already perfect. It's so beautiful. :D

[@violahero4life]

We still need it!!!

[@rosysh.131]

No need, it's already perfect!

[@OurCelestialAnatomy]

I’ve been coming back to this rendition of this piece for years to give an example of impeccable playing

[@heartsXkisses24]

"In case you were wondering, I couldn't find a violinist to play with ,so I just decided to learn the violin part myself." ... Well, okay then... Hmm, no words really, just.. Amazing.

[@lavimier]

Haha XD

[@shawncooper7809]

Thanks for preserving this statement for posterity.

[@davidmehnert6206]

« And it came to Passacaglia ... » I played the violin before the cello, but this is the only way I can position my hands now, and bow effectively ... I’m not alone in this? Or in thinking this the best verse in ... Where did I read it, agin agin?

[@mytemporallobeisshapedlike1796]

Fine, I like playing with myself

[@Kronikman07]

I knew I wasn't trippin when I read that years ago. Wonder why he deleted it from the description.

[@dubem6671]

Til this day this remains one of the best KZbin videos ever

[@isaiasdelatorre5911]

Still listen to this in 2024

[@Blodreina044]

Same, for over a decade I've been coming back to this video.

[@cheyennepearson8226]

I've watched this video a good 15 times, and just noticed that they're both him.

[@BH1827]

Hahahahaha I just noticed the same thing!!!

[@ljs8824]

it has been at least 10 years I've repeatedly gone back to this video and now I know. that takes a little bit of the fun out of the "impossibility" but it's still one of the my favorite videos

[@anagorbe]

Me too!!

[@reem9652]

Hahaha you made me notice

[@HipposHateWater]

I never really understood how or why, but my Mom always hated when I would listen to this song without headphones. I guess it was just too hot to Handel.

[@cynthiab4346]

Your mom will probably say this to you," Go Bach into your room and clean that mess!"

[@HipposHateWater]

She liked to stubbornly complain Vivaldi effort she could muster :p

[@janamorse8188]

HipposHateWater Moz artists have similar complaints, but you can't Tellemann what to do with his life. Does she expect you to go into Haydn?

[@jordanwilliams8994]

Jana Morse This is a Verdi-able treasure trove of humorous support.

[@HipposHateWater]

Jordan Williams Agreed~ I'm glad this thread is finally Bach in action.

[@beebumble3248]

8 years later... Still one of the best things on youtube!

[@Jimi_7-7-7]

I’m listening to it since almost 10 years… not every day of course… but from time to time, I came back to enjoy this wonderful masterpiece 🙏💯

[@DavesGames1]

i get the impression that this man learned to play the cello before he picked up a violin. I'm not sure what gives me that impression though.

[@after_its_gone]

Its a mystery!

[@theITproductions1]

That is the best comment, made me laugh!

[@vincentengelbrecht2093]

Dave'sGames is it because the cello is between his knees? The violin seems about right, way too small to put on your shoulder

[@clercflorian4637]

+Dave'sGames I think he learned the viol / Viola da gamba / Viole de Gambe , because it's the same ways to hold and to play.

[@georgebuss2092]

+Dave'sGames He would've probably learnt violin first. The transition from violin to cello is immensely easier than cello to violin.

[@jdelombaerde]

Now THAT's how a cellist brilliantly trolls a violinist! XD

[@gliderfs621]

+Jérémy de Lombaerde Totaly agree/ complètement d'accord !

[@RaveNinja1401]

since the violoncello da spalla is a thing, it can be done the other way around.

[@davidmehnert6206]

de gamba 🍤 baby

[@davidmehnert6206]

Это «креветка» по-испански, Дик и Влад ... Какие...? Вы думаете, я бы не сказал? Ты сумасшедший. паэлья - традиционная еда в Мексике ... Не говори Дональду Трампу! Черт возьми его парик!

[@davidmehnert6206]

Después de todo... A Donald Trump solo se le dijo que era la ESTRELLA de «El Aprendiz» ... No leyó el libro de Lewis Libby, para descubrir que era el enano medio ruso, preparado para entretener a la multitud y enfrentarse al equipo detrás del escenario ... ¿Él hizo? ¿Alguien le leyó el libro? Por supuesto no. Ese era el arte en el trato. El hombre no ha leído una novela desde la «Insignia roja del coraje» de Crane. Todos saben eso. ESSO so so so .... just so ... slow ...

[@jackd5525]

I remember stumbling on this over a decade ago, back when I was a kid, and being absolutely blown away by your technique and interpretation. I showed this video to anyone who would listen. You, sir, are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. Please continue.

[@702jake]

The Passacaglia has alway reminded me of a marriage. The way that it starts in beautiful harmony, then becomes fast paste almost as if both instruments are trying to b hard. Then somehow they fine that they have to let eachother take the melody in their own way, and then they make there way through different trialsto end embracing eachother.

[@MrIbgrant]

+jake montgomery Your message is lost in the appalling spelling, Jake.

[@alandeutsch7769]

the ending is the divorce but relief in knowing it was for the best

[@DG123z]

That guy's cello is really small.

[@JakeRoyceJoyce]

Sorry to say, but that's a violin, I do hope ur trolling.

[@JakeRoyceJoyce]

Damn right!

[@andreafiorito9491]

The cello's guy is really small.

[@adamdonahue2079]

David Gaudette The guy on the left, right?

[@yeshoua7777]

Hahaha ! Best comment

[@eschelar]

lol. The irony is that him playing the violin in that position is *by far* the least remarkable thing about this video. *Phenomenal* control over every aspect of performance technique both with the violin and the cello. This extends equally well to his recording and audio capture technique. I don't know if this is his house, but it looks like this is his own studio setup. Pure excellence! At 5:40 watch out! BOOM goes that dynamite!

[@wingsandash]

So well written. Thank you.

[@thunderswrath8151]

I play the violin that way because it's easier for me. It's easier than hold the violin up.

[@chas5131]

I am learning to play the violin between my knees because my shoulder have been shredded too many times.

[@brainwasher9876]

I disagree. A vast majority of classically trained violinists would find it difficult to get a good tone out of their instruments by holding it in such an unorthodox manner. The performance was excellent but it's not out of the realm of impossibility for most violinists and cellists who have a decade or two of experience under their belts, and good recording equipment isn't THAT hard to come by.

[@eschelar]

Yeah, that's kind of my point. A decade or two of experience under their belts is nothing at all to sneeze at. Over the past 40 years, I've put something like 2 years into playing the cello. So many people start things and never take them to a significant level of competence (I would not classify myself as competent with a cello, certainly way below the ability to do this). Now you might argue that this is his job, but I think that's the wrong way round... This guy has put massive personal effort and persistence into learning to play strings and as a result, has created enough value to eke a living from it. And as to quality audio, I've seen dozens, if not hundreds of skilled performers whose work is mangled by bad audio even by professional recording companies. And oh so very very many on youtube whose work is just atrocious for audio quality. Those few who take it seriously are just that. Few. And I'm grateful.

[@KaraHill9857]

I have loved this video for almost a decade now and will literally cry if it ever disappears. This is my favorite version of this piece ever. Hands down.

[@he4rt5]

SAME i still have a comment on here from twelve years ago this is the version i always come back to (saw twoset perform this live today with two violins, and it made me want to relisten with violin and cello😅)

[@xOALtoFrEak900Ox]

The little slow melody at 2:30 always gets me. So peaceful and beautiful.

[@qte5530]

Dude

[@AlexRiversMusic]

David Cipriano Agreed

[@grantlee5920]

Same! I also love the part at 2:02. That part is one of my favorites too. The harmony with the cello sound and the violin sound go so well with each other!

[@mrrolandmusashi]

I didn't know that Tom Cruise is such great player.

[@borisc6714]

Well, this could be done... to enhance Tom Cruise aura... Wells Cunningham is WAY more talented then Tom Cruise and WAY better looking also...

[@janiscortese]

I've got a 16" viola that's too heavy for me, and this gives me ideas. :-)

[@nataly2002gg]

hahahaah i have one 15'5 and i think the same xd

[@carlojonson9695]

This is probably one of the best of not THE BEST recording of this piece I've found. Forget the fact he's playing the violin like a cello. (Awesome, BTW.) I play this song so many times over, 500 views are easily mine. UPDATE: I also just found the violin/cello duet sheet music for this WITH piano arrangement. SCORE.

[@timothychang34]

+Carlo “CJ” Jonson Anyway you could share with me? Is it online?

[@TheFallingFlamingo]

damn if you have that link you should share it! my fingers is itching to try it out

[@detectivejonesw]

Link the music???? Pleeeaseee 💓

[@blacat2168]

Pleeaase I NEED to have it :/

[@redeyedfreaks]

Link would be awesome

[@leog.9948]

Watched this over and over and over and over in 2009. And still do now in 2022. SO MUCH TALENT.

[@HarrisonFeng]

WTF even is this? The violin player is still better than 99% of the people in our school.

[@Drdrdrdrdrdrdr]

the violin player is better than me (obv)...this is amazing

[@luispersaud6744]

That's why he's holding it like a cello so he could play it without having to fully adjust to violin >.>

[@PokeShadow77]

You guys also do realize that he's an adult, and not a student in school, yes?

[@HarrisonFeng]

PokeShadow77 You realize that I was assuming that the violin position was a handicap, yes?

[@KrunkCobain]

I don't go to school with you... Or was this comment ment for a group of students you go to school with?

[@gorillasblue]

I first saw this video when I was in middle school. Since then, I’ve graduated college and now work full-time. It’s great to come back to my favorite recording of this piece. Bravo!

[@HaykAmirbekyanTKD]

God damn that progression! So good. The most dynamic piece I've ever heard.

[@GreatToastMigration]

Last year during my Senior year of high school I would always listen to this during my drafting class. Now I'm listening to this awhile doing my online Microeconomics test. It is very relaxing.

[@GreatToastMigration]

+GreatToastMigration And now I'm listening to it awhile typing G Code.

[@prodgmi6943]

11 years later Im still listening. Extraordinary

[@comcube13]

My name is Brian Adams and I am a cellist. My friend David Stroup Jr. (a violinist) and I stumbled across this fine work of art a few days ago. We are freshmen in high school. We decided to start learning this now and play it for solo and ensemble senior year. Thank you for your inspiration. Wish us luck.

[@oliviacaputo2639]

I know that your senior year was 6 years ago now, but how did it go?

[@hehshhhhesh7372]

Give us an update please

[@michelleunzueta]

My name is Julieta and he is my orchestra teacher. I feel really proud to be his student.

[@marisolsb2860]

Michelle Unzueta De La Peña tell him that he should search with us more videos of cello and violin, he's an expert!!!!

[@Shellyshell1]

Still the best video on KZbin

[@laurabartha606]

am I correct that it is the same guy, playing the duo with himself? he holds the violin as a cello because he is a cellist.

[@JamieClark]

Yes. As a cellist, I can confirm that it is not hard to play violin on the knees (with cello experience) but holding it at the neck is a totally different technique. If it's held on the knees, the cello technique translates to any sized instrument. It's about as hard to play as a 1/4 sized cello. Fingers go in different positions, notes are closer together, but with practice, it's all the same.

[@laurabartha606]

so the next step could be the bass, accompanied with cello :) it would have a very interesting sound with this piece

[@JamieClark]

Laura Bartha Bass is tuned in 4ths instead of 5ths so it would take longer to learn the left hand "shapes" but sure, its easier to play bass well than to play violin well!!

[@qte5530]

Funny enough, why it's called the impossible duet. But his thing is the cello.

[@tierra8715]

Jamie Clark That is true, it would take longer to learn the shapes of the left hand for bass. But I wouldn't necessarily call it easy to play the bass well, not at all.

[@WarringHostMakinSatanToast]

Wow...I've heard from a prophetic voice that when a cello and a violin are played together divine healing from heaven comes!

[@chodongahn]

I still watch this time to time. Please don’t ever erase this. Thank you for what you’ve done. Such a Brilliant idea.

[@xDMrGarrison]

For fun, you could call this video "Tom cuise plays with himself".

[@Beethoveniac]

The Mission: Impossible Duet.

[@sabrinazarogoza8686]

Shiroyasha Your comment has 69 likes right now. lol

[@Werdnabae]

I really like the sound of your cello! Very well played!

[@ThatPunkYT]

12 years later and it still gives me goosebumps. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen, heard, and felt. Hardened by heavy metal these notes bring tears to my eyes. Stellar.

[@vapertrail6669]

This is probably my hundredth time watching this video over the years. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece...and for learning the violin to create it.

[@PicturePamper]

Sir, please consider a remake of this piece of art! I stumbled upon this 13 Years ago and it was one of the reasons I fell in love with the Cello. I always come back to it to have some minutes of peace. Thank you!

[@pauljohnson6233]

I've never seen a violin played like that before. What a talent. Love it!

[@marcosmendoza9452]

Still my favorite version. I've heard other versions but they sound violent and this one is peaceful but strong

[@MrCryptobark]

I just got my mind blown for 6 minutes and 19 seconds, I've heard this song plenty of times but never have I EVER seen a man play the violin that way. Bravo my friend bravo.

[@Matihuelas]

Over two million reproductions later, several hundred by me, it's still the best video on the entire youtube.

[@david.brainwalker]

AmazEST duo I've ever seen. So amazing we should invent a new word to describe that level of amazingness.

[@blacat2168]

Still the best version of this piece I ever found.

[@GrindbIast]

I spend a lot of time looking up videos on KZbin and this video is one of my absolute favorites. I've watched this so many times now. Such a beautiful piece of music.

[@Elizarrob]

Aside from being extremely talented, this guy is gorgeous.

[@tinybeka]

the full package!

[@jayb.5244]

Eliza Taylor/ Leli kelly my mom had a crush on him while he was my music director in elementary school!

[@santiagoluna6232]

I cannot be more thankful in life for him. He was the one who told me to play cello and I know pursue my dream of music under his teachings.

[@dhcutiger]

Still watching in 2019! Still in awe!!! This is just incredible

[@raimondaspetrenas8515]

You are incredible musician!.Thanks for showing your amazing talent and huge amount of work. Bravo!!! I just can't understand what jerks marking dislikes. They are just envy that will never play like you. There are always lazy and untalented people who just making critics...Never listen to them...

[@rayscs]

Someone in 2020? Quarantine brought me back here. The way this guy perform Passacaglia majestically on both instruments is so intense. Still by far one of the best videos on youtube ever.

[@tythebratt1605]

I never seen someone play the violin in that way and be successful. Good job.

[@martinriha3729]

Actually when you're a cellist it's not so hard to play like that, I wanted to learn the violin but it was frustrating to learn it the proper way so I ended up holding it like little cello and it's more-less the same as cello. In my case it's a little bit more difficult because i only got a 1/4 or maybe 1/2 violin so I cannot use the cello fingerings because my fingers are just too big, but if I use just 1,2,3 it works fine, upper positions are impossible though. Gotta get full size violin or better a viola.

[@ana-mariaduran9051]

No nos cansamos de oir esta pieza en este estilo tan especial..GRACIAS

[@jaredgross4301]

14 years later, I still look this video up when I want to listen to this song

[@stephenjones796]

Beautiful! That's all that needs to be said.

[@gilmaportela9311]

i actually know him he was my cello teacher hes a really great guy

[@fc-mc4tr]

I saw this video 4 years ago when i played violoncello (tried to) and then quited it. Now i study electric bass and other instruments in my university and now this blows my head hard.

[@brunosampaio7239]

Truly amazing. And a little humiliating too! rsrs... :)

[@kevinseon9605]

WHY YOU SO AMAZING AND NOT POSTING MORE VIDEO?

[@AlexRiversMusic]

One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard honestly

[@aljones2344]

Me: Pssh, EASY! I can do this. *tries to play this for five minutes* NOPE NOPE NOPITY NOPE NOPE.

[@michaelweeks9317]

To think there are actually people who doubt God! For how else could such beauty be ensnared,if only for a moment for us to hear?Bravo! May your lives be happy and full of joy!

[@nichole4336]

...Bows and strings

[@Kronikman07]

did you remove the part in the description that said "I couldn't find a violin player, so I learned violin to do it myself". cause that was one of the more impressive parts of the video.

[@ishaanpatel2371]

Some one give this man a cookie

[@coralazul6435]

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww muy bello

[@JuniorNurena]

martha araceli corona gomez​ agregame al whatsapp si puedes [phone]

[@coralazul6435]

okis saludos

[@coralazul6435]

044 333 46 21724 saluditos

[@JuniorNurena]

Q pais martha araceli corona gomez​?

[@coralazul6435]

mexico y tu

[@will.isnull]

I always come back and visit this from time to time. Good childhood memories

[@infweaker]

how long did he practice?

[@Timbretwo]

With instruments tuned in 5ths like these , I find it difficult to visualize the scales as a guitar player.

[@123souldedout321]

you know what's sad? this is the best passacaglia on youtube and both parts are played by a cellist.

[@lornatsa4365]

I think these guy are two brothers, and one of them is not sure what instrument he is playing.

[@vivienelemard4299]

LORNA TSA its the same person

[@fairygoodmuller8065]

LORNA TSA it's clearly the same guy, one playing the violin (like a cello)

[@kardothys9151]

You guys clearly don't get the joke right ?

[@LegoGirlMOC]

Haha :)

[@GobindSKapoor]

The cellist is holding the damn thing wrong, he does not even have a shoulder or chin rest.

[@remsan03]

It would be more impossible if he plays the violin and cello under his chin. Joking aside, this is very well done. A bit heavy on the violin bowing, but it sounded convincing.

[@rudkafindshome2414]

I saw it back in 2008 on KZbin and still watch it from time to time...I could not find any better I would enjoy as much I do your performance! Thank you very much.

[@williamferguson668]

Chin rest? Who needs a chin rest when you've got two knees!

[@teckyify]

Wtf, how is that even possiburu ???

[@kikkimaki]

He is catching an incredible stylistic unity due to playing with himself... It would not be possible with some other violin player even though they would come from the same school. By playing himself he is catching the change of materializing his all design for the piece. Perfect!

[@noahgreen1961]

Wow! I can barely play the first page!

[@Wtyandell]

I am physically aroused from 5:27-5:34

[@majestic8274]

Will Yandell lmaooo ikr

[@Personaility15]

oh gosh im so in love with this song, video, and the man playing the cello and violin. i keep playin it over and over again for hours. :)

[@think_potatoes4945]

violist pride

[@Jan_von_S]

how is this impossible?

[@superEriccui]

because if you know music this piece is like level 6 above. And if you actually played a duet this is one of the hardest in terms of harmonics.

[@Jan_von_S]

hard ≠ impossible... :)

[@superEriccui]

Jan S. lol

[@ThatsNotChi]

Jan S. thats just a nickname not that its actually impossible

[@Jan_von_S]

BlackThunder7531 yeah I just hate the word impossible being used in that context ;)

[@dirkcampbell]

This is EXTRA ordinary. The timing, the intonation, the technique, the passion, the commitment. If there was any justice those guys would be rich.

[@danjackson5989]

You're holding it wrong.

[@TheShadowPerson.]

*facepalm*

[@JBearInIndiana]

Dan Jackson It would be difficult to hold the cello up - I think he's doing just fine.

[@devavictoria5649]

it doesn't matter the way he hold it ! it's pretty good when u listen 😆 dont u think soo?!

[@branflakes2600]

Isn't that the point?

[@branflakes2600]

There's such thing as playing the violin and playing (imagine italics) with (stop imagining) the violin. Does it still make sound? Is there skill? Then he is playing not playing with.

[@edithcaluzi4823]

Traumhaft gespielt und herzlichen Dank für das wunderschöne Video ❤❤

[@chav2.027]

this is my favorite version to listen to out of all the videos out there

[@alandeutsch7769]

the way they both fall back into the chair perfectly synchronized is the cherry on top

[@Varooooooom]

14 years ago, this performance is what got me to really, *_really_* care about the cello. 3 years after that, I learned the cello part myself haha.

[@zivamind]

I heard this like 56 times yesterday, so i couldn't sleep, this music was playing on through my mind the whole night

[@carrascoandres7]

In my years playing multiple instruments, i have not seen or heard anyone play like you. Stellar Work.

[@michaelradican7216]

This piece can touch my feels anytime!!! Amazing!!!

[@LovableDria93]

I love this video whenever I need motivation I seek this video out and just magically feel uplifted!

[@alexkenney9933]

Holy..... I... Wow!!

[@adolfoclaudiolazary3127]

Bravo , virtuosismo puro .Es estimulante y desafiante tu trabajo . ya me pongo a estudiar ... Gracias

[@user-mk8uiff5b]

Suprisingly, Still I watching this vidio, after 11 years! It's still good to me. I can not found 'Passacaglia' ever more then your duet ......

[@KrzysztofMickiewicz]

I keep watching it over and over again and I still can't believe how good it is

[@qte5530]

This post has been here for ever. The one thing that actually was the only bright point in my days.

[@Pokesnp1]

This is from far on of my favorite video ever. The way you play it always make me feel better when hangover. Like it could cure any illness. Thanks.

[@knoose11]

this song is so powerful to me and it gets me so emotional every time i listen to it... the way he plays is not only surprising, but also the position he has it on while playing makes it extraordinary! props to you!! i hope i can be as great and talented as you someday!

[@eslomovits]

I'm playing this right now with my friend who is a bassist, and we sound pretty good, but this is incredible. I can't make my violin sound like anything at all pretty when I hold it like he is, so the fact that he is a cellist who is able to so easily make this work is beyond incredible. Mr. Cunningham, you are brilliant!

[@publicalways]

this is so beautifully played... i loved it so much that I kept listening over and over again

[@LSAeindhoven]

Somebody, anybody.... give this man a medal!

[@SonjaBeets]

Creativity based on free personal ideas in a most disciplined way, bravo!

[@123howcouldyou]

been playing it by ear for days! ....great piece, great musician, perfect!

[@laurabrown4673]

This makes me so happy! I'm a violist, so I always wish the cello part was a viola (and sometimes it is) but this is the first time I've watched/listened to this peice where I think the cellist has done the job of a viola justice. I always thought it fit better with a viola, but your rendition has me believing in the celli again. Thank you sir! And may I just say I am so impressed with your violin skills.... that was pretty spectacular.

[@kesterratcliff1]

Your version is so much better than the one on Spotify! I would never have picked this piece as particularly impressive if I'd heard the recording on Spotify first. Sensitive interpretation and recording makes so much difference.