“The Swan” by Saint-Saëns (Ray Chen & Julio Elizalde)

[@RayChenViolinist]

Stay motivated to practice! 🎵Join the community and practice together on Tonic tonicmusic.app/join-in

[@jh.y00N]

Ray, are you a vampire, musically, on the outside and on the inside? (Korean-style compliment.) You don't get old!!! Just mature! Julio and Ray's old musical friendship shines through so brightly! You both are so Stunning!!!

[@avawasastar]

he even breathes with the violin! as a singer, im always astonished when musicians can make their instruments behave like the human voice, so so beautiful

[@深夜-l9f]

we have to treat instruments as extensions to our body. and violin is very close to the human voice

[@lotte9327]

You can't just drop this masterpiece without warning 😢🥰

[@ape2533]

It’s obviously not his

[@kai-cm6cj]

@@ape2533 ...thats not what they meant

[@mr.clasher-clashofclansboo7286]

Well, he just did

[@ribhavgupta6148]

The passion this time is not in the brows, but in the shoulders!

[@kaoriflute1427]

I be sobbing :')

[@losage8392]

Siempre disfruto tu música, muchas gracias querido Ray❤❤❤❤❤

[@jherlenecargill4081]

Can you hear silk? Yes, you can. **shows them this video** Also, can we thank Julio for collaborating once again with Ray? That piano just perfection.

[@ForteViolinAcademy]

Julio is incredible. He would accompany me in lessons when I was at Juilliard Pre-College, he was just a masters' student at the time, but even in our rehearsals his guidance was unquestionably world-class

[@braydentrefethen841]

Me a cellist who always says the swan is better on the cello. Ray chen: hold my beer. Thanks for making me reconsider my instrument again

[@nb7524]

As a violinist, I want to say that the Swan really is also very beautiful on the cello 🙂. The cello is a gorgeous instrument. It’s those gems like Ray, he makes pieces such as this sounds so incredibly lovely. When ever I hear one of his videos I have to stop everything I’m doing, be still and just take in his performance.

[@jak.cr1ym]

As a violinist, I think the swan is better on the cello. The cello just has a special tone especially on the higher registers, and it makes a type of sound no other instrument can make.

[@seanmcghee2373]

@@jak.cr1ym Split the difference and have a violist do it.

[@NorthCascadeshiker]

@@seanmcghee2373 😁

[@patrickmonaghan9131]

I think it sound best on the viola.

[@David-mj2ln]

Discovering this right before Christmas is the real gift. Amazing performance, Ray and Julio!

[@Cetarius]

Bravo! Every time I hear this, I'm reminded of Yuzuru Hanyu's figure skating exhibition routine from a few years back, pre-COVID. This rendition would have been a magical addition to that routine.

[@aalegalfocus]

Yes, now I want to watch his skate next!

[@anadd6195]

Yes!

[@marciahill4591]

A Ray-Yuzu collab, yes!

[@pinoholmes88]

I am overwhelmed with joy seeing Ray’s new video, especially this time he plays one of my favourite pieces.

[@amycooper490]

When I saw this video I got so excited I literally ran to get my earphones and just sat down to dive into the absolute melancholic beauty of a piece. Thanks Ray!

[@calvinliem8271]

A very bright rendition , yet as warm as cello. amazing as always, Ray !

[@kaizhou8463]

Ray, everything you play is so beautiful and touching. No word can describe it. We can only feel it.

[@Josephreyes203]

As a cellist I approve of the violin version especially by my favorite violinist ray chen

[@JoelStorm-j3u]

WONDERFUL!! Julio is always great and now he is my wife's favorite!!

[@musicbetweenlines]

Every time I listen to this masterpiece, I am often left with tears in my eyes! Thank you so much for playing this beautifully, Mr. Julio and Mr. Chen!

[@laurettemcallister4010]

So beautiful it touches my heart ❤️

[@abigail40]

This is one of the definitions of perfection

[@ylee330]

❤so beautiful and good bowing

[@johnalexander301]

Ray Chen = the most expressive face in violin

[@annabellewu893]

ray: has recorded several albums, world soloist, accomplished violinist me: still trying to figure out how to move my tuning pegs

[@Zoutsteen]

Easy, hand over your violin to your teacher. Nothing to it. ;-)

[@saiprabhamittal2419]

I ended up bending my bridge so we are in the same boat😁

[@abigail40]

@@saiprabhamittal2419 I busted a bridge before and it flew so yep understandable have a nice day XD

[@10data10]

Wait. Those things turn? I thought we were just supposed to turn the little screws on the other end.

[@DrTommyDDS]

Twist

[@user-an966tp6]

明晚原本能夠在國家音樂廳欣賞Ray的演出，因為疫情而延期確實讓人感到有些失落~ 不過真的謝謝Ray，今晚我們的心因你們的演奏而再次溫暖

[@murderdrones_v_uzi_en]

Dlaczego to jest takie piękne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@helenwilliams7065]

My mother was a concert cellist and this always reminds me of her. Lovely, Ray.

[@helenwilliams7065]

@OfficialRayChen Why thank you, Ray Chen. You are an amazing talent and so charming. Both my parents played in a symphony (her cello, him French horn), my Dad was a composer, conductor and taught music comp. and theory, first at UT Austin, then at UM Coral Gables. I miss those days growing up surrounded by musicians and other academics. I was blessed.

[@aksannyi]

This may be one of my favorite pieces of all time, and of course I am well familiar with the cello in the melodic role, so without fail when Ray comes in with the high, dulcet tones of the violin I am always taken aback - but not for long. You can just let it wash over you, like the silver rippling water under a moonlit night. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@PagnanyLP]

Weird thing. It doesn't seems to be perfect. But also it doesn't try to be. It is a very intimate recording, that describes your characters perfectly.

[@hiddenhood483]

The ending was so beautiful it gave me gosebumps

[@dianaapon9520]

I love your facial expressions so much! That shows your love for the music. Beautiful!

[@kenchang3456]

Man, I love this song and his playing.

[@RC-bw8wk]

Mmm so good, I’m a cellist but I still love this piece and I knew Ray would play it lovingly!

[@ginjnadela1666]

So beautiful...

[@bengal_tiger1984]

It takes me a while to appreciate any music I hear properly. Somehow clicking the video instantly made me like this.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

That little descending line the pianist does at the end was so nice. Great job all around

[@Mel-dr9ut]

Thank you so much❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@garysandiego]

Just taking a moment to acknowledge how beautiful this little tune is.

[@quaver1239]

Very beautiful. Thank you, Ray Chen.

[@mcgdoc9546]

When an artist makes his instrument sing, that’s when magic happens! Bravo! Classical beauty! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Lynnstorey-m7d]

Yes

[@rosellemorales7790]

I super love this piece 🥰 whenever i hear this it reminds me of Yuzuru Hanyu's gala performance at Pyeongchang Olympics way back 2018. Thank you Ray!

[@sulee1253]

Thank you Ray 😍😍😍🥰🥰 and Julio 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@oscillia528]

I'm always kinda curious is that a big inhale/exhale or just bow sliding on the string?

[@lindsay3764]

Most violinists inhale at the beginning to cue to their accompanists. Additionally, it just helps symbolize the beginning of the piece and helps it flow.

[@MissPoplarLeaf]

@@na-kun2136 it's an inhale - if the bow was moving lightly across the string, it would be a different sound! Also, good musicians know how to pace their breathing so it coincides with their playing. It helps everything work together, kind of like how yoga breathing works

[@shynessbreakthroughcommuni826]

Brilliant! Love that Ray shows the emotions on his face when he plays

[@jasonbourne5142]

Best music in the world.

[@barbarapini]

Very emotional interpratation !❤

[@aalegalfocus]

How wonderful. I skated to this many years ago. Brilliant violin & piano playing!

[@lemmon77]

The vibrato and everything sounds amazing

[@NgocAnhNguyen-1501]

Very nice Ray ❤ I really like the way you put the emotion in the song 👏👍

[@Emma-jr5qc]

This was really nice. I had a busy day and this just calmed me down a bit… thanks ☺️

[@Wayne850305]

Every single note is heavenly beautiful

[@igotnonamewby4469]

He was playing so good even he was impressed

[@hychen4799]

12/21、你演奏得好棒，我好喜歡聖桑的天鵝這首 太好聽了，優雅動聽

[@kbscey]

I'm a big fan of you two guys♡ and I was lucky enough to meet with you in Suzhou 3 years ago. You and Julio's Estrellita makes me fly ..

[@teresanowak9546]

WYCZUCIE, DELIKATNOŚĆ I SUBTELNOŚĆ TO WZRUSZA !

[@norenemorrow6362]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@RaychelRocks]

Wow, was not expecting the tears threatening to spill from my eyes 😂😭

[@rktchan5204]

this is so calm The Swan is always my favourite violin piece

[@hungryfordog2469]

It's a Cello piece tho

[@rktchan5204]

@@hungryfordog2469 oops i meant the violin version completely forgot it was for cello

[@carolkhoo4129]

Fluid sounds that fill my heart. Tugs at the heartstrings and incredible 'cooling' effects on a hot day for me. Standing ovation and kudos to 2 admirable musicians. ❤❤❤

[@vesselinatp]

Truly a treat... Enjoyed greatly... Thank yous going to both interpreters... 🎶.

[@Ana-ld9js]

Sublime interpreptation! Bravo!

[@nelsonliew84]

Love Ray’s sensational musicality and the unique vibrato that brings violin to life!

[@syc13579]

Bravo, Ray Chen's sound is so warm.

[@Amourtendresse]

Un véritable chef d'œuvre en effet ❣️ Subjuguée par tant de beauté🕊️ 🎶💓🎶✨

[@stevenchen3735]

Thanks to Ray for this peaceful piece and hope everything will be fine this year.

[@zhoo7633]

One of my favorite pieces !! ❤️❤️ Sublime ! (For me, 'Le cygne' sounds beautiful yet so sad.)

[@heymambo]

The best rendition is by Yo-Yo Ma: nothing that would disturb there, not too much and too little. The music is bringing you somewhere up in the sky. Very romantic piece 🥰

[@lerizia7319]

it's such a dream of mine to play this song in my violin!!!! and you're an inspiration to me ❤

[@risaprameswari]

Ray chen is playing one of my fav piece😭

[@emilsonlim8240]

Composers and musicians create the most beautiful music when they see the beauty and ugliness of life and accept it the as the way it is as they know the love they long for will never come

[@sherylguerrero6402]

Tears of joy for such beauty you guys brought into the world today! What artistry and brilliance you shared with us! From the bottom of my soul, thank you!

[@samanthatheriot8879]

Breathtakingly beautifu, as a fellow violinist who loves this piece so much, I only hope I can come close to this quality one day, thank you

[@vancolucci5949]

Your music speaks where words can’t describe. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@This-isGirl]

I don't know how to describe what your music does to me and many other people for sure. I listen to your videos over and over. This piece touches me so much because my grandfather played it and it was one of his favourites.

[@chisanakittsunee]

Wonderful 🥺I can't hold back the tears at the perfection of this song 🥺

[@Lynnstorey-m7d]

Love the natural bowing

[@davidtan2031]

Beautiful phrasing and color changes, bravo 👏 mastery revealed in a simple piece

[@amandac5484]

I loved watching you play this! It's like you're having a conversation with your violin and you slowly build to letting loose and singing freely together.

[@Ирина-э2в6у]

До чего же шикарно,срасибо Богу за ваш талант,за высшее мастерство❤❤❤

[@knenda1]

++, it is inspiring to watch this man's face expressions when playing this tune :)

[@jorgevillarreal4210]

My comment: I really see that both musicians are very talented, nonetheless the real GENIUS here is the composer, Camille Saint-Saens!!! To create such a piece of music and transport us to a place that is out of this world in such a delicate and beautiful manner is simply beyond our human comprehension... GREAT WORK AND AN AMAZING MASTERPIECE!!!

[@nadianolan2970]

I would love to see Ray live. Incredible artist.

[@geraldschoelzel5199]

Love you, your light-hearted spirit, and your playing so much. To hear you play is a great gift! Bravo!

[@digsydo]

I LOVE RAY AND JULIO 'S PLAY.....😌

[@twoblink]

Dang! I just noticed Ray seriously uses the entire bow.. Love this piece! Lovely!

[@Anne_Reads]

A Ray of sunshine to brighten up our days! As always, beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@MrFirefox411]

This is beautiful. Thank you Ray!

[@terrywu509]

Violin is super good! Violinist is even better!! Ray is super super❤

[@kita9620]

I love this piece very much!!! It's so beautifully played🥺🤍 Yo-yo Ma and Ur playing are my favourite 🥺🤍

[@bindak]

Gorgeous! Tho I do admit I had war flashbacks to Brett and Eddy’s cello versions 🤣

[@gch_ofc]

omg me too HAHAHAHAH😂

[@CrescentiaSonate]

I love this rendition so calm and serene.

[@timothykandel169]

So wonderfully sensitive and romantic!❤

[@bota7763]

Julio Elizade playing is marvelous! You are perfect playing together. Thank you (Edit: it's Elizalde. I forgot an l)

[@christaherwig0404]

How much feeling from both of them, it's fantastic and I hear it over and over again. Ray's face a single surrender to these tones🎶💓🎻

[@peterjurgens5968]

Wow, as a cellist (who is quite sensetive when it comes to high notes) this is quite hard to say for me, but that sounds extremely beatiful!

[@corgiowner436]

Never heard this on violin before. Bravo!

[@ashc6476]

It’s 2am and I’m having trouble falling asleep. This came up and brought me to tears 🥺 it’s such a beautiful piece

[@BarbaraMiller-g6d]

What an awesome gift you so willingly share, there are no words to capture the feelings that come through when you play it truly is wonderful thank you for sharing❤❤

[@iamjane9628]

Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@s92540520s]

弦音直入我心扉❤

[@songli5121]

一点带入感都没有，把曲谱拉飞了，没有正确诠释曲谱。就这。。。。。。

[@beatrizbescos3356]

👏👏👏So beautiful, i felt i was in heaven. So gifted 🥰

[@gentlespirit4]

Beautiful! 🥰 Thank you both so much for sharing your gifts of music. 💕🎼🎵🎶🎻🎹💕

[@brandondejesusflotatoralla8946]

Es una hermosa interpretación!!!!!!!!! Eres increíble Ray!!!!!

[@anaghshetty]

I hope the situation becomes better and you will be able to perform 🙂