The transformative power of classical music | Benjamin Zander | TED

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Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it -- and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.
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[@croctologist]

“The next note is a C, and it’s job is to make the B sad.” This is brilliant.

[@richiedollerz]

Cameron what is that sad tune he plays

[@misssol1807]

Prelude 28, no. 4 in E minor by F. Chopin. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prelude,_Op._28,_No._4_(Chopin)

[@chease9132]

@@misssol1807 do you happen to know what he plays at 8:49?

[@misssol1807]

Monochromatic Kaleidoscope it’s Mozart Symphony #40 in G minor, Molto Allegro. :) here’s an orchestra version kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKm5aomvqaqgb8U

[@dylan3017]

Imagine ben with Robin Williams character from Dead Poets Society

[@torokadam3624]

You know that the video has a great value when you watch it in 240p in 2019.

[@BreezeeGreenz]

I agree.

[@beachcomber2008]

I never noticed. . . . too busy enjoying the rest of it.

[@joelbraun8584]

You know its got great value when you don't even realize you watched it in 240p until a comment points it out.

[@chocolatesarebetter]

Oh wow. I have never noticed it!

[@trawmmwart8149]

Audio only.

[@KIKFulgore]

For anyone else wondering, the piece is 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 in E Minor - Frédéric Chopin

[@ricardogulpe6328]

Shane Thanks a lot I’ve been browsing through this thread hoping somebody would give the exact title of this piece...finally you just did!!! Once again thanks and have a blissful day!!!

[@goenpiloes4268]

Thnks bro, finally i know the title of this piece

[@alessandropicci4667]

He was not French, bro.

[@edwinperea7545]

Ty

[@mickeynissan9887]

And the basis of Radioheads exit music, if you feel like venturing out a bit.

[@elienahal276]

Classical music is not dying, I’m 17 and I’m in love with it. Educate your children and they will love it too.

[@chillpill2016]

Yup, many teens older than me believe. I mean bruh I’m only 11, and I hate pop. The only other genre of music is video game soundtracks, due to the fact that they sound like Rachmaninov sometimes.

[@angelalelit8308]

Yes ys

[@lmh651]

@@chillpill2016 Rachmaninov is a true genius. I deeply love his pieces.

[@azzam1]

@@chillpill2016 video game soundtracks feel like modern classical to me, check Nobuo Uematsu's work from the Final Fantasy series, I think you'll like it. Keiichi Okabe's work from the Nier series is also some of my favourite soundtracks of all time

[@chillpill2016]

@@azzam1 Yeah, Videogame music is definitely modern classical. Check out the Hollow Knight soundtracks, they are modern classical.

[@CamD9203]

Can you just imagine having this man as a music teacher?

[@Ali.Shlaibeq]

Now you don't have to imagine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2LCfIKAbc1sp7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJOyeKaqls2Kgas

[@dougimmel]

THANK YOU, THANK you , THANK you !

[@lsgiron]

Camilo Delgado Or can you just imagine having this man as your father...I'd be a very different person.

[@miteshmutha]

@@Ali.Shlaibeq Thank you so much for this. The videos are great!

[@BreezeeGreenz]

He'd be able to teach me and I only sing. I don't play any instruments.

[@ArtyomMe]

Me before starting to watch this video: Do I really want to watch a 20 minutes long Ted video right now? Me at the 15th minute of this video: Please don’t end.

[@iwind19]

artiyom same

[@phrygiandom8202]

lol same ;)

[@cx4988]

exactly same

[@Ramej]

same feeling

[@puligesitamilarasan7914]

You read my mind

[@danremenyi1179]

Forget the music. Zander is an extraordinary teacher. Never mind that this video is 12 years old. It will be relevant as long as anyone ever wants to be be able to teach. Every teacher should watch it. Benjamin Zander thank you.

[@katiealdridge4547]

Yes Zander is an extraordinary teacher and human being whose passion for music is transformative if you really tune in to what he is saying and who he is.

[@alleyesallsides]

"If you have a deceptive cadence then be sure to raise your eyebrows so everybody will know"

[@joaquinclavijo7052]

I didn't understand the joke :/

[@alleyesallsides]

@@joaquinclavijo7052 The chord is written to sound deliberately 'wrong' - so he tells his pupils to signal that to the audience at the moment they play it. It's a joke about competence - the player's credibility with the audience.

[@CoreCommandoTV]

This guy is a fucking genius

[@SP-qi8ur]

SteffPhantom a chorus for mahler's fifth?? isn't that the second?

[@SP-qi8ur]

SteffPhantom oh I see haha, same happens to me sometimes. BTW how lucky you are to have worked with him, truly an exceptional person.

[@TheCodeGuy12]

Does it make him even more of a genius by adding the swear word? SMH

[@Doriesep6622]

Haha. You are in the first group.

[@meatballsnacker-sitregald6919]

+Alex Lambert Not a lot of people are at such ridiculous level of ingenuity that only swear words are strong enough to describe how high it is.

[@anyarieltorres8498]

"Who am I being, that my children's eyes are not shinning?" That hit hard.

[@daphneraven9439]

My heart sunk and a dark, heavy stone in my viscera made its presence known upon hearing that. Thank you very kindly for that.

[@fairyamellado1196]

Love

[@yosserhughes9100]

Shining

[@reob12]

what do you mean shining? like being inspired or something like that?

[@jfo3000]

Fortunately I felt pretty good with that, I've almost always tried to make my kids smile and laugh..doing that makes me smile too.

[@vars280287]

Zander is the Bob Ross of classical music. His videos are insightful not just for music but for life as well.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

Nice comparison.

[@ericacarlita3860]

I was one of those people who “tolerates” classical music until I heard this. I wasn’t expecting to get chills, but something about the way this incredible gentleman not only played the music beautifully, but explained it in a way I’d never thought of it before…he was correct. I now love classical music. Thank you so much Zander.

[@giladbauman6927]

Chopin is really great, if I was you I would listen to some of his nocturnes

[@CraigStrachanZA]

@@giladbauman6927 Oh yes, I did a pilgrimage to Paris to visit Chopin, and to Warsaw to visit the rest of him. His preludes and nocturnes are the best. I was very fortunate to have Mr Zander tell me personally to play Chopin on 1 buttock, which I make sure to do.

[@giladbauman6927]

@@CraigStrachanZA very very nice, I actually went to a similar pilgrimage in Warsaw and Poland (with a slight emphasis on holocaust things) but interesting how you play it with one buttock?

[@CraigStrachanZA]

@@giladbauman6927 Figuratively speaking. Let the music move you, and yes we have Polish family so the history there is important, esp the holocaust and ghetto.

[@yeserguitar]

He is so passionate so even 240P resolution couldn't reduce the quality of the TED talk. Thanks.

[@colton.4589]

I was so captivated by him I didn't even notice

[@AlexFlodder]

This is the reason why most modern movies are crap. 1080P. And not a clue on what to write before grabbing the camera.

[@SALAH0000001]

Indeed, I was watching it with 240P resolution, and it is one of the best recommendations I got from KZbin.

[@ashlymcnally4660]

underrated. Love this.

[@gilchasin1022]

Thank you, Benjamin Zander, for shining the light!

[@JeffThePoustman]

This guy is a gem. Never heard of him before, I'm a little richer now.

[@nickyG7515]

me too

[@paulhallas9649]

Me 3

[@viggos.n.5864]

Benjamin Zander is awesome he does amazing interpretaion classes

[@murrayandcindyk9403]

@@viggos.n.5864are u real?

[@viggos.n.5864]

@@murrayandcindyk9403 nope

[@vincentli57]

I’m glad we have TwoSetViolin trying to change the world and introduce or involve classical music in kids lives and adults alike. We all know how to appreciate this topic.

[@salmasulthanah6646]

Agree!

[@victorstiles8946]

yeah, lit makes me sad that so many people think it's nerdy/pretentious

[@radishman6563]

have you practiced today?

[@sanaaalamine8915]

Lingling wannabes unite!!!!!!!

[@mplodeproduction4821]

Can you imagine a colab vid with Brett, Eddie and Benjamin?

[@gtabro1337]

Watched this for 17 minutes. Then I paused, opened Ableton and loaded up the grand piano and started writing melodies. This man's passion is too contagious.

[@Gee-no]

Same here. I play guitar and tinker on the keyboard. I have a 61 key cheap keyboard that i midi up to my iPad so I can have a great piano sound. And i started learning this piece (it's an easier version though, but still...). I'll always love this composition because of this man.

[@thereviewer1839]

This guy could excite me about an empty bucket. Pure mastery.

[@jholts6912]

A bucket; it's so empty! And so BUCKET!

[@mesutozil9480]

@@jholts6912 roflmao

[@the_emmo]

Didi you just compare classical music to an empty bucket? lmfao

[@andytaylor1588]

The bucket is not empty. It is full of beautiful, wonderful air. After all, we need air more than we need liquid.

[@stephenfiore9960]

*.......What happened to the “bucket 1/2- empty 1/2 full.......*

[@inregiis5327]

This is the best Ted talk in my opinion, not because it has groundbreaking themes or amazing revelations, but because of this man's phenomenal presentation

[@BreezeeGreenz]

It's my favorite so far. Many symphony conductors, music teachers, and even choir leaders have a similar personality.

[@straingerr]

nice rhyme

[@wily.h4947]

I Agree

[@futtynucker5278]

Presentation is the foundation of all endeavors. To move the world, you must move the heart.

[@shahdalnashed7783]

@@straingerr that is what came to mind hahaha

[@sarachinisaz1398]

Now that's a man that loves his profession, God bless him.

[@urmila16]

Who am I being that my children's eyes are not shining? Brilliant. Never heard a better more inspiring TED talk. This isn't just about music. 🙏

[@joshhelmuth6060]

This man is the most moving speaker I have seen in a long time.

[@steadgotthetime2017]

Same!

[@EvantheHutch]

and he wears sneakers

[@organman52]

hahahahahahaha

[@farieddebruyns338]

Me too

[@nosferadu]

Beyond the brilliance and power of the talk itself, this guy is definitely one of the best public speakers I've ever seen.

[@yosserhughes9100]

No, it's just that he is passionate.

[@Italiaasicily]

Max yea look what street drummer does with empty buckets

[@angeliquebirmingham9240]

Max I agree

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

As a professional speaker, I can tell you that Ben Zander is one of the most revered speakers in the world. Speaking is a very demanding discipline and one that requires a pretty deep well of technique. Zander is such a technical master that the audience remains totally oblivious to the techniques, as intended. When you witness a brilliant performance by a singer or an actor, you don't notice the methods.

[@rharting3688]

Max I agree too: he first demonstrates, makes you curious and then strikes with his message. He is really into the face of his audience: almost sits on their laps.. how close can you get. And ultimately he is a connector - talking about the result of that connection: shiny eyes. He leads strongly by example. His message is first heard as an example of music, then explained a little in words and pictures (one buttock piece, shiny eyes) He is also very close to real life by quoting a person who has gone through the worst and learned from it. In the end he loves to point out to the audience itself as proof of his faith in his message: shiny eyes. Yep, I wish I could do more teaching in that style. It is so energising!

[@coffeefordinner]

I got into classical music via listening to film soundtracks. I used to think that Hans Zimmerman must just have some kind of unique talent to pull out emotions from me, but turns out this is where he’s getting it from. It’s exciting to think that I’m connecting through shared emotions with people who lived hundreds of years ago in completely different worlds... Music really is the universal language that every human being is capable of understanding.

[@SamSung-nf6tr]

Cartoons Old Cartoons all had classical music because it was free.

[@strats991]

Uhm, that's Hans Zimmer. Not Zimmerman.

[@drk_blood]

Hans Zimmer mate, Zimerman was a well known polish piano solist. :)

[@danahansen5427]

Then there's Bob Zimmerman, ...

[@elishawhite7487]

Because of lack of copyright?@@SamSung-nf6tr

[@Orivaann]

Until a few months ago, my eyes weren't shiny.... I began feeling that shine again with a lot of work for my self esteem recently, and this video gave me shiny eyes... and tears lol Let's all do our best to keep shiny eyes and spread those shines around us :')

[@yayakibo1062]

I feel like that too. even things that used to brought me joy began to stress me. I'm still have a lot of work to be myself again or maybe being a new me because I miss being excited over small things etc

[@thyagobrod]

"I have a definition of success, its pretty simple: It's not about wealth and fame and power; it's about how many shiny eyes I have around me" What a wonderful presentation.

[@AWAYSOMEINDIAN]

NOT ONLY SHINING AROUND ME BUT HOW MANY HUMAN LIFE YOU CAN MAKE SHINING EYEYS.

[@renubisht2692]

Just beautiful❤️

[@Zemus1v]

People like him keep us human.

[@threethrushes]

Music transcends race, colour, creed, nationality. Whether it is Bach, Beethoven, or Dr. Dre.

[@rtisticlicense]

@@threethrushes except Dr Dre needs more than rhythm (such as harmony, melody and timbre) to be musical

[@accidiamotus3463]

People like him don't keep us human, people like him move humans forward.

[@ML-xp1kp]

@@accidiamotus3463 unfortunately the main driving force for human civilization is brought upon by war. Would the Second World War not have happened, we would not have had space exploration and our computer technology would have been fifty years behind. There is a mediator throughout this chaos, which is culture. Culture keeps us human, and music is a subsection of culture.

[@accidiamotus3463]

@@ML-xp1kp you're missing the point trying to be mellow-dramatic lol, im not even gonna get into it honestly

[@PaulGillin]

Zander is a treasure. His lectures before performances of the Boston Philharmonic are a must-attend if you ever get to town.

[@songvivian1078]

So true 🎉

[@bell_eau]

One of the best ted talks I’ve ever seen. He teaches in such an intuitive and entertaining way. I appreciate his outlook on life, for instance, displayed in his definition of success: “Success is measured by the amount of shiny eyes around me.” Also, this quote he mentioned of a Holocaust survivor is a daunting though beautiful reminder that there’s no use of getting mad at your loved ones/others. “I will never say anything that could not stand as the last thing I ever say.”

[@phalinimcleod8819]

I know, right? Best thing I heard today. Wrote it down for myself to always remember and never forget.

[@marjoriehollembeak9527]

I didn't realize "shining g eyes" is what every teacher strives for...I strive for!

[@macleadg]

“My job is to awaken possibility in other people”. “Who am I being that my children’s eyes are not shining?”. “I will never say anything that could not stand as the last thing I’ll ever say”. “It felt really good to cry for my brother”. Wow. Just... wow...

[@josephescobar4683]

I feel that

[@gjretired]

So many good quotes and ponderings.

[@kaitobluebird]

@SinisterMinister this is freaking poetry how could you

[@fluffygreysocks6703]

@SinisterMinister perhaps it is both poetic and superficial, simply a matter of perspective

[@marukchozt6744]

SinisterMinister You can’t take it seriously because you made up your mind to not respect each of them in the least that they’d be properly sounded and understood.

[@jennrossotti8920]

I just experienced every single human emotion in 20 minutes. That was so powerful.

[@StefanVenus]

Nope, I'm sure you didn't feel like going 200mph at the Isle of men TT.

[@kylebeaver2639]

When i clicked on this video i did NOT expect to cry lol

[@daphneraven9439]

@@StefanVenus You're so busy nit-picking that you choose to miss her point. I feel sorry for you.

[@parissaizan3769]

I think your comment speaks to his presentation as well as your tender humanity.

[@NOOBDP]

So you basically got wet/hard on this guy :D

[@GregPlum]

I was in the 3rd group... not "minding" when classical music entered my ear. Now, I can't wait to find a piece and listen with this new mindset. Amazing lessons.

[@darrenhirst9900]

Certain people are born to achieve greatness and this gentleman is one of them. Absolutely enjoyed this and this man is a treasure. Thanks Ted.

[@francescoli306]

So are you.. in your own way

[@yousufrizvi557]

In Elementary School, we had an elderly music teacher named Mrs Guilford who this man could definitely pass as the male version of her. She brought in keyboards and let kids stay after school if they liked to play piano. In that sense, she gave music lessons for free. I did my best to stay behind every day after school and play these wonderful songs. She would connect music to the daily struggles we all deal with, even showing us a video of an Olympic runner who got injured during a race whose father came down to help him go the rest of the way. She’d make sure everyone was cared for and treated right. One time, we even got to perform a couple songs at a nursing home after she had proclaimed “A day without music is a day wasted.” She made up her own songs for class and would teach us about other cultures and their musical styles. In fact, she was so nice, one time way after school we were playing at the school’s playground and she came outside and asked my whole family if they’d like to come in and play on the keyboards she kept in her room. My dad is from Pakistan and so they talked about music from that part of the world, and incorporated music from that part of the world into the next day’s class. She represented music notes with coins, and made her own stories for each note. She will forever be my favorite music teacher I’ve ever had, and I’m so happy to have found this video.

[@djohnthesalty]

Must have been a magical class to attend. Hopefully she's taught not just the music, but the passion of a subject that can be passed on.

[@raghavmediratta3]

Thank you for sharing this. She truly was a magician.

[@treeoflibertydefense8612]

TheWonderfulBoxman that’s super awesome. My 6th, 7th & 8th grade music teachers were all *very* rude & mean, and I once in 7th grade stopped by the percussion band teachers room on my way out of school to see if I could join the percussion club, and he told me that I needed to know how to play drums first. That turned me off to trying to learn music for a long time, it was quite disappointing as I had no idea which direction to turn. I wouldn’t have had the balls to come to this man for help in the first place hadn’t I needed it. So here I am, 24 years old, and all I can do is play the intro to the Fur Elise on piano lol. It makes me sad sometimes, because I love music, and my parents never cared enough to push me into trying out any hobbies or recreation. So much time wasted, when I could’ve been learning to play instruments like I wanted to. This was around the same time that my buddies and I all discovered the old rock classics from Metallica and Ozzy & the likes. Yet when my buddy told me to come to a percussion band meet after school, I could even see him standing there behind a drum set just looking at me as the percussion teacher sent me away. I missed the bus that day too. So I had to sit in the cafeteria with nothing to do and wait for the late busses, all the while hearing the percussion class playing away down the hall. Maybe this is part of why I’m so passionate about music to this day, simply the angst to learn and create it.

[@anntastic1532]

Magical ❤ You were blessed! She was a blessing. ❤

[@bronney]

Also had a great music teacher in high school who's exactly like that. Always love my teachers that inspired me in so many things. That bit about cultural music, it's so great. Once he asked each student to bring in a song from their culture and we listened to all of them and later critique. Learned so much from everyone especially my own. What a guy!

[@marclescano7119]

Remember kids, its not a classical performance if someone doesnt cough

[@Piotr_Szyba]

I read this comment exactly when he played the last chord of the prelude 😂😂😂

[@oceaniccurrents]

Just hope it’s not a corona cough 😳

[@anntastic1532]

Or an oxygen machine, from my experience 🤷‍♀️

[@LetBBB6345789]

or breathes very audibly? I mean he plays so nicely but the micro is a little tough on the breathing

[@PattyShops]

@@LetBBB6345789 I kept thinking it was me XD

[@Posiadam.]

16 years have passed and I am still here with Zander and listening to the wonderful music of the Polish artist - Chopin. Yes, he was Polish. Yes, he loved his country (which was under partition at that time). And yes, he loved his family. Unfortunately, he was not destined to live to a decent age, but his songs still move people all over the world 200 years later. Dziękujemy! ❤

[@orhanu5443]

When I watched this, I remembered that in old times they were using relaxing music to cure psychological problems. Now I can say that music touches organs in our body like a musical instrument (especially to brain) That makes classical music so important in our lives

[@phalinimcleod8819]

I find that to be true, too. Soothing music played on real hand-crafted instruments is healing to the body, the mind and the soul. And conversely, I've been noticing in the last decade or so that digital music does nothing for me except disturb my life airs. Music played with real, authentic instruments can heal the body of all kinds of maladies, align chakras, and balance life airs.

[@snaptechsoftware6802]

I met Ben around 1995 in Boston during one of his talks. We were then invited to a party at his home. It was what you would expect... a classical English manner. The people who attended were of all ages and backgrounds, yet equally brilliant and fascinating. At the end of the night, a young Russian man came out and played the violin for the crowd under the stars. That man was the lead violinist from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. It was absolutely surreal.

[@Ensource]

That's awesome.

[@adityamudugal]

Wow.. I must say that it would have been one of the best days of your life. Meeting the man and then the violin under the stars...

[@nikiTricoteuse]

That's so cool. And the best bit is, for the rest of your life you'll only have to look at the stars to remember it.

[@burntpieceoftoast4148]

@@nikiTricoteuse Well said ❤️

[@burntpieceoftoast4148]

That's just phenomenal, OP!

[@badguy4032]

You know he's a genius 'cause his hair looks like that.

[@alienformat9475]

1.21 gigawatts ?

[@benediktopulus]

And because of the fact he wears a white collar shirt and jacket with dad sneakers and dad jeans

[@jsanchezelonce3414]

No bullshit, my hair lookin like that in the ‘Rona 2020

[@electron7659]

His barber ripped him off. 😁

[@gabriellechase7877]

@Julianna Dauphinais Is he Einstein re-incorrinated?

[@roccomacchia9125]

I've watched this lecture about 10-20 times, but I always come back to it because Benjamin Zander is much an inspirational speaker.

[@danahansen5427]

I heard this, was moved. Sometime later, in the middle of COVID, I had the opportunity to share this with my granddaughter, who was missing her great-grandmother who had passed away four years earlier. Afterward, she said, "Thank you."

[@teun1995teun]

"I will never say anything that couldn't stand as the last thing I ever say." This reminds me of a beautiful Dutch poem by Toon Hermans: (translated) Never leave without good bye. Never leave without a kiss. For if your end is sudden nigh, your last chance you have missed. Don't walk away before you've talked, ache your heart it might. What you leave behind at dawn, can have dissapeared by night.

[@Fulscript]

beautiful

[@MP-cv6if]

That's a beautiful poem. Who translated it?

[@thepanman674]

I am very dumb, for a second, i read it too fast and thought I was being rickrolled

[@anthonyd5929]

Stop tryna make me cry bro 😭

[@matthijsgerretse3217]

Kut, da's een mooie...

[@thenoob7185]

Who's watching in 2020? 12 years later, still a gem

[@jmgalcon]

Covid19 times. These were 20 joyful minutes.

[@Ramej]

yep

[@Ramej]

wanted more

[@knitresletta]

I cry every time

[@coffeespoon]

Can't believe 2008 was 12 years ago..

[@Paranormalin416]

WHY COULDN’T I HAVE HAD HIM as my piano teacher, not the drill sergeant my parents hired to torment and torture me until I wanted nothing to do with classical piano…he was the typical frustrated pianist who hated teaching and used a ruler to smack your fingers every time you pressed the wrong key. I actually adore classical music, specifically classical piano, but that miserable SOB took away so much opportunity, because I was afraid to play the piano thanks to him, terrified of making a mistake. I was only eight years old, and even though I told my parents what he did, they made me sit next to him for four years. Yes I learned a lot, but at the same time, I resented him a lot. It’s only now that I’m in my 50s that I finally worked up the nerve to start taking lessons again, picking up where I left off, with a teacher of my choosing, he’s actually very similar to the man in this video, patient, caring, and inspirational. If only all teachers could be like that, it’s amazing the difference a good teacher can make

[@vinayakpandey8688]

Just how much charisma can one man have?! Absolutely amazing!!

[@blackcat49345]

i believe his speech can still work in the next hundred years.

[@strom123321123]

classical speech about classical music

[@marvelhasiholan5495]

I hope the human spesies is dead by the time

[@sidewayzbob]

I agree! Although in a century they wont really know what a CD player is or Radio but it hardly matters, We still know what a Victrola/Phonograph but I know of very few who still use that kind of thing. Peace to you.

[@Ali.Shlaibeq]

And past hundreds of years. There is never a time were mankind would not find this relevant.

[@csmihaly]

Naruhodo, to omoimasu.

[@m.a.3322]

The guy in 15:10 wiping his tears in the corner, in case any of you were looking for people crying in the audience. Yes, it indeed struck a chord in their hearts. Zander truly did know the outcome of the experiment.

[@basementhermit3607]

I've rewatched the video about 8 times and I still can't see him. Which corner? What does he look like?

[@RAGHAVCOOLSTUFFS]

Jamie G Bottom right.. 15:13

[@LOLLYPOPPE]

For me the piece at 13:05 symbolizes a full life from birth to death. It starts out slow and careful, becomes more intense and stressing, and then it fades out until the last chords which is the final breath.

[@ScytheMeter]

Beautiful interpretation

[@zivauri]

Follow the long line from B to E...he said, and it is about BE ing, so your comment seems very appropriate! 😇

[@shlecko]

Nocturne in E minor also by Chopin is like this. Check it out!

[@moushumi09]

I have little knowledge of classical music but I couldn't stop myself from listening to the mindblowing & power packed speech of this gentleman & his music

[@aircraftcarrier6789]

I wish this guy was my piano teacher

[@aircraftcarrier6789]

actually my current piano teacher is pretty great but this guy is a genius xD

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

After Leonard Bernstein died, Ben Zander took his place in regards how to teach and talk about music.

[@thetruthalwaysscary]

@Andy Chamberlain he is your teacher, if you pay attention what he says that is teaching....just to learn what key and when you don't need a person...the explanation here is priceless...

[@aircraftcarrier6789]

Jon Snow Yeah I know this was teaching, but I was meaning in a more traditional sense of a piano teacher, like someone I take an hour lesson from every week, a mentor. But I totally agree with you.

[@timolyphant9778]

Jon Snow I think he meant my in place of our aka exclusively

[@PoloBoyMal]

I came across this TED Talk about 6 years ago, i was about 12, years old. I have never forgotten it since, so happy i re-discovered it on youtube.

[@avedic]

Gah....I feel old. :(

[@AAK12975]

PoloBoyMal bkkkkiun

[@EricBaileyDrums]

Me too. This video changed my musicianship in an instant the first time I saw it.

[@marcuslinkerhand1415]

3rd time i stumbled over this talk

[@Jazztizz2]

One of the best TED talks I've ever seen. I was sobbing by the time he hit the E ♪ Also, "The job of the C is to make B sad." Amazing teacher. Thank you, Benjamin Zander. My Benjamin would love this. I hope he gets to see it.♥.

[@thopmsonsmith3256]

Hello Dear How are you doing today?

[@hardikvaidya]

What a phenomenal storyteller! What passion in his talk! So many nuggets of wisdom in there through music. This video is a classic. And I'm certainly listening to more of classical music!

[@jeanpierreguaron9222]

Hardik, for me the key that opens the door to music, and appreciation of music, is quite a simple one. Throw away any preconceived ideas - stereotypes & "labels" like "classical", "pop", "modern", etc. And divide everything into two piles - "good" and "bad". When you've decluttered your mind and changed your selection criteria, put what you enjoy into "good" and what you find tedious into "bad". Because there's "good" and "bad" in every musical genre. And I for one refuse to be denied the pleasure of enjoying something just because of a "label". Or expected to listen to something that's simply awful, because of another "label".

[@sgayathri7180]

Benjamin Zander is not just teaching you to love classical music, he is teaching you to love, respect and value life. wonderful.

[@n1vca]

Yepp, it's the whole package- very well done!

[@learnlaughlovelive2654]

18:50 "I have a definition of success. For me it's very simple. It's not about wealth and fame and power. It's about how many shiny eyes I have around me."

[@erniebuchinski3614]

Quite possibly the best definition of success I've ever heard.

[@bunnycow3043]

I thought this was about classical music not life lessons. Literally everything he said will transform my life!

[@kevinsayce2248]

Ditto that

[@generichuman2044]

Classical music is being kept very much alive by very passionate and very dedicated people who give their time to spread it. The internet has helped tremendously with this. About 5 years ago I was in my early twenties and had probably heard a total of 10 minutes of classical music through my entire life. This all changed after I discovered people like Brett and Eddie from Twosetviolin. Just seeing how fun classical can be opened up a new world of music. Now it's what I listen to the second most, behind rock/metal. Some people, like myself, didn't grow up around it and just need someone to show them how beautiful it is.

[@forrestkal4784]

I love how he's got really nice upper body clothes but then jeans and sketchers

[@eliottrosewater4682]

It's cause he's a hip older dude and you don't see it that often. IMHO

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

because it takes more than just jeans and tennis shoes to make us older dudes hip!

[@srijitachakravarty2395]

Aya na Balham Ka Karu sajann

[@thebettareta4796]

jeremy clarkson

[@abramcollette]

I'm in his orchestra, he wears that same thing EVERY day! Always a white button sown, blue jeans, and white sneakers. Hahah

[@NewYork5oul]

“The conductor doesn't make a sound. He depends for his power on his ability to make other people powerful. I realized that my job was to awaken possibility in other people.“

[@MP-cv6if]

That's the message every teacher needs

[@MEM-fk9hs]

And in order to be a teacher like this, you have to be willing to be different, to risk being yourself, to let your love out and your passion out--a love for people and a passion for the subject you get to share. It's limited only by how well you prepared for excellence. Find a way to help them realize the beauty and gift your subject is--whatever it is--and to apprehend it for themselves.

[@vers1fier]

Still remains as the best TED talk of them all.

[@ruexcited2WholeHearted]

"The conductor of an orchestra doesn't make a sound. He depends for his power on his ability to make other people powerful. My job is to awaken possibility in other people. And if their eyes are shining, then you can know you're doing it! and if they are not shining, you can ask yourself the question, who am I being that my players' eyes are not shining? Who are we being as we go out into the world. Success is about how many shining eyes I have around me. It really makes a difference what we say, the words that come out of our mouth." Shining Eyes!!!

[@JP51ism]

Well, the conductor does a lot of talking, in the prep for any concert, plus it's not the role to talk during it... but it's a good notion - a teacher/leader evokes ___ ; from Latin 'vocare' to call, as in vocation.

[@akshayhere]

Admit it, this is not your first time watching this greatness.

[@cure5626]

actually it is, but it definitely won't be my last

[@kulanchandrasekaran4462]

Scary. How did you know? 😊

[@steadgotthetime2017]

It is my first time lol

[@yukiminsan]

it's my third time in five years

[@MicoAquinoComposer]

This is my second time watching this video in this year! Indeed, this is one of the greatest videos I've ever watched!

[@Xzanah]

Every human being who is worth their salt is clapping at this man's energy and enthusiasm and love for classical music. Even if you hate it, you love this man's energy and wonder and humor.

[@sanjanamurthy1991]

I regularly return to this talk. it's the best I've ever seen.

[@seth-tanner]

For any of you wondering, here are the pieces he plays: Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major (K. 545) [this is the one he starts out with] Chopin - Prelude in E-minor (Op. 28 No. 4) [this is the main one he plays] Mozart - Symphony No. 40 in G Minor (K. 550) [this is the piece he briefly goes into]

[@Thvl3]

The.S.Tanner THANK YOU

[@raquelbarbadillo]

Thank you!

[@alanalane]

yes, great thanks

[@0xMuath]

Thanks a lot!

[@danichelrudman5136]

The.S.Tanner thank you 🕶

[@b3astlyify]

The very first time I heard Chopin, was the very first moment I truly understood classical music. Instantly I could completely hear the tone, the mood, the story it told. I agree that anyone can be a classical music fan.

[@chillpill2016]

:D yay

[@ms.annthrope415]

I agree. Anyone can be a classical music fan. I didn't have any rock and roll records. My dad bought some of those classical compilations as shown on TV with the guy in a tuxedo pushing classical music. So I played that over and over as I had nothing else.

[@PH4RX]

It's not bad, but I find myself drifting off and thinking about random other things until it's over and I wonder where the time went.

[@Sarah-bf9zt]

Before covid pandemic...long time ago I watched this. Since that I came to listen and enjoy classic music. During and after pandemic i heard the number of young classic music listeners has been increasing..... as Zander said 'if only we could move it to 4%....' I could feel the real power of music. After so many years I still think this vidoe is one of the best in Ted

[@adnanjam]

The ending note was really moving, I got goosebumps

[@knekki.]

This dude is so passionate and good at teaching, I didn't even notice it was 20 minutes long or the terrible video quality. great talk

[@Chris-xs3vu]

So it was so good that even the legendary meme man loved it

[@fe12rrps]

"I will never say anything that couldn't stand as the last thing I ever say"--words to live by.

[@stefanmirica6485]

also practically impossible to follow.

[@lolus8974]

Difficult words to live by, but the closer you get the better you’ll be for it.

[@lolus8974]

Stefan Mi it’s better to come close trying than to never even bother.

[@OP-1000]

“We are out of toilet paper” ..

[@keithfoester7326]

"make america great again"

[@Youtoub99]

love this man’s philosophy re classical music and impacting other peoples lives... be the one to bring the light. Not a fan of long videos (over 4 minutes), but given his wisdom, spirit and musical grace, could easily have watched another 1/2 hour. Walking away with new-found interest in classical music and search for my way of bringing light to eyes of those around me. Thank you and Chopin; i thought of my kind, loving mother that my life was blessed with; lost her 10 yrs ago... Thank you, Truly.

[@kevinsayce2248]

Well said

[@nunessilva2162]

I've just experienced classical music like never before... Thank you This gentleman has the ability to ensure 1-You're going to listen, 2-You're going to learn, 3-You're going to enjoy it along the way Kudos

[@sageobrien6776]

I’ve actually met Benjamin Zander before, as I attended his interpretation class (which has not been released to KZbin yet) but he is legitimately the nicest man who I’ve ever met. He gave me one of his CDs and took the time to make sure we got front-row seats, and also took the time to acquaint himself with most of the members of the audience.

[@marksumm6575]

Ben, here is a young man with a like personality and talent as Benjamin. Listening to Benjamin reminds me of a friend I fortunately got to know at a concert. Despite all the obstacles placed in his path, this young man with a like passion as yours, brings beautiful music to those he meets in his everyday life. Listen to him: listen to this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poeUlmydYpynkJY Prelude in D flat Major, 'Raindrop', by F. Chopin, Surinder Mundra, Piano Also: kzbin.info/door/5yxuDO1ZFhPyhrfsq98l8w - His organ, harpsichord & piano music

[@MauriatOttolink]

Ben O'Brien What do you mean by legitimately?

[@sageobrien6776]

@@MauriatOttolink I mean that he's genuine, and that he's exactly what he seems like in all of his videos i.e. not a phony or anything of that nature.

[@sageobrien6776]

@@marksumm6575 Wow, thanks for sharing those recordings, I'm enjoying them quite a bit so far!

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

I'm reading (again) The Art of Possibility and found this video. I think you're right. The impression I get from him is that he makes everyone he talks to feel as if he really sees them, and I think that's a rare thing.

[@dcny69]

Fryderyk Chopin 24 Préludes, Op. 28 : No. 4, Largo in E Minor You're welcome 🙏

[@sumanoharan]

dcny69 Thank you!

[@letadaniels1929]

Thank you!!! :D

[@tulgatulgaldo6241]

Thank you. :)

[@bayoolatunji3996]

Thank you

[@Sean-yr4se]

What is at 8:51?

[@kikivolauvent1]

I'm rewatching this for the one millionth time and still LOVE it ;)

[@jimbrown8282]

Wow! We need more with his message. Every middle school should get his tapes and build a class around it.

[@lydiaanderson3462]

@Hello Jim how are you doing

[@ChristopherHowellMagic]

11 years on, still one of the most inspirational and life affirming Ted talks ever. Thank you Ben!

[@jamieyish5582]

Amen

[@mikehawk9045]

This man is definitely The Doctor...

[@sarahjudd9710]

Mike Hawk yes yes he is

[@abdulmoizayyaz]

Time is relative . He is The doctor.

[@reidgowan2670]

James Stewart You don’t know that. He’s probably a different doctor.

[@Mrmoe198]

@James Stewart The Doctor surpasses gender.

[@Surfboarder4]

He’d make a great doctor. He’d barely need to act.

[@carl___________]

A composer’s goal is to lead and inspire, and he did just that. Bravo👏!!!!

[@mypropheticsoul]

There are several life lessons in these few minutes. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for them. I will pass them along to family and friends. I wish I had the world’s email to invite everyone to watch it. Immediately the world would start healing. This is the real power, not the mundane power, not the power as defined by politicians or dictionaries.

[@letsif]

This presentation alone is a work of art.

[@rvpj]

“Like the bird who flies over the field and doesn’t care about the fences underneath.” wow ( 12:25 )

[@seyedolshohada]

Why the bird should even bother to think about the fences on the ground? Birds naturally dont care unless they are ostriches or chickens !

[@vaclavjebavy5118]

@@seyedolshohada that's the point

[@1234jajadingdong]

This is one of the most amazing videos I’ve ever watched. I learned more about music in this video than I have in an entire lifetime of studying it.

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

Maestro Zander, this was truly genius. Your passion for classical music is infectious, informative, fun, and you have a talent not only for piano, but in connecting to an audience and making your message relevent. I am a classically trained organist and choir master , and I really benefited from your innovative presentation. My favorite musical literature is French Romantic, but naturally, for an organist J.S. Bach rates way up there as does Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Handel, Brahms,

[@lassouren]

I'm delighted I could learn English so I'm able to understand what this gentleman is saying. What a great character! I already love classical music but after this...shinning eyes!

[@aiden9067]

What is your first language?

[@shrishchauhan3390]

There are subtitles available

[@yeetyot9020]

@@shrishchauhan3390 thats not the point

[@chevlogs369]

wow im a 21 year old guy heavily into rap/hiphop genre. i am also into filmmaking and when i was watching some documentaries i realized how filmmakers use classical musci to generate emotion. then i watched this video and dam my mind is blown. classical music is on another level!

[@rainqd1889]

rap and hip hop can do it as well but it’s just harder to pay attention with words on top of words

[@chevlogs369]

CrimsonR first you gotta look up the lyrics. After a while you get used to the flows and what they say and all that

[@writerforlifeify]

If you haven't seen it, watch the 1984 movie 'Amadeus'.

[@bruh7130]

@@writerforlifeify Lol Mozart was high on drugs

[@writerforlifeify]

@@bruh7130 Even when he composed his 1st complete piece of music at age 4? I think not. Just enjoy the music.

[@DisneyRelaxingMusicStudio]

I was peacefully studying but then I end up crying hearing every piece of music that gives me so much nostalgia. I can't believe we grew up so fast. Everything just seemed like it happened yesterday

[@kinzington]

I've seen this video 100x and it's always incredible.

[@JOBEgypte]

today was the first time i played classical music while going for a run. i switched between chopin, bach and vivaldi. normally i run about 3km through the dunes. today i ran about 10k. i've never felt so relaxed while running. normally i play fast music (metalica avici etc). and i realized that today i was much more capable of controlling my breathing and heart rate. lets just say that from now on im listening to classical music while doing my workout :)

[@BigChungusthe3rd]

hmmm maybe light and steady cardio. Unfortunately with more intense activities like weightlifting classical music doesn't really work

[@JOBEgypte]

Joseph Yi fair enough, it’s nice if you want to do something where keeping your hart rate low is beneficial. personally if i do a steady pace run its nice. but if your doing an interval workout it’s nice to have something with a bit more power behind it (i like “for whom the bells toll, Metalica” allot for these types of workouts) honestly i typed this after doing a steady run. but i noticed that i started listening to my normal playlist when doing other more intense workouts. but hey it still nice to listen to :)

[@BigChungusthe3rd]

@@JOBEgypte Good point on wanting to keep your heart rate not too high/steady for cardio and how classical music can help with that. For sure, classical music is incredible

[@monami784]

Will try !

[@worstpianist3985]

Karma Stay away from Liszt while exercising, you will die.

[@ernarjandos1031]

Classical music will never die

[@noodleboi6711]

yea once we press play it comes back to life. I think and feel that way whenever I listen to artists I know have passed.

[@someguy-zb4kh]

of course it'll never even pop music using classical as "sample" sample = a professional way to say steal

[@simianto9957]

Yes it will, once humanity dies out

[@mattschwarz1743]

Sampling is one of those "new" ideas that actually turn out to be quite old--classical music was never above "stealing," either. Tchaikovsky used Russian folk melodies, Beethoven (and many others) would write a "Theme and Variations" using a melody from someone else's opera, much Renaissance music was based on a Gregorian chant melody that was slowed down and added to, etc. Using someone else's music as a starting point for your own is an old trick! (Although, as Led Zeppelin found out, if the original music is still under copyright you might get sued . . .)

[@lindalettman624]

I always feel shy about loving classical music. I love that he said classical music is for everybody…not just the 3%. Thank you for saying that. 💕

[@thopmsonsmith3256]

Hello Linda How are you doing today?

[@vanessasgram8]

WOW ! I never heard this man before and I was moved so very much by his stories and his way with music to teach other's to "hear" classical music for what it really does--"it allows you to fly without regard to fences!" How perfect! I wish this was 30 minutes longer! Thank you ever so much for sharing.

[@hqiu6828]

"I am looking for not wealth, not fame, not power, but those shining eyes", this guy is genius!

[@NothingMaster]

All the way from B to E, this was a superb presentation; witty, uplifting, engaging, and ever-unfolding with passion. That's what classical music is all about -- a path to discovery.

[@paultan5419]

well said

[@infowazz]

same with painting

[@kimdammers3838]

I loved his passion, but I don't understand "all the way from B to E."

[@ShadowShinobi108]

@@kimdammers3838 all the way from Beginning to End ;)

[@salemnj1]

@@kimdammers3838 He explains it very clearly at about 8:40. The piece is in E minor and the first note is B and it ends on an E minor chord. The journey from that opening B to finally landing on the E minor chord at the end is what from B to E is referring to.

[@andreewseymour314]

This man is insanely passionate it's so inspiring.

[@markwjr]

Of all the TED talks that I have ever seen, this has to be the absolute best of them all.

[@MrGreglego]

the best ted talkers are the ones that say "screw the red circle"

[@thetongueofangels1882]

Huh

[@tomasgonzalez4072]

He walked down and had his presence more felt.

[@jiqee3919]

I literally kept crying since he started playing Chopin...never felt so touched for so long. I know there is probably no one reading this but when I was in undergrad, I watched Ted to practice listening skills; now that im doing master, Im using it to practice interpreting skills. This talk is probably the only one that Ive watched without any other intentions, just purely enjoying the music and the talk itself and its such a wonderful one. I envy him for his passion for what he is doing. The world is getting busier now and there are too many people earning a living with doing what they feel obliged to do as a "job" without passion. Ive always wanted to work as an interpreter and now im in the training for that. However, sometimes I feel that Im losing the passion and replacing it with the pursuit of high marks in the tests instead. He just reminded me why I have started. A lesson beyond the measurement of value.

[@timflippance3040]

Yes there is someone reading this. Me. Passion is the best thing. If you think and feel deeply enough you can appreciate any form of music, any form of art.

[@turcinovic90]

Don't worry, people are reading :D

[@lijopunnapra1683]

You cried, because you have Love in your heart

[@whazzlegaming3856]

I hope your rekindled fire gets blazzing hot!! I hope it burns thru other generations. Ty

[@FirstnameLastname-uc5sb]

I am so passionate yet so devoid of opportunities to study music.

[@sayan1667]

I am 23 years old, i play on drums since 7 years old and i play the piano since 15 years old and sometimes i like to take my time and to producemusic just for myself, to have something to listen and think about it when i'm alone and i like to think about music and to go deep in its meaning. This Man made me cry and gave me a huge lesson thati will probably never forget about it. This is one from the best videos i'vewatched in my life!!

[@jlmww]

The best music lesson I ever had was in a linguistics class. An idea inside one brain is called “thought.” When the thought leaves that one brain and travels into other brains, that’s called “language.” Language is used to communicate ideas. Music is like language except it communicates emotions.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

That's beautiful and true. Thank you for sharing, Wes Williams.