Thomas Roth (Nyckelharpa) - Ingredients

[@MrPHart]

If you have played a hard piece from memory, then his facial expressions will tell you that inside his head is every note flying across a score that demands thought and muscle memory to hit without thinking about what is happening outside of yourself. It's so fun when you nail it! ℗.

[@jeffcriton6944]

hes reading the sheet in front of him. or do you think people just stair off into oblivion while playing this instrument?

[@MrFair]

Jeff Criton Of course people play music on this instrument without reading sheet music. I'm 99% sure that he does not use sheet music here, because I've seen him play live already and he did not use sheet music. The vast majority of nyckelharpa players do not use sheet music (myself included) for performing. The more traditional players don't even use sheet music to learn the tunes, but learn by ear, because it is an aural tradition. The only nyckelharpa players that I've seen playing with sheet music are those that play in a more "classical" setting and then I very often have the feeling that they don't even need it and just have it there because, apparently, it is more or less required to use sheet music to look serious in those settings.

[@shaniakelly5245]

Jeff Criton I've seen MANY musicians stare off into space while playing a difficult piece by heart. Folk musicians usually don't use any sheet music at all and everything is by memory - Irish fiddlers with thousands of memorized songs. The human brain is amazing.

[@jeffcriton6944]

I don't give a flying fuck. But I know he's reading it his eyes are fixed and moving side to side.

[@toveschatvet-riisager4215]

Some persons do not need to have any attention, they need to be freezed out, basic chineese upbringing method. Surely have they never ever even tried to play nor sing eiter instruments nor voice....This person: Thomas, is just a very,v ery good and - yeah unbeleiveably good nyckelharpemusician...envious persons can do their own thng, for themselves, right? I do admire all persons playing this well - always will admire :-)

[@andrewcoldwell1476]

i love how when he starts playing smoke on the water he looks surprised with himself as if he's like "well shit I guess I'm doing this now aren't I"

[@insay1909]

Yes!

[@laurentdubois2268]

at 3:58

[@ado4224]

You kinda look like a rock star while playing it though

[@neon_Nomad]

Actually the instrument is playing him at that point. Newtons second note

[@cmcapps1963]

Didn't he start with the "Thunderstruck" solo?

[@ΧρήστοςΒλάχος-τ5λ]

His playing of Nyckelharpa sort of like a violin reminds me of gamers who love playing videogames on the hardest difficulty mode possible, but with additional, self-imposed, restrictions to make everything even harder. Extremely talented indeed.

[@jamesaron1967]

I don't think it should be that difficult as far as bowed instruments are concerned. The unfretted bowed instruments like the violin, viola, etc are hard because the strings are short, and due to there being no frets difficult for the beginner to position fingers. The Nyckelharpa has buttons, so no need to know the specific spot to find the right note providing the instrument is tuned properly. I could be wrong having no experience in Western bowed instruments and would like to try the Nyckelharpa one day.

[@TheMarshmallowMushroom]

cough cough astralspiff

[@kunibertrandolf1886]

Saying that a buttoned string instrument is the "hard mode" of the violin is absolute musical blasphemy. Literally one of the hardest to learn classical instruments simply due to it having 0 support for actually hitting a note. Not diminishing Roths abilities of course, the music created doesn't deminish in value by the instrument used.

[@KennethHall-tp4hw]

Totally agree, staggeringly talented man - BUT after Smoke on the Water, I was hoping for Stairway to Heaven? : )

[@MetalMaestro]

It sounds like an entire string ensemble in one instrument.

[@ababyc1599]

Exactly my thought! It's amazing :)

[@TheMightySinjo]

It's amazing to play as well.

[@aman4peace]

I use to call it elevator music in my days of hearing classical music back ago. I like listening to this instrument what got me on this issue was ancient History it showed a link I went on I applied to this to read. about this instrument, I liked so I turn on KZbin which was on the link below the read.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

You should search for a hurdy-gurdy if you want an entire orchestra in one instrument :) it even has a rhythm function!

[@jarocari_0693]

Why always I see your comments in all videos? Such a coincidence Metal Maestro! OMG😂😂😂

[@AiAngel]

Amazing music. His facial expressions are so interesting as well.

[@willieboy8798]

looks like he was raised in the eastern block...they look distant allot!

[@animeknowledge5048]

never thought that I would see you here lol

[@phoenixtalon100]

Good lord, it really is unexpected to have seen you here a full nine years ago... a quote comes to mind. Think you might appreciate it, considering who you are now and who you must have been way back then... _"We all change, when you think about it, we're all different people; all through our lives, and that's okay, that's good, you've gotta keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be."_

[@AiAngel]

@@phoenixtalon100 Thank-you for this!

[@DerTheDuke]

That's amazing! Just the way he plays... With fingers fast as lightning, with fire in his heart... and with the facial expression of a stroke victim...

[@frankzaffuto3670]

that's called concentration. There is some level of improvisation in choosing which pieces to transition to next, and how much complexity to play said pieces at

[@EricKretzmer]

This is just simply incredible!!! Toccatta & Smoke on the Water!! What a great instrument!!

[@LillyKoppMusic]

I was looking for the song that went with that riff (Smoke on the Water") Thanks, lol!

[@starsun6363]

It's like a violin and a viola and a chela and a guitar at the same time.WHY ISNT THIS SUPER POPULAR ALREADY!

[@evanmartin873]

Because it was already popular a couple thousand years ago, its called the Nyckelharpa

[@anhthiensaigon]

@@evanmartin873 100 is called hundred, not thousand

[@xanthopoulos1825]

@@anhthiensaigon well there are historical depictions of such an instrument in Sweden dating to the 12th century. So its a mere 700-800 year old instrument if not older

[@anhthiensaigon]

@@xanthopoulos1825 so "couple hundred" it is, not "couple thousand". That's why I replied.

[@nathanbedfordforrest9546]

@@anhthiensaigon It’s about 700 years old.

[@Bullveif]

Was für ein schönes Instrument und wie virtuos er es spielt . einfach toll.

[@IIllytch321nonadinfinitum]

Toccata and Fugue in D minor...now I know how a nyckelharpa works. Brilliant.

[@stevenowell5882]

The Nyckelharpa is a new discovery for me. This was incredible. Loved it

[@petersneddon1579]

Super talented and a brilliant tribute to the greats, I'm sure Ritchie Blackmore will be delighted to have been included.

[@TheTruthRocks]

"My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to ROCK."

[@LillyKoppMusic]

Haha, yes!

[@1cleandude]

To play that thing I think he must be the Six Fingered Man!!

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

A guitar duel with a 6 fingered man? Who, incidentally, was the lead guitar player of Spinal Tap? I'd watch that movie.

[@bobosims1848]

As Lily Aldrin would've said: My name is Rodrigo de Goya. You've killed someone I loved. Prepare to play a complicated instrument!

[@KevinCWall-ct5sm]

Wow.

[@MyStyleIsBlack]

This is one of the most beautiful displays of musicianship I've ever seen

[@Crisisdarkness]

There are so many great musical instruments, but this one is phenomenal. This musician has reached a very high level.

[@dorettazingg8414]

Er spielt ein fantastisches ganzes Orchester ! Herrlich wunderbar anzuhören - bravissimo

[@mcnbns]

How many times do you think he poked himself in the eye with the bow while learning to play this thing?

[@jonvalbonne]

That's when he stopped playing it under his chin lik a violin! :) Like others here, I am in awe of this guy's talent. My first introduction to this fine instrument which I only heard about by chance today!

[@user-gp6pv5gh9i]

0.

[@Peggysmusic]

Hahaha!

[@lukichan1083]

Too many times 😂

[@elisabattaglia9009]

that's why he looks in a different direction with a worried expression while playing.

[@ncommerce]

The fact that his moustache is a perfect rhombus adds to the whole "18th century dandy from a different dimension" vibe he puts out.

[@PriscillaLange]

A/s/l?

[@infledermaus]

Damn! This really shows off the capabilities of this instrument. Fantastic! Just fantastic! Best performance on this instrument I've seen. Bravissimo!

[@erreenecu7706]

¡Alucinante! No comprendo cómo un instrumento tan rico y tan versátil puede haber quedado en el olvido. Gracias a músicos como Thomas Roth que nos regalan su esfuerzo por mantenerlo vivo. Amazing! I don't understand how such a rich and versatile instrument could have been forgotten. Thanks to musicians like Thomas Roth who give us their effort to keep it alive.

[@newperspective5918]

It is not forgotten in Sweden. You see it quite often during Midsummer celebrations or old-timey inspired events.

[@resb1714]

👏👏👏👌👍✌😎 ... nie gesehen ... nie gehört ... ich bin ... sprachlos 👏👏👏!!!

[@marchingbandafanfaredeneve531]

Quel magnifique instrument et quel artiste ! Un orchestre à lui tout seul. Bravo !

[@trevorjenkins7309]

Holy crap! This guy is freaking amazing! And I thought violin was difficult to master.

[@jamesaron1967]

I think the violin is more difficult.

[@bveracka]

I didn't realize this was actually an instrument until I watched a few more videos from the sidebar and then Googled it. Very interesting, and a beautiful instrument it is too!

[@coloharpare]

It's been around since the Middle Ages---1300s at least. Just not terribly well-known outside of Sweden.

[@bveracka]

Sheila Morris It's amazing that in the Middle Ages they had such an intricately designed instrument. It's a beautiful instrument in both design and sound; I love it! Also, there are some truly great musicians in throughout Europe--especially in the north--who are keeping older instruments like this alive. Hats off to them!

[@jameso.j.3491]

Just bought one, and I'm wondering how long it's gonna be before I look like him. My guess is a couple of months.

[@HeyItsPM]

+JOJ so, do you look like him yet?

[@vespasian1566]

How is it so far?

[@Liliphant_]

lmao

[@JoButterwick]

A little bit longer maybe - depends how fast your hair grows

[@darkardsoul]

PROFF

[@mindyauron]

I totally heard a little smoke on the water in there!! XD holy goodness that was great to hear

[@huskvarsm]

beautiful reminds me of those old eastern european cartoons and animations from the 50s i would see now and then as a kid.....fantastic.

[@richardelliott3538]

Fascinating instrument beautiful music by a very talented musician loved it...

[@lauriedanisa7274]

WOW!! What a challenging instrument to play. Beautiful music

[@willdavidson9410]

You are a virtuoso You memorized an entire Bach suite

[@LillyKoppMusic]

Lovely! Another instrument I can admire. Thomas does a great job as well. It takes a lot of gut to get on stage and perform a solo as challenging as that one.

[@1Capiyo]

Some of these comments sound like coming from ignorant children not even knowing, appreciating nor understanding the knowledge or the classic principles of sonority of Amati or Stradivarius design, but the capability to master the playing of a unique and self designed instrument, to interprete challenging áreas of the masters of music without even stering once the string setting. The merit is multiple and this artist deserves an special mention of respect for outstanding effort and success.

[@crihsagnlel]

hell yeah.

[@diogopaschoalplatania4974]

Great words!

[@elouise5593]

We can well appreciate good music. No need for the snotty superior tone in you comments! We ALL know it takes an outstanding instument, and superior skill and training to play it well. That is why most of us do not play it.

[@michaelborders4674]

Dude sucked he should have played disco stick or something kool

[@tungavidyavijaya8960]

@@elouise5593 The guy wasn't snotty , he just showed losers like you the mirror....

[@joshuamcallister6999]

discovered this magical instrument tonight. Wow! Beatific! ^_^

[@rp8133]

this man loves the music he's playin' and so do I.

[@tahirmehdi]

Wow, he really looks like Sirius Black.

[@TheOgruffydd]

You're siriusly right

[@anderspersson7084]

He is the the inspiration and raw model for Sirius Black not the other way arround.

[@euqat]

Sirius Grey

[@gosango]

Thanks for posting! I hadn't heard (or heard of) a nyckelharpa before this.

[@hydraxisfrimon9785]

Always wonderful to witness the playing of a maestro of his instrument, thanks for posting this. Never does any harm to feel one's jaw dropping open in astonishment at the great heights achievable by incredibly talented, dedicated people who love what they do and share it with us.

[@SONGSTICKS]

Bloody amazing !!! What a Gorgeous instrument that is, especially in his hands !!

[@hellothere921]

sounds like someone is jamming along with a guitar hero controller, really cool instrument.

[@coreybillingsley169]

lmao it does

[@hellothere921]

k

[@FrancoBarista]

how does it "modernise" the song by pointing out that the haptic background noise sounds like a guitar hero controller? Don't be such an elitist prick

[@coreybillingsley169]

Big Boss grow up man

[@hellothere921]

k

[@KrystasChaos]

looks like a sonic assault rifle and yet it makes such beautiful music

[@ericvulgate]

what a wonderful looking instrument!

[@TheLejonell]

Thomas Roth? More like Thomas Rocks!

[@AClassOldie]

Same thing to Mike Tyson

[@lindamclean8809]

Absolutely brilliant!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@DillonHockett]

This is well worth watching in its entirety if one is possessed of any musical appreciation at all.

[@vb7037]

Nevermind playing or maintaining one of these instruments....can you imagine the artist that had to make this thing? His beard must be huge!

[@Joybity]

wonderful !!! I can't imagine playing such a complicated instrument, I only wish I had your talent.

[@karolgarcia7292]

Splendid performance

[@patriciaadams-rl4iz]

This is so unique to watch, listen to. I am impressed with anyone that play a instrument, such as this quality. It is not an everyday instrument,that you just pickup.

[@petrabock1023]

Wunderbar Thomas.... einfach Wunderbar

[@steampunckairship]

0o0 That was my face the whole time. How is this instrument not more popular?

[@enbandouliere]

Qu'il est passionnant de découvrir de si belles musiques et un instrument inconnu de moi . Félicitations. Merci pour le partage.

[@reyatsmk9990]

Brilliant! Pure love and resonance! I feel the vibrations! I love this and I want to thank you for sharing! More please, an encore at least?

[@Suegelbalch]

Das ist der erste Nyckelharpaspieler der mich richtig beeindruckt! Hochachtung und meine Anerkennung zu dieser einmaligen Nyckelharpa-Performance!

[@rbentrdr]

OUTSTANDING!!! I put the nyckelharpa on my list of "things I wish I could play" awhile back. I think I'll have to settle for playing the video instead of the instrument! Wonderful!

[@chrisdevine5683]

Thomas! Remember me from Blackmore's Night ca. 2000-2002? Thought a lot of you then and now, your excellent musicianship and terrific baritone voice. This is fantastic mein Freund! What a bow arm!

[@MrHestichs]

I feel the Baroque composers woul have loved being able to compose for this instrument.

[@seoulmandan]

My hats off to this virtuoso.

[@fredpecks9542]

Loved every sec of it especially the Deep Purple part!👍🤘

[@tosulami]

Agree! Sounds like an orchestra. Great job. Thanks

[@lekszyckak]

Votre musique est tellement fantasthique .... superbe, bravo!

[@dominiquelarueenchantez-vous]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@michaelharvey5138]

Amazing, never heard one being played, I play violin and I'd love to try playing one of these! Brilliant!!......

[@psychologymajorptsd62]

MY HAND IS CRAMPING JUST WATCHING HIM!!!! Those are some well developed muscles in his key hand...

[@roxan110]

J'apprécie beaucoup votre talent et votre virtuosité.

[@yitzchallevi8208]

Very cool! Thank you Thomas.

[@LeoBercoff]

What an art! Very expressive and musical!

[@georgianeff4818]

Smoke on the water.. Yeah.. He had a moment & went there *_* Cool! It happens to all of us musicians at one time or another.. Have Fun.. Life IS but a Dream ;) ~*~ XOX

[@nataliegrego5448]

Divine! Thankyou Thomas⭐

[@carmenroge7158]

Waouh ! FélicitationsThomas Roth !!,🎵 ❤ 🎻💖👏👏👏

[@lookinglassalice3777]

Esbjorn Hogmark made this Nyckelharpa....a Swedish instrument in use since the middle ages.....much more that a guitar and violin blend it is an instrument unto itself....nyckelharpa means key fiddle in swedish....the sympathetic resonating strings sustain their notes...

[@Plankensen]

Wouldn't harpa be harp? a key harp?

[@TextiX887]

Yes.

[@TextiX887]

Esbjörn? My mother was thought to make nyckelharpor from a course that he instructed.

[@Darkurge666]

@@TextiX887 Taught

[@CrimsonRunnerToJesus]

Amazing instrument, and even more amazing musician...

[@vutEwa]

Amazing performance! Thanks for sharing!

[@hamiltondavenport2034]

Just heavenly. Thank you!

[@fatmadridibenaissa3513]

Beautiful instrument !

[@thenordichammer1606]

This is a nyckelharpa. He is killing the game!

[@dreambuyer5723]

Wonderful! I've been discovering all kinds of instrument I didn't know exist today.

[@elouise5593]

Sounds amazing! Like a cello and a violin in one instrument!

[@HaHaTronic]

Awsome melody. Great musician

[@Genshi]

Beautiful p[erformance on an amazing instrument! Desperately trying to find one myself...

[@bjornskristensen]

Very good! Very nice!

[@laraknierim957]

Great! Sounds a little bit like an orchestra, very warm ...

[@georged424]

THOMAS - YOU ARE FANTASTIC - MY CONGRATULATION ;-)

[@declanoconnor9134]

a virtuoso performance..Just brilliant !

[@garywinterscoachablemoment7029]

Massive respect, sir!

[@2ndbrid]

That guy looks like the Albert Einstein of music.

[@jgvtc559]

I was thinking more Francis bacon

[@yergui87]

He reminds me to a young Billy Connolly or Gary Oldman.

[@bryanwilson8130]

And yet, this goofy collage lends more to an air of Gallagher...

[@emanueljohansson6284]

And sounds like the Albert Einstein of music! :D

[@WilliamFord972]

Albert Einstein played the violin quite often.

[@Kevin15047]

A violin and a clavichord had a baby!

[@natsariat430]

hell yea!!!

[@bveracka]

Or a violin and an accordion, lol. Clavichord is more accurate though because of how the instrument works though; you're smart guy!

[@jonnda]

Kevin Hosford I was thinking cross between a hurdy-gurdy and a hardanger fiddle.

[@patriciaduenas9489]

😂😂

[@redacted6544]

Cool instrument and great playing!

[@Stoertebekerxyz]

Ich hab ihn live gesehen, einmalig.

[@jenswojtek8034]

Jag har aldrig sett någon spela som bättre

[@Kritiker313]

Hervoragend! Grüße aus Amerika.

[@Ginasong]

Amazing! I loved this! Thank you for posting it.

[@TacoAmigo777]

xD it looks like a viola on steroids :D love it :D; amazing performance 10/10

[@alanhardman2447]

Incredible talent! Thanks!

[@UmbertoRonco]

This is an amazong instrument!! How wonderfull!!

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

This is just stunning!

[@MediaWest]

everytime i hear this instrument, it blows me away. nothing else like it...🎻

[@daweshorizon]

What an amazing and unusual instrument! I found this by accident, the joy of youtube. But he can play! It's entoxicating!

[@depfordbusinesscoaching2212]

Gotta get me one of those! Awesome instrument.

[@qballmystery6060]

How long was his recovery period after this...?

[@theshepherdspromise]

Well done! Thank you so much for performing and sharing this.