HILARY HAHN - MUSIC, LIFE AND STRINGS by Thomastik-Infeld

[@ritualee10]

This started as what I thought was going to be an unbearably silly commercial (that voice over!!!) for violin strings but Hilary, being her remarkable self, turned this into the most authentic, fascinating, endearing and just incredibly informative half-hour. I should have known she wouldn't just sit and do some nonsense endorsement video like so many of my rock and roll friends fall all over themselves to do. I continue to think she's about the most ideal human I've experienced and is certainly the greatest role model I could possibly imagine for my 6 year old violinist. I'm so glad she exists!

[@Depressed_Dinosaur]

She is a truly exceptional performer and human being. As for interviews, she did a 90 minute "interview" with 2 Set Violin. The last 1/2 hour has some of the best insights into a performer's artistic sensibilities that I've ever seen.

[@amiedo]

The biggest challenge on tours? Normal people: performing, stage anxiety, etc. Hilary Hahn: _where is the place you're gonna get coffee in the morning_ Yup, that's a level. --- Lovely interview, thanks for sharing. It's always a pleasure to listen to Hilary playing, or sharing about the creative process behind her work.

[@chrispham6599]

As a musician myself I was like "HOW DO YOU GET THIS ZEN"?

[@amiedo]

@@chrispham6599 It's Hilary Hahn we are talking about. This is... expectable.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Musicians need a lot to be able to perform. It is good to see that Hahn cares about the small things, because they do matter.

[@vt4979]

Hilary literally has zero anxiety or nerve when she performs.

[@michelleregis6181]

@@vt4979 it seems like it

[@julia815645219]

She is just so eloquent. You can tell how much passion she has for her craft just from the language she uses alone

[@CF127]

I wish the interview was longer

[@endpc5166]

She has such a lovely voice, so articulate, intelligence flows from her, and very lovely to look at - well, maybe not more than your average Greek Goddess - and so she's just mesmerizing.

[@aqvaice]

She's a classic example to say you do not need expensive strings to play fantastically.

[@mightyV444]

I wish it was the same when it comes to electric bass guitar strings! ;-)

[@MathieuDeVinois]

Indeed. Still I would love to try The Peter Infelds.

[@mariannamycroft2611]

@@MathieuDeVinois me too!!

[@lachlanmadeira9874]

To me thomastik dominant are the best strings for any kind of violin

[@conclaveluminis]

This is what happens when a workaholic genius is also a beautiful person. I could listen to Hilarys wisdom and outlook on life all day. Oh...... and then there is the majesty of that thing she does when she has her instrument in her hand.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

'Magicsty''- coining new word, with Hilary's & your inspiration

[@iamjane9628]

Very interesting that she draws parallels between the spoken language of a composer and the grammar of their music. This never occurred to me, and I have never heard anyone make this observation before. Hilary is so intelligent, insightful, and articulate. I appreciate all opportunities to hear her speak ( and play, of course.) I admire her so much.

[@Lamadesbois]

Two videos on the matter: Adam Neely's _Scotch snaps in hip hop_ or David Bruce's _How the way you talk affects the music you write_ .

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

As a linguist myself, I feel drawn to German on account of Bach's music. I know what she means.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Jane, a very nice comment from you one year ago about spoken language and grammar of music. I have just found this interview with Hilary. By the way, I am Tarzan. Best greetings!

[@iamjane9628]

@@staffanolofsson8201 Hello there, Tarzan !

[@rafa_beirigo]

She has built a collection of interviews with other artists to give those who hasn't the opportunity to have multiple professional musicians' input. But this is by far my favorite interview of she herself. The questions were very insightful and thought provoking, and she revealed a lot of herself through them. Thank you so much!

[@huachunzhu]

(Me looking for a set of fancy violin strings to replace the old Dominant strings) Hilary Hahn: I use Dominant. Me: okay I guess I've changed my mind.

[@mymarycraft]

LOL SAMEE AHAHAHA

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

I don't believe this has anything to do with the various string brands. It is your instrument that decides. Your instrument might have a very different personality compared to Hillary Hahn's instrument. You have to try as many strings as possible until your instrument says "I love this, don't change my strings anymore ". You will know when it happens. Don't choose your strings based upon what your favorite musicians use, your favorite soloists have tried and tested many strings before they actually found the right strings for them. Of course, explore their choices and see whether your instrument loves them or not, but don't get stuck on them, because you risk depriving your instrument of its best possible sound. Try as many strings as possible from each brand and see what your instrument wants.

[@tullochgorum6323]

@@medicinemadisonofficial Sound advice. But if you have a good, balanced instrument like Hilary's Vuillaume a neutral string like the Dominant or the Tonica is a good place to start and and probably all you'll ever need. I suspect you only need a more opinionated string if your instrument has an issue that needs correcting. People get over-obsessed with strings, I think. The player, the bow, the instrument, even the rosin, are more important in my experience.

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

@@tullochgorum6323 well...most people don't own the finest Cremonese violins which are usually in the hands of the greatest soloists... so I believe that the more you can improve your instrument through strings and setup, the more you can get our of it. Of course in the end the violinist makes all the difference.

[@medicinemadisonofficial]

@@tullochgorum6323 my own instrument did not enjoy Tonica much. It did enjoy Evah but I am still looking for strings that are dark and powerful, with a Guarnieri-like sound profile.

[@ryantristan9264]

hilary speaking german just brightened my day

[@albertmachaj7540]

Hilary Hahn Is My Hero! Thank You.

[@JuliaGrigorianGrimaldi]

Love of my life, thank you SO much for performing my music! I'm thrilled to hear and see you! Angel Biden.

[@weltschmertzz]

Her personality is so cool! I've watched an interview of her when she was younger, and even then she was goals! She said something about not thinking about pleasing people because if you do that then you'll do what you think they want instead of producing your own sound. To achieve that at such a young age! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@junejewel]

What a fantastically articulate and brilliantly talented artist!!! Complete joy to listen to.

[@jackiexu3683]

10:30 QUICK ANSWER from Hilary Hahn: I don't remember not using DOMINANT! (for people who s rushing to see what she uses)

[@vaskenkantardshieff]

EVERYTHING, WORDS, INTERIOR, THE VOICE OF HILARY, THE EXPLANATIONS OF HILARY, THE WAY THE JURNALIST POSES THE QUESTIONS, EVERYTHING IS UNVORGETTABLE AND FULL WITH KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND PLEASURE! THANK YOU BOTH! GOD BLESS YOU! GOD SAVE YOU!

[@BanBiofuels]

Hilary Hahn is the most subtle violinist I have ever heard. She borders on the supernatural.

[@davelee8961]

Proving the point that a genius musician can also be a lovely, intelligent, down-to-Earth person. What an amazing lady.

[@stephenmessick865]

What a refreshing 37 minutes. Hilary could make growing grass interesting. What a treasure she is!

[@omerofaggionato4405]

I adore this woman

[@colindailley5062]

I love watching you play, Hilary ❤️

[@lasombramagister2668]

my favorite violinist, shes spectacular

[@kojiito5173]

Like others who have commented, I always admire Hilary's approach to music and her profession. Even the way she considers the circumstances of non-professional audiences that shared the time& space with her in recital halls as well as the way she puts her musician self into perspective by imagining all the history and personal emotions behind the compositions demonstrate the well-rounded personality she is and what intelligence and care she nurtures every day. Grateful for Thomas-Infeld for the great interview piece!

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi Koji, thank you very much for your kind words and your feedback! We really appreciate it 😃 Best wishes, your Thomastik-Infeld Team

[@Bob31415]

Such a beautiful and graceful young woman from my home state of Virginia. What a wonderful ambassador for America. A treasure to the world.

[@user-xk9ji8vn7d]

She is the best violinist! Love her sooooo much!!! I hope I can meet with her 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@kathyalmuller5143]

Never heard such a cogent graduation speech that she created and gave to the Johns Hopkins class of 2017. Her genius takes many forms. She is a true leader and one of the best examples of a person whose thoughts and actions shed light on why we are on this Earth. Thank you, KZbin for providing us with this wonderful experience of getting to know Hilary. Without this in depth presentation, we would not have to been able to get to know Hilary who is an example of what human beings, with discipline, are capable of. If more of us reacted to the world as Hilary does, just imagine what a better world we would have. Thank you, Hilary for having the guts to expose your inner personality. To quote you "i am working with "4 strings, 4 fingers, and one bow" - you might add you are working with one, wonderful, truly "one-in-million", brain.

[@colindailley5062]

And hearing you, of course

[@Generalissimo_David-B]

One Of My Favorite (FM) Violinist !

[@TiqueO6]

7:15 great story and invaluable way to keep music fresh! I've had many playing experiences that even when challenging were more successful having this outlook.

[@TiqueO6]

1:22 and especially 1:37 I always tried to tell those who thought she was too much the 'ice queen' onstage that she was concentrating and hearing the music, even enjoying it, discovering it, etc., as she performed it. These moments are similar but with the magic of the hall it's even more nuanced. But, if you can enjoy what you're performing even if it's highly technical and maybe even difficult that will go a long way to communicating the fullness of the experience to the audience as well as the attitude that "I might as well have a good time" no matter what, in life.

[@TiqueO6]

19:09 and onward, I've always heard this in her playing and any great musician who's really present in the moment! I think it was the great bassist David Walter who I was privileged and very lucky to be at a lecture on reading/interpreting the notes where he wished note-heads were different shape and colors, when he played the upright bass it sounded just like a cello and even a violin if you didn't see it, just incredible even for that. (not sure if that was his name (bass workshops in San Diego CA back in like 1974 or so?)

[@vtfollett]

Love listening to this lady, whether playing or talking. Such a warm, delightful personality to complement her immense talent. I only wish the video were better.

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Thanks for your feedback, we appreciate it!

[@margarettelillie2436]

She is truly deserving of such credited aclaim ,,bravo Hillary😀

[@TiqueO6]

Will wonders never cease??? This was one of the best if not the best interviews on music and performance I've seen...I haven't seen them all but this was so great! Thanks to all involved and it was especially great that she was able to fully answer and extrapolate on the questions without interruption, maybe that was a function of the language "barrier" that could have been behind the somewhat odd voice-over we heard but for whatever reason please keep that up because it was like a "Mindwalk" type experience if you know what I mean (see the film by the same name I believe);

[@kathyalmuller5143]

Look forward to hearing the "Paris" DVD if you want to hear what the violin is capable of. Hilary stretches the violin to its limits. This DVD should be played for anyone contemplating learning the violin where they will hear what is possible on the violin. Hilary has the guts to make a CD like this and educates us all.

[@jervilopez1844]

I've used dominants and visions. I love these sets, but for my antique violin I go for the dominants ot bring out its personality.

[@lifeplan4720]

Inspiring

[@michaellopez9673]

I always love Hilary Hahn❣ She's my best violinist.

[@stevemoy6063]

Yes right.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

An invaluable and intelligent interview! Das hat mir sehr gefällt, vielen Dank!

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Vielen Dank für das positive Feedback! 😉

[@MrAlan0151]

She is amazing, can do no wrong for me, wonderful performer modesty to spare, and the best.

[@VicenteChamberOrchestra]

Would be wonderful to hear how Hilary is spending her sabbatical! Any ideas?

[@adanbuenosyres]

She announced reactivation of her KZbin channel a few days ago

[@maxkapuscinski4020]

With two set

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

She posted on Instagram explaining how she was spending her sabbatical. Things include learning a new language, gardening, and improving her cooking.

[@troll23-troll23]

She also has two daughters, maybe she is spending time with them? I hope so!

[@TiqueO6]

4:50 also a great mindset on performance!!

[@essesanus1745]

обожаю ее... талантливая, виртуозная, умная, красивая... Богиня....

[@stevengates4437]

She is wonderful.....that beginning was just incredible.....I've never herd that played that way.....She is still like a fun child....if she ever needs a couch to crash on......I have two to choose from.....great interview, very interesting.....She is such a gift to classical music.....the top bloodline....I hope everyone has given their heart to Jesus....repent for the time draws near...love always Steve....

[@evitadakse624]

Fantastic!

[@jackwilloughby239]

I'd like to know how she breaks in a new set of strings in 12 hours or even a few days, it takes me a week! Great interview! I wonder what kind of rosin she uses? Hill Dark is the best I've found.

[@mous3y490]

why did you interrupt her at 0:30 nooooo. what piece is she playing in the beginning pls?

[@themusiccovenant]

One of the greatest living violinist

[@_deadeye]

I love her! You can tell she's a cool person irl

[@TiqueO6]

28:07 Hilary, have you looked into Japanese or Chinese calligraphy and or painting? I think it could be a great connection to what you were talking about there!

[@davidstevens7018]

My Numero Uno ! Gets on with the piece no Diva she ⭐️💯

[@edub9930]

Less talented people have way more undeserved attitude than she will ever have

[@Geardo3145]

¡La mejor violinista! 😎

[@setonix850]

Anyone serious about playing and learning the violin should watch all this video and then perhaps watch her amazing performances on KZbin.

[@jhcamacho]

she is just perfect!!!!!

[@thanhato7308]

Hi can anyone tell me the specific name of those set of strings that she's been using on her violin please? Thanks a lot !

[@ErikSvansbo]

Thành Đạt Đỗ she is using dominant but another e-string. I thing it's pirastro gold.

[@thanhato7308]

@@ErikSvansbo Thanks !

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

That's right, Hilary plays our Dominant violin strings. The e-string that comes with the regular 135 set has a fast response but sometimes offers too little soloistic power. Thus Hilary has been using different e-strings and is now testing a new prototype by Thomastik-Infeld. Meanwhile, Thomastik-Infeld offers over 65 different e-strings for you to find your ideal combination! If you need string consultation, don't hesitate contacting us via [e-mail]

[@josuechc8172]

My queen 😳

[@TiqueO6]

23:54 Truly ZEN as far as I know, I wonder if she's studied or practiced in that specifically?

[@DH-CA]

Hillary is amazing... why is the 6 thumb down ???

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

I can only think.... jealousy? Haha

[@TiqueO6]

32:38 more great performance 'etiquette' or aesthetic! ..."like I'm part of something bigger"... Unselfish and basically ego-less and really right on!

[@kathyalmuller5143]

Most of us don't use adrenalin the way you do to enhance your creative output. Your honesty about how you use adrenalin to your advantage makes us realize that it is probable that God gave us adrenalin to be used like you use it. When more of us start using it the way you do, this world will be vastly improved, probably the way God intended.

[@TiqueO6]

25:18 didn't she have teachers with direct lineage (by one her teachers) to Joseph Juaquin (SP?) Johannes Brahms' violinist colleague?

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

Joseph Joachim?

[@TiqueO6]

@@liamnevilleviolist1809 Oh yes, thank you! that's correct, here is the first Wikipedia search result. ...”The Concerto in D major, Op. 77, was composed by Johannes in 1878 and dedicated to his friend, the Joseph Joachim. I do recall that they collaborated on the concerto in D

[@ThomasTVP]

Like Hilary, I'm using Dominant strings as the standard string for my middle-priced instruments in my shop (€600-1600), and like her I replace the e string with a Pirastro Gold, Evah Gold or, like Itzhak Perlman, D'Addario Kaplan, because while the A, D, and G strings are all fine, the standard Dominant E, well, sucks. I use Dominants because of their bright, clear sound and good volume.

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi Thomas, thank you so much for your very honest feedback! We are very happy, that you found your ideal string partner in DOMINANT and we're sorry that you had problems ith your e-string! Would you please send us your detailed feedback regarding the DOMINANT E-string via [e-mail] so we can connect you with our string experts? Please describe them, what exactly are you missing - they know every single string trick and problem solver and they’ll help you finding your perfect string set up which creates for you the best possible playing experience!

[@pandoraefretum]

@@ThomastikInfeldVienna Not a defect ; the Dominant strings are a minimum requirement I set my students. A tried and tested string. In terms of upper register, certain gold covered E strings have more presence and a stronger tone... in terms of open E, the Dominant is sweet and does not whistle... so it's mostly in the 7th position + range why people seek alternative Es ( in my humble opinion )

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi @@pandoraefretum The DOMINANT E-string 130 has a very dark sound and barely whistles. This string is ideally suited for students and for musicians with very sensitive ears. Hillary has been a devoted DOMINANT player since forever, but she is using a different E-string, always testing new options - right now, the newly released Dominant PRO DP01 and DP01SN. These are also the E-strings our Head of Development, Franz Klanner recommends. You’ll find the most detailed descriptions on www.thomastik-infeld.com/en/new-releases/dominant-pro and a direct comparision between all Dominant and Dominant PRO E-Strings here: www.thomastik-infeld.com/pdf/DP100_Download_pdf_EN.pdf

[@kathyalmuller5143]

It would be wonderful if you could write a "Tone Poem" like the one about Til Eulenspiegel. Possibly a story about creating the Christmas globes with you own music and storyline. Just a thought about a way to possibly use a confluence of your enormous creative skills that you might enjoy doing.

[@Scriabin_fan]

I know she’s married and has a child, and I feel aweful saying this but I have a crush on her 😫😍

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

don't worry, we have a crush on her too! 🤫

[@Dr1n1an]

Same problem here! 🙈

[@stevemoy6063]

Leave my sweetie alone. Hillary is a nice happy marry women.

[@milagritosuwu5062]

Dont worry, Brett too

[@jamestaylor35]

I believe we all do.

[@gabriel1chan]

Is this a commercial? I am fine with this. I also use dominant stings. Reasonable priced, the new edition since about 10year is now more lasting, shorter break in period etc. I normally change once per year. But I hate your e string in the dominant set.

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi Gabriel, as said in the description, it's an Interview about her passion for music, the challenges of travelling, her professional highlights and the five things that she always takes with her.😉 Best, your Thomastik-Infeld Team

[@stevemoy6063]

Gabriel I have Peter infeld pi p100 please try this strings. It's very good strings. I have Maggini it's dark that why I used this strings.

[@pandoraefretum]

So one of the best violinists in the world uses Dominant. That's a + for Thomastik-Infeld. So she uses silver covered D+G, but does Hilary use a Dominant E or an alternative ?

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi Oleander, thank you so much for your interest in our artists and their strings! The DOMINANT E-string 130 has a very dark sound and barely whistles. This string is ideally suited for students and for musicians with very sensitive ears. Hillary has been a devoted DOMINANT player since forever, but she is using a different E-string, always testing new options - right now, the newly released Dominant PRO DP01 and DP01SN. These are also the E-strings our Head of Development, Franz Klanner recommends. You’ll find the most detailed descriptions on www.thomastik-infeld.com/en/new-releases/dominant-pro and a direct comparision between all Dominant and Dominant PRO E-Strings here: www.thomastik-infeld.com/pdf/DP100_Download_pdf_EN.pdf

[@pandoraefretum]

@@ThomastikInfeldVienna I appreciate you taking the time to reply... I think I am going to try a set of Dominant Pro for Xmas... I realise I need them on for 2 months to make a fair decision whether they suit me or not. Thanks for the links too.

[@jamiezhang9786]

Does anyone know what did Hilary say in German? Ich spreche kein Deutsch.

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Dear Jamie, many thanks for asking! We are happy to translate this for you: “I also speak German and my vocabulary is good enough to talk about everyday things but not about music.” Best wishes, your Thomastik-Infeld Team

[@jamiezhang9786]

@@ThomastikInfeldVienna Thank you!

[@maxschiewe-weliky3530]

I wonder how she takes time to balance her kids and career. I’ve always been interested in that

[@regisgouloudubois5285]

One of the best on the world I think she has nt got 5 fingers she has 6 !!

[@ILikeBirds]

I read this in an article written when she was 12: “Her left pinky is 1/4 of an inch longer than the pinky on her right hand. Her dad says it’s every violinist’s dream”

[@francois8752]

"These are the hands that I have"; indeed, with mine, 4th finger vibrato doesn't work as well as with hers!

[@TiqueO6]

Would Hilary ever play or has she ever played on gut strings? They're so expressive, like comparing a Bösendorfer to a Steinway, some say the latter has too much "teeth" and therefor not as wide a tonal/expressive range, I feel the same way about gut strings on the bass.

[@kathyalmuller5143]

We have heard of people saying they are "fit as a fiddle". Only "the fittest of fiddles" are worthy of and can stand up to Hilary's playing.

[@michelleregis6181]

Hiary

[@angelacd427]

♥️

[@marvincleoalvarez8835]

Came here after watching the ad

[@儀-r1o]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍😍😍😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️

[@liamderosa2157]

If music cured coronavirus then Hilary would get us out of the current situation within 2 seconds.

[@robertvertacnik9989]

She plays as if she has a magic, unicorn hair bow.

[@ThomasTVP]

And she doesn't play her Dominant strings throughout the ENTIRE commercial. ;)

[@h.e.a311]

you look so beautiful

[@berkeleybernie]

She's great. The disembodied voiceover "interviewer?" Not so much.

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Thank you very much for your feedback! It is very much appreciated and we'll take it into consideration when recording further interview videos. Is there a specific interviewer you'd suggest? 😊

[@berkeleybernie]

​@@ThomastikInfeldVienna :) No, just an ordinary person talking, like your interviewee, not a professional voiceover actor. It's a conversation, not a performance. This was all overdubbed later, correct? Just leave it with the original sound recorded at the time. Maybe it was the cameraperson? That would have been fine.

[@JustFiddler]

it's not cheap to me

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi Rio, thank you so much for getting in touch! Unfortunately, Thomastik-Strings don’t come for free (even though we wish they would). Just a quick explanation: On average, it takes us two years to develop a string! Our strings have to meet the highest demands of playability, projection and resilience. A vast range of sound colors at all volumes, assertiveness when playing in an orchestra and an increased response are just some of the requirements to be satisfied. Intricate designs, complex manufacturing processes, high-quality materials and absolute precision are needed to achieve this. A string looks like a simple stand of sound, but it’s really so much more. Furthermore, Thomastik-Infeld develops and produces strings in Vienna, Austria’s capital city. From here, our strings get shipped worldwide. As some countries (like Latin America) have higher trade tariffs, unfortunately the prices for our products can be higher.

[@JustFiddler]

@@ThomastikInfeldVienna i see 😇

[@mgvegam]

Even if a commercial, Hilary's humility and candor overpowers the plug and m ake this a very enjoyable interview. But what's the deal with teh voice over? Could you not make it more unnatural???? It is spooky!!!

[@ThomastikInfeldVienna]

Hi, glad you enjoyed this interview! Also thanks for your feedback, we appreciate it!

[@TiqueO6]

​@@ThomastikInfeldVienna It's great, and very unusual for us USA audiences, to see an interview where the person interviewed is allowed to fully answer and extrapolate - please keep that up for whatever reason it happened here, intentional or otherwise!

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

Yes it was quite disturbing... it sounded like Hilary interviewed herself by typing the questions into a computer to get a speech generator to ask her the questions haha. I'm also wondering about the voice-over. I assume she's being asked in English, if so, maybe by someone with a strong German accent and even if they're hard to understand then just put subtitles at the bottom? It wouldn't be so disturbing.

[@TiqueO6]

​ @Liam Neville Violist Maybe it's 'extreme' social distancing? A tested, masked and trusted person films while the interviewer keeps their distance, after that depending on the audience there's either a dubbed for language V/O or the like?

[@kathyalmuller5143]

Don't know of anyone at all, who could play "second fiddle" to Hilary.

[@smellynecklace]

6 people have no soul