James Ehnes On What It Means To Be An Authentic Musician | TwoSet Talks | EP. 9

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

Great interview. James is the type of guy who if you were stuck in an elevator with him for a couple of hours you'd feel grateful for getting stuck in the elevator with him- and hope that you could keep up your side of the conversation. He's so thoughtful and insightful.

[@sabrinai]

0:50 having James Ehnes say he knows them for a looong time is such a flex!

[@e2pii213]

But it is true, they have an IG upload from that first meeting, grabbing beer in Sidney in 2016.

[@eniwenipeni6583]

Watching this after their post hits different.

[@robertzsizsnyovski8657]

Same

[@moonwatcher99]

Just wanted to say, for the record, that I know you guys don't actually *owe* us any kind of detailed explanation. Heck, you might even be planning something specific, and not completely walking away at all. But, either way, I just want to say it would be really cool if you would devote an episode here to doing kind of a retrospective, and possibly talking at least some about what prompted the big shake up/retirement. I personally would find it interesting not just to get recent details, but also to hear you speak about the last decade. Hope that nothing catastrophic has happened, like a break up or outside threat, and wish you guys well!

[@luv.whenlifegivesu.lem0ns]

GUYS GUYS GUYS I GOT SOME NEW INFO: ok so in the community of he youtube comments where twoset posted the same pics and caption in insta, someone commented “Guys don’t give up on TwoSet yet! they worked with a woman named Simone Maurer on their latest Bach video, and on her Instagram account she has a post about it. In the comments there are some people mentioning how it’s the last TwoSet video, and she responded to one of the comments by mentioning Brett and Eddy might just be making something “more special.” She also responded to another one saying she might work with them more down the line. So my bet is definitely on a rebranding!” I looked for the same in the comments of her post and found that she wrote this: “Perhaps Brett and Eddy are just back in the practice room creating something even more special 😉💗.” She seems to have worked officialy for twoset in a few videos and i really hope this is true! And that being that some people in a comment section im not sure where were discussing the financial situation of twoset and most of them concluded that even though youtube videos were made by them as a part job they still need to continue making them for their future finances.SOO YEAH GUYS KEEP HOPING CUZ THERES A CHANCE THAT THIS IS A REBRANDING AND NOT THE END OF THEIR AMAZING VIDEOSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

[@Busjel]

Omg what

[@k-1212]

Omg thanks for the update ❤!!!....

[@ZiaElohka]

Seeing this talk was almost 2 hours, I thought I’d just listen a little bit and then do some things I had planned to do. And here I am about 2 hours later, I listened to it all in one go. Because it was too interesting to pause.

[@mlilac]

I thought original TwoSet channel was already perfect. But now we also have THIS. This is beyond increadible. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart.

[@M_SC]

He has great stories and insights. As someone with limited concentration, I appreciated his comments on that.

[@M_SC]

Oh and I so loved what he said about the bad way people listen. There’s a popular KZbin channel with a music professor that advocated the exact thing James Ehnes is saying is sad and ungood, and it made me so mad

[@BharatAnand-yp1wk]

Dear twoset, I am not sure if you are reading this, but if you are, I desperately need to tell you that I love you so much. I've shed tears, I have denied, yelled, cursed, and done everything but I am not sure if you will be back. I have been your follower so long. And you were what music was for me. You came interchangeably with music and happiness. You changed my perception, my thoughts, and so much more in me. I know this is not enough to compare with what you gave me, but I cannot hold it anymore and face your goodbye. You are music to me, and your laughter is mine. I don't want you to go. Kill me but don't go. Just a short a month. I just need to know you're there. I am crying and I don't want to make this a goodbye. You are music and laughter to me. And now your Channel lays blank. I don't want you to be just forgotten. You are an era. However far you were from me, you were always there for me. I love you so much. Yours

[@RatRod150]

The value of this type of content is inestimable! Don’t fear getting nerdy, I like knowing what you are thinking.

[@XPd8s]

Not sure why I can reply to comment but can't find the comment window to post one. Please can anyone help?

[@lingling40]

​@@XPd8s do you still have that issue?

[@XPd8s]

@@lingling40 no, thanks for asking. I guess it was because I just joined that day. All fine now. 👍

[@licasestivis]

yeah nerdy stuff is what everyone came for.

[@chloewu0211]

The fact that this is almost two hours is crazy coming from twoset and with JAMES FREAKING EHNES?!?! We are being fed with content❤❤

[@pkmnjss]

I love how easy-going this interview... no, this casual chat with James Ehnes is. I've watched several interviews featuring him, and this is the best by far. So many wonderful insights, and such great vibes that time flew. Can't wait for his concert in November!

[@sabrinai]

43:50 This is sooo beautiful and I think the twoset fandom is exactly that! We're all just Ling Ling wannabes crazy about classical music and two awesome violinists and I've literally had deep talks with people I've never met because of you guys! So, thank you Brett and Eddy for bringing awesome people together 🤩!

[@Ny.4981]

Same experience here! It’s an awesome community. Even with my kid in the indoor playground, one of the young employees there recognized my TSA shirt, and we chatted for a while. She was a teenager and I’m 43, which was no issue at all

[@sabrinai]

@@Ny.4981 that's so cool! ❤️

[@Dazisinfograf]

Dilemma: which video will I watch first : TwoSet Talks with James Ehnes or Twoset playing in Space ?

[@linghsingng4333]

Saw the space one and saw someone mentioned twoset post 2 place in split second. Come straight to twosettalk no doubt!

[@dvides89]

Straight to Ehnes my friend, violinist in space is fun but James is absolutely enlightening.

[@Violin-Villain]

James ehnes is underrated ❤ Thank you twoset

[@carmengavi89]

Jumping from the space video straight into this, we're getting so spoiled lately 🎉

[@Chihuahuauno1]

As much as it SUCK's 2SV left us dirty - at least THIS masterpiece, is still available... . .

[@thornhill67]

It is reassuring to hear that messing it up only when recording is not just an amateur thing but great musicians experience it too.

[@linghsingng4333]

Loved loved loved the long podcast. Didnt even realised close to 2hrs flew past me. As always have to go practise my violin now

[@sabrinai]

The king of clean, crisp playing 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sergeirachmaninoff7805]

y’all knocked it out of the park with this one. this is a really good interview. easily one of the most interesting music podcasts/interviews i’ve ever listened to 😎

[@auntjess]

wow. This is not just abt violin or music... this is a Life talk! Thank you for the amazing insights and coaching!

[@aquamarine9568]

I’m really loving these long form videos and this talk with James Ehnes was so interesting. He strikes me as so down to earth and kind and I love his playing, especially his Bach. Thanks guys!

[@lulcy789]

James ehnes is so down to earth and so nice, I’ve never heard him talk before so I was surprised how humble and friendly he is idk how to put it

[@amethyst_d]

I could listen to James Ehnes play Prokofiev everyday for the rest of my life and still want to hear more, so I clicked this at top speed! Also he is such a vibe. I feel like his energy matches well with both of you, so very happy for this podcast 🫰🏻

[@LinhChi93]

2 hours went by just like that! this is incredible as a talk, not "too nerdy" at all!

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

What a really cool interview. James was so personable and sincere, and I loved the different directions taken in the conversation, expertly guided by Brett and Eddy's questions.

[@LizbethStringer]

This was awesome Thank you. LOL..."No one died" Some audiences do need to chill a bit. More information on the programs, like a heads up, for people who are new to a classical concert to help them not draw attention to themselves unnecessarily would help everyone in the audience... like when to clap-how to tell that a piece has been completed-that intermission has an end limit, and not to return to your seat late; especially if you are in the middle of a row! Music is for everyone. Pop music is great. But so is Classical. Everyone should experience both comfortably. Information and education is key!

[@SoundEngraver]

James Ehnes is making some fairly profound points on performance and the overall experience of music. Definitely saving this for the archives.

[@jinheelim9085]

Dammnnn James Ehnes was a kickstarter gang an OG twosetter so cool

[@christinashelby6083]

James seems like such a great guy. He's funny, very relatable. I enjoyed this interview very much.

[@e2pii213]

I just want to casually walk up to my favorite world class soloist: 'would you like to grab a beer'? (There is an IG upload from 2016 - showing them exactly doing that. )

[@peggysmith-p5u]

Wow, what an interview! I am rather ashamed to admit that I haven't paid much attention to James Ehnes before, but it's true what he says about getting to know more about an artist which then compels you to think of them in a different light! I learned so much about him, & want to know more! Want to explore his recordings & am really excited as to his release of the Sibelius album (esp. the viola works, as I'm viola gang!) Thank You, Brett & Eddy for the many topics on this podcast...Yes, please for a part 2!

[@happywolfie1980]

His interpretations are almost always 'spot-on' and well-judged, and this is somehow the common sentiment for the majority of listeners who had the chance to hear him. I had the privilege of listening to him live twice and the programme was a real treat every time.

[@happywolfie1980]

Awesome interview, keep it up with this series!

[@alexcypher3728]

29:14 ”and Eddy and I kind of like, shat ourselves” I love that twoset talks is unedited🤣

[@user-hq4gu1jb3n]

Just a brilliant discussion! Thank you all.

[@narayans3364]

This is amazing ❤❤❤ I loved listening to u guys talk to James Ehnes

[@HappyG1lm0re]

Saw James Ehnes play with Colorado Symphony last year, absolutely incredible player. I love this "talks" channel!

[@lulcy789]

James ehnes has become my favorite person

[@sigismundafvolsung5526]

He's a lot more personable than I was expecting. All of the people twoset have done this with have been likable but James really seems the most ground level of all them so far. Especially with the detail that they one day just asked him to have a drink and he said "yeah sure, why not?". He seems like someone I would like to hang out with.

[@itgirl959]

James is so gentle and vulnerably confident. It's really inspiring. I feel like our younger generation has really lost that skill. I don't know a single person my age (27) who's able (or even willing) to express themselves with enough courage/honesty to allow for real intimacy. I attribute it to a lack of skilled teachers. We are shaped by joe rogan and "diary of a ceo" type of content. We actively strive against authenticity. We're just regularly updating the latest performative lines to seem authentic. Music and otherwise.

[@Chihuahuauno1]

Mr. Ehnes seems to be the most cerebral-violinist I’ve ever encountered. Thank you 2SV, for introducing him, to me…

[@annesleystreets273]

This was just such an incredibly delightful listen. I kept talking to the screen like you guys could hear me or pausing to flesh out my thoughts. Thanks so much James for joining the show this week! Your insight is a breath of fresh air.

[@AnotherRandomChannel13]

I love these longer podcast videos! They're so great, if you're okay with doing longer ones then I have no qualms! ❤❤

[@sabrinai]

35:50 Oh my gooood, how can people want to miss James Ehnes' Korngold??? 😭😭😭 I would love to hear him live one day (please come to Europe more^^).

[@oxoelfoxo]

indeed! i can't believe people buy tickets to a concert and deliberately miss out on the first half, whatever that may be, but to skip James Ehnes?!

[@NikoleMcDonaldJonesSpooni]

Wow. Just...this was WOW. so MUCH to pick apart.. such important topics. Big Picture vs Snippets.......soooooooooooo important.

[@jeanettegirosky7735]

He's so right about how people listen to music.

[@oxoelfoxo]

ooh, looking forward to his Brahms!

[@wanwan2180]

Love seeing you sticking with the podcasting and bringing on these great guests!

[@vittoriosommese]

Incredibile interview

[@StudentCouncilWMS]

Amazing interview! I am so excited to go see James Ehnes next year!

[@helennguyen328]

Damn. Went from watching the space video to TwoSet Talks in split second. We sure getting spoiled here XDDD

[@humblesparrow]

I see comments under videos criticizing people for clapping at the wrong time, yet pretty much every soloist seems to say the same thing - it's okay, let's just enjoy the music. 🙂 BTW, 39:28 sick burn, James, sick burn!

[@amandas.6500]

What a laid-back, relatable guy! I had to watch it in spurts, but I knew I needed to see it start to finish. I'm so glad you are friends with so many great people and you interview them for us, thank you!

[@marie.983]

this was amazing, i loved all jamses opinions and most of all his honesty!!

[@alexcypher3728]

Wow I feel like James is so wise😌

[@r3adrpro811]

So glad you talk about the importance of how we listen to music today as compared with times past. I just watched a documentary on Glenn Gould playing the Brahms piano concerto and Leonard Bernstein apologizing to the audience before it started for the slow tempo Gould chose because they both knew definitively what the proper tempo was - and they were not anywhere near the same page (pun intended). Of course the audience was angry with Gould because Bernstein was the god to listen to - yet Gould's atttempt to make the concerto into a cohesive story makes sense to us today when we listen to that recording without the Bernstein preamble.

[@Chihuahuauno1]

PLEASE DO A PART #2 !!!!!

[@happywolfie1980]

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MISS JAMES EHNES PLAYING KORNGOLD?!!

[@jacksdad734]

Bonkers. Dude, you already paid the money.

[@susanbryant6516]

Okay, okay, what was the juicy part of the first meeting with James- don’t tease us!

[@gatesurfer]

The “performative audience member” stuff is really important. I once sat next to a woman who head-bobbed and swayed for an entire piano recital. It was all I could do to keep myself from saying “can you STOP that?” In the middle of everything. I realize it can be difficult if you get into the music. But really, there are many ways to quietly share the experience without imposing yourself on others. But the dance-in-your-seat approach is just showing off, like trying to impress people with how deeply felt the music. I often talk to people after a concert; I didn’t do t with that woman, even though I knew her. And I never would. She just spoiled it for me. I like what he says about student performances. The authenticity of a young artist who just gets up and shows their love of music is a wonderful thing😊

[@idastaszczuk-ft4vi]

Way to gatekeep people's enjoyment 😬 I am one of these people who "dance" in their seats at a concert. And I LOVE it when others do it, too. Honestly with how some of the pieces slap, I'd love to get up and dance sometimes! Why are so many classical music lovers so stuck up?😅

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

I do sometimes wish audiences at classical music concerts could be more expressive in the moment. Maybe it's my working class roots but listening to music for me is such an emotional and physical experience. When I listen to a great performance, I want to hoot and holler. When listening to a beautiful piece of music, I'm often brought to tears. Or I laugh and gasp at the brilliance of a great composition. But I do respect the tradition and etiquette, so I do behave. But it's better for me to enjoy at home lol.

[@BONGIOCJ]

One of my fav violinists, his Sibelius🤌🏻

[@thenameisseanhong]

Dude his Bach 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

[@BONGIOCJ]

Any Bach?

[@jakewatson668]

Legit one of my fav violinists. He's great! Seen live twice so far, can't wait for more 😁

[@arnoldstieve8102]

What a great artist and interview partner! I could listen to him forever… This was really really interesting and entertaining. Thanks for organising this interview and sharing it :)

[@veronicatomasi2734]

Is is weird that as soon as I hear Eddy go "mmm" as he listens to the conversation, I am suddenly CRAVING bubble tea?

[@LinhChi93]

Holy sht almost 2 hours of podcast!

[@anniebananie3421]

I'm adding this to my list of favorite quotes: "The beauty of a collective, shared experience is fraught with tension." James Ehnes Edit: I wish I could like this video more than once!

[@sabrinai]

If you can upload videos slowly, you can upload videos quickly.

[@Chihuahuauno1]

Seriously, stop with the stupid references, it’s not funny anymore, thank you!

[@Miguel_I_guess]

@@Chihuahuauno1the 35 people and me that liked this comment disagree. Thank you!

[@Musique_Splat]

@@Miguel_I_guess 54!

[@PaperGrape]

Easy, Chihuahua.. ​@@Chihuahuauno1

[@Chihuahuauno1]

@@Miguel_I_guessit’s SO SAD, you were humbled…now silence…🤡

[@jacksdad734]

Guys, I didnt know you were doing a pod until right now. I caught up with like 5 of your videos a few hours ago, and there was no mention of this. You gotta advertise, bros.

[@e2pii213]

You are right, they need more aggressive adds. Check out the Augustine Hadelich and Chloe Chua talks after finishing this video. Those are similar lighthearted free talks.

[@jacksdad734]

@@e2pii213will do. Thanks.

[@songandwind72]

True story: James is probably the most intelligent person in Florida.

[@libertangowu-8117]

twoset music salon❤

[@cellom.9227]

Sublime musician.

[@SharllyFu]

wow❤

[@sampolinad]

My comment seems to have been deleted. I don't remember exactly what I wrote, there was a lot. Liked the interview very much! Lovely! Thank you for sharing!

[@Oka33]

Wonderful

[@songandwind72]

I used to live on the same floor as James in the dorm at Juilliard. The scary thing is that everyone basically sounded the same in those horrid practice rooms.

[@Northseapirate44]

There is a lot to lose in classical music there is more than what is in the scores than can be lost

[@sigismundafvolsung5526]

Interesting that THE James Enhes felt like he had to budget so hard during the pandemic. I always assumed that someone on his level would be at least comfortable during it, even if he wasn't performing. Made me realize that I don't actually know the finances of these people. I just believed that famous = unimaginably wealthy, but budgeting down your entire recording setup to $150 makes me think that maybe that isn't exactly the case. When he starting talking about budgeting I was expecting a full set-up that cost at very least $1,000.

[@sigismundafvolsung5526]

K actually my whole rant kind of agrees with his following point that he can go to a concert, and it was pretty good, but he gets nothing out of it. That's exactly how I feel about mozart performances. Like, it was a good performance and you did a good job, but I feel like I wasted my time showing up to it.

[@susanbryant6516]

I suppose they get fees for playing with orchestras, but for recitals and solo performances it’s going to be ticket sales. Then airfares, agents fees, insurance for the instruments.. I’m sure he’s comfortable enough, but I guess it was the uncertainties of when income would flow again, plus just having bought a house..

[@sigismundafvolsung5526]

@@susanbryant6516 For sure. I'm sure even some of the world's richest people had some uncertainties. I just underestimated how much it was felt for someone like him. $150 for a recording setup is less than I budgeted for mine during the pandemic and I'm not a well known or professional violinist. I'm glad it worked out for him though

[@jamesnotsmith1465]

What causes the bruise on a violinist's jaw? Is it from pressure against the chin rest, excessive pressure against the chin rest, or long duration of pressure against the chin rest? I have also seen a bruise on a violinist's neck. Is this from the tailpin? Does such a bruise indicate that a violinist is holding/pulling the violin neck with the left hand and exerting excessive pressure on the neck?

[@bryanlin8333]

Can you upload this podcast to Spotify please?

[@Buzzcook]

Just listed to James play Bach. He obviously practices 40 hours a day.

[@sebass_9212]

Why do I feel like I've already watched this?

[@e2pii213]

6 minutes from this video was in their: 'What Makes a Good Classical Music Performance' video 2 weeks ago.

[@sebass_9212]

@@e2pii213 thank you so much! I couldn't find the excerpt anywhere and was starting to think I'd gone crazy.

[@molybdaenmornell123hopp5]

"Is this hard?" "Nah, it's Ysaye."

[@penteadovinicius]

hot takes...

[@richtrophicherbs6463]

yeah, hard work is not enough.

[@samaritan29]

1:35:22 any idea who James is referring to ??? lang lang? chloe chua???

[@Chihuahuauno1]

Ray Chen...

[@richtrophicherbs6463]

What does Eddie mumble at 15.03 and 39.40?

[@Caperon81]

Hi

[@sigismundafvolsung5526]

I disagree about "going against what the composer intended", and it's weird to go from "you have to be convinced your interpretation is the best one" to "but that's not what the composer was going for". We have decades of recordings now and there's only so many way a piece can be interpreted before it either sounds the same as someone else or it starts sounding very unorthodox. 300 years ago this probably wasn't the case because hearing a performance wasn't something you did all the time, but now I can listen to ten different people play the same concerto in one day, and I can do that for three months straight if I wanted to. As time goes on, there will be more recordings, and standard interpretations will start to sound more and more meaningless. This is the entire reason I don't listen to Mozart anymore. It's very rare that I hear a Mozart recording that sounds any different from the last 10 I heard because they are all trying to balance their interpretation of the music and still having the traditional Mozart vibe and sound, but because that specific kind of sound is seen as "the correct way to play Mozart" the performer's creativity is limited by a huge amount. When I play Mozart, I play it with the same attitude that I play Shostakovich with. That is my interpretation and I do not care if someone else thinks I'm going against Mozart's intention or thinks that I'm disrespecting Mozart by playing it how I do. If you want to hear a standard interpretation, you can go on youtube and find twenty recordings of violinists that are worlds more skilled than I am giving you the standard interpretation you want. There's no reason for me to play it like that and I refuse to let anyone bully me into playing the piece a certain way. Further, I refuse the believe that the composer's interpretation of their music is any more important than mine. If you want to hear how Mozart would play it, go ask Mozart to play it for you.

[@richtrophicherbs6463]

Examples of 'performative audience members': clapping or shouting 'bravo' before the last note has faded. Or worse still, saying in a loud voice 'wasn't that offal' (as happened in my experience after the 3rd movement of Berg's Lyric Suite). I think the american in question meant awful.

[@richtrophicherbs6463]

Taylor Swift prices are outrageous

[@Northseapirate44]

I mean how much worse can the music degradation get we already have water concerto where do you even go from there

[@GamerVinsmoke]

：0

[@sabrinai]

19:55 Can't believe I just heard "completely crashed and burned" out of James Ehnes' mouth.

[@Miguel_I_guess]

6 comments?

[@sabrinai]

@@Miguel_I_guess can't hold myself back when listening to great content 🙈

[@Miguel_I_guess]

@@sabrinai fr

[@Chihuahuauno1]

54:06 Bretts’ Mendelssohn… . .

[@merylgonsalves7471]

28:35 happened to me for grade exam during covid. I looked at my teacher and said I'd rather do it live with the examiners 😅

[@arnoldstieve8102]

What a great artist and interview partner! I could listen to him forever… This was really really interesting and entertaining. Thanks for organising this interview and sharing it :)