violinist string BREAKS during Tchaikovsky

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Welp. It happened again folks. Not really sure what I've done to anger the string-gods but this was a spectacularly awkward yet exciting moment to break an E-string!
Special thanks to the Seattle Symphony & Benaroya Hall. Watch the full performance here: live.seattlesymphony.org/
🍿 WATCH NEXT:
Ray Chen breaks string during performance: • Ray Chen breaks string...
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RAY CHEN
d i s c o r d : discordapp.com/invite/raychen
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i n s t a g r a m : / raychenviolin

[@RayChenViolinist]

Download my app Tonic today tonicmusic.app/join-in if you'd like join a community of musicians practicing together! (and avoid breaking strings live) Thanks for watching! What would you have done?

[@cozykotatsu]

Emergency Strad under the conductor's podium?

[@Walking1983]

Finish the whole concerto without E string, challenge urself, man, hahaha

[@ariella2658]

The same thing that you just did

[@dees3179]

Screamed and run off stage leaving the violin behind. I played for eight years and never got over the fear of strings breaking. Had to switch to woodwind in the end.

[@SkeletonHands6969]

walk off stage LMAO, man not letting that string break tilt you is insanely impressive. Already had a ton of respect for you but my god man

[@derkonig6615]

Remember: Swapping your weapon is faster than reloading.

[@arima272]

holyshit

[@inpinksuit]

Ray Chen 69420 hp 25% defence 100000 stamina 696969 charisma Special ability: Tacticool Violinist

[@giulioex125e7]

gamers unite

[@kylin9417]

… as a pubg player I feel targeted. But thank u, I rly do need to remember this lmao

[@haaajerry3314]

Hahahah. Well said.

[@johnbutler4631]

2 observations: 1. Dude's a boss! Doesn't miss a beat. 2. How about that teamwork? It's like the violin section turned into his pit crew.

[@KhoiV]

Wow, as if they have rules and practice before right? Crazy

[@jakobesterbauer6058]

@@KhoiV you don't practice stuff like this lol. but yes there are certain rules

[@KhoiV]

@@jakobesterbauer6058 hhhhmmmm

[@the_brallon]

@@KhoiV lol no theres no practice for this happening, the only rule is to keep playing :)

[@magtovi]

@@KhoiV Yeah, you don't have to be a dick about it.

[@stale.baguette]

THAT ONE DUDE WHO PLAYED THAT ONE NOTE WHEN RAY CHEN WAS PASSING THE VIOLIN TO FINISH THE PHRASE IS A REAL MVP

[@kristenk708]

Wait, which one? xD

[@RandomVideos-re9ux]

the one next to the concertmaster

[@maritaandcats]

Second chair fist violin! 💪

[@isaacdaniel1506]

Average Assistant concertmaster W 🥱

[@kwgm8578]

The "one dude" is known as "the soloist."

[@sam_im_trash8853]

The fact he lost that particular string and STILL managed to play the right notes is MAD talent

[@KanekiKen-hl6id]

NAH ITS MAD SKEEL

[@kamekaha52]

he probably memorized the notes and just converted them into the other strings

[@user-mv2nn6rw2w]

@@kamekaha52 Dunno about violin, but when I play on the piano I sure remember how to contort my finger more than the note I'm supposed to play.

[@sanjai_s]

that's not so difficult, just play the right notes in the other strings, but it needs some alterations in the fingerings

[@krellin]

it wasnt the right notes though

[@paullee4063]

After his string broke he played the notes that were supposed to be played on the e string on the a string ain’t that crazy

[@kelseyqueen2068]

That what I was thinking. It’s all muscle memory for me so I wouldn’t even know what notes I was supposed to be playing lol.

[@Tempusverum]

@@kelseyqueen2068 That’s the difference between a gifted amateur and the Ling Ling who practice 40 hr a day

[@jere3604]

@@Tempusverum "ling ling" ?

[@sophliberty]

@@Tempusverum what even

[@Lyn74768]

@@Tempusverum wtf

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

Very interesting to see how the hierarchy works for the greater good: The soloist passes onto the concert-master, who passes onto the 2nd chair, which then passes it on to the 4th chair, and thus, the audience has the least possible loss of the piece.

[@ghillies4life]

Actually, 2nd chair passes to 4th chair so that the outside players still play. Again, optimizing the audience's experience.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

@@ghillies4life Thanks for explaining. I corrected my comment :p

[@EPSON-HP]

@@ChiefHerzensCoach I agree. A humble act is great, but only at the right moment.

[@oogabooga279]

FINALLY thank you it seemed like nobody was talking about how they sacrificed one violin for another

[@jerachobama4037]

I found this especially interesting as well. After all, it would be quite problematic for a concertmaster to lead the section with a 3-stringed violin :/

[@vm6615]

a lot of people commented on how impressive it is that he continued perfectly on another violin, but i think its worth mentioning that the first two violinists behind him ALSO kept playing on different instruments after passing the broken one back. its just an impressive band Edit: everyone stop bringing up that i called it a band i am in high school band (NOT orchestra) and its the only word i could think of i know its wrong youre not helping by correcting me months later

[@lordhawkeye]

Thank you for noticing. Truly a masterful work by all involved.

[@0_ello_010]

sorry i have to correct you its an orchestra :) band wouldnt be the right word lol

[@nicks22]

@@0_ello_010 It's a band, for marketing reasons. Net even my grandpa would go and watch an orchestra. Wouldn't mind a cool band though

[@0_ello_010]

@@nicks22 damn what have you got against orchestras?

[@0_ello_010]

@@nicks22 the british military string orchestra gets large audiences and theyre called an orchestra, same with the Scottish orchestra? its only people who dont like orchestras because theyre ‘boring’ like calling an obvious orchestra a band (look up the difference between and band and an orchestra, theyre similar but not the same)

[@lakevtav]

As Guitarists, our strings RARELY break, but that "pop" sound is literally "Oh no that sucks". Also, if I had to SWAP a guitar out with another person, my accuracy could maybe be up to 20% off. This guy just plays it like it's his. No warm-up. Unreal. Literally MILLIMETERS of difference are an entire planet on stringed instruments.

[@ItsFrostyyTwo]

This dude is one of the best modern violinists according to a commenter in this video. Still he handled the smoothly and i know nothing about stringed instruments

[@louisfain]

Violin is even worse than the guitar. No frets! I play the guitar and my wife plays the violin so I know.

[@skittles2]

This dude, the violinist Ray Chen, is the uploader, too 😂

[@matichagak548]

Ikr. My guitar once had the thing you use to tune it (english is not my first language so i dont know its name) so I had to use the spare one at school. Didn't work out so well 😅 Edit: I really don't know ehat I wrote there. What I was trying to write there. Sorryyyy

[@kevinbasel8401]

@@louisfainthere are fretless guitar too lol

[@laika6661]

As a violinist myself, the ability to play someone else’s violin perfectly without getting used to it first shows tremendous amounts of skill. It’s such a particular instrument that requires so much muscle memory that even the slightest change in neck thickness, string separation or even texture or smoothness of the wood or strings can throw you completely off your game.

[@jayjacobl4667]

i played a ton of cello growing up, was all-state principal cellist in a big state, as well as first chair for a couple other non-professional orchestras in college. so not pro, but not a beginner either by any means. i never noticed any significant difference between one instrument vs. another that would be a huge problem when switching instruments in a situation like this. if anything, the bow and how much rosin was on it made more difference to the feel of an instrument than the instrument itself. of course, every instrument SOUNDS different, but in terms of playing one vs. another, unless you're switching to a smaller size (3/4 or something), I don't see how it would have been a huge problem switching.

[@un33kgaming24]

@@jayjacobl4667 you notice him feeling out the instrument after he got it

[@Mattie1528]

@@un33kgaming24 not at all. He was only checking out the chin rest nothing else. And that wasn’t until after he nailed the part before his rest.

[@Electric_Bagpipes]

VERY true. We play by feel and muscle memory, so my instinctual A might be a A# on a different instrument, even if its been well tuned. Edit: Ok for clarification I didn’t mean full note change, just a sharper A. Slightly different sizes and strings can do that

[@jayjacobl4667]

​@@Electric_Bagpipes it wouldn't work like that at all. unless the instruments are different size categories (7/8 vs full size), if they're all tuned properly, an A should be proportionally in the same spot on one violin as another. the only somewhat noticeable difference ive felt when I've used other people's instruments (not talking about the bow, where the most differences would be noticed) would be that some instrument's "necks" feel more squared off or rounded. But that wouldn't affect your ability to pick up another person's instrument and play it pretty easily. What is to be commended is how quickly, efficiently, and professionally the issue was resolved in a completely calm manner. But people are making it sound like switching instruments is some amazing feat, when that's not what's impressive here.

[@derekl190]

The guy who volunteer to swap his violin deserves more appreciation for being such a good sport.

[@ZENSIBLE]

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 That's his Job to do in case that Happens. First Chair LOL

[@rifaatisk1061]

The first chair aka concert master has to give the soloist his violin then a whole chain happens ending up with the first chair having one of his sections violin, its like the greater good

[@ZENSIBLE]

@@rifaatisk1061 Indeed If all of us Humans could adopt this Principle we'd be a lot better and so would the Planet and all its species. Unfortunately we're nothing like that in real life.

[@caitlan1375]

Imagine if he said no

[@omniyambot9876]

What good sport? They are a team. It's bad for him if he didn't. And it's all planned if something goes wrong.

[@BrendanBrown1]

The pizzicato at the end was just brilliant! A little humor injected into the performance was lovely, not to even mention how INSANELY smooth he had to be to break a string and switch to someone else's violin and play it perfectly in tune without getting used to it! All the things that happened in 2 minutes here are an example of what a master of his craft is.

[@bonnieralston1706]

I assume the concert master's violin was in tune, so the soloist didn't have to retune it. Playing someone else's violin, is like driving someone else's car. It is different, but you can still drive. Althouogh to get to the end of the piece unfazed, was an accomplishment for sure.

[@Ultrabeast-ok2ou]

The pizz is a part of the piece, but he did it in a way that made it funny

[@justanothr]

Not me reading it as pizzacat😅

[@sonyag5893]

That last bit where he points at the violin like " Dude! You're violin has a e string! Cool!" has me dying of laughter. Well played!

[@katelights]

your

[@JesusFriedChrist]

Your = possessive You’re = you are “You’re violin” = “You are violin”

[@Me-uv6kc]

I interpreted as he was complimenting the good sound of the other violin

[@pizzadogebrawlstars]

@@Me-uv6kcsame😊

[@korpakukac]

He is violin?

[@sebasmusician736]

The violinist who got to play Ray's violin after the string broke: I see this as an absolute win

[@onctaaf]

could have ran off and made millions

[@ivanhendr]

I would get sweaty hands restringing that violin

[@da96103]

He did a switcheroo and now hides the Strad under his bed.

[@aconite72]

@@ivanhendr If you were to drop that Stradivarius not even Mr. Beast could save you

[@rzno3414]

@@aconite72 i understood that reference

[@Mr.M1STER]

That was handled so well. I like how everyone just hands the broken instrument down the ranks and the way he just has extra strings in his pocket. Nicely done folks.

[@issoctz7000]

Keep in mind that the instrument they are passing is a 10M Strad that alone that is insane

[@ZenoDovahkiin]

Professionals have standards.

[@jamesclark7706]

Not his first rodeo.

[@nickmaille5951]

As it is handed down untill last chair is stuck with it.

[@somestuff7468]

@@ZenoDovahkiin be polite, be efficient

[@richardzheng2805]

I love how mostly everyone isn’t aware that Ray is one of the best violinists in the world haha

[@lll9107]

because that's as lame as being the best Ping-Pong player. Some people care, most people don't.

[@lll9107]

@@candyy9746 Best at bowling. Like I said. Some people care, most people don't.

[@melbournebeedyeyes3181]

I like Ray, I got into classical music a while back and there are definitely violinists that just do things really well. I like almost all his versions

[@leowang8780]

@@lll9107 bro could open a whole hat business with that amount of cap

[@soapeating_simulator]

@@lll9107so?

[@redruby2318]

I didn’t even realize this was Ray at first! What a legend, he definitely practices 40 hours a day

[@joshtheviolinist]

Yes! Fellow twosetter!

[@redruby2318]

@@aidento289 it’s a reference to a violinist channel

[@pizzadogebrawlstars]

@@aidento289sorry I laughed so hard at this comment because you don’t understand

[@greasydave1318]

@@aidento289 we got a genius in here

[@samsunguser3148]

​@@greasydave1318they are not in the joke 🤷‍♂️

[@adityasundaram9299]

I love how Ray's like "not to worry" and pulls out spare strings like he's pulling out first aid for an injured kid.

[@balqisbamenda]

I still cant see where he pulls out spare strings?

[@monke2229]

@@balqisbamenda 0:48

[@kenthefele113]

Professionals are always prepared

[@teh9759]

The violin is his child

[@stefanmariaschneider]

Ahhhhh that's why he's going to that 4th chair. Was wondering.

[@mattcecil9007]

Meanwhile the 4th chair is sitting there holding a priceless Stradivarius trying to change a string as fast as possible

[@TheKingElessar1]

Maybe professionals are better at changing strings but I'd be terrified of snapping the whole thing in half

[@leila13dnd]

"I'm holding more than my life savings right now and Idk how to feel about that." - 4th chair, probably.

[@ashscott6068]

He's probably a bit sad that his own violin sounds so much better than it

[@feliciasuharja4466]

I like the side story character narration like this. I think everyone is equally important as a team player.

[@piemaster831]

@@leila13dnd much much much much much more than their life savings haha. That violin costs millions and he could realistically have a day job to afford playing with the symphony.

[@withsarangpriyos7329]

The fact that he just didn't care that the string broke and instead just casually started playing the same notes on a different string shows what a maestro he is💜

[@ilovejettrooper5922]

Wait, what?? Is that what happened??

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

@@ilovejettrooper5922yes, the e string broke and he continued playing on the a string, which is possible but you need a completely different fingering. Only a professional can do this so seemlessly

[@t.w.8174]

For him to immediately adjust to someone ELSE’S violin???!! and play beautifully deserves an actual Grammy.

[@user-jy6cn3jy8g]

Well unfortunately nowadays music awards are not given for music but for “music” like pop etc and I’m pretty sure that 80%(or even more) of people have never heard this concerto

[@shanedsouza189]

Grammys are given to artists that create original pieces, not people that reproduce other's compositions.

[@motmot7309]

If I had a nickel for everytime Ray Chen broke a string in a concert, I would have two. Which isn't a lot, but it's still weird that it happened twice.

[@jamesqudus8688]

Well. 2 is a lot that 1. So that’s still a lot.

[@AdrianTangMusic]

Dr doof!

[@Nothing_to_see_here_27.]

Family guy's reference ah? Eheheheh.

[@Nothing_to_see_here_27.]

Family guy's reference ah? Eheheheh.

[@mannajacobc.2269]

@@Nothing_to_see_here_27. Nope, Phineas and Ferb!

[@PieInTheSky9]

I love how the audience clapped to show encouragement, such a wholesome moment!

[@Aquwu]

ikr!

[@justiceofbook]

You’re not supposed to clap while they’re still playing. It’s rude during the middle of a performance

[@PieInTheSky9]

@@justiceofbook this is a special case though obviously

[@justiceofbook]

@@PieInTheSky9 I guess

[@church6882]

Sebastian Garcia doing this with a violin takes a lot of skill, as i’ve come to find out while bullying violin players when i still played in my school orchestra. best believe i’d be clapping after he pulled that off

[@rebeckahegener8255]

A very gifted musician. I love how without hesitation his fellow violin player handed him his own. I'm not a musician whatsoever but I know it's not easy to play on an instrument your not familiar with. Wonderful job!

[@alphabets0ng]

The violinist sitting at the very top, closest to the soloist, is called the concert master. They're head of the string section and could even "take over" (not stand up and get to the conductor stand) in an extreme case where the conductor gets lost. If anything happens with the soloist violin, the soloist will swap with the concert master and the concert master with the 2nd violin. This is a common practice but it was still smooth as hell.

[@lowestCommonDenominator]

there are enough videos of these occurrences where the person in the same spot always switches immediately.

[@HawkinaBox]

I don't know anything about violins, but I doubt the violin the soloist took was tuned correctly, but correct me if I'm wrong on that, because if it wasn't tuned correctly, it's amazing it sounds good still.@@alphabets0ng

[@alphabets0ng]

hard to tell. could also be nervousness and not being used to the concert masters instrument@@HawkinaBox

[@t.p.9194]

I like how at 1:27 Ray does a little bounce. Idk why but it makes me chuckle

[@lukeanatol5512]

that violinist that gave ray his instrument is probably like "damn I never knew my violin could sound like that"

[@remember9097]

haha I can almost feel him

[@anikaxmeisel]

Noah Geller!

[@kris_pang]

Oh c'mon, don't say that.

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

I have a strange feeling that Chen was playing on his beloved Widenhouse (modern) violin rather than his Strad, and perhaps the concertmaster was also playing Widenhouse or violin by a maker of similar prestige which is why there was almost no difference in sound. It's very common for orchestras to get to know a particular modern/local maker and then *boom!* , all of a sudden that maker's instruments start appearing in the orchestra by the handful.... or many handfuls haha. Ray Chen is definitely the reason why Brett and Eddy both got Widenhouse violins, since Ray Chen is one of their idols and they're friends.

[@TheConcertmaster]

@@liamnevilleviolist1809 If I were a violin maker, I’d probably gift one of my violins to a high profile violinist for publicity purposes, lol.

[@lakatos1683]

To have humor in such a difficult moment is beautiful. What an incredible person.

[@tmic3273]

He just broke too many strings in concerts

[@trixATT]

@@tmic3273 "ah shiet here we go again"

[@user-dr3no5hi1i]

Can you tell me the name of this piece,pleases ?

[@viggos.n.5864]

Tchaikovsky violin concerto no.1

[@user-dr3no5hi1i]

@@viggos.n.5864 Thanks alot

[@jocelynschweitzer995]

His ability to transfer violins so seamlessly was incredible! And that vibrato was so good. I've been playing the violin and my vibrato sucks so I know how difficult it is

[@jiakaiwang4585]

00:50 My guy has a back up E in his jacket really cracks me up

[@rolbeman5492]

Wow never noticed that

[@samziegelman1835]

It is the weakest string of the strings for being the smallest, so it makes sense to have reloads handy

[@xoashley444]

as a violinist, the way he just played without having a thought was outstanding. whenever i trade with someone else, i have to adjust myself, which takes me minutes. it surprised me how he played just as he played with his own.

[@SurajInd89]

He has talent, unlike you.

[@felixdestin9399]

@@SurajInd89 ... And you hope to achieve what with this comment. Of course they aren't top 100 players worldwide. Nothing wrong with giving credit where credits due

[@grendel3290]

@@SurajInd89 Someone didn't get enough attention as a child. Or maybe they're still a child, it's anyone's guess really

[@tingyang1327]

@@SurajInd89 so bitter and pathetic for no reason

[@BionicXAngel]

@@SurajInd89 and what talent you have my good sir? Other than being toxic i don't think a person like you is capable of doing anything else.

[@LostCityExpeditions]

Professional on so many levels. Doesn’t miss a beat or freak out when the string breaks, doesn’t lose his place when he takes the new violin, has no issue playing a violin that’s not his, and has extra stings ready to go in his pocket! And the rest of the violin section handled it expertly as well. Great job all around.

[@easyidle123]

Not to mention that for a brief second he transposes the song to the a string during a live performance until he can swap out

[@sruthis7715]

Do you work in A&E

[@LostCityExpeditions]

@@sruthis7715 what’s that?

[@Cryseris]

I counted, he missed just under 9 beats

[@AlyssaMartiniMusic]

A professional just means you've made MORE mistakes than anyone, you've just learned from them

[@joseph6270]

What a crazy world we live in, this video made me interested in Tchaikovsky's violin concertos, which led me to listening to your recording of the first movement of this piece with the Swedish radio symphony orchestra over and over again, so much so that it was in the top 5 of all spotify songs that I listened to(and the most listened to classical piece). Without this video none of that would have happened. Thanks for posting, keep up the good work

[@user-yq9ou2mv5k]

Congratulations you have now discovered internet!

[@Sabawn2821]

Holy crap that was insane! He missed like what two notes when a string broke! The adjustment, timing, instantaneous reaction of the others behind him, covering the missed note during the handover… just… amazing ❤

[@kiersteng201]

Everyone is talking about Ray’s level of concentration after his string breaks, but I’m still not over how he played the beginning part so lightly and with so much ease! His sound is so crisp and clear it’s crazy!

[@ellalogx]

Heey~ I know it has nothing to do with your comment but i felt to say that Jesus loves you so much, he died for you on the cross for your salvation. He cares about you and he's coming soon ❤️ Read the bible and he will talk to you more 🙌🏻

[@fryderyckchopin484]

@@ellalogx haha wtf

[@colorfuk1688]

@@ellalogx Oh yea I met him the other day, pretty chill guy He said the fandom is a bit cringe though, especially ones like you

[@cornationboot8690]

@@ellalogx well im not christian

[@mattd5799]

@@ellalogx Heey ~ I know it has nothing to do with your comment but I felt to say that Bhudha loves you so much, he sat under a fig tree and contemplated about life, suffering and death. He cares about you and prays for your enlightenment..keep up with your mantras and we talk soon.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

I love how everyone works as a unit to help one another, truly the definition of teamwork.

[@jyuviole5744]

Ok

[@tristian14]

truly amazing insight person I have never seen before ever in my whole of youtube

[@cnj5643]

Calm down master oogway

[@BYAK_BYAK]

Oh, its You again...

[@RU-rx3ef]

Wtf even in the video that I atleast expect you to be and yet you are here

[@Wally943]

Saw Anne A Myers in concert when one string on her instrument came loose. The look she gave the violin was priceless and had the audience in love with her. She adjusted the string, first violin gave her the key, and they continued flawlessly. True professionalism by all concerned.

[@JacquesLuu]

Ray Chen aka the only soloist who got extra strings in his pocket

[@thesuperintendentoffugues1144]

That’s a Normal thing to do for soloists

[@mccabecompositions]

@@thesuperintendentoffugues1144 and for first violins in general. Always have spares!

[@YUFAN420]

Aka string destroyer

[@katelynpang7040]

he has learnt from the mendelssohn

[@dangozest2431]

Switching to your side string is always faster than reloading

[@poisonivy5077]

Legend has it that the violin is still being passed around the orchestra to this day

[@arianajording2600]

Lol

[@Arcenmh7718]

Old joke already lol

[@Joey7Z7Horror]

Old joke but that’s actually pretty cool to think about

[@Kmosely42]

I was just thinking of the nonsense they'd have to go through to get everyone's violins back to their original owners lol.

[@debiethredge3020]

:-D

[@trollertrain7873]

The whole transition was done so clean Hats off to you ray

[@user-N20]

He has fantastic stage presence, what a great recovery, and with some humor!

[@jamesj5565]

The amount of adrenaline going through the 4th chair while changing the string on that priceless instrument could power New York for a day

[@waylonk2453]

Love this. You got a laugh out of me!

[@danielboss52]

What song is this?

[@thebruckler3707]

@@danielboss52 Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto" (He only composed one), it's one of my favorite pieces, pure romantic bliss

[@ariawalker5286]

@@thebruckler3707 ‘pure romantic bliss’ damn, that’s poetic

[@marieantoinettepaddelboot3149]

oh did he change the string? I missed that!

[@grahamlockwood6242]

Can you imagine being the violinist who was handed the violin and the spare string. So no pressure just restring my £7.5 million violin as quickly as you can while on stage so I can use it again in a moment and by the way you might as well play it until I get to a point where I can swap it over again. Wow!

[@vegancrabcakes]

How do they tune it without disturbing the music?

[@manateesforlife1611]

@@vegancrabcakes if it’s just one instrument, then the musician can pluck the strings very gently and tune that way. The sound will sit under the orchestra, and won’t be heard, although it is significantly harder to tune that way

[@gdkabsbdkwkwm4187]

I think they should stop concert for three minutes and play from the begining of part of concerto

[@Electric_Bagpipes]

The thing is with instruments though is that you _always_ treat them like their worth millions. Especially orchestral; fun fact: the strings are only held on to the instrument by friction against the spools, as is the bridge and soundpeg. Yes, you heard me right, THE STRINGS AREN’T EVEN ATTACHED.

[@TheTruth-13]

7.5 million? Lol

[@breakfastplan4518]

Ray, you handled this with absolute grace and class. Great Job!

[@carolchen655]

Amazing!!!! This is the truly team work in concert . A good musician is the one can handle any stage situation with calmness and confidence. You nail it. 👍❤️

[@abelnicolae]

For you non-violin players out there, you can not imagine HOW difficult it is to play on another's violin, precisely a concerto and without reheasing on it for even two minutes before. The space between strings and their pressure, the height of the bridge... you have rehearsed for years with them to obtain that perfect finger positioning. It makes my adrenalin rush just by watching it. And he performed perfectly afterwards!!!! This guy should get a medal...

[@eds7228]

Based on a couple of things, I think it’s unlikely that he has never played this violin before. Apparently there is a protocol when this kind of thing happens, which means it happens often enough to have such a protocol. Having this protocol, and not at least playing/trying the violin you would swap to seems negligent if this is the case. During rehearsals, I’m sure that he will have had the opportunity to play this violin and presumably will have done so at the very least pre show/ tuning. That having been said, I’m sure he could pick up any violin and play it almost exactly the same, he is of course fantastically talented and practiced on the instrument. Just saying I think it’s unlikely that he would never have played the violin he would be handed in such a situation.

[@abelnicolae]

@@eds7228 It usually doesn't happen. The soloist can play with several orchestras during the year and the only time he and the concertino meet is at general rehearsals. Indeed, the protocol dictates that, in case the soloist is unable to perform due to instrument failiure, there has to be one in reserve. Sometimes there can be an extra violin at hand just in case, but in most of the cases, the concertino offers theirs.

[@rake1087]

As a violinist myself. You are exaggerating so much. You are acting as if he was handed a completely different instrument. yes he has to adapt to the tension of the string, the bow weight and balance point, and the feel will be different, but it's not going to be extremely difficult to adapt as you put it. You're acting as if we never touch different violins in our life. It's like having to drive a rental car. Yes it's different but it's still the same. And I'm talking about a manual car. Stop exaggerating. Btw I'm not saying what he did wasn't impressive. I was impressed too. As it does take a couple min to adjust. But to be on the edge of your seat watching it. Come on bro. You know you just smiled and that was it haha

[@ramahikari1014]

Well don't think us like that mate, even though I never played any violin, I knew how hard it is to play another person's instrument, it happen to me ( not violin ) and it's hard.

[@skinnybuggo]

So pretentious

[@janteo3645]

For people who are not familiar with orchestra protocol, this is actually standard practice. If a violin soloist's violin breaks in the middle of a concerto, the concertmaster (aka, the leader of the first violin section) has to hand over his or her violin. An exception would be if it happens in the beginning, when it's not too much or a hassle to restring it and start over.

[@haveltherock1169]

Standard practice doesn’t change the fact of how cool it was

[@janteo3645]

@@haveltherock1169 I didn't say it wasn't cool.

[@Leongon]

Had no idea. I assumed the best course would be to have the next ranking violin to take over the solo role until that one is ready to resume with a replacement.

[@toomessy]

Yep! They kinda don't have a choice. As a first chair you HAVE to give your violin.

[@janteo3645]

The most impressive thing about this is how good he still sounded after the switch. Most people don't know how hard it is to play someone else's instrument. A musician's instrument is like part of their body and it just doesn't feel and sound the same when playing another instrument that they didn't tune or practice with.

[@ckinsin]

these guys are the best of the best. well done for letting him celebrate when he was taken care of so quickly. everyone enjoyed that moment and if not I certainly did. I could see the smile behind the mask. it was a great moment.

[@LillianBurnette]

It was well played and I personally enjoyed how you recovered fantastically, bravo! 👏

[@johnchessant3012]

The audience laughing at the end is the best part. A rare non-cough sound from a classical audience in the middle of a performance :D

[@mr.z6252]

Well its funny, cause he still have the time to Aknowledge the "Strangers" Violin and be like *"Hmmm Nice, (Everyone Laughing) For real Tho !!!"*

[@khloeratzlaff]

I’m a violinist, and my biggest fear is the E string breaking and flying back to hit me in the face

[@a.persona]

that's happened to me before (when i was a beginner and thought i was turning the A peg instead of the E peg). pretty stupid on my part, would not recommend

[@sourjyabanerjee9310]

Happened to me 22 years ago.pierced my cheek 🥺

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

It's happened to me. It hurts.

[@Joey7Z7Horror]

That’s terrifying to think about. Good thing I plan on becoming an orchestral writer/conductor instead

[@Joey7Z7Horror]

It’s kinda crazy thinking how much damage a little string can do

[@zedwhyex]

Absolutely beautiful - so smooth in the teamwork to keep things ticking over :)

[@la7418]

Gold medal for the professionalism.! Well done on continuing on and esp on someone else’s violin . You are all super stars ! Beautiful !

[@JokerMxyzptlk]

I was there! Center orchestra row M seat 4. I was totally entranced by the performance and when the string broke I didn't know what was happening. My first thought was someone in the audience causing trouble. Then I saw the broken string catch the light. I was stunned and wondered if they'd have to stop and then in a few seconds of activity everything was back on track. I was amazed at that level of sang-froid. Thank you so much Mr. Chen for that amazing experience !

[@saraleetaiwan1572]

😽😽😽 I always love Ray and his easy way to interpret class music.

[@christaherwig0404]

I've been to a number of Ray's concerts. He is unique and he always plays with full commitment. My heart beats for Ray Chen!

[@AndreaChen]

That was just incredibly smooth -- a brief "oh crap" look, then the first violin guy sees it and hands over. IDK if there is supposed to be a pause in the solo there, but if not you'd never be able to tell.

[@jimbuxton2187]

I'm glad the string stayed in tune so quickly.... usually they stretch for quite a while ...

[@ahmedhisham6483]

This was so funny

[@rraftapapirpp]

That's probably the worst moment for a string break At first, he can't play the double stops with the e string missing forcing him to stop, and then he has to play the whole cadenza on a violin he's not used to Great job though!

[@anttimaki6633]

acoustic instruments are for incels anyway

[@eddominates]

you saw that realization happen, where he attempted to soldier on and just play without the e-string, then realize he was f'ed cause of the double-stops, then turn to the conductor, like "DUDE I'M F'ED" .. all in the space of like 1 second. Then with the replacement, that first double-stop was all it took for him to completely get the "feel" of it, I think that was the most impressive part. That solo is super difficult even with an instrument you know like your own hand, to play it THAT WELL on a totally unfamiliar instrument, on the spot, that is simply amazing.

[@goldenarchers2938]

@@anttimaki6633 tf where did u get that idea from

[@zeddy2284]

a

[@thelambsaucee]

@@anttimaki6633 that’s what an incel would say to make them feel better about themselves sitting on their bed all day with their favourite sock and their favourite website 🟧⬛️

[@lukapodiashvili613]

Amazing job, you did it without panicking, you did it smoothly and you just did an amazing job overall.

[@harryhalloumi295]

Just love Ray Chen. Fantastic talent and personality 💥

[@dash595]

Who doesn't just LOVE Ray Chen's personality he's always so passionate about playing the violin and even makes the audience laugh

[@kristenk708]

His personality is seriously the best!!! I've met him live after a concert and he is super nice and fun!

[@emeraldishereyt1014]

For those who are wondering, the piece Ray was playing is Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major, op 35. I highly recommend listening to it, its a beautiful piece, and Ray did an amazing job playing it. Have a good day.

[@acerolalu]

tysm i was looking for this comment

[@inaxxxx]

Bless you,I really wanted to know what piece it was

[@nikogolub]

Thank you a lot

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

It's good you left the piece name. This video has so many views, as if it were a pop song. I'm sure over half the people who clicked on this don't know what it is. If you're new to classical music, welcome to the party. You've got a lot of catching up to do. Enjoy yourself!

[@ricardotramirez]

The string happened to pop at one of my favorite passages in the concerto. A real shame but he handled it so well

[@enchiladaem]

He didn't even miss a beat! The teamwork is impeccable and the skill of just not panicking is in itself a wonder. Great job!

[@rokugoshitsu]

The sense of unity in the orchestra after Ray broke the strings was also spectacular. It was wonderful that Ray played each note carefully. So I would love to watch them all again.

[@shawnwasabi]

EPIC SAVE

[@aulodian]

hi shawn

[@DragnPiano]

omg Shawn!

[@kristya3603]

shawn ?!?

[@timguillaume867]

omg hi shawn I didn't know were in the community!

[@olukiyesimi]

omg shawn

[@ianwong6951]

This is the biggest display of professionalism i have ever seen...

[@Joey7Z7Horror]

This kinda adds to the piece with just the way he swaps it with another. It’s so casual and appealing honestly

[@ayapiano5225]

I knew that there was a rule that if a soloist or concertmaster's string broke, the players inside and behind them would switch violins and play. But this is the first time I've actually seen it happen. You performed calmly, humorously, and brilliantly. And the orchestra members are wonderful professionals.

[@kiersteng201]

Can you just imagine the amount of honor those violinists felt being passed a literal STRAD??!?

[@xenidus]

That would cause me literal financial/historical terror...

[@rzno3414]

honor and trembling hands holding it

[@roylin3490]

that's not a strad

[@matthewv789]

Well true but most violinists in a major orchestra (in this case the Seattle Symphony I believe) have fairly expensive (and usually quite old) violins of their own (I would guess typically around at least $25,000-$100,000 in value in most cases, more in the case of the concertmaster and a few others. Actual working symphonic violinists can correct me if I’m wrong.) Many if not most of them may have had the chance to hold and play a Strad, Guarneri, or other famous make at various times.

[@GermanRiano]

@@roylin3490 The program stated it is.

[@Hil_E]

Coincidentally I have been in a performance of the Tchaikovsky where exactly the same thing happened to the soloist and he did exactly the same as you. The thing I find most impressive is that you and that soloist were able to take someone else's instrument and still perform flawlessly. People think all instruments are the same but they are not, the positions in the fingerboard might be slightly different and how you produce sound might be vastly different. Well done!

[@chikrug]

In 2010, his E string breaks in the beginning of Max Bruch Gm Concerto in São Paulo. Ray played the entire concerto with the violin from the concertmaster, (this violin, if i remember, had a central chinrest, dominants strings heavy tensions, a very diferent setup) and still, his played perfectly! I was thinking "how did he manage to adapt so quickly?" Your words were exacly my thoughts that day

[@g-moneyg-life]

Agreed. Even amateur violinist can tell switching instruments is not easy mid performance.

[@Kelvin-ed6ce]

That length is standardized in modern violin making, as well as a few other lengths.

[@westbrook0853]

Which Tchaikovsky

[@heidis9548]

A truly incredible professional - not a single compromise in sound or skill despite the switch.

[@GardenerTobak]

That's a lot harder than it looks. Every violin is slightly different, and a musician must adjust and adapt to that specific instrument, to some degree. He does this in seconds. Truly amazing.

[@J.R.Swish1]

I don't play the violin but I imagine it's really difficult to just hop into another instrument other than the ones you've played for years, just like that. So smoothly. amazing

[@blauespony1013]

Yeah, especially at that level of playing (and then again: Every pianist has to do it over and over again - but if you are used to your one instrument, it is really hard without no proper warm up).

[@J.R.Swish1]

@@blauespony1013 Yes, in the middle of the piece with almost no hesitation requires great confidence and also shows how great of a player he is

[@yidinok1078]

@@J.R.Swish1" no hesitation requires great confidence" 👍

[@TheTruth-13]

It’s the same instrument though, I’m not seeing how it’s different to play the same instruments

[@blauespony1013]

@@TheTruth-13 This is like saying "It is just another person. I don't see how it is different to work with another person." Instruments react slightly different from each other. It will not bother you as a beginner, but when you are more experienced, you need to know you instrument. Of course you can switch and you will produce a good result. But here we are talking about pros who want an excellent result. For example: Different wood makes a different sound. Different quality of instruments make a difference how quiet or how loud you can play them. Violins don't have "keys" like a piano, so you have to figure out, where your note is on the finger board (and even keys respond slightly different. Some are harder to press, some respond easier ...). Different material in strings might feel different in touch, sliding can be harder ... Even the temperature of the room and or/instrument and the humidity do make a difference in sound. The tuning changes during playing (strings get a tad more flat during performances, because the strings get a bit longer while woodwinds get more sharp). All those tiny bits feature into your performance and can throw you off your game. Especially if you are going for perfection.

[@sushantmanandhar1387]

Legend has it that everytime Ray's string breaks a portal to the past opens and Antonio Stradivari himself hands him one

[@KonradTheWizzard]

...so the portal is in Ray's pocket? I've got to get one of those suits!

[@melyt2054]

Lol 😂

[@trixATT]

@@KonradTheWizzard yer a wizard

[@michaelshapiro1543]

I LOVE this Tchaikovsky piece. Seeing the violin swap certainly added a special experience. ADMIRABLE all round!👌👍

[@jasper7503]

Which one is it id love to listen to it!

[@therese_paula]

What i appreciate most is your humor, Ray 😊

[@wkchoy4608]

This simple scene speaks so much about decent human behaviors. The main violinist plays effortlessly on someone else's violin speaks of his talent. The violinist who offers up his violin speaks of his sense of teamwork. The rest of the orchestra did not miss a beat speaks of their professionalism. The audience's appreciation of the event speaks of the hope that still exists in today's self centered society.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

The world of classical music is a different kind of world. It's built on charity and teamwork.

[@dasren]

its not that much about human decency its more that thats what the orchestra is required to do during such a situation so they have no choice

[@CrookedNose2131]

It's not a shining example of selfless teamwork. Do you honestly think a violinist would refuse to swap in the middle of a performance?

[@dasren]

@@CrookedNose2131 Lol

[@KyleMart]

@@dasren Ignorance is bliss.

[@Can-qy3bw]

Normal People: Violin Concerto Ray: String break Challange

[@terencejean]

String break Challange....................... name of a new lingling workout??

[@afa4766]

@@terencejean I see, you're a man of culture

[@kurumusic]

@@terencejean 🤣🤣🤣TwoSet would love the challenge!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Ray, I really really enjoyed watching you play with such passion and sensitivity and enjoyment also when your string broke you didn’t lose a beat, you carried on like the supreme musician you are, and put a little joke in it all too Bravo 👏 Bravo 👏. Tru professional as always. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@andacomfeeuvou]

The calm and good humor of this great violinist in such a delicate situation is very impressive. The ideal situation is for the soloist to have a spare violin ready for this emergency. I've played in a baroque orchestra and the gut strings often break and we always had a spare violin.

[@happyadrian15]

it’s the charisma and sense of humor he has that’s impressive after experiencing something like that that gets me

[@Brian_B505]

Love how the violin gets passed to each descending chair: "here, YOU deal with it..."lol... Great performance & teamwork

[@KittenBowl1]

Sounds so beautiful and he’s so stage friendly too! Loved this! ❤

[@omniummysterio]

Really show the soloists skill level in adapting to situations quickly. Not only did they play everything on the a string without a second thought, but they also were able to play perfectly on an instrument that wasn't theirs and that they probably hadn't played on before.

[@kingofstuff1732]

0:25 Is nobody going to notice the guy who played the last note for him?

[@Phymacss]

IKKKKKK!! kept thinking about that

[@interesting3956]

imagine if he playing for entire few seconds ray wasn't playing. instant concert master

[@moathbd4978]

😂

[@trishalynn5964]

I didn't notice that at first. Nice spotting. Yay 2nd chair~!

[@kerwinkencunanan35]

bro had a part on the solo for a second

[@helpmereach45ksubswithoutvideo]

Fun fact: these videos makes our days better

[@elricky1996]

Yes

[@stevenyue5967]

how come u stopped updating ur subs after 3100

[@abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyxz102]

fun fact: you get people to sub to your channel and then sell them online ( correct me if im wrong)

[@ChickenScratch]

It is so incredible that you adapted to the new instrument so quickly and was still able to play those challenging passages so beautifully

[@somarriba333]

I love that he kept playing, I love that it was a no brainer for the other to switch violins the second he saw it, I love how they just kept switching and passing the violin down, and I love how smooth it all happened and how he was able to play on someone else's violin.

[@Yourrrr]

Wowww! As a previous violinist I can say wha most impressed me is that he picked up a violin that’s not his own and was able to still sounds good! Whenever I traded violins with any of my orchestra mates it was really weird trying to figure out the little difference between their fingerboard and what I’m use to - feels kinda like a whole different instrument but he didn’t let anyone know that

[@ericchan6343]

This is a clear example of a true proffesional musician. (To not panic and keep continue playing even when things go wrong) In addition with the crowd's laughter and cheering. Magically entertaining and epic performance!

[@nexgaming9961]

You know, even though your E-string broke, there's not a single day that goes by where I don't listen to your full recording of this piece. It makes me so jealous to see how smoothly you play such a difficult part like this XD! You are truly a gifted virtuoso, Ray! I love watching you play - keep up the good work man!

[@KnightandDay33]

It still blows my mind how he adapted to play the right notes on another string... *in the middle of a bar*

[@Purple_Sloth]

I don’t care if it’s the guys job or not, the person who gave the guy the violin should get just as much respect dang it.

[@cezzy_1496]

That's his job lol

[@ZORGIN]

It’s his job but I don’t know how he felt about losing his violin for the rest of the concert. I think it would personally be kind of annoying to go out of the way to get there, get ready, practice for hours and then have your violin taken by the soloist.

[@trivikram4962]

@@ZORGIN man got to play a strad, he is definately not sad

[@rickyzmkuo]

it's a common protocol in the orchestra.

[@clasesdemusica-profelorena6096]

@@ZORGIN the end of the concert? I would think until the end of the movement, or they didnt swap?

[@Me_myself_an_i]

This was so smooth. Also, the way he instanlty remembered the flow of the music is amazing.

[@theonehappyorc1235]

It's their profession. Imagine someone else watching you doing things in your profession and how you do things they just do not imagine doing themselves. It's the same thing here))

[@cezzy_1496]

He practiced his solo to perfection. This is the beauty of music; if you can play by memory of a piece then they orchestra could stop and pick up 10 seconds later in the song without missing a beat

[@VivzMusic]

The most charming violinist who’s smile and energy resonates light and love to everyone. The violin seems to be an extension of himself resonating his beautiful spirit.

[@happydays3678]

Massive respect and admiration 👏👏

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Wow the sound of Ray’s violin is so brilliant and you can tell when he switches to the other one how good the first was.

[@Alan-xe4st]

Much of it being because the 1st's violin that was given to Ray was meant to BLEND in rather than stand out. If you're gonna play a solo with an orchestra, you need a violin that stands out, but if you're playing with the orchestra, you need a violin that blends in. But his violin is worth a TON so it's obviously going to sound brilliant :)

[@blitzproductions24]

Ofc. It's a $10.000.000 strat lol

[@Nintaku]

0:26 - Bro helps out a homie 1:50 - Homie returns a compliment on his gear

[@mparker6823]

Amazing how everyone who swapped violins still were able to continue playing; high talent level all around!

[@somerandomguynumber111]

I scrolled down to the comments for a bit, so I was only hearing the audio, and didn't even notice the part where the string broke. That's how seamless it was.

[@beatricelarson1959]

Omy I love that the violinists in the background were playing hot potato w/yours and passing it around lol

[@Fidi987]

Eew, it's a Strad - here, take it!

[@eddominates]

"I can't afford to hold this"

[@Esheksiksi-re]

0:45 I think we all agree this is the best moment of this masterpiece

[@Phymacss]

True! The music feels like a game music and it’s just so good

[@architadhar2296]

So magical!!!

[@tygrtales6319]

I love how it’s just BAM right in your face! Such an amazing piece❤

[@alexuxloyt5184]

Name?

[@k0valus585]

as a mediocre violinist, i cannot begin to fathom how skilled you have to be to handle a situation like that, including switching instruments throughout the section.

[@ordersquid38]

This piece is one of my favorites in all of classical music, and I am absolutely amazed by this player’s skills and quick timing