He's sensational. I believe he is the kid in the documentary film 'From Mao to Mozart'. from the 1970's and yes, it is pointless to compare artist at this level to each other. It's like comparing religions. We are all lucky to have so many great cellist now at the same time.
I don't know how any of you can truly enjoy this while you're spending the whole time comparing it to Du Pre and Yo Yo Ma! Jian Wang ISN'T either of those two, he's who he is, and this is HIS interpretation, so pipe down because there's no point in trying to rank three extremely different interpretations of the piece!
@TheTradge I personally enjoy but yo yo ma's and Jian Wang's interpretations equally. I listen to both almost daily, they're both fantastic. I'm really honestly not fond of Du Pre's version. Than again I havent heard a GOOD recording of it so I'm slightly bias. I just love Jian Wang's interpretation; it's awe inspiring, so powerful. Yo-Yo's is slightly more subtle which I like but this song speaks to me so the power in it is a powerful motivating factor when I choose to watch Jian's version.
someone can absolutely "top" du pre's interpretation. At the level of Du Pre and Wang, and Starker and Yo-Yo and all the other high level soloists it is simply what speaks to you that matters. The whole idea of "definitive" recordings is complete rubbish. There is no UNBEATABLE AMAZING THE BEST EVER of any piece of music. If that were so then it wouldn't be art, it would be a simple math problem with a solution, and that is NOT what music is.
The first time I (unknowingly) heard Jian Wang was when I saw him in the documentary "From Mao to Mozart." It's great to see he's gone a long way since then.
Como Uds., me gusta mucho la versión históricamente maravillosa de Du Pre, pero ese comentario debe escribirse en sus videos. No me parece de buena educación ponerlos en los sitios de otros cellistas. Después de escuchar este concierto con otro artista ¿les dirían "prefiero a Jacqueline Dupré"? Realmente no lo creo...Como este es un sitio donde podemos disfrutar de la maravillosa, inmensamente musical y una técnica exquisita de Jian Wang, lo felicito a él por esta excelente interpretación.
Haven't seen anybody yet, except from jian Wang, who plays the first and the second chord in two bows each... it gives each chord a powerful effect, but still i think that you can hear it too much... perhaps he should use lesser bow on each bows, so i doesnt scratch in the end. But still he does it fantastic!
@MagicYouCanBelieveIn Lynn Harrell does this, too. There's a short clip of him playing the beginning of the first movement on youtube. I think they both pull it off fine.
I think that he plays this concert better than YYM, because he isn't acting, he's feeling the power of this piece... YYM is technically perfect, but his interpretations sometimes are a crap.
But I personally think his vibrato is too tense all the time- some of the piano part, he could have make it sound more relaxing and soft. But still, bravo!
pity about the sound quality of this video, however Wang's playing still shines through. I agree with some of the comments here, he puts so much emotion into this piece, it makes me cry.
I absolutely agree. I used to always think that Yo-Yo Ma is the brand for the cello and even Jian Wang is so expressive! However, after hearing Du Pre's playing this, my system of belief is shaken. So far, I've never really felt the intensity and expressiveness that rival Du Pre's stance on this piece
They're not reservations, it's actually what Elgar wrote in the score.
He was a violinist and knew exactly how he wanted the music to be played.
The use of seperate bows completely breaks the bold expression of the first four bars in two, therefore giving no real meaning to the message that the piece wants to communicate.
I think if you actually knew anything about this work or being a Cellist, then maybe you'd be able to comprehend the amount of detail that it requires to play this piece.
I think the broken bowing on the chords in the beginning is a very new concept for cellists who have been playing it a certain way since it's composition, but just close your eyes and listen to the beginning. When anyone else plays it there's a natural break as your shifting from the bottom to the top two strings, so there isn't really that much difference. It's just Jian Wang trying to get more power on those opening chords. (which I think bites him in the foot because his bow is too fast)...
I think it's awesome how he does those two beginning cords, although I don't think I'd ever do it that way he pulls it off beautifully. What an amazing cellist. That first running upward scale I just was thrilled - stunning bow control, musical playing, absolutely wonderful.
I feel sorry for Wang Jian that people try picking the intonation slips or any mistakes, instead of enjoying his deep and speaking music. And I also feel sorry for those who tried to catch his mistakes so they could not hear what lies in his music.
this is awwesome BUT the only thing i didnt like was the bowing in the vero first 2 beginning chords, i didnt like how he bowed it down and then then up bow.
my teacher commented on him, he says it actually helps to achieve that powerful effect which quite matches up to du Pre's (who didn't bow them separately)
i like this alot but like idk at like 2:15 in the main theme i dont like how he like he like kinda of separates the the quartet notw with the eight note.. and idk yeah but aweesome!
There must be something inside of him, which makes him play in the way he plays. There is such deepness. He really makes glory for this very beautiful piece.
i REALLY wish people wouldn't mention Jacqueline Du Pré in EVERY single video of the Elgar concerto!! Yes, her interpretation is fantastic, but people REALLY need to stop comparing other cellists to her! Just listen to it, and celebrate the differences in interpretations of the piece, because NO single interpretation is better than another!
I get what you mean. But is just impossible what you want peolple to do 'cause Jacquelien du Pre is a legend is one of the finest cellist ever known and she gave this concerto something magical. I don't want compare this great version with du Pre's but is impossible she always is present in this concerto. Other version great is the Natalie clein's. She's so clean and passonate at the same time.
TheTradge, I think one interpretation CAN be better than the other. One factor depends on how deep the interpretation is and how one's playing can emit that deepness in sound to other people. People like Yo-Yo Ma in contrast tries to show a deepness in interpretation through movement, but when a person listens to a recording, they'll realize the "real" depth. Not saying that Yo Yo doesn't play deep enough. I also agree that people should stop claiming that Du Pre's interpretation is the best.
His interpretation of some parts makes it sound Chinese for some reason. It's kind of intriguing how it's almost a whole different piece from the more traditional Western interpretations.
Yo-Yo Ma and Jian Wang has a very similar Chinese, sensitive sound. However, Jian Wang has MUCH more drama and sensitivity in his playing, making the interpretation much deeper. Yo-Yo plays incredible though, but I think he is considered overrated when there is a player like Jian Wang now.
He's sensational. I believe he is the kid in the documentary film 'From Mao to Mozart'. from the 1970's and yes, it is pointless to compare artist at this level to each other. It's like comparing religions. We are all lucky to have so many great cellist now at the same time.
muken48 1 month ago
I don't know how any of you can truly enjoy this while you're spending the whole time comparing it to Du Pre and Yo Yo Ma! Jian Wang ISN'T either of those two, he's who he is, and this is HIS interpretation, so pipe down because there's no point in trying to rank three extremely different interpretations of the piece!
TheTradge 3 months ago
@TheTradge I personally enjoy but yo yo ma's and Jian Wang's interpretations equally. I listen to both almost daily, they're both fantastic. I'm really honestly not fond of Du Pre's version. Than again I havent heard a GOOD recording of it so I'm slightly bias. I just love Jian Wang's interpretation; it's awe inspiring, so powerful. Yo-Yo's is slightly more subtle which I like but this song speaks to me so the power in it is a powerful motivating factor when I choose to watch Jian's version.
aepceo1 2 months ago
du pre is so overrated...
Faniqu 6 months ago
His version is much better than YYM or Du Pre. He is a much better cellist than either hands down.
advantec333 6 months ago
This Jian Wang is way better than Jaqueline Du Pre or YYM who both are too theatric with horrible sounds.
advantec333 6 months ago
someone can absolutely "top" du pre's interpretation. At the level of Du Pre and Wang, and Starker and Yo-Yo and all the other high level soloists it is simply what speaks to you that matters. The whole idea of "definitive" recordings is complete rubbish. There is no UNBEATABLE AMAZING THE BEST EVER of any piece of music. If that were so then it wouldn't be art, it would be a simple math problem with a solution, and that is NOT what music is.
Garrettguy457 7 months ago
Better than Yo-Yo Ma's performance I think
PrometheanRunGood 7 months ago
well done maestro! i am a big fan of yours!!!!
IdlirShyti 9 months ago
The first time I (unknowingly) heard Jian Wang was when I saw him in the documentary "From Mao to Mozart." It's great to see he's gone a long way since then.
theomnihoward 10 months ago
this is a very different interpretation
superazian10 10 months ago
Como Uds., me gusta mucho la versión históricamente maravillosa de Du Pre, pero ese comentario debe escribirse en sus videos. No me parece de buena educación ponerlos en los sitios de otros cellistas. Después de escuchar este concierto con otro artista ¿les dirían "prefiero a Jacqueline Dupré"? Realmente no lo creo...Como este es un sitio donde podemos disfrutar de la maravillosa, inmensamente musical y una técnica exquisita de Jian Wang, lo felicito a él por esta excelente interpretación.
maritagarcian 10 months ago
It really prefer Yo-Yo Ma and JACQUELINE DU PRE performance !
McOwrell 1 year ago
I feel more the pain of Elgar in the interpretation of Yo-yo Ma
I feel more the pain of a woman in the interpretation of du Pre.
I feel more the pain of discrimination in the interpretation of Jian Wang.
TheLfwjo 1 year ago
What's in the Chinese that they have two world class cellists(the one is Chinese-American, Yo-yo Ma? What ever is it, it is something good.
TheLfwjo 1 year ago
Yo-Yo Ma, to me, seems a little bit over exaggerant. <<<However you spell it
ANYWAYS.....This is in my opinion one of the few performances best played.
Well done :)
FeedMeMikey 1 year ago
Comment removed
TheLfwjo 1 year ago
Amazing! Love it :)
LauraCello 1 year ago
@lostcause1565 it's a little off, but I actually think it has more emotion than yo yo ma's. Probably not Du Pre's though, you've got that right.
jlennon510 1 year ago
i like yo yo ma's version better. have you listened to that one? it's on youtube
atangvideo 1 year ago
Haven't seen anybody yet, except from jian Wang, who plays the first and the second chord in two bows each... it gives each chord a powerful effect, but still i think that you can hear it too much... perhaps he should use lesser bow on each bows, so i doesnt scratch in the end. But still he does it fantastic!
MagicYouCanBelieveIn 2 years ago
@MagicYouCanBelieveIn Lynn Harrell does this, too. There's a short clip of him playing the beginning of the first movement on youtube. I think they both pull it off fine.
pyun123 8 months ago
I think that he plays this concert better than YYM, because he isn't acting, he's feeling the power of this piece... YYM is technically perfect, but his interpretations sometimes are a crap.
incolae24 2 years ago
what an ignorant comment
atangvideo 1 year ago
@incolae24 agreed
tljcello 6 months ago
Wow, vibrato is soo lush
Epmonito 2 years ago
his bow movement is fantastic and the music power is impressive and powerful ... touching performance.
maxshng 2 years ago
what a beautiful bow arm.
cl427x 2 years ago
Wow this is so fantastic!
pbaron23 2 years ago
absolutely beautiful.. bravo
cellobubi 2 years ago
can you cheq out my verision please? :)
pbaron23 2 years ago
i will!
foxyjohnuk 2 years ago
Great performance!
But I personally think his vibrato is too tense all the time- some of the piano part, he could have make it sound more relaxing and soft. But still, bravo!
hezixiao 2 years ago
pity about the sound quality of this video, however Wang's playing still shines through. I agree with some of the comments here, he puts so much emotion into this piece, it makes me cry.
Kev1nt 2 years ago
I just love his playing of this piece of music which carries so much emotion that can make you cry every time I listen to it.
wikct2 2 years ago
Really Good!! ...and it's hard to make such a comment, i think, after hearing Du Pre's interpretation!
JanaCello 2 years ago
I absolutely agree. I used to always think that Yo-Yo Ma is the brand for the cello and even Jian Wang is so expressive! However, after hearing Du Pre's playing this, my system of belief is shaken. So far, I've never really felt the intensity and expressiveness that rival Du Pre's stance on this piece
animeaff 2 years ago
it is univesally accepted that it will never be better than Jackie by anyone!
foxyjohnuk 2 years ago
The orchestra sounds sooo nice......
makuletboy 3 years ago
Not true, Elgar was a violinist and is extremely specific about the bowings in his pieces.
The use of seperate bows is pretty much Blasphemy tbh.
MasterIsh91 3 years ago
how incredibly close-minded. I can't image how you can truly enjoy music with so many reservations.
FenAllo1 3 years ago
They're not reservations, it's actually what Elgar wrote in the score.
He was a violinist and knew exactly how he wanted the music to be played.
The use of seperate bows completely breaks the bold expression of the first four bars in two, therefore giving no real meaning to the message that the piece wants to communicate.
I think if you actually knew anything about this work or being a Cellist, then maybe you'd be able to comprehend the amount of detail that it requires to play this piece.
MasterIsh91 2 years ago
damn dude, relax . In music everyone can do what they want, and i think that seperate bows works very well for him.
nericn 2 years ago
I think the broken bowing on the chords in the beginning is a very new concept for cellists who have been playing it a certain way since it's composition, but just close your eyes and listen to the beginning. When anyone else plays it there's a natural break as your shifting from the bottom to the top two strings, so there isn't really that much difference. It's just Jian Wang trying to get more power on those opening chords. (which I think bites him in the foot because his bow is too fast)...
pigsboogie 2 years ago
I cant believe that he play is so good. I must say that I prefer his playing now over Yo-Yo Ma's.
wikct2 3 years ago
Love his interpretation! The tempo was just right I felt every bowstroke
mjwynne01 3 years ago
Bravo! I liked his play so much that I think I am going to buy his CD from now on.
wikct2 3 years ago
Jian Wang is my favorite cellist. He plays this with so much emotion...
celloguy27 3 years ago
Just thought this was worth mentioning - BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiri Belohlavek (conductor)
IgorC03 3 years ago
I think it's awesome how he does those two beginning cords, although I don't think I'd ever do it that way he pulls it off beautifully. What an amazing cellist. That first running upward scale I just was thrilled - stunning bow control, musical playing, absolutely wonderful.
NHCello 3 years ago
how can he he play the opening chords with separate bows.
thats terrible.
k73f 3 years ago
Comment removed
MasterIsh91 3 years ago
As a flute player who knows very little about cello playing,this performance truly moved me.
FenAllo1 3 years ago
it does sound like du Pre's but a tad slower
Epmonito 3 years ago
Otherwise, it's very good.
minieinstein319 3 years ago
He missed the F#-G at 4:49.
minieinstein319 3 years ago
Stood out a bit, didn't it? Ah, well. We all make mistakes.
colonelcobb74012 3 years ago
This is really, really good. It sounds just like dupres. I'd like to hear someone do it better than her.
cellolove7 3 years ago
I feel sorry for Wang Jian that people try picking the intonation slips or any mistakes, instead of enjoying his deep and speaking music. And I also feel sorry for those who tried to catch his mistakes so they could not hear what lies in his music.
His playing is very "human".
Celloheaven 3 years ago
I completely agree with you. Besides most of the time he has an incredible tone.
RedWasabii 3 years ago
Not only that but its a live performance. I try to make certain of at least one huge blunder everytime i play :)
proggoth 3 years ago
this is awwesome BUT the only thing i didnt like was the bowing in the vero first 2 beginning chords, i didnt like how he bowed it down and then then up bow.
k73f 3 years ago
He didn't screw up in 2:33 and I like the way he does the beginning chords. But hey we all have our own opinions.
Enix5548 3 years ago
my teacher commented on him, he says it actually helps to achieve that powerful effect which quite matches up to du Pre's (who didn't bow them separately)
dga471 3 years ago
As beautiful as Du Pre's version is,I think this is the most beautiful I've ever heard!
polivaremara 3 years ago
did he screw up in 2:33?
k73f 3 years ago
i like this alot but like idk at like 2:15 in the main theme i dont like how he like he like kinda of separates the the quartet notw with the eight note.. and idk yeah but aweesome!
k73f 3 years ago
There must be something inside of him, which makes him play in the way he plays. There is such deepness. He really makes glory for this very beautiful piece.
I love this, really.
nyyhks 3 years ago
this is so moving... perfect artistry. intense soulfulness. wonderful. impeccable.
1hmm2 3 years ago
fantastic... one of the most emotional versions I've heard, besides JDP.
1hmm2 3 years ago
along with jacqueline du pré, this is the best performance i've heard of this piece. no one can top her, but this is a really, really good effort. :)
fishdiarrhea 3 years ago
i REALLY wish people wouldn't mention Jacqueline Du Pré in EVERY single video of the Elgar concerto!! Yes, her interpretation is fantastic, but people REALLY need to stop comparing other cellists to her! Just listen to it, and celebrate the differences in interpretations of the piece, because NO single interpretation is better than another!
TheTradge 3 years ago
I get what you mean. But is just impossible what you want peolple to do 'cause Jacquelien du Pre is a legend is one of the finest cellist ever known and she gave this concerto something magical. I don't want compare this great version with du Pre's but is impossible she always is present in this concerto. Other version great is the Natalie clein's. She's so clean and passonate at the same time.
fedegr33 3 years ago
TheTradge, I think one interpretation CAN be better than the other. One factor depends on how deep the interpretation is and how one's playing can emit that deepness in sound to other people. People like Yo-Yo Ma in contrast tries to show a deepness in interpretation through movement, but when a person listens to a recording, they'll realize the "real" depth. Not saying that Yo Yo doesn't play deep enough. I also agree that people should stop claiming that Du Pre's interpretation is the best.
RedWasabii 3 years ago
his cello has also got a Belgian bridge - not standard but makes tone more powerful
AytidaRed 3 years ago
His interpretation of some parts makes it sound Chinese for some reason. It's kind of intriguing how it's almost a whole different piece from the more traditional Western interpretations.
TehNomad 3 years ago
Yo-Yo Ma and Jian Wang has a very similar Chinese, sensitive sound. However, Jian Wang has MUCH more drama and sensitivity in his playing, making the interpretation much deeper. Yo-Yo plays incredible though, but I think he is considered overrated when there is a player like Jian Wang now.
RedWasabii 3 years ago
I love Jian Wang's playing, and I saw him play this concerto at the Sage.
but did anyone else hear that big slip up at 4:48? =( meh, everyone makes mistakes
TheTradge 3 years ago
Umm.. no I didn't hear any slip up at all.
1hmm2 3 years ago
check out 4:48, there's quite a significant intonational slip which sticks out if you listen carefully =)
TheTradge 3 years ago
i didnt hear anything?
k73f 3 years ago
Amazingly deep performance from Jian Wang
waistoi 3 years ago
his cello seems tiny
AytidaRed 4 years ago
is it just me or is he playing a 3/4 size cello?
AytidaRed 4 years ago
looks 4/4 to me. :)
1hmm2 3 years ago
Nice!
zhanxiaole 4 years ago
very nice and clean, absolutely great interpretation...
Apalexpe 4 years ago
excellent performance, but no one can top jacqueline du pre's interpretation of the elgar.
LowWave 4 years ago
It's true. I think so too. I love the way she played that piece. Just fantastic.
yinyue8888 4 years ago
If I will rank the best performers of Elgar's Cello Concerto in YouTube, I'll put him to be the third, du Pre as the second and Yo-yo Ma as the best.
This is my ranking, I will respect what do you see as if you will respect me also.
TheLfwjo 1 year ago