Eliot fisk master class

[rpmfidel]

Just so everyon knows, its was in fact over 100 degrees outside the day this video was shot (I was there).

[featheon]

I don't care about how he sits or what he wears, but, as soon as I heard him describe the sound of the note sounded on the second string as "nicer," I became aware that Fisk makes no effort to distinguish between aesthetic value judgments and matters of fact. It saddens me to continue to see this kind of aesthetic fascism in the performance tradition.

[daschwarjazz]

Hmmm. Can't say I'm familiar with the "spread eagle" classical guitar position. The ladies must love it...

[Kramnosnits]

I've read all your remarks. Can't understand anyone wanting to dis Mr. Fisk. I have his Segovia instructional video and it's marvelous. From what I read, he's a professor on two continents; was Segovia's protege and last student AND he speaks 5 languages. That's a LOT of class. All I can say is - it must have been 110 degrees the day that video was shot, because that's the ONLY excuse for an undignified exhibition of legs such as that.

[orlandoguitarist]

You're entitled to your own opinion, Mekinhumbel, but my experience with him a few years ago was quite different. During five days of masterclasses taught by about ten different world-renowned guitarists, I had the opportunity to attend any class I desired. I heard rumors of him being a pompous snob, but was pleasantly surprised to witness him teaching very mediocre students with respect and encouragement. Yes, he would "show off" now and then, but I never thought it was done obnoxiously.

[guitar1050]

Check out Benjamin Vedery masterclass here on YT he also dresses casually it doesn't take anything away from his teaching. I haven't seen that much of him yet but E.Fisk is unique in his way of playing.

[Mekinhumbel]

I'm not surprised by this sloppy appearance. He needs to become more conscious of his tone than he is of his own ego. I'm a vastly inferior player to him; not disputing that. Not bitter about it, either...but Bream, Barrueco, and Parkening own him, both in tone and interpretation. I had a masterclass with him. He spent most of the time berating people, and the rest of the time playing things too fast with no emotion and sloppy, brittle technique. His best contri is transcriptions and commissions

[mothman84]

Fisk is an absolute master. Disputing that is always a clear symptom of inferiority and frustration, which is totally understandable in front of Fisk, but still it could be done in a way that makes sense.

All the negative comments make me incredibly sad: I refuse to think that the present and future of classical guitar is in the hands of self-important kids, who come here to criticize clothing, posture, attitude. Clearly, music has failed on you, and there's nothing you can do about it.

[pengeaumont270508]

I think Fisk is dreadful, and i'm doing pretty well for myself. The reason Fisk gets slated where other players don't is because he isnt very good.

[gitarre1987]

@pengeaumont270508 you must be better than him?

[pengeaumont270508]

@gitarre1987 yeah i think so. But i'm nothing compared to John Williams or Julian Bream.

[CrunchThyme]

this is a jerk, anyone can see it...and vastly inferior to someone like Barrueco

[ollincruz]

The tradition of classical guitar is to be respected...fisk being himself and casual is in NO WAY disrespectful...some of you guys need to relax...FISK IS THE MAN!!!

[pengeaumont270508]

I got invited to a masterclass with Fisk and turned it down because i'd probably come out of it a worse musician than when i went in. Also giving a masterclass looking that scruffy and slothernly is just unprofessional.

[spruceorcedar]

He's not worthy to hold a classical guitar. Let's say, Christopher Parkening could be liked to the teaching skills of Pablo Casals or even Galamian. Because all of these teachers have the similar personality of what it is to be a good teacher. Damn Fisk, he should just do stand-up comedy

[gitarre1987]

@spruceorcedar you must be a very good guitarist?

[fabecio]

The way he is sitting is hilarious. I wish I could take a master class with this badass.

[Benjiko]

Not a fan of his playing, or his personality.

[FraterTau]

mmmmm, for me as a professor is a desrespect to be wearing shorts in a class, even knowing that all that students admires him, its sad, is like Tarrega in a hot day giving a "master class" and wearing a swimsuit XD... ridicolous ... only an opinion... Bye

[guitarclass35]

@FraterTau you sir, are an idiot. His musical tastes differ from yours. but I can almost guarentee you that he is worlds ahead of you technically. As such, he is able to express his musical tastes as he sees fit. you on the other hand, are posting on youtube....that is to say, eliot fisk isn't posting dispariging comments on your videos. Conclusion? if you were actually as good as he is...you wouldnt be posting here.

Sincerely, A student of a different world famous guitarist

[tomward8]

@FraterTau How in the world is that disrespectful? I guess the student should be wearing a long sleeved shirt as well. Are you the fashion police!

[IVStories]

Wow, I just wasted so much time reading through these comments. It's so sad to

see how incompetent people are in regards

to Mr. Fisk. The only reason anyone would

slam him the way some of you have is simply

because you don't "get it" and probably never will. The best realm for those of you who can't see the genius in Fisk is Mel Bay's Beginner's Guide to Acoustic Guitar. They have songs like Marry Had a Little Lamb, & When the Saints go Marching In, and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

[capnpayne]

haha

[crazymidgetclown]

Only a total idiot wouldn't recognize that he is sitting that way to show the lazy romantic style of the music. Use that rusty old jello sack inbetween your ears next time you want to put your worthless oppinion is writing

[DjosueD]

He reminded my of M.Carcassi for some reason.

[keto6789]

That's how I sit too.  It's good for your balls.

[spruceorcedar]

damn....eliot fisk gets more arrogant than ever...why in holf fuck does he sit that way, disrespect and gay!

[stuffthings7635]

i was there and it was over 100 degrees that day, everyone was sweating there asses off. you people are exactly whats wrong with the classical world, youre all a bunch of uptite elitists.

[ThisDream]

He is obviously sitting like that to illustrate to the student the laid back and lazy feel of the music.

[ThisDream]

Here is a tip. Its not sight reading if you already know the piece very very well; and elliot Fisk should know this paganini, he has transcribed, published and performed it.

[arminabd]

Oh my God. It's Andy Dick in shorts playing guitar. This is pretty much my favorite classical guitar video. I think it has super powers

[guidovg]

LOL! "Andy Dick".

[clubsandwedge]

I think he's "sitting there like a slob" because of his inordinate respect for the classical guitar in one sense and for his teaching in another. You must walk before you run, I will not play a hard piece to a student, nor will a teacher show complicated arithmetic to a child. The guitarist he is teaching is most likely an amateur. Even if not, if that seating works for Fisk and it sounds good, then fine. Clothes are absolutely irrelevant, play naked

[ThisDream]

You play naked, then talk big.

[mimbster1972]

Classical guitar has an integrity side to it. That's why performers usually suit up. Its technique, artistry, and respect go hand in hand. As a teacher, I think Fisk showed in this video the inappropriate way of teaching (esp. at a master level.) So I personally am disappointed like many of you out there.

[sardiniaguitar]

quanto doveva essere bello quando gli allievi vedevano i loro insegnanti in giacca e cravatta e... composti!!!!!

[scionpol]

Beh, non credo che sia la giacca e cravatta che fa il bravo insegnante. Segovia era sempre ben vestito ma trattava anche molto male gli allievi,non concedendo che ci fosse altrall'infuori di lui!

[sardiniaguitar]

Bravo! continua così.

[sardiniaguitar]

Un' altra cosa... spero tu non sia di quelli che va sempre a controbattere quello che dice la gente. E ricorda bene caro scionpol che non metterei mai in discussione la professionalità di Eliot dato che conosco molto bene ,e forse meglio di te! Ti consiglio di iscriverti (qualora non lo avessi gia fatto) ai Forum chitarristici, li si che potrai fare tanti bei commenti! oppure puoi andare nel pubblico di Maria de Filippi. Cordiali saluti.

[scionpol]

Sì,tuo malgrado sono già iscritto e ho anche già smesso di frequentarli perchè non hanno suscitato assolutamente il mio interesse.E continuano a relegare la chitarra in un ambito do nicchia solo apparente.Non volevo offenderti, ma solo esprimere un'opinione che mi son fatto proprio leggendo gli interventi nei forum e basandomi sulla mia semplice esperienza alle masterclass.

[scionpol]

E ripensando alle parole di John Cage sull'argomento in un'intervista negli anni '60. Se ti è sembrato ch volessi polemizzare, scusa.Anzi, Fisk è un chitarrista che a me piace molto e del quale, se avessi possibilità, frequenterei una masterclass, anche solo da auditore!

Sinceramente

Scionpol

PS:per piacere,non maria de filippi...non ho neanche la televisione poi!!

[sardiniaguitar]

la pensiamo allo stesso modo! mi scuso se sono stato un pò duro ma, ormai incontro solo chitarristi che seguono una strada: quella del ghetizzarsi.

[Jitpring]

Who is that sitting there like a slob?

[Furline92]

i dont think it should matter how u dress outside of a concert. cuz i think shorts and sneakers are where the magic come from. do u practice 4 hrs a day at home in a tux?i think eliot fisk makes music more natural.how it should be. not forced to play dress up.

[giaian1]

a Fisk gli farei fare il bidello in una scuola di musica...

[oscillator]

Eliot Fisk is a douchebag. Take his guitar away.

[koduckman]

do you think you big enough to do it

[kypros26]

you should know you started it or did you forget you and nin 231,just cant keep your nose on your face

[kypros26]

your right i dont want to wear no tie or jacket heck wid thad

[kypros26]

why is the way he is dressed such a big deal.nothing wrong with shorts and sneakers this is the 21 century .

[kypros26]

what do you mean by your last comment, why shouldnt it matter.

[21Mar08myChannel]

If you gain self-respect by dressing like a butler then by all means, do so. You, however have no business demanding that everyone obide by (or even respect) your standards. I've had many a valuable lesson with various instructors in informal environments, the environment didn't diminish my respect for them or the information they were providing. The value is in the information exchange.

[bludrac8]

this is the funniest damn Youtube comment I've ever read.

[bleuxbutterfly]

who cares what he wears its his master class i think if he is good enough to have a master class let him wear what he wants and maybe his playing is a bit sloppy but thats why it enjoyable its somthing diffrent somtimes its good to see someone who is not an alien and actually messes up

[bleuxbutterfly]

maybe he has a diffrent approach to teaching other than you and maybe thats why he is in a master class ya prick you should try it to and you might get somewhere

[1doe78]

Man.. what's up with all the Fisk haters? If your so awesome.. what are your credentials and accomplishments? Oh no.. here we go. Bottom line, your attitude sucks.

[UyFrankito]

Christ people your commenting on what he's wearing?  Fags.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

WHY is he sitting like that? He's so arrogant.

[dreadlock86]

foolish

[beleza2007]

He is showing disrespect to the institution. Would he come to play a concert dressed like that? Or to a funeral of a family member? People dress not just to look nice but to show respect to the place, to the event, to the people.

[mininocurro]

Have you noticed that the camera man and the person next to him are also dressed in shorts? No disrespect here on Eliot's part, just trying to put his students at ease. I have never seen Eliot being disrespectful to anyone, and I know him for 7 years.

[beleza2007]

Your last two comments are just simple rethorical trick which you use in order to avoid questions. Starting with lower case letter comment. With me yu did the same thing: person next him is a student and you cant take him as an example who by the way are also showing disrespect. If you want to play this silly games here is mine. If the man behind the camera is in shorts we can all be naked then. why not?

Would you teach in shorts and sneakers in front of an audience? pure disrespect on his side

[mininocurro]

I've never taught in shorts, no. I always dress formally, even to go to classes. But I know Eliot doesn't MEAN disrespect, although some of you seem to be offended.

[beleza2007]

The institution has its own rules. Can we masturbate while having lessons? Just because there is no rule forbiding masturbating doesnt mean we can masturbate. Same is with clothes. I know Eliot doesnt MEAN disrespect, bur he shows that by puting those shorts. Just think about it. Also, people who had easy in their lives are acting like this, thinking that they look cool...look at for instance Eliots interview here. He comes on stage and his jacket is unbuttoned. Thats also not nice.

[capnpayne]

NOBODY CARES

[mininocurro]

Do you really interpret it as disrespect? Well, I can say that writing everything in lower-case letters is just as disrespectful...

[beleza2007]

Eliot is great but playing in shorts is too much..this has nothing to do with his greatness or anything else.

[dreadlock86]

everyone has seen people that have technique that makes the pros head's spin. but can they tell a story with the music? can the make you forget where you are? technique AND tone are a means not an end.

[mininocurro]

Well said.

[capnpayne]

If you are commenting on eliot fisk's technique then you are missing the point of his playing

[CrunchThyme]

Fisk is a wanker when compared to the likes of Barrueco, Williams, et al

[GiveMeMoreVids]

amen.

[dreadlock86]

i was at this masterclass. and it was amazing.

with the exception of mininocurro, none of you have a clue. the only thing eliot is missing sometimes is tone. clean your ears and get off your high horses.

[dreadlock86]

and enough of the ad hominem attacks too. find something of substance to say.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

TONE is the most important element in playing classical guitar. You clean your ears you idiot.

[dreadlock86]

tone over phrasing and musicality? you can have sweet juicy tone on every note and still have nothing to say.

capnpayne has the right idea. fisk is a musician not a guitar player. he's expressive and that's what matters.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

Tone is very important. It's a VERY important element. Passion or expressiveness is also important. Fisk might be able to express in a brilliant way but his tone kills what he does right.

[dreadlock86]

i disagree completely (and am willing to chalk it up to preference, some people care more about guitar playing than music). eliot obviously knows what kind of tone he is producing. for him, it's just another palette with which to create. he varies his tone the same way he varies color, dynamics and affect. it's just another expressive device. sometimes the music conveys ugly things and nasty tone can be quite appropriate in such a situation.

[HLMadeInCorea]

OMG. Tone is the thing that all players strive for. Put Fisk up with Barrueco or Yamashita and he is inferior in technique and in tone. He does not DELIBERATELY play the song in a nasty tone. He plays it too fast and it makes his tone horrible. I don't doubt at all that he can play this song with beautiful tone. Music is opinion and it is different to people so I guess we are both right.

[dreadlock86]

again, see my previous post as to why i totally disagree. and yamashita doesn't have the most fantastic tone either.

why would tone be more important that having a musical vision of a piece and going for it? perhaps fisk does play some passages so fast that "good" tone falls by the wayside. but if you're watching eliot perform and you're thinking about tone then you're missing everything that is so brilliant about his playing. it's about the music and the passion, not technique.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

Whose technique is better Yamashita's or Fisk's? Stop right here. Think about the stupidity of your comment and apologize. Tone is SO important.

[dreadlock86]

foolish

[GiveMeMoreVids]

You still don't prove anything. Tone is quality.

There is a reason why Barrueco sounds better than Fisk. Barrueco is a master of TONE.

Foolish.

[GT7Bassman4JC]

Eliot is very sloppy. He's all speed, and no substance - have you ever heard him play Paganini's Caprice No.5? Atrocious. Segovia was also very arrogant, but he was a helluva player.

[singularity42]

Yes, I've heard Eliot playing Caprice no.5 and it was all but sloppy and/or atrocious. I agree about Segovia, he was great but my old teacher says he saw Segovia in concert making terrible mistakes. Everybody does it sometimes. Yepes even have records with mistakes.

[GT7Bassman4JC]

Performances with mistakes...no big deal. Recordings with mistakes...Very unprofessional. When Fisk did Paganini, there was no dynamic control, no feeling, it was just straight-forward and sloppy. And atrocious.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

Yea... Segovia had a reason to be arrogant. Eliot Fisk plays like an idiot.

[singularity42]

I don't think any of you know what it takes to play Paganini's Caprice No5. Do you know how many CG players have that on their repertoire? 1. And that is Mr. Fisk. Arrogance? What are you talking about? Every great performer was caught to be arrogant at one time or other. Segovia? Talk about arrogance. I agree that Mr. Fisk could use healthy dose of musicality. But, just focusing on just a small part of who Mr. Fisk is and not recognizing what he can do IS arrogance for it self.

[mininocurro]

I agree with your comment, except for the part about musicality. I have been blessed with an opportunity of listening to Mr. Fisk play weekly for more than 6 years now. I can honestly say that I have never seen a guitarist with such a great musicalily, and I've seen them all.

[mininocurro]

The span of his repertory is just jaw-dropping, but what's more amazing is he can actually perform any piece at any given time! What people put on the internet and what they discuss in relation to Mr. Fisk are fast, virtuosic pieces because he is such a brilliant guitarist. But he can actually make one cry when he plays slow stuff, and he plays lots of that. There is so much happiness, love, sadness, sorrow and death in his music!

[mininocurro]

With all due respect to the other great guitarists of present and past, he's my absolute favorite precisely because of his knowlege, understanding and ability to express himself.

[mininocurro]

kbkesq, you have NO IDEA what you are talking about. Mr. Fisk is one of the nicest, most intelligent, most imposing people I've ever met. Inflated ego? You should see some of your idols teach. That's EGO.

[kbkesq]

Btw, not such impressive sight reading, especially since this is basically Paganini's slow-mo version of "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!"

[adrianallan]

to add to the debate concerning fisk: i've seen him play and teach, and is very arrogant and has an inflated ego - his playing is pretty untidy by today's standards, too.

[marvl]

Well then, by all means extend an invitation to Fisk to study with you. I'm sure you could tidy up his playing nicely.

[adrianallan]

I'm not claiming I can do it, but I am claiming that there are people a lot better than him, but with a much smaller ego.

He would turn up to the class late with no guitar, ask to borrow somebody elses and then return it covered in scratch marks.

When he only came 3rd in the Leeds Castle competition 1981, he threw his prize into the castle moat - how mature.

Remember, in true greatness lies humility.

[GiveMeMoreVids]

He got third cuz he sucks. He is a fucking fool.

[marvl]

Well then, by all means extend an invitation to Fisk to study with you. I'm sure you could tidy up his playing nicely.

[kbkesq]

Judging from your own arrogant tone, and false pride at having studied with Mr. Brisk, I think you have an inherent bias that might make Fisk's arrogance more difficult for you to perceive. Also, you have another bias in that diminishing him diminishes you since your only claim to significant guitar training is studying with Mr. Brisk. adrianallan's anecdote is quite telling. Also telling is Mr. Brisk's ascot and website title.

[marvl]

CrunchThyme, I didn't realize you could read someone's mind by looking at a tiny video of them taken out of context. Fisk is a pretty amazing player and a pretty good teacher. And you're a... what?

[kbkesq]

the ole "he's up there and you're down here" approach- nice. Have you ever heard of a thing called body language?

Now my interpretation is different- I actually think he's aware of his reputation for arrogance and is trying to look like "one of the guys" and laid back to make it easy for those in the workshop/master class to be less nervous.

I find this to be an engaging side of Fisk, but you are wrong to slam someone else's opinion.

[marvl]

Well, here's my opinion, which you would be wrong to slam: you have no friggin idea what you're talking about. I studied with Fisk for 2 summers at Aspen a long time ago. He's possibly a bit eccentric, but arrogance is not in his repertory.

You might need to replace the batteries in your body language interpreter.

[sretep]

I was at this Masterclass, Fisk taught for something like 5 hours, and anyone would get tired. He said some pretty phenomenal things, on top of sight reading everyone's repetoire. I was dully impressed the whole time.

[sretep]

acutally i wasn't. but i know that guy.

[CrunchThyme]

I would never take a class by a guy trying to act this cool and nonchalant...what a jackass

[professorbeak]

LOL yeah, he does look a bit too laid-back. I don't much care for Fisk anyway, I've tried to listen to him in the past. I prefer Julian Bream.