Greg Anderson plays "Sheep May Safely Graze"

[MissyHolland]

Lovely interpetation of one of my favourite Bach compositions.



[Chamileaf]

I love the way you play this piece, It's just right.

[Strimlarn87]

Damn Egon! You really are an ego

[KarrotKun1]

Wow! I really want that transcription!

[mehdan2]

This guy went to Juilliard... this piece is magnificent and serenely sublime

[APoohBah]

@TheButchMaster objects (presumably to the "Imagine you're in heaven" lead) that this is from a secular cantata. He is correct, but we should remember that Bach wrote: “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul's refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hubbub.” He also signed his manuscripts SDG (Soli Deo Gloria - to God alone the glory).

[advir1021]

Graceful performance of another of Bach's beauties.

[ashjacksoul]

Greg, you're outstanding.

[ExStokie02]

I like this song, but it does seem unusual that he is playing barefoot in a church. Never seen that before.

[QuestingElf]

I came here as a result of hearing that Highway 39 in California won't be reconnected to Highway 2 as recently promised. The state proclaims it has to do with leaving the bighorn sheep alone. So seeking sanity, I remembered Bach's piece about Sheep May Safely Graze. Thank you for your calming rendition, I was previously shaken and stirred!

[bhutanlhayul]

the beginning is really unique, but the music is nice :)

[TatteredCrimson]

I like to play barefooted as well. I can't stand wearing shoes or socks when I play :/

[TheQualium]

I've always been less than moved by this piece .. until now. I am dumbstruck by the beauty Anderson brings to it.

[jinheff]

great video, but that beginning was really weird...

[naneanilau]

I say it now and said it before, I have never ever heard this piece played with such perfection and sweetness, Greg, you are truly wonderful, Bless you dear!

[Thebutchmaster]

The Music is wonderful. does anyone know the name of the church where this was made?

[ahgblopes]

@Thebutchmaster

It is a SECULAR cantata!!

[GisellaHart]

where did you get this arrangement?

[o0Tourniquet0o]

Beautiful!

[John081590]

Simply the best interpretation I've heard!

[tomaraquechova]

This is my first time hearing this music and I find it beautiful!

[sukiyen]

few notes missing that should be there i hear , is this by ear?

[bnajfksfo]

So very beautiful, masterfully played...thank you, Mr. Anderson

[brotherkurzweil]

Showing off... Nothing more

[oshawaxpress]

@brotherkurzweil - Showing off the beauty of the music... Nothing less

[chrisverhaagh]

beautiful, masterful

[mummykinz1]

Beautifully played. One of my most favourite classical pieces and I love the piano - wish I could play like this. Thank you, you made me smile! :o)

[analogyman]

I want this piece for the soundtrack of my LIFE. I like this version better than the other 5 piano versions I've listened to today. Thank you!

[MrGatto1992]

not only a brillant composer and arranger, aund duo pianist, but at the same time such a sensible solo-pianist! and played with yhis rare quality of  artistic modesty!!! great!

[janelpa]

Wonderful.

[TheMaggpieful]

In a time of loss, sorrow and yearning Greg Anderson brings serenity to the soul.

[SinduKolla]

What a lovely playing! I love this piece by Bach.

[abaddon84]

14 sheep didn't think it was safe to graze.

[mastathrasha]

at first i thought i was being rick rolled.

[jazzopedia]

Thank you. This is a most beautiful piece played with feeling and artistry.

[PrimeM92]

If I ever get to heaven I am hoping that this is what it will sound like. This is the kind of beauty that , for me, words cannot express.

[dawnyawn]

LOVE. That's the best version I've ever heard of "Sheep"

Thanks :)

Now I can see why people love that piece of music by Bach.

[jtdendy]

beautiful, greg! and loved the ligeti video -- absolutely diabolical in the best possible way!! rock on!!!!!!!!! hey, did you use any "effects" for the sound here? sounds like maybe some reverb?

[Fionnsboy1]

Hey you Philistines who worry whether he's gay or not, get in touch with your own gayness, as if it bothers you, you're probably a closet case yourself. His sexual preference has nothing to do with it, and if it does, then we need more gays in the world, gays have given us Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Tchaikovski, Leonard Bernstein, Caravaggio, et al, breeders have given us Hitler and George Bush! Do the math, morons...

[ejsofel]

@Fionnsboy1 Well, technically, the breeders have given us all of them, but I take your point. I'm practically a medievalist christian myself, and yet if I have to hear one more of my own kind denigrating a great piece of art or a great artist, I think my liver may burst.

I doubt they can show me the verse where Jesus anointed them judges of the world, but I can certainly direct them to the one where he advised them to shut the hell up.

[Icerues]

nice profile pose at the begining

really brings the whole video together

[ibk1980]

one of the most beautiful things I´ve ever heard. Congratz Greg. I am your fan!!!!

[dahale]

This has to be the best rendition of this piece that I have heard yet.  I love it! :D

[angela38801]

Wow! Thank you!

[MrHappyhappyhaha]

Not the song

[MrHappyhappyhaha]

Lmao so retarded! Dumbass

[EricaxImmortal]

Amazingly beautiful :]

[username14657]

How do you prevent your nerves from getting to you?

[mdeonx16]

Imagine: you're in heaven, and greg anderson is playing the music.

[jonieheffner]

...you are my chosen christian...fabulous...great trem.

[ttt8699]

There should be zero rubato used when playing bach! It is not even necessary to convey felling and emotion; the music does that. You just need to play with strict tempo like bach would have. That doesn;t mean that the music will be "static" and devoid of emotion. But save the rubato for music written 100 years after bach!

[guiaguiar2002]

Is he playing with is bare feet?

[WanderingChild999]

Lol "Imagine... You're in heaven, and all is at peace." Thatwas the corniest thing I ever heard!

What a fruit! xD

[bumblebeemoi]

@WanderingChild999 So, that's all you got out of it? Sad

[55madworld]

@WanderingChild999

so because you didn't like what he said, you didn't like the music? fruit? so you don't study then do you.....the music made no difference to you. how sad.

[rhondadoodle]

Wonderful~ so beautiful!

You are greatly gifted!

[rhondadoodle]

A blessing and I feel the peace with your gift sir~~~

Sincerely~

[gonrolgonrol]

Very funny contrast to the Ligeti intro :)

[nikkymanausa]

So very elegant. Simply stunning.

[lovemetu]

I myself much prefer the lighter and more sensitive version by Boris Feiner ,listen and compare !!

[bumblebeemoi]

@lovemetu I listened to Boris. yes, a lighter version, but not for me in the least, "more sensitive." For me, there was little feeling compared to Greg's. Yes, there is rubato, but for me, that's what makes Greg's interpretation so moving, so poetic.

So, we disagree;. C'est La Vie! Blessings to both!

[lovemetu]

@bumblebeemoi

Yes I had forgotten this comment I had put on youtube, so just did a comparison again and once again prefered the version by Boris,so we agree to disagree !!

Both nice versions though, I just find the version by Boris flows so sensitive,smoothly and sweetly.

[BenjiBorol]

Nice performance... But what's with the 'hand on chin' pose? lol. Must say, your performance of Ligeti's Etude was stunning! Ligeti <3 What a musical sensation, much better than Mozart in my opinion.

[alanopolis]

Thanks, Mr. Anderson, I loved it :-)

[Johngreful]

thank u , thank u, thank u.! I'm trying to find wendy carlos' version of this piece on her switched on bach album. haven't yet . u made my day with this performance . i too cried as did another other poster.

[ibk1980]

I love each and every video and performance you do!!!! My deepest and warm hug from Austria!.

[MrJason300]

Beautiful.. really loved it

[naneanilau]

I listen to it again and again, and there's bo time I don't find it superb...amazing , Greg...

[LukasOlejnik]

Your voicing is extraordinary great, Greg.

[Maxadolf]

Superb timing for accompanying! Well done.

[spasman]

You brind out the tune very well, but i think this piece needs to be very rhythmical and less romantic, in a sense

[docterphreak]

Wow!

[xoSerenade]

i don't like it by anyone else, i have to hear greg's version, it's amazing. thanks for posting it <3 i'd love to see them perform live.

[misspeckpeck]

how come you never wear any shoes?

[cruxiagoth]

you're wonderful!

maybe it's in a different style than what it should be ( I don't really know ) but it is surely "Heavenly" :D

good job

[liqicen]

I love this song and i love playing it! it;s such a soothing and sweet song. You play it beautifully too. Keep up the good work!

~LiQiCen字母 愛 鋼琴 :D

[verbisti]

This is really amazing. There is so much peace when Greg is playing the piece. Thanks Greg for this :)

[jonieheffner]

..outstanding soldier...outstanding....

[netwitted]

Well done maestro. For those of you critical of the intro, you didn't hear Greg"s other piece, from which this bounces off. Our artist here makes music both fun and beautiful.

[psbjr]

imagine...you treat an incredible work of art as though it were a lexus commercial

try bach's leather interior, and marvel at the beautiful major harmonies as you relish its power windows at your bach dealership today...imagine

[PerhapsToday]

I disagree. His unique appearance and presentation are what is needed to encourage todays youth to listen to the classics. This is the best version of this song that I've found on YT and it brings tears to my eyes every time I listen.

[bryans1800]

@psbjr - I love this! Especially since I have owned a Lexus and love Bach. What a beautiful expression of a timeless classic.

[psbjr]

@bryans1800 you might want to replace the batteries in your sarcasm detector

[bumblebeemoi]

@psbjr Imagine a lame and boorish attempt at humor. Imagine a magnificent interpretation of a sublime piece of music and some short-sighted lout is thrown and distracted by a few words. Imagine such arrogance and sarcasm from the mind and heart of a miserable, short-sighted clod who actually believes his attempts at satire carry any weight. Imagine almost everyone else briefly transported to a heavenly place while the "incredible work of art" is being performed with grace and respect. Imagine.

[hirseuph]

who are you?

[rhetoricalwishh]

i saw leon fleisher play this as an encore piece.

amazing..

[kphag]

I love the fact that Greg is barefoot, I love the fact that he opened with a few "positioning" words, I love the fact that he's a young musician with a fresh and sensitive approach to this outstandingly timeless music.

[naneanilau]

simply amazing, he might be retarded for opening like this, but he can play to bring tears in my eyes...wonderful!

[naneanilau]

right! but he made a wonder with that piano

[homerboy488]

What a retarded beginning.

[russhamel]

I've listened to many versions of this beautiful Bach piece. This is by far my favorite. The pace and sensitivity with which Greg plays is truly a slice of heaven on earth. Thanks for a wonderful experience.

[sarbogardy]

This is awfully great.

So very sensitive.

[psandbergnz]

Beautifully and expressively played!

[btq28]

@chevalierdurufle lol

[GATTAPADRE]

Transcriptions of music for the piano, from music that had more than one part originally, often work better than music that was originally written for piano solos. They are more free to individual interpretation and I don't believe anyone could do it better than this. Thanks for this Greg, I listen to it most days for it's tranquil beauty.

[dMaN42108]

that is very true. . immediately think of hess' transcription of jesus bleibet meine freude. .

these arrangements treat the piano as an orchestra. . beatiful

[edesalma1]

wow.....

[reynosb]

It brings tears to my eyes with it's simple beauty - thank you!

[rick730nj]

Das ist bestimmt ein wunderschoenes Stueck. Greg ist ein wunderbar Klavierspieler.

[xoSerenade]

*sigh* I didn't want the piece to end. Inspirational, full of hope and beauty. I wouldn't like it performed by anyone else.

[gmercuri]

Greg querido, gracias,

un abrazo desde Buenos Aires

[maestroanth]

I'm serious, it's a sin this vid is ranked higher then Ligeti's.

Ligeti isn't even possilbe to play!!! He got those forearms not from this crap.

[maestroanth]

whiney babies can't handle the devil :P

[Lawrence89MUSICman]

Absolutely Stunning! great contrast from Ligeti, Amazing job Greg!

[Josefrainer]

Anderson still dares to use the pedal, reminds me of Elly Ney, but only in this regard.

[JoannaMeier]

Divine.

[analogyman]

Nice! Thank you. I wonder what is the maximum number of melodies that ordinary people can follow? What is the max that a person such as Bach can follow? Is there any evidence that Bach "held back" because most people couldn't grasp what he was doing? (Mozart comments on this problem in his letter, relative to audiences, singers, and orchestras.)

[seahyimin]

indeed sheep may safely graze. i like the polyphony that anderson so clearly brings out

[Marmalade000000]

Wow, this is a HUGE 180 degree turn from the Devil's Staircase! Really beautiful playing, btw

[Dracapalley]

...and contrary to what another youtuber said, this piece benefits from fewer trills...

[Dracapalley]

Lovely.

[classicalSHERBERT]

super amount of contrast from the devil's staircase. you have skills.. :)

[alwires714]

I love you Greg!!!!! Not even kidding.

[kecske35]

i enjoyed it. It is a very good quality of music you make. I am trying to play this at a wedding with 2 of my friends (blockflote, violin & organ), but that will be much easyer than this, it's just that it is more coloreful with more instruments. By the way, i know it is difficult but it would be nice to have trills on the ends of phrases. I'll try to do that anyhow :) Great Job !!!

[mjbrockwell]

brilliant. and I mean brilliant, literally. it shines, via you. really, really fine.

[GATTAPADRE]

This is the best interpretaion I've heard and I like the cute intro too. Feelgood music!

[xoCAZZA]

Ive got the sheets for this.. But theyre really short. Do I just repeat?

[viviojo]

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw

[mickeyhoyle]

I keep listening to this over and over and over again and still can't believe how fluid and well-mastered it sounds. Really remarcable.

[layzsailor]

I love the feeling you put into this... Very nice job. One of my favorite pieces

[jake78745]

Your voicing is really quite good.

Just browsing through--thanks, very enjoyable!

[coltononline]

Very good.

BTW

he's playing in the church, so he can't be gay. unless they've changed the rules or something...lol

[HyperAX5]

it's called "the new testiment" stupid.

[mickeyhoyle]

"the new testAment"

stupid.

[HyperAX5]

yeah, not the point

[ploschad]

Love it! The voicing, acoustics and musicality are heart-warming. Thank you.

[ploschad]

I forgot to mention: BEAUTIFUL!

[naneanilau]

gay or not, he's wonderful, excellent, touching, and moving performance. He's extremely talented and that's all that matters. Bless you Greg, you actually made me cry with this one...

[jasonwlo]

If you are gay, it's a happy day for many of us ;)

And if not, I'll still be a fan :P

[sarbogardy]

This is the loveliest and most sensitive interpretation I have ever listened to. Incredibly beautiful.

[candyfourpaws]

Personally,I bellieve Greg is just setting the mood with this introduction. Lovely playing. My sister plays for many.many funerals and weddings and this is always a favorite.

And now for the unkind comments: What does his personal life have to do with his playing?? Grow up,people.

[tripyramid63]

I loved it, what a talented artist. What difference does it make, gay, straight or in between it was beautiful

[aristelle]

you play so beautifully!

[dawidmysle]

Does anyone know where I can get the sheet music for this online for free?

Thanks

[jdbpiano]

The intro kind of freaked me out, but very nice playing otherwise.

[lon73hk]

Bravo, bravo, bravo. Good tempo, very balanced. I was very touched, indeed. Loved it.

[nine7one]

Just a quick response to those whose comments focused on things like Mr. Anderson's choice of attire, his lack of shoes or the admittedly odd introduction; He's a musician, and from what I've seen thus far, a rather talented one at that.

I don't think it's any secret that eccentricity seems a rather common trait among those who posses a high degree of artistic talent.

Mr. Bach himself was fired by several employers - and even jailed once - for what amounted to insubordination.

[loydsheryl]

Breathtaking. The inner melody is simply exquisite. Ahhhhhhh,,,,,,,,, Thank you.

[LamaPaj]

lol you are so gay in the beginning =P

[MrRicksStudio]

He IS, Blanche! He IS GAY!!! That usually comes with talent, ya know.

[SweetSophieBaby]

Would you be available for my wedding? I am so sick of the traditional songs. "God my Saviour Walks Beside Me" is a gentle and welcome reprise to the rest.

[Keytaster]

@SweetSophieBaby: funny, I have planned to play that at my best friends' wedding :-)

[danielchong1234]

omg.this is so funny.i first heard of the imagine you are in the hell now it is in heaven.

[nubsqueak]

very nice

[Artisticsound2]

This is so meek, as in strength controlled, a peaceful assurance of Strength within...when you are capable of 100 times the skill and performance.....Any chance of you coming to Ireland? You can stay here with us!!! Thanks, Mervyn and Vi

[scilines]

Thanks for sharing. Lovely rendition.

[rabukyojin]

it was beautiful..

is the piano transcription arranged by Mary Howe? where do you get the score? i've ben looking for one but have not yet found it. thanks XD

[donkeyshlong]

Hi, Could you email me the score for this piece. I'd love to play it at a wedding but I need a good arrangement like this one. Please PM me if anyone has it.

[yogaman13]

I love it! Why have i not heard of you before?

[coqdorysme]

Um, I don't think the introduction fit the point of the piece - this is a SECULAR cantata, praising the dude in court at that time for ruling people in piece so the

...SHEEP MAY SAFELY GRAZE.

[ckala13]

I don't really think that was the point. Didn't it make you feel peaceful, relaxed? =I think that was what he was trying to get at most although it was the piece was about.

[hemiolalala]

HEY--tempo.

[thisisalsomypassword]

I'm not really digging the attire.

[marybeevee]

Oh c'mon. Do you think people are going to be wearing white flowing gowns in heaven? It's either going to be nothing (and with apologies to Greg, I don't think we want to see that!) or the most comfortable outfit known to man: jeans, a t-shirt, and bare feet. Perfect!

[Inarose22]

really nice - thank you!...

[emilovely1]

That was nice, but, please, cut out the intro... and put on some shoes.

[flashcat7777]

It was in Australia - great movie, great music. Too bad the sound quality sucks.

[DonCorleone87]

put some shoes on... but nice playing, heard it in Australia

[esterfer]

so what?

[JaniFace]

god made feet. feet arent gross.

[xlautjeex]

SORRY THIS WAS NOT MENT FOR YOU,, but for BernardProfitendieu..

[xlautjeex]

dont listen to them, i think this is so beautiful... You´re great , keep doing this

[gcl82003]

Schafe können sicher weiden wonderfully calm and tender playing. A joy to behold

[NothingEverything1]

i never been to mutch into keyboard but this one might change that... just beutifull.

god bless ya

[BernardProfitendieu]

Imagine: you're in heaven ... where there's never any awkward emoting behind the keyboard ... and everyone remembers their shoes

[BudStrong]

I wouldn't care if he were naked and cloven-hooved. Anderson captures the flavor that I think Bach intended for the piece and his spoken intro serves to prove me right. What a shame that you couldn't see past your nitpickery to enjoy his wonderful rendition.

[BernardProfitendieu]

I'm gonna guess the image of this tool naked an cloven-hooved didn't just pop into your head while you were posting -- sorta something you think about on a regular basis, isn't it?

[BudStrong]

I believe experts would call that 'projection,' Bernie. My mind's eye conjured nothing like the bestial tool fantasy you would have me picturing; I was only making the point that your condescending review of irrelevant minutiae was juvenile and inappropriate. But if it blunts your shame to transfer your unhealthy desires onto the shoulders of another, I'm glad to be of service. Care to unwittingly expose any more of your abnormal psyche?

[BernardProfitendieu]

lol - it's your image, dearie, not mine

(and your high school level psychojargon is just digging you deeper into the "Tool of the Year" hole).

enjoy your ovine fantasy!

ahahahahahaha!

[BudStrong]

I'm confident that any objective reader of our exchange will easily recognize your comments as the far less mature and your mind which dwells in sickness. As I've got better things to do than to legitimize your ravings by continuing to reply, I'll let you enjoy the last word.

[BernardProfitendieu]

hahaha! only your narcissism allows you think others are reading this exchange and caring enough to form any opinion at all about it

get a life, old man - you're not coming off as particularly mature here, just particularly insecure