Steven Isserlis Rachmaninov Masterclass

[Lybelle2011]

I don't think Steven Isserlis meant it harsh in anyway. That's his way of teaching and the student chose to get a masterclass with him. Isserlis just wants to help and point out when the cellist has tension which will help to perform the piece even better.

Personally, I would be over the moon if I had the chance to get some hints from Steven Isserlis. He's a very good cellist and you should consider it as a privilege to be taught by him!

[PinkBabey]

What he's saying makes sense but it does come across harsh and insulting but it's natural to be annoyed at someone telling you to stop playing how you have been all this time and that you should play it another way. I would be pissed too if I were him but that's how you improve. He himself may not be good but is that really the point? He's jugding from a listener point of view, not a celloist. You really got to stomach it and have confidence; he's not there to shoot you down.

[TehStupidBish]

The guy shouldnt take masterclasses if he gets freaking pissed everytime the teacher corrects him...

[tyinykiller5]

at 2:07, the guy's like "Im gonna punch him in the face!"

[joskaprdulja]

where was that masterclass? i would love to attend it!

[sexybrahms]

He's a wonderful teacher. He says it like it is. This does not make him "obnoxious" or an "asshole." Students at an advanced level need this kind of detailed criticism to help them progress from very capable musicians to exciting performers.

p.s. This is Isserlis being polite...I attended a class in which he shouted "Shame on you! Shame on your children!" at the performer.

[TehStupidBish]

@sexybrahms I guess they're right about calling him an asshole then.

Being a cello prodigy doesn't give you the right to insult someone.

[TheTradge]

@sexybrahms This doesn't surprise me, no wonder Louise Hopkins is so harsh! I had a class with her last summer, I was absolutely torn to shreds!!

[Benj888]

I would break a cheap cello I'd play better than high expensive cello over his obnoxious face.

[mykeBC]

Wow I didnt think people were so sensitive. This is hardly anything I'd call shouting or hitting. And I personally like teachers that are more up front and stern. That just usually means they expect more/better from you. also, you dont have to guess at what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong.

[YNGVIRTUOSOVIOLIST]

Such an asshole this guy but I really like how he is teaching these great students (His words persay)

[zairazaira55]

what is the name of this song? and where i can download it? :))))

[dysoncrystal]

@zairazaira55 Its called Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor

[hubermanviolin]

i really like lsserlis's rachmaninov

[Celloman4044]

Frankie says RELAX, DON'T DO IT!

[Norskmorder]

What piece are they practicing?

[dysoncrystal]

@Norskmorder Its called Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor

[Norskmorder]

@dysoncrystal thanks alot

[fishfrizbee]

Just cause u can play something doesn't mean u are qualified to teach it. I can learn any instrument from utube and my friends I would have told this guy to shove it up his ass

[lusteraliaszero]

@fishfrizbee but this guy knows his shit, he is certainly qualified to teach. remember that this is on a very high level, and you might not pick up the same things he does, or have the same perspective, i certainly can see reason to what he does.

[wmjoca]

My teacher in the mid 1960's used to grab my fingers and squeeze them while yelling in my ear to relax. She used to tap my bow hand (hard) with her bow when she did not like my technique. She makes Isserlis seem very senisitve.

This is nothing compared to way surgeons yell at interns in the operating room.

[lusteraliaszero]

@wmjoca i don't know why they react so strongly, it's like they're all so surprised that people are being taught in a masterclass..

[coldstream07]

I like the difference between Steven Isserlis's approach to teaching and Frans Helmerson's approach. Personally, I'd prefer to be in Helmerson's masterclass any day.

[ethan0807YT]

In every video you can clearly see his student is very nervous. In one it looks like the girl has been crying. Obviously his teaching method is ineffective.

If he started yelling at me I'd stop, backhand him, and then continuing playing. Just me though.

[Nstrumentalist1986]

the guy is a bum seriously who owns his recordings

[cellodave]

As a student I played masterclasses for Lynn Harrell, Yo Yo Ma, and Janos Starker, I am so grateful that they all comported themselves with intelligence, understanding, and insight, as opposed to what you see on display here. My sympathies to the poor student cellist subjected to this.

[KABRIS1]

When a teacher and a student form a bond of trust, the student should be above feeling offended, because it is understood that the teacher is trying to help them.

These days, everything is considered politically incorrect. This type of thinking produces people that are suppressed and incapable of really caring on this level. Dosen't a good parent have to be stern some of the time to teach his child?

[KABRIS1]

He is more of an, "old school" teacher. This style of teaching has produced some of the greatest artists that have ever lived, and it also weeds out people that too sensitive to fight against the untamed beast in them that the teacher tries to tame.

[frumpy10182]

he's not an ass by any means.... he actually looks like a really nice guy

[rabbittown1900]

家の父は三味線をやっていますがちっとも上達していません。私は­油絵を習いたいです。

後ピアノも習いたいですね。

[AltoSaxOlly]

sure this guy knows what he's talking about, but he's a fucking arsehole

[KABRIS1]

@AltoSaxOlly He is British. There are cultural differences that exist between Brits and Americans. He is laughing when he is screaming. There is no negative intention!

[ethan0807YT]

@KABRIS1

I don't think 300 million+ Americans can be generalized that way anymore than 60+ million British could. However, if you are playing in front of a live audience while being recorded and someone is yelling Relax! Relax! in your face, that is usually going to affect your playing. Common sense, all intentions aside. Has nothing to do with being British or American.

[tmkim]

Too much ego here. I like what Perlman says about his experiences and how he conducts his Master Classes: to not try and intimidate and always be supportive and positive in the learnign experience for the student

[Cheskkay]

@tmkim: yeah..ego is the word. Not to judge his advice of course...but he even feels he has too correct the pianist.

[Kwert]

I don't understand how anyone can hear him saying "relax" to the student as barking a command. Look at his face, there's a huge smile on it! Having seen a number of his masterclasses, what he wants to do is open up the student's world musically. He doesn't bash ideas into anyone's head, he just wants them to develop their own, unique voice on the instrument. Variable vibrato, different phrasing etc is what he emphasises, not HIS way, but YOUR way as long as it is convincing and in character.

[przodemdotylu]

I totally agree with

lineandlyricism.

[jrcello307]

isserlis is a great cellist.. he's a master at the craft so before you judge him on his teaching technique remember he is a MASTER!! He know's what he's saying my cello teacher did the same to me. I like those kids of teachers they keep you on your feet; not literally.

[tmkim]

@jrcello307

Perlman and Ma are "Masters" as they exemplify this not only with ther craft but also their ability to connect and communicate in a harmonious and supportive way their teachings without reprisal. He appears unconscious to his own mannerisms and believes he is doing a service, because his own training in life has hardwired hime to believe this to be the 'Way".

[lineandlyricism]

Steven Isserlis is a fabulous cellist, however, he is tone deaf to the quality of his own voice. Poking the student with his bow and barking "Relax!" is not direct or honest--it is just vicious and dysfunctional! The content of what he tells this young musician is correct and good, but his manner is abusive. I think Isserlis needs to do some self-study regarding his teaching and communication style.

[TheTradge]

He may appear to be a slow learner, but he won the BBC young musician of the year in 2000, which is an incredibly prestigious award

[tedgoh]

student is a really slow learner wow... *

[cybertronixxx]

beetween nice piece

[bookishmuch]

Isserlis is soooo English! In look, in manner, in accent.

[pianoboyo]

It always amuses me when teachers tell a student to relax by shouting and hitting them! Surprisingly common in masterclasses...one wonders whether there might be a more sensative way of doing it?

[yamahaU3]

Do you see him actually "shouting" or "hitting", his volume was hardly a shout and he merely pointed his bow at the student's hand, touching it gently perhaps but definitely not an agressive gesture.

That guy's vibrato is actually quite awful as Isserlis pointed out, it's way too fast and narrow for playing a lyrical passage like that.

If someone gets easily offended by a teacher's harsh words then it only shows his immaturity.

[pianoboyo]

You are intitiled to your opinion. However it is hardly current educational practise, nor does it allow the student to 'own their learning' by drumming things into them. I must be clear, I don't feel Isserlis is amongst the worse perpotrators here, but I talk generally, when I say it 'amuses' not 'disturbs' me, that they think reacting in this exaggerated way will remedy the problem... In my extensive expereince - it dosen't!

[pianoboyo]

I also take exception to you pitching into Guy, who far from being an immature student, happens to make a very comfortable living from playing the cello, and is an artist not 'immature student' in his own right.

It is far too easy for a teacher to use harsh words - a 'great' teacher, builds up a student and causes them to examine their own ways of working. they don't say " that was #"*-!do it again and play like me" The problem is there are far too many great performers asked to teach.

[yamahaU3]

No, I did not call that guy immature. He seems to be modest and eager to improve in the face of Isserlis's criticism, and that shows his maturity. If one is going to study in a highly elite and intensely competitive environment like that, he/she must accept that he will encounter many harsh words if his/her playing is not up to scratch with the standard expected of them.

[Batman6564]

And he is, Have you heard Guy lately?

You should do, he is amazing :).

[tedgoh]

a little bit of an exaggeration.. it is just an expression of his personality or style of teaching. i actually prefer that style because it shows that teacher is actually engaged and cares about helping you improve.. better than other people who just talk *at* you.

[tedgoh]

lol that is nothing! i like frank, to the point teachers. isseris is great

[mathproof]

What do all of you expect? Maestros are always very intense. The problem with most of you is that you aren't use to such intense scrutiny. Welcome to the big leagues!

[Max3851]

Isserlis is a great player but there are limits...if any person puts a bow in my face they will end up with a funny walk

[firebreathone2]

I think shouting "RELAX" in a guy's ear doesn't exactly aid the relaxing process..!

[doomreina]

my teacher do same : P

[neonaction]

@firebreathone2 that's why steven fucking sucks

[jg33brunner]

@firebreathone2 By RELAX, he is meaning" do less, do less, enjoy". But that is very hard. Unfortunately doing less is priviledge of great musicians only:)

[fjshepherd123]

@firebreathone2 - True - amazing cellist, rubbish teacher. This is true for too many of the 'masters'

[soundviewbx]

Isserlis has a lot of Hootspa!

[rob28faces]

Although I admire Isserlis as a cellist and find what he says in this interesting, I feel uncomfortable watching it! When I went to music college I often took part in Masterclasses as pianist, but I could never relax in the situation and my playing would often get worse throughout! I always left with a feeling that I had no understanding of what the music was about! I suppose it works for some people and not for others, but I think some big artists are better at giving them than others!!

[SatSound]

I agree. That he's a fine artist is without any question. One of my very favorite cellists. But I think the bow poke accompanying the aggressive shouts of relax sum up a difficulty in conveyance for the teacher and student. I also found much of the points were taste based, but that is common in that type of situation- where the student plays at a high level already, the piece has been heard a million times, in a situation that is meant to convey depth in ten minutes to an outside audience.

[givinitsome]

I totally agree. However, I think the student seems to be feeling the pressure of the environment. In turn, this was affecting his listening ability. Isserlis didn't help in his 'teaching' manner nor did he acknowledge that problem.

For me, Maxim Vengerov's illustrations during masterclasses seem to get the best results.

[asimov231]

I suppose going to a master class is only to get ideas that you must meditate on and practice at home and only then can you realize them. That's what a master means, not something that can be shown and repeated like a monkey. Just my humble pea on the pan.

[lifeisacrapp]

I agree with you. I was watching Max Vengerov's masterclasess and to my mind they are the best of all. Why? Because Maxim really affects player's imagination and can convey the message he wants in a clear way. He is just amazing violinist and personality-that what makes him great!

Isserlis cannot even be compared upon these matters with Maxim. He is a great cellist but here, as a teacher, I do not think he helped anyone playing the cello or this shit while Maxim helped even me ( I am pianist)

[proggoth]

I wish i had this accompanist at some of my competitions back in the day.

[coasterman16]

If anyone hasn't heard Isserlis's performance of the Barber cello concerto, now's the time to buy the cd. It's cheap, and it comes with the legendary John Browning/Leonard Slatkin Piano Concerto (also by Barber).

[ignisfatuus67]

Didn't know this vid. Thankx 4 posting it. He makes some very interesting points

[jepdez]

how much does isserlis sound like simon cowell?

[andiejanefisher]

haha Never thought of that before but I know what you mean.

[Matthme]

I don't think he's saying that there should be no vibrato on some notes, just that Guy's vibrato was all the same and that there needs to be a variety of different colours. Faster vibrato on some notes helps to give the phrase some shape. I suppose it's all about taste really...

[shafran100]

when he talks about vibrato, I think the vibrato of Guy is much more sensitive here than Isserlis...constant vibrato which is what the passage needs here to create the relaxed calm feeling - not fast vibrato occasionally on some notes...

[esCX4600]

I am a professional cellist, and while I love classical music, I sometimes get tired of the kind of detail these pro's take it to. I think it is all wonderful, but there comes a point when you ask yourself, am I being expressive or obsessive?

[Professortodd]

It's kinda why they're pros. They need to understand the music in and out in order to play the piece with the full emotion! The full effect! The fact that he knows all of this is what makes him so good at playing the piece, and what makes him one of the best in the world.

[pviola314]

I think this is a very valid point and to a certain extent it does make sense. However, music is a means to an end. I think striving for excellence in music is much like striving for excellence in improving oneself to what one should be. Maybe there's no way to get it all perfect, but if one doesn't begin striving for it, it will sound the same old dull way. If one is content with one's personal flaws and doesn't want to work on them, then they will remain flaws... my two cents, best wishes

[sheepbird]

i tottally understand where your coming from but when these people perfect songs to a point when their younger all their really is left is to solve those little things that make the piece that much better

[eblankendaal]

perhaps we should all be a bit more obsessive to get the ultimate expression?

[pianoboyo]

Hey Guy Johnston! I love his playing. Think Steven pretty tough on him here - but fair points. Always makes me laugh when someone yelling at you to relax in a masterclass - all it does is make you more conscious you were tense and serves to make problem worse not better. Really it is something should be mentioned once and left (it needs work outside class - not before public). But a very interesting class all the same - Steven is a great cellist.

[MMFmasterclass]

Another Steven Isserlis masterclass clip, this time on the Schumann Fantasy Pieces will be posted by the Masterclass Media Foundation very shortly. No more skewering!

[cellodave]

What an arrogant blowhard.

[pichat1]

Well I've obviously touched a sore point. Before I leave you guys do your worship in peace, 1stly I don't live in the UK and I assure you, jealousy does not come into this. 2nd it's entries like 'If Mr. Isserlis skewered me during a masterclass, I would probably just say, "thank you"' that make your stomach churn (no offence). Saying anyone's 'the best', is inmature and disrespectful towards scores of other wonderful teachers and performers of which different people have different experiences

[mshakhz]

Wow you definitely set me straight. NOW you can sleep at night.

[pichat1]

Ta mate, I really was suffering from insomnia over this one! Well now I WILL sleep peacefully since I'm down to only one red point, and that's from you! So let's exchange them, just to be fair. Otherwise, I'd like to wish success to everyone here, really do. For a peep into this page just shows again why Britain has, alas, so few great cello soloists (Steven naturally being one of them- JLW another?..) Truth upsets and angers. So now I turn on the fan for what will be spewed my way. Cheers all

[pichat1]

No I don't feel better, ended up here by pure coincidence without knowing it's a fans-only page with no other views allowed. Let's not assume without knowing about who Slava liked- he was a diplomat and was complementary about native artists wherever he went. I shan't be revisiting this page- to everyone's smirk, but would use great Zara Nelsova's words: think with your own heads, don't raise anything or anyone into a cult and always be curious for different angles. Happy Easter to everyone here

[lovethecello]

Pichat1 - you do seem jealous. There just is no other like Steven. He is the "complete" musician. He's not just playing concertos with different orchestras - he's researching, writing great books on the composers, playing chamber music, and just giving so much to the incredible thing that classical music IS. I'm 49 years old, and a teacher for many years. I don't play the cello, but I'm a better pianist and musician because of Steven. As a teacher, he is VERY appreciated.

[pichat1]

With due respect sir, stating that there's no one as great and 'complete musician' as Steven is bordering on the sacrilege given, for example, the legacy of the recently deceased maestro Rostropovich who didn't just research the composers, he KNEW most of the 20th century ones! He was a concert pianist (!), a conductor, an international ambassador for music etc- a cello lover cannot disregard all that! Yet I can't say he was The best! Everyone has had 'amazing' experiences of their own...

[lockwoodwallace]

Its your own suppostition that anyone who supports Steven is a teenage sycophant. Many successful cellists have studied with Steven and are now busy professionals, me included. I don't see how you can speak about tolerance if you feel you are entitled to speak for all "grown ups" about what his teaching is generally agreed to be. He's director of a whole festival full of well known "grown up" musicians who agree with his vision. You just sound jealous.

[mshakhz]

absolutely agree

[lockwoodwallace]

I've played in his class and I take total exception to the last comment.There's no patronisation in his teaching, merely a sense of humour (which you seemingly lack!) He's without equal in his musical commitment and enthusiasm and he does what it takes to get you to truly listen. The reaction you're mocking is the justified response to seeing someone transcend their instrument. If all you care about is big sounds in big halls, perhaps you shouldn't be so bold as to speak for "serious musicians."

[pichat1]

Isserlis' annoying and patronising way with students gets on the nerves of serious musicians and other teachers. He needs exactly the hereby demonstrated awe and adoration by impressionable teenagers who will kiss his feet, so he can shake his big hair, ever in love with himself. Isserlis has a small sound in big halls and, in spite of his technique and into, is quite un-impressive compared to Yo-Yo, Harrell, Perenyi, Gutman +a string of others. Don't mean to upset any1, just another perspective

[mshakhz]

nobody's kissing isserlis's feet. By serious musicians, i hope you don't mean yourself, because it's a pike of un-professionalism to talk about a colleague so disrespectfully behind their backs. I personally know a "string" of wonderful musicians who spoke very highly of Isserlis and have great respect for him. I myself attended a masterclass by him, and despite that I'm a violinist i still learned something from it.

[pichat1]

Well this kind of comment just shows the lack of tollerance towards a differetnt opinion. This is not an Isserlis fan site, it's a free forum for diverse points of view. I move no longer in the teenage world but in the professional one and can confirm that there is by far not as much extasy about 'maestro' among grown-ups. It is generally agreed that his teaching is one big show, I'm sorry to upset any big fan here. That said, of course no-one's entirely his tallent as a player

[pichat1]

That was a typo, meant no-one is denying Steven's qualities as a player. Just chill out guys, and believe in your qualities as players and not be subject to the patronising treatment on this video

[mshakhz]

lockwoodwallace just said everything i was going to say so I join his opinion, described below.

[mshakhz]

I attended one of his masterclasses - he's incredible! He has such a great knowledge of what he's playing. and he's hilarious! :D

[mlunapiena01]

Agreed!! I've been to two so far. He has the most in-depth knowledge and connection to his music that I've ever seen in a musician & his analysis of the student is very sharp on...

I still remember that kid playing the Dvorak & how much his sound and concept changed after that...

Isserlis is such an inspiring musician and teacher!

By the way, good to see that you're on youtube!

[mshakhz]

Mike i just noticed its you :)

Were you at the one at the Summit?

[mlunapiena01]

Hell yeah I was man! You're coming back this year, right?? It's at my school...

[daeviydt]

Has anyone seen the "masterclass" with Barenboim/Lang? It's 50X worse than this, not that this (not that this is bad, necessarily) -- meaning he could barely get through a single note (let alone an entire phrase)... but I'd have a hard time relaxing with someone saying (barking!) relax.

[viraraja]

Hi Daeviydt,

I know Mr. Isserlis a bit and have played for him a number of times. He has a Wicked sense of humor and I'll bet he was goofing around by yelling 'RELAX!!!' You can see the people in the audience laughing about it. I'm sure he did want the student to relax and was using a bit of humor to try and make that happen. As far as Steven having something to say about every note...well, he Does, and it's all worth hearing, I think.

[lovethecello]

If Mr. Isserlis skewered me during a masterclass, I would probably just say, "thank you"..... Seriously, though, this is (in my opinion) THE greatest cellist who has ever graced the planet, and to even sit in a room with him would be an honor! Yes, he does get the student's attention with his raised voice, but I'm guessing that the student is OK with it, because he appreciates the skill, sincerity and heart that surround that bow and that voice.

[tapissary]

Isserlis is well aware of the qualities he wants to draw from the student. His delivery is impassioned but aggressive. A couple of times I thought he was going to skewer the student with his bow. He barks out the command to 'relax'. I think there are more effective ways to communicate with students. Nevertheless, his involvement with the music comes foremost. The film and personalities were thoroughly enjoyable, and the music superb.

[RS4S8]

Steven is the ultimate cellist! There is nobody better then him!!!!!!!!

[EliaBR]

Steven is no doubt one of my favorite cellists, for me, nevertheless there are undoubtedly other "greats" to enter the very selective club of the "ultimate(s)"... to complete your "nobody better" I would suggest you listen to E. Feuermann, D. Shafran... and in more recent times, have you heard Yo Yo play Kodaly's solo sonata?

[taiwan886]

Shafran...Steven's idol. (I was at that class at IMS, btw).....Shafran's Prokofiev Symphony-Concerto.......insane­! amazing!

[EliaBR]

Unfortunately I do not know that recording of Shafran... but no doubt it must be TERRIFIC!!! I will try and find it on the web...

Do you know I. Gitlis's (violinist) version of Debussy and Franck sonata with M. Aergerich on the piano? Incredible, in the same line of interpretation as Shafran!

There are some really terrific musicians out there in the wild!!!

[jazzonkim]

i didn't really like yo-yo ma's kodaly solo soanta....

[InterlochenCellist]

I too wish there was!!

Thank you for another Steven Isserlis video!!!!

I love the exaggerated gesture at 2:44.

Steven is THE BEST, and playing for him is an honor.