Janos Starker - Dvořák: Concerto - 1st mvt. (1/2)

[regaldrifter]

what an amazing performance! you guys should appreciate this music while its here.

[MrAugustasG]

I don't like this.

[holtzcathy]

Fantastic and exhilarating talent.Thank you I salute the Hungarian style of the gypsy in all of us that release the soul long enough to come out and play witht the flesh.Thank you Janos Starker and your roots to your heritake.Catherine Mary Holtz of Dickinson ,Texas

[scicodude]

On my first listen, I have to say I think I prefer Du Pre's recording of this better. I prefer the power and ferocity she brings to the opening, for example. But then again Ive been listening to that for years so I might be alittle biased... ;)

But Starker IS awesome! I never really "got" the Kodaly sonata till I heard him play it just now. The man is absolutely amazing :)

[Garrettguy457]

@scicodude Totally get what your saying about the Kodaly sonata. I heard it and I was like "hmmm, interesting" then i heard it played by starker and fell in love with it. The cool thing is while Starkers interpertation is still my favorite his playing allows me to appreciate even when other cellist play it

[doddiev]

My teacher describes this man as "The Einstein of the Cello". I reckon the concerto barely challenges his tremendous technique!!!

[DurpenHeimer]

@doddiev What really challenged Starker, was the Kodaly Sonata.

[Spacetwerp]

No-one who considers themselves capable of appreciating classical music, unless they themselves can do better, could possibly denigrate Starker's interpretation. Empty vessels make the most noise...BTW, he may be playing it "too SLOWLY" for your liking but he certainly is not playing it "too SLOW". Master grammar before you start on music!

[Spacetwerp]

No-one who considers themselves capable of appreciating classical music, unless they themselves can do better, could possibly denigrate Starker's interpretation. Empty vessels make the most noise...

[nikitannenkov]

God, he blows.

[boofdas]

Oh hay guys let's argue about musical interpretation on the INTERNET! Because Youtube is the most scholarly site to discuss the finer aspects of cello virtuosi.

[Oathkeeper1992]

HE'S PLAYING IT TOO SLOW!!!!!! This is supposed to be lively and exciting!!!!

[aabaker22]

Thank you for clarifying, Mr. Dvorak!

[Oathkeeper1992]

@julywonderland I never challenged his musical playing, it's his interpretation i don't really like. Not that it's not "grand" and all. But personally i think that it would be more enthralling and smoother if it was a little faster. Listening to it again, it sounds too choppy to me and not something that I would do playing this concerto.

[Oathkeeper1992]

@julywonderland personally i don't see how it's logical. I don't think that his interpretation of the piece the way i would approach it. I see somewhat why he's doing the things that he does, but he may be following the harmonic lines, but he's not completely following the melodic lines. And trust me, i've heard this piece way too many times as well, and have heard it being played a lot better. Try listening to Jian Wang, he plays it the best.

[k73f]

WOW I love this interpretation!

[YoungSmokez]

ard

[aamish911]

i like J. Du pre's interpretation better... although this is good too

[SlitheryWolf]

this interpretation is laughable at some points. in my opinion he butchered the slow section. 6:16 - 7:10. too much portato : /

[12rosebud12]

Are ya deaf or daft? Janos Starker plays the sh** out of every cellist in the world, even Slava Rostropovitch comes second to Starker. You wanna hear a real Cello Butcher? Paul Tortellier fits that description best.

[Apalexpe]

Wow, how dare you speak like that Tortelier is one of the most amaizing artists in the world. Not only one of the finests cellists, he was a philosopher, teacher and innovator. Inform yourself before you speak. Starker is just a great cellist, and in my opinion lacks of lots of qualities. Yet he is great.

[reberto]

laughable? haha you're so miserable. I'm so sorry you just can't feel his interpretation. Must be way too frustrating.

[walrus7monkey]

He was my cello teacher's teacher.

[cellodudex]

Quite agree scar...sometimes less is more...and there's plenty here!! sounds as good as his 1958 version to me

[scarrrrrrr1]

People always pick on starker's style. Its annoying I rather watch him play than be distracted by some young performer who flais about all over the place.

[MikeDrewYT]

The directionality and rationality of his phrasing can't be touched. His early, great recording makes me tear up when I hear it because of the beauty of the phrasing. It's not overwrought, but the longing is there, and because of the restraint and focus, it can be overwhelming.

[atangvideo]

@MikeDrewYT have you heard Daniel Mueller Schott's recording?

[Gautigoth]

This is not the best performance of this cello concerto. But for those complaining about his way of playing it, do you know that Starkers version was a big hit once?

I played cello back in the seventies and there was one record all cello players needed to get because it was so great - Starkers recording of Dvoraks cello concert from 1958. It was a hit for decades and still sounds great. And I must say I don't mind hearing him play it in his own way even if he's much older now.

[MrPsychoCellist]

There sure are a lot of rests in the beginning but it sounds awsome

[MrVioloncello1]

Beautiful music, beautifully played! Thank you, obukhonala.

[celloman79]

If I didn't know he was an awesome cellist and hadn't seen his Kodaly stuff, I would totally turn this off after hearing the first two notes. Pathetic really. But after the beginning, it really isn't bad. It needs a lot more fire though. There's no real homesickness in his playing. No longing for much of anything. Far too comfortable.

[Wuzzles2]

I think he took it perhaps a bit too slowly for my tastes. And his bowings are a bit choppy and separate for my ear - I like longer flowing bow strokes. But still an amazing performance.

[cellolover94]

I really really dislike this interpretation. The opening B is just so flat, and there is no punch at all. That is just one example...

[pbyshelley]

It's strange that you dislike it. I think it's definitely a little more refined and subtle than most modern cellists, but that's not a bad thing. Many cello players end up determining their playing with drama as the sole concern to such an extent that you can't even tell if they're playing the right notes or not.

[cellolover94]

I agree that it is more refined, but I think that it is just to much. What is more in-your-face than the first note of the Dvorak concerto? That's something that you simply can't play refined.

[jiamo]

As far as I know (might be wrong) when this piece was written a lot of cellists were still playing without end pins and with gut strings.....I truly think that our tastes of this piece has been highly influenced by Rostropovich or other famous recordings....that if someone else plays differently would be accused of being distasteful. Of course, we all like different things.

[cellolover94]

As far as I know, and I might also be incorrect, but cellists in Dvorak's time were much like cellists in ours, they are just not remembered because there were no recordings. And yes, obviously the great cellists (like Starker) have influenced us, but I think it says something when all the greats except one play it a certain way. Also, Dvorak himself marks the first note forte, accented, and quasi recitativo. This is none of those things.

[celloutmusic]

But of course, part of Starker's philosophy was to produce only beautiful tones. As a result it's sometimes hard to hear him over the orchestra, and he plays everything without scratching or squeaking.

[Wassman]

Are you sure about that? I thought he was regarded as one of the loudest cellists ever.

[proggoth]

I watched him play this in Brevard NC a couple years ago and had no problem hearing him clearly over the orchestra.

[DTGeek155]

Hahaha. Going to Starker's Masterclasses is a great experience. Without fail, someone will end up crying.

[vladiinsky]

Some of them say that piatigorskyS interpretation of Dvorak is no.1. For me that is nonsense. In my opinion ( every man is free to have it ) , there is no better Dvorak than Slava and Shafran. Jacqueline du Pre is superb too. I wouldnt mind listening to Yo-Yo Ma live, though :)

[henrykkingdom]

kai horn solo

[cellisto09]

Stalker is a badass. xD

[NRob84]

This is great playing. Thank you for posting the video.  Do you have the rest of the concerto?

[chriseok]

Clean, crisp, good without using extra energy or unnecessary movements. PURE Starker. However, I still like Romantic interpretations with a bit of body expression, no matter if it does look a bit constipated. No wonder that he uses this intenseness to its best use on Kodaly, though....

His playing skills still awe me.

[BachforBarack]

Starker is really amazing to watch, but often times his interpretation is just wrong. For example, when he played Cassadó, he made up rhythms, did things that didn't exist, and didn't do what it said to on the page, often enough. However, technically speaking, Starker is the master.

[virtualham]

There is no wrong interpretation for a peice. He may not have played it the way the composer intended, but it was amazing nonetheless. He has his own, individual style.

[celloWiz10]

I would partially agree with you and say that there is no wrong interpretation. Not in Starker's case, but in others', sometimes the execution or interpretation is not "tasteful". Now, rhythmic parameters PRINTED on the page and composed by the composer should be followed. Style is no excuse for rhythm.

[jwunschie14]

Of course, and in Starker's case, it is indeed more difficult to physically express music due to his age, and he is still a wonderful musician. He is no doubt the most brilliant (intelligent) cellist alive, in my mind, and I hold to that with an iron fist, despite any previous comments I have made abot him. And like you said, your expression should only go so far, the composer would not appreciate you making a whole new piece out of their composition.

[celloWiz10]

how did your auditions go?

[jwunschie14]

Very well, thanks. I played the 1st Schumann Fantasy Piece, and the 3rd Movement of the Saint Saens Concerto.

[celloWiz10]

Great :)

I hope you get into the school of your first choice.

[jayhawker4149]

i was sensing a lack of energy in his playing i was getting a very lazy vibe from it but i had always come to think of dvoraks concerto to be full of life and this is just a little dowdy

[dallcott]

jwunschie14 - if by "expression" you mean a pained look on his face, or scraping the bow around chasing fast or sliding fingers, then you are right. Otherwise, open you ears to this very expressive,noble style. Starker's artistic account of this is a relief from the usual sliding and hacking for "expression."

[jwunschie14]

Sorry if it took so long to reply, as you technically didn't 'reply' to me, but merely submitted a comment. And trust me, I realize Starker is groing old, I met him in person for the first time actually, today! I just got back from my Indiana University Cello audition and age has definately caught up with him. With this in mind, I am well aware he cannot express his music like a youngster anymore, but I still enjoy his playing. I was just trying to say I enjoy other pro's interpretations better.

[sccadu]

Good luck on your audition. My son's cello teacher was a student of Starker in Indiana a long time ago. He's a tough taskmaster, but she sure can play. My son uses one of his transcipts of the Bach Suites. Again Good Luck, do well, work hard.

God Bless

[jwunschie14]

Thank you, your son's cello teacher isn't by chance Uri Vardi is it (Professor of Cello at UW Madison)?

[paganviodio]

yeah...this was also an underrated great cellist.there was nothing he couldnt do what the cello stars could,besides,in many cases Starker was better than the so called giants.this recording is NOT less valuable than the one with rostro,for example.

[fiddlinmatt]

I certainly wouldn't say it's less valuable!

I prefer to listen to all interpretations of a work that I can find. I like his playing very much, and the orchestra is really pretty fine too. I really like Slava's vid on here because I've done a lot of reading about his life and teaching and it's brought me that much closer to everything that he does. This is really great playing though.

[jwunschie14]

I really, REEEAAALY disagree with Starker's style in this piece. Sure he hits all the notes, like most any pro, but his expression, consideration, even his stance, is just not in sync with the music. He doesnt sustain enough in multiple places. Ma and Rostropovich truly represent what this piece is all about.

[pianomike1]

Sorry you guys, thanks God for Starker who is the ONLY one to give me goosepimples when listening to this Cello Concerto. All the rest of them players just play a Cello Con and simply don't "hack it". OK, one may grant that the studio recording with Antal Dorati of the 60' is unsurpassed to-date, but still fact remains that Starker can only be beaten by Starker. Cheers. Keep tormenting yourselves with Fournier , Yoyo Slava, and the rest....if you like.

[dwil5429]

i totally agree with your. his interpretation lacks a lot of depth , not to say that he does not play well.

[Monito83]

jajajaja, starker doesn't plays well????

did your mother let you hit the floor when you were a baby or you're like this just for kicks???

All Hail Starker!!!

[jwunschie14]

no i definately mean what i say. just because one is famous and can play however they wish and receive full praise for their performance, does not mean that every performance they make is going to be spot on. first, i didnt say starker doesnt play well, he is still one of the alltime greats no doubt. this performance, however, does not represent the soul of dvorak. next time u go freakin out about a comment, make sure u understand the comment first.

[celloWiz10]

Nice reply. I agree with you "jwunschie14".

[Kurtyoungblood]

What not to play like.

[nyquillll]

There are a lot harder pieces than the Sinfonia Concertante if you look a little outside the standard repetoire. The Elliott Carter concerto is really hard, as is the Wuorinen concerto. The only thing is that they aren't played often. Dutilleux and Lutoslawski are both difficult. Not just technically either, all of the mentioned concertos are hard to make sense of musically.

[trish2552]

Mr. Starker is my hero!

[Ismblues]

I feel sorry for that kind of comments making dirty what should be a page dedicated to appreciate a great work of art.

What does it matter that is worse or better or that is so technicall. What does matter is what you hear and feel.

[northislandkiwi]

the only appropriately intelligent remark to be made is this one

[fiddlinmatt]

While the Dvorak concerto may not be the most technically challenging piece out there for the cello (although it is very difficult) it is mastering and applying a mature and highly sophisticated musical interpretation that makes this work so very difficult. It is like the Brahms violin Concerto for cellists. A crowning achievement in the concerto repertoire and a milestone in anyone's musical development.

[ThaSchwab]

The visual quality could be better, but the sound is overall pretty good. Soloist aswell.

[joejazzmaniac]

the hardest piece for cello.. and he's playing the cello like a toy....amazing...

[owenhsmith]

you must have never heard popper's dance of the elves. check rostro playin that!

[joejazzmaniac]

o.k. I'll check that out.. thanks

[juan486]

I agree.

[swimmer1215]

r u dumb? retarded? this is FAR from the hardest piece for cello. get ur stuff right

[joejazzmaniac]

are you good in playing cello.. by the way ,if you need to correct one person you need manners.. I bet your mother did not teach you the right manner.. or maybe YOU"RE THE RETARDED!!!...not to worry.. I'll forgive your mother for that...

[swimmer1215]

im talking to joejazzmaniac

[swimmer1215]

Oh and theres prokofiev symphonie concertante and kodaly and ligeti solo sonatas......and LOTS MORE

[swimmer1215]

once again talking to joejazzmaniac

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

Although the Dvorak is very difficult, it is not the most difficult (technically at least). The most arguably difficult piece for cello is Prokofiev's sinfonia concertante. Go watch the video if you are in doubt.

[flamingtelepath]

hmm. he varies the tempo so much more than would be effective. some bad high notes too. i expected better from starker.

i've yet to see anyone top fournier

[54294493]

no me gusta su vibrato

[audiophile71]

Nice performance, excellent technique. Regardless, Rostropovich owns this concerto:)!

[whitemexnumba1]

starker patted me on the head when i was seven :)

[munzonikia]

i dont like the conductor. starker is great. i like that he doesnt move so much, only what is necessary.

[peavyt15]

I was lucky enough to see him in his last major concerto performance of his career. It was amazing. His technique is perfect. I wish i could have the chance to study with him but by the time I am that far along he will probably be retired.

[jonathantosio]

My teacher was taught by Starker as well (I'm at uni studying Cello)... haha! I can just see her playing with the same kind of sound and technique. It's like a mirror! Except my teacher is female =)

Fantastic technique. Never actually seen him play. It's just as what my teacher has always taught me to do. I have an example at last! (She doesn't get many opportunities to play unfortunately)

[Sakio442]

oh? currently I'm looking for a good university for music (specifically piano...). know any good ones?

[jonathantosio]

Where do you live? There are MANY good music schools in Europe (specifically Germany), but you can't generalize... there are bound to be many fantastic piano teachers around the world.

[Sakio442]

I live in the states... willing to travel but I'm looking for a scholarship.

[jonathantosio]

Then you should apply right round the world! It would be a fantastic experience to live in another country... preferably one whose language is not english =)

Remember, you can always defer after a semester or so if you don't like the teacher... though I'm sure you'd love it!

Good luck =)

[zwolftonmusik]

I like du Pre, and I like Starker. Everyone should read The World of Music According to Starker.

[Patteyo]

Janos Starker auditioned in a couple of major orchestras when he moved here in the US. During one rehearsal, the orchestra conductor wasn't happy with the cello section. So the conductor tells the cello section he's not happy, and points to Starker and orders, "You! Play this passage!"

Janos Starker stands up abruptly and replies, "Excuse me sir! I play the solos!" The conductor was shocked because of his proud self.

[oowgnasTY]

wut a baller

[cellogirl373]

i admit he has amazing technique but his sound is just to mechanical for my taste. I'm more of a du pre fan myself.

[gucker07]

I completely disagree. Du Pre butchered the cello and produced a horrible sound. Just my opinion of course.

[cellogirl373]

there are two recordings of it. i think one of them is worse than the other.

[cellosuperfreak]

"Du Pré butchered the cello"

I'm trying to restrain myself here. Care to explain how she did?

[googleman65]

I truly don't understand the conductor...it seems like he's rushing past the melodicness

[searchless1]

Truly beautiful! From a musician's view, what's different about his technique? Pls explain in non-technical terms, if possible. Intelligent & inquisitive, but i may not know the 'lingo'. Does his technique [assist his heart in] giving his music unique qualities? How? I feel that i'm asking for a lot, but if you care to, there are probably more than myself who would appreciate your answers...your chance to enlighten the audience! Thank you for your time and energy. love & peace, gramma lorraine

[BrahmsConcerto]

well, you see he is very refined in his movements and uses just enough energy; no more and certainly not less. and really just his extensive knowledge of the instrument, along with his stern demeanor (as opposed to rostropovich) make him truly a king. if you want more check out the book "janos starker: king of cellists" by joyce geeting. geeting was a student of starker. and geeting is my teacher ;)

[cleojdhh]

A Starker concert was never a theatrical event. He strove for a lean clear sound and interperatation unincumbered by what could best be described as sacccharin sentimentality. Throughout his career as a performer and teacher,he stressed the physical aspects of cello playing. Timing,tension and release, anticipation, shifting from position to position, not note to note and proper use of the bow arm were some of the technical possibilities which he imparted to his students and employed himself.

[searchless1]

Brahms.. and Cleo... Thank you two so much. I see/hear/feel what you say. Isn't it marvelous that a 14 yr old student of geeting in US can comment/consider/communicate along with a 61 yr old in Canada about something obviously dear to your [if i may, our] hearts! What a wonder! I welcome other replies to my inquiry ~ and the 'community' of appreciation that grows in response. Any comments re: googleman's comment?

[proggoth]

Strangely enough Starker leaves some people feeling cold because he takes a decidedly 'unromantic' approach to a very romantic instrument. He lends a fresh voice to a saturated recording market that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that romanticism is not the only way of expressing yourself through this music. His use of restrained vibrato is pure mastery that many of his contemporaries could learn greatly from.

[searchless1]

Thank you for your comment. I continue to learn from all of them. I eagerly await MORE!

[cellocraze]

cool, ive never seen him play before, only heard. His technique is as legendary as everyone claimed. Amazing recording.

[Akkordi]

An awesome cellist. thank you!

[wlavos]

Finally some Starker around here!

Nice post!

[gubaghsc]

The true boss!!