Joshua Bell - Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor Op. 28 - Camille Saent Saens

[congwenwang]

There are so many people dedicated in bashing Joshua Bell that it's getting rather amusing. I've been listening to classical music for many years, but I didn't at all like violin pieces (I tried, really hard) until I listened to Bell's playing. There's just something different and magical that drew me right in. I understand that some listeners don't like his violin playing, but really, music is not professional sport. We don't need to compare those great musicians. Just enjoy the music.

[ElisabethRox]

all violonists have their own interpretation, and as long as they give a meaning to the music, i like it. by the way, i don't understand how people can not like joshua bell. who cares if he moves a lot while playing? it's the music that counts

[randomawesomeness911]

I really love how Joshua Bell played this. I saw that a lot of people criticized his performance, but I think, as a violin player and a listener, Bell plays this wonderfully. I played this piece for an orchestra audition last year and this isn't a easy piece, even though it sounds like it is. I've heard Janine Jansen's version and it was nice, but as for me, Bell's performance touched me more. Jansen plays rather fiercely and I really love Bell's more tender playing with fierceness as needed.

[akakbeast]

Jascha Heifetz FTW!

[BiomekanikSok]

Ivry Gitlis 

[dancechika32]

When was this peice written?

[SultanKaraMusic]

@dancechika32 1863

[heersendekafir]

Nice , but Janine Jansen is about 10 times better, she makes this guy sound like a beginner.

[krazzysquare]

he plays with a depressed emotion, maxim vengerov plays with all emotion. enjoying playing the music that he playes and being able to show it without doubt. that is true beauty, and that is why maxim vengerov is a much better violinist that bell

[surfboy]

Why does he have to breathe with his phrasing? 

[leedw90703]

@surfboy it's for better emotions, and for timing, i think =D

[dancechika32]

@leedw90703

Ya it is for timing. You learn it when you just start learnign. it really helps.

[homeworkupload]

VENGEROV!!!! :D jokes Josh is cool too, otherwise I wouldn't have clicked here in the first place. Haters get a life :P

[DesdeObelisco]

No necesitás ser bueno para ser crítico, no en lo que respecta al sonido. En cuanto a técnica, es otra cosa. No necesitás ser un arquitecto para darte cuenta la belleza de un edificio... De otra forma los arquitectos sólo trabajarían para los arquitectos y por cuestiones de simplicidad ni siquiera habría arquitectos. .yaoming En cambio, no podés decirle a un arquitecto cómo debería haberlo hecho, eso escapa de la competencia de la persona no experta. Voy a soñar con arquitectos esta noche.

[keskin2298]

6:42



[PetulaGuimaraes]

Good video, thanks. For the sound... I go with Maxim Vengerov, though.

[Elenaher37]

The only interpretation of this song that I used to like was heifetz' one. Some others were great but always in the same style and often with less "brio".

I shall say that this one is really different and great !

Can't wait to see Joshua Bell live at the end of the month ;)

[winrx]

That is just awful violin playing - I bet the 2nd violinist in the very last stand can play with a better tone and and with more substance....

[mindtrackeryun24]

and i suppose you have played with the new york philharmonic before?

[nnmrllk]

@mindtrackeryun24 you really seem to have problems my friend... you dont need to criticize others in order to get some value yourself! perhaps if you accept both, your beauty and a great violinists beaty you will be able to find some peace ! and yes you gain some attention playing the clever guy... how about to attract real appreciation because you honor yourself... thanks for listening

[mindtrackeryun24]

@nnmrllk i don't recall my last comment being directed to you sir, so i dont see why you want to insult me. there is nothing wrong with my comment. to insult a world class violinist by saying that the last stand of the second violins can play just as good isn't what I call honorable. if your future comments towards me aren't friendly, please don't even waste your time typing. I will say no more since I dont wish to start a fight over this nice music

[nnmrllk]

@mindtrackeryun24 THIS IS A POSITIVE MESSAGE FOR YOU.I SAY SORRY, I WAS NOT ANGRY ABOUT THIS COMENT OF YOU, THERE WAS ANOTHER ONE WHICH I DONT SEE NOW...MISTAKE OF CLICK MAYBE. IF IT WAS NOT YOURS A THOUSAND SORRY.AND YOU HAVE RIGHT.NO WAR.ENJOY YOURSELF AND MUSIC !

[mindtrackeryun24]

@nnmrllk ah, i see. you must have been replying to the other guy, but accidently clicked the reply of my post.

[ultrananks]

Joshua Bell's musical ability is unquestionable, but when he performs he looks as though he has come out of a castration operation! Compare him to the real master playing this piece, Jascha Heifetz.

[tennisbeasta1234]

I actually really like Joshua Bell. I think he has the emotion and the description, but his interpretation is just not the same as those you listen to. I just like watching him play, not just listening. Watching him play, it just is a sense of magic, I think. All of the masters are nearly flawless, with different interpretations. Bell is unique because of his movement, and I think that gives him a sense of majesty.

[iamyouhermione]

I'm sorry what was that? I was completely distracted by the dramatic sniffing ;)

[xephyr417]

@iamyouhermione i was successfully to ignore that until you mentioned it. thanks for ruining this recording for me D:

but no really its obnoxious... i know a violist that does that. drives me crazy.

[swvcat1]

Perlman ,Stern ,& Heifitz all played it better. As noted by others, Bell does have issues with bowing . He also has issues with the overall flow of the movement . It's supposed to be a dance but he often drags it likely using poetic licensing as a justification. It lacks musicality and is hard to follow. Compared to recordings by the masters, Bell's performance of this great work is only OK. The Concert Master probably could've done it just the same as bell -but the CM is likely not as known.

[TheForeignersNetwork]

After listening to Itzhak Perlman's version of this piece, Joshua Bell sounds like an amateur. Not to mention he has some serious bow issues because of his movements, and I listened to his version of a Bach concerto in which he put a very romantic slide.

[shavertoo]

@TheForeignersNetwork Very well said. To me, Bell is the violin counterpart of Mitsuko Uchida. Both play dirty, both make faces, both call it "making music"

[OwnYouScum]

@shavertoo I think you've chosen the wrong pianist to liken Bell to. Uchida is a very fine pianist both live and recorded. Her Mozart, Debussy, Chopin and Schubert are exquisite, and some of the finest examples on record. She makes faces, but the playing more than makes up for it.

I think Lang Lang is the better comparison. Like Bell he's all showy and rock-star-like live. But if you take the music on its own, their playing leaves a lot to be desired, in comparison to the true greats.

[assindiastignani]

@shavertoo Bluntly put, but I think you're right. Without denying the abilities of these two people, do they really deserve the careers they're are making? Both of them creep me out totally when I watch them & when I close my eyes, what I hear is good,but no more.Particularly with Uchida I always have the feeling that I'm missing something.I can see that SHE is having this incredible experience up there, but always wonder what any of it has to do with me. PR & marketing.

[alexuniverse]

Bell is a good, not great, violinist. I agree with @tracymacgrady6 that he is better live -- he's certainly nice to look at. He's the rock star of the violin, and I'm glad he's popularizing this magnificent instrument. This lovely and rather fluffy virtuosic piece is well suited to Mr. Bell's talents. Check out Oistrakh's version too if you want a gutsier version.

[davymc91]

James Ehnes way better.

[surfboy]

@davymc91 I just recently discovered him and he's really good!

[technicalentity]

@surfboy Bell is a warm interpreter. Very warm, lyrical. Fireworks and grandstanding are not his style, and while his mannerisms are distracting on a video, his warmth is attractive.

[lelasss24]

i´m going to see him today, i can´t wait¡.

[ResoundingMusic]

I love how he's not afraid to smile.

[billfiddle]

ps...in these "older" videos, the sound and speed is not "doctored"...is the real deal...

[billfiddle]

ach, just watch Ivry Gitlis...

sorry tennis...no offence intended... huggs everyone...after, real fiddling is difficult, as tennis says....

:-)

[sarantakis]

The music lacks flow and integrety. Doesn't compare too well with Heifetz version.

[vballer51808]

@sarantakis agreed. i dont think it has as much feeling!

[amandla22323]

his emotions seem somehow dishonest :(

[Daviddnyc]

@amandla22323

Lets see a video of you playing.

[emonroe14]

lol he had a concert in fl a little while back. he was suchhh an asshole xD a couple of late people were led into the theater between movements *quietly* and the dick stopped playing, looked them in the face and said "I'm not done playing yet." AND had someone retune the PIANO between movements. Like wtf... ASSHOLE. The performance wasn't even that good... like really. He needs to chill out.

[padredemishijos12]

@emonroe14 You should stay in your Country Western music world.

[enyagenial]

esa la toco mi novio en un recital... solo que Joshua Bell la toca más genial :D

[billfiddle]

agree, Julliard's diploma for dancing around....violin playing? watch the Heifetz version....:-)

[esther8495]

Janine jansen is like the girl version of him

[legomyeggo123]

i believe he uses way too much arm for his vibrato. lucky he has a strad

[bobosqueakers]

any comments as a comparison to Heifetz doing this?

[GAkopyan31]

I love this piece...unfortunately the best version I've heard of this has been on KUSC radio and for the life of me I can't recall the violin soloist or orchestra..it was absolutely breathtaking. Please let me know if anyone knows!

Bell does a great interpretation of this piece; however, the vivacity is slightly lacking...this piece should have much more power and passion..and I feel that the tempo is a bit slower? Nevertheless, he's wonderful as well :)

[tennisbeasta1234]

i hate how every beautiful song now on youtube is annoyed by the irascible plague of comments. on this page, you are arguing back and forth about joshua bells playing style. i bet he plays better that u all. some critisizing him, and just listen and applaud him for his masterful style. U R NOT CRITICS, becuse u r nothing compared to him. just listen to the song

[PronLuv3r69Biznitch]

@tennisbeasta1234 i implore you to smd. im tired of seeing idiots such as yourself thinking you can moderate youtube discussions/arguments. the comment section is for individuals to comment on how they felt about the video they watched. you are another species of stupid on the internet. so goes the natural order of things. smd.

[tennisbeasta1234]

@PronLuv3r69Biznitch ever hear the confucius quote, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. i think that if one person (or in this case, many) people do the right thing and STOP thinking thier much better than the master, than it'll stop. the people here are not commenting on the video. their critisizing him like their superior, like they can play better. just enjoy the song, comment lightly but dont critisize them. that makes peace

[PronLuv3r69Biznitch]

@tennisbeasta1234 ever hear of smd? don't you dare tell me to "just enjoy the song, comment lightly but dont critisize them." i want you to give me concrete examples of people saying they play Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso better than joshua bell. Nice job trying to intertwine Confucius into this. As a matter of fact. there is no parallel between the Confucius quote you provided and what you said went along with it. Stop prophesizing your stupidity to the world. no one cares.

[tennisbeasta1234]

@PronLuv3r69Biznitch are u encouraging people to critisize masters that worked so hard since they were younger? u should BE POLITE, not compare joshua to other masters. all of them are brilliant and they work hard. i think we shuld just stop this argument and spamming the comment board. you think im stupid trying to stop everyone from critisizing masters, and I think ur dumbass for trying to promote people to critisize people who are better than them. if u relly want to keep arguing, u win happy

[PronLuv3r69Biznitch]

@tennisbeasta1234 I find nothing wrong with criticism. Why can't one say, 'artist X could have done ____ a little better" or, "I'm not too fond of how artist X does this here, i prefer what artist Y does" isn't that the point of music? to find the sound YOU as an individual like and want to share with the world? btw just saying 'you win' doesn't mean jack shit to me; since it means I haven't made my simple point across to you. So long as one performs, there will be criticism, both good and bad.

[tennisbeasta1234]

@PronLuv3r69Biznitch i agree. criticism is ok in a polite degree, where "to find the sound YOU as an individual like and want to share with the world". however, some people like to compare master X by master Y, and begin to belittle and be impolite to master X, who may have some bad qualitie. anyway, if they really didnt like it, i dont think they should even post their comment. anyway, if u want to keep arguing, send by email plez, and we should stop spamming the comment board.

[PronLuv3r69Biznitch]

@tennisbeasta1234 meh. i'm done.

[tennisbeasta1234]

@PronLuv3r69Biznitch nice argument

[margaritanoir]

@tennisbeasta1234 you couldn't be more right..

[epkt]

This is a lovely piece. The performance can't be better. Superb!



[root1995]

not bad, but in my opinion a bit to tramatic, and i think perlman plays it more exactly and brilliant

[blushadowed]

Not bad but I think it lacks energy, mostly the fault of the orchestra but its all a bit monotone and there aren't any surprises. If you compare it Jansen which is the real fiery attitude it should be played with it's really tame.

[Kth1723]

@blushadowed I agree totally. Have we ever heard Gitlis or Kremer playing monotone ? If longing for a good structure is always in your mind, you'll never play monotone throughout a whole piece. So if one plays without structure once or twice, these things most likely are not natural to the player. It's possible to learn it but... I feel like Bell is more involved in his own habitus, the way he plays ie. moves when he plays, like a dancer who always watches himself, not authentic.

[Jz13521]

Decent performance, Ive definitely heard much better but what I liked is his hilarious faces when he is performing haha

[MUSEYCBB3DGADMAL]

He cannot be 40. My gosh. And I played this piece and got first place for a competition x3 Ftw >w<

[legomyeggo123]

3:21 terretz there, josh is having a seizure

[Coolcat607]

holy crap! check out his bow hand when he's playing the last page of the piece!! omg he only has like.... his index finger and thumb on it lol!?

[tracymacgrady6]

I'll grant that hes an amazing violinist but he really overdoes every motion. He actually moves a lot to make up for a general lack of power in his sound. He's much better live than on recording

[massxmovementx]

@tracymacgrady6 I agree with you 100 percent. I find his stage antics to be over dramatic and very distracting.

[mrwasbesonders]

@massxmovementx I agree. But take a look at Janice Jansen playing this piece, he is mild by comparison!

[drunksessions]

@tracymacgrady6 i don't feel his moving is an attempt to cover or make up for anything.

[tracymacgrady6]

@drunksessions I mean clearly he's technically sound its just that i feel like theres no real grit in his playing. He's good for certain pieces and hes pretty good live because his movements kinda make up for his relatively plain sound. I'm just sayin when you compare him to some of the other greats out there i feel like hes been seriously overrated.

[drunksessions]

@tracymacgrady6 i do agree that he lacks a certain 'core' to his sound when you compare him to violinists of the technique-buff schools. and you are exactly right; joshua bell is a performer, an entertainer, and his stage presence is unmatched by any except for maybe vengerov. that's his style. i happen to love bell and appreciate his interpretations of many works. but believe me if you told him to play with an insistent and emphatic sound, i'm sure he would be par with any living violinist

[drunksessions]

@tracymacgrady6 his sound is anything but 'plain.' there's so much emotion in his playing that really works well with the repertoire where he excels: romantic.

[tennisbeasta1234]

@tracymacgrady6 are u any louding than he? are you any more better than he? if not, dont critisize him until u r

[reddheddjedd77]

@tracymacgrady6 I agree, he's great but over does the emotion, I had teachers in HS and Juilliard, who demanded we show LESS emotion !

[andreasamati]

@reddheddjedd77 Juilliard's a diploma mill for vulgarity, bad vibrato, and facial grimaces.

[reddheddjedd77]

@andreasamati and ur saying this because u went there ???

[Benjaminable100]

@tracymacgrady6

Ummmm... are you actually serious? Other than JJ, or Maxim this has to be one of the most spine tingling Rondo Caps on the net!

[sijas]

@tracymacgrady6 who can blame him? most of the audience members aren't musically educated enough to pick up on all the characters and colors unless it is over exaggerated for them.

I feel like even to musicians, it is a guilty pleasure once in a while, but it is something that gets annoying over time if exposed to too much.

[olivleonardo]

@tracymacgrady6 So listen without seing how he moves. I think he moves so much to try to explore articulation and timbre, and not to simply search power for his sound.

[marker224]

@tracymacgrady6

you should try playing that fast and not move, without reading music too. he has to move with powerful motions to achieve such notes and quick playing. it's really nothing to judge him on, except for his amazing talent.

[SomeAnimeOtaku]

@tracymacgrady6 Then just close your eyes -_-

[cello39mn]

@tracymacgrady6 He still has a beautiful sound. And I guess your opinion that his movements are overdone is still just an opinion... A lot people like it. That why he gets hired :P

[Juicylemons1]

@tracymacgrady6 yea but it just helps him play better mother fucker!! lol

[omdcestpauline]

what's that kinda bow grip called...? russian??

[fanniemaeflippers]

Damn you, Joshua Bell! You gorgeous specimen of a violinist!! Damn you!!!

LOL...

One day...

[MUSICfreak97321]

Pwetty. :) im playing this piece right now and it's not even close to half of what he played. Stunning

[ihateeve]

The next robert mcduffie

[ansdyd]

excellent

[King9Dante]

Dynamic.

[xoxCarlyx7]

his expressions make me giggle. whatever though...considering he's one of the best violinists in the world, he has the right to make any faces that he wants when he plays. :P

[IIXPARADOXII]

cool track =) btw joshua bell is crazy violinist, i like him.

[werq34ac]

I so excited to see him in concert in a few weeks! He's playing this piece as well as Bach double

[kwakos22]

Joshua Bell is one of the best violonist of the world!

[pattygdc75]

I totally agree with you!!!!

[kwakos22]

Which orchester is it?

[pattygdc75]

It's the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.The director is Lorin Maazel and this is the New Year's Eve Concert live from Lincoln Center:))))

[hcb196]

@pattygdc75 i'm gonna be in that... one day... hopefully... (:

[legomyeggo123]

@kwakos22 HEIFETZ AND OISTRACK TOO!