Janos Starker - Cassadó: Suite - 1st mvt.

[mpafos32]

Hello, does anybody have the sheet for this piece?

[jokerXL512]

I have to admit that is there's anything that especially impresses me about Starker's playing, it's his clarity of tone and how amazingly accurate he is technically.

[MssFlautista]

OMStarker..

[TheJstaten1]

@MssFlautista lol

[MssFlautista]

@TheJstaten1 :D

[simplythreetrio]

Ooh, 4 measures! He skipped measure 48, too! (2:11). It seems like he thought the figure was too repetitive, so he just cut it. 

[motu828mk2]

@simplythreetrio what about the composer? how can he do that...?

[simplythreetrio]

He skips 3 measures, actually. It happens at the first recap, at the second Andante on the second page. He skips the measure before the Andante, and then the two measures AT the Andante (mm. 38-40, if you count). He just holds the low e, which isn't written, then skips to the a minor chord section (1:49). I am sure it is an artistic decision. My guess is that he just wanted to save the main theme for only the beginning and end of the piece.

[zonaras83]

at 2.20 does he play the harmonics, isnt'it? I'm not a chelloist, so be patient with me ;-)

[simplythreetrio]

@zonaras83 Yes, these are harmonics! The harmonics actually fall in easy-to-play positions, so it isn't as difficult as it sounds. Still, he plays it perfectly, which is always impressive!

[jwunschie14]

@simplythreetrio Right on, when i first heard this piece, over a year ago, i initially thought it must be very difficult... but in trying it out i found it was, like you said, in position. sounds hard as shit tho so its great!

[jokerXL512]

@zonaras83

I am a cellist, and at that part it switches between natural (open string) and artificial (using the thumb to change the string length) harmonics. It's a cool effect and he does it really seamlessly and nearly flawlessly. It's a lot of work to be able to play artificial (or false) harmonics well.

[zonaras83]

I'm happy to read so many comments by cellists: I've a question for you guys: at 2.30/2.40 does he play the harmonics? that sounds very very difficult and mostly impressive! I didn't know either this composer, Cassado... good discovery! thanks!

[insomniawheesung]

effortless

[zoefan87]

I want to play it....it`s a big challenge for me....

[dylanlawless1]

2:25 is crazy

[animelvr510]

this man inspired me to learn the cello <3

[anisometropie]

He skip a 2 bars in this piece, and an entire page in kodaly sonata. This is weird. Knowing the man it is definitely not a gap in his memory, any clue ?

[malerockdemon2]

@anisometropie probably just his way of playing the piece

[AlessioDan]

love =)

[triviumlambofgod]

2:20 oh....my....god

[cellomom1000]

How does Starker do it? Even though some parts have been modified, it still sounds beautiful! 

[cellomom1000]

Wonderful and clean playing!

His style and technique clearly shows and sorry to those to who this applies to, his playing of Cassado clearly bests all!

Also, a shout-out to all those who might know the answer, but does Starker skip about 3 measures from 1:50-ish? As I have seen the music, I noticed he does not play three measures. Is it just me?

Anyways, it doesn't really affect this masterpiece playing but I wish he played it so aspiring cellists would know how he plays that part. Superb though

[LegoCritic]

@cellomom1000

I was just following along with my music, and it seems that he does skip a few measures there... I'm confused.

[triviumlambofgod]

@LegoCritic what measures? i dont think u should be giving any tips to Mr. Starker, maybe play with some more lego

[LegoCritic]

@triviumlambofgod

I wasn't trying to give him tips, it's not like he's even going to read this. He played very well, I'm just saying, according to my copy of the music, he skips measures 40-43. It happens at 1:48 in the video. Maybe he has a different edition of the music.

[milatiadess]

I'm speechless...

[intormentis]

His performance is fantastic; I watch it and listen to it and at the same time, it doesn't seem possible, especially the section with the rapid harmonics.

[tapiq]

@intormentis What makes him special is the fact that watching him makes you think it IS possible and not even so hard, that the music HAS TO flow this way naturally :). (of course it's difficult as hell)

[HLcalculus]

@tapiq Starker would call it inevitable. predictable is the opposite. amazing. once you hear starker, you can't listen to anyone else. especailly when it comes to these works.

[LawBLin]

such a clean performance

[FreeInquisition]

Can hear some Kodaly in there.

[cellete]

Fantastic piece and performance! Can I get the original video recording somewhere?

[FelipeValen]

are those rubbers on the bridge of his cello ?

between the bridge and the A and D string ?

[jwunschie14]

yo, mute,

[n1tro1337]

@FelipeValen

yes they are...

[FelipeValen]

@n1tro1337

And what are they for ?

I play the cello too, and would like to know

[cellogeek95]

well the A and D strings are so thin, so the rubber-things are there to protect the strings from breaking. Violinists often have those rubbers between the string and the bridge. And I also think the rubbers are there to prevent the string from cutting in to the bridge and make a crack, especially when the string is so thin.

[munkybrain]

oh those um i think what they do is to stop those thinner strings eventually cutting into the bridge.

[jrossmoss]

he was born to play the cello

[niknik222]

Too fast for my liking. Changes tempos way too often, too erratic.

[had9s8888]

ITS CASSADO ... spanish music.. and HE IS Starker

[jwunschie14]

Does Starker play on a Strad?

[Myers6609]

He owns one (or owned one) but he doesn't play it.

[atnb40]

Since 1965 he plays on a Matteo Gofriller.

This cello is called the « Starker; Spencer; James », for : Ivory James, Walter Spencer...

[atnb40]

... also called "The Star" - 1706

[jwunschie14]

What I really enjoy about Starker is that he is so absolutely wonderful without making so much excessive movement that many audiences believe characterizes a great player. Can't wait to get masterclasses from at IU next year!

[cellosuperfreak]

I completely agree about his loyalty to the traditional stage presence of Heifetz and others.

But it's funny how on all of Starker's videos I've watched that you've commented on you feel the need to talk about your master classes at IU... haha. I mean I think it's great that you're going to study with him, but maybe exercise a little discretion or modesty?

Another great performance by Starker!!

[jwunschie14]

Well, I didn't know I had a stalker. And really, why do you even care? Actually don't tell me.

[63023FB]

no lost memory?

[michaharan]

He jumps over 2 bars of the (repeated) introduction,

changes the ending before that and skips 2 more bits (nothing important) probably deliberately and maybe improved the piece that way.

[EndeavourMorse]

Yeah, it's a slightly weird interpretation, but... wow. That's a stunning performance. I'm happy to hear Starker's ideas any day, even if they run afoul of the composer's intentions.

[BachforBarack]

Starker's weird musical interpretations only work with him.

[pichat1]

Genious, in his own way, like all of the great ones! The cello world NEEDED Starker for us to learn so much from

[cattleman6420012000]

He is one of the greatest of all time.

[Gnomentanz]

I love how through his playing you can tell that the music touches him deeply.

[black0jackass]

eww!

[dasha1983]

oh thanks- now it makes more sense the reason why he skipped. i love the way he ended the piece though- im performing it in 3 weeks and probably will do the same.

i agree- he is an amazing cellist, but still, i prefer the whole suite not to run so much.

[dasha1983]

why did he skip a part in the middle?

and why is it SO fast?

[frodobolson666]

I've had the privilege of being in the school where he teaches for 4 years now. The reason he skipped a few bars at 1:50 is because he plays everything from his own editions... basically modifies and the fingers the music as he sees fit. As to the old argument that he is too fast and unmusical I will simply say that I believe he is amazingly musical in his own particular idiom and character; but he sometimes puts his ideas as a first priority and the composers ideas second. Hungarian Character!

[dasha1983]

He is great.

Im doing Kodaly now and skip the page in the 3rd mvt. it makes so much sense.

I've heard someone perform it without the cut and it doesn't sound right ))

My teacher now was a student of his a long long time ago

[ilshatt]

Excellent interpretation

[BachforBarack]

This is probably the best I've ever heard starker play.

[caradeescusado]

then listen to kodaly :)

[BachforBarack]

Okay.

[thecelloking]

yeah, in the kodaly he pretty much plays perfectly.

[LMDraaijer]

Well played but I agree with Brutalcellist that he skips 2 bars at 1:50

[Gnomentanz]

I didn't even notice until it was pointed out haha. He's still amazing to watch/ listen to though.

[stebax86]

minchia che suono

[Brutalcellist]

technically incredible, musically too much fast..

at 1.50 he invents the notes! (he doesn't play 2 bars..)

[Dynias2]

Wow! Bravo!

[julyconcerto]

I wonder what he sees, or what he is thinking about when he plays with his eyes closed.

[cellodude1]

I honestly can say that when musicians play with their eyes closed or open they are always thinking. What is the next pitch supposed to sound like. I'm sure he has thought about emotions but when he plays he has to be thinking.

[jonathantosio]

I can claim to be one of starker's cello grandson's =) Yay!

What efficency!

[mrn93]

he's is like my cellistic 4th cousin via Klengel

[drclumbles]

I'm one of Jensen's. :D

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

P.S. Anyone who says there is no emotion in this is absolutely retarded. I felt a lot after listening to this, and if even one person is moved by a performance, then to call it "emotionless" would just be foolish. Starker just has a way of presenting the music in a very modest yet beautiful manner. The sound of his C-String is unmatched.

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

The second note is really, really sharp, but it's ok, no cellist has perfect intonation. This is a great performance, I've never heard this piece before, but I like it.

[LeehanSarang]

This piece isnt so difficult..

I'm learning it now

It's one of the easiest hard pieces for cello should i say?? Along with Saint-Saens D minor Concerto, Hayden's C major concerto and more. Like after this, it goes onto real hard out repotoirs(or however you spell it)and sonatas and everything My cello teacher told me, and starker used to be her teacher and he told her that so im telling the truth! hehe

[purpleAiPEy]

He is my cello teacher's teacher, and he said he was very stricked, I can understand why you think he may seem stern and somewhat emotionless, but, the fact is that if you listen to his music, you will here that all of his emotion is going into his playing. It is not necessarily the emotion on the inside that counts, try closing your eyes.

[LeehanSarang]

He was my cello teacher's teacher too lol

[jonathantosio]

Me too! Wow =)

[swimmer1215]

is this a difficult piece? just wonderinng

[jurikanni]

It defenitely is a difficult piece! Up to now, watching this vid, I thought it is impossible to play it which such calmness like Starker has ...

[swimmer1215]

is it as hard as shosti concerto?

[jurikanni]

I think it's pretty difficult to compare two such different pieces.. Besides i didn't play the Shostakovitch concerto up till now..

[swimmer1215]

as hard as kodaly?

[cellodude1]

yeah. They're in the same class of piece.

[swimmer1215]

i dont think this one is as hard as kodaly technically.

[theoceanave]

Wow - the harmonics are particularly fantastic!

[charlesbrooks]

what magnificent bow control (ok and the LH too...)

[Natalejo]

Fantastico!!! Starker fue un gran cellista!

[juLiaFyB]

fue y lo es, está vivo y aún da clases. :) en Indiana

[Natalejo]

Gracias por la aclaracion, pense que ya no estaba vigente como profesor, no lo sabía, genial que todavia pueda aportar toda su sabiduria, es un maestro de maestros!!!

[whatthecello42]

he makes everyone else sound out of tune

[chosta88]

Teodora Miteva

[wrtr734]

truly remarkable piece and player; and played with such deep emotion.

[cellodude1]

He is so old today but still a great teacher and player...

[celloadict90]

Hi obukhonala! thanks for posting this videos of starker, impressive, my favorite performance of the Kodaly and Cassado.

Could you tell me where to find the complete sonata and suite by starker, please?

Thanks, Ivan

[mightyrome]

Any idiot that has the lack of understanding of true music making,flawless technique and self control that speaks the music, rather than exhibts self indulgent emotional diplay, should never listen to Mr.Starker,let alone critic this great artist on any way.I am offended ,and disturbed by some of these igorant comments.If you don't have the brains and understanding to understand such greatness,go limit your self to the lesser artists.

[gnolti]

Technically the greatest. Plays the cello like a giant violin. But a bit on the soulless side.

[BrennenBear]

I wouldn't call it soulless.

[gnolti]

I will concede that I wouldn't choose anyone else to play Cassado.

[mrn93]

"I cry in a different way"

that is from an interview, it should explain his interpretation well

[cellodude1]

How would you say that. Is emotion to you just swaying around. This man is one of the most emotional players there have ever been.

Every virtuosic phrase is painted perfectly. Full of vigor and excitement.

[gnolti]

Yeah, I prefer my cellists to sway around as they play.

[cellodude1]

There is stupid and then there is that comment. Swaying around does not make the music sound any better.

That is stupid and insultive.

WHAT AN AWFUL COMMENT

[nathan87]

As a cellist, I agree. I prefer to see technical skill rather than theatre. It's probably good to be aware however that those who do not play the cello (particularly non-musicians) may not be able to appreciate pure technical skill in the same way, and for them theatre might add to the performance.

[proggoth]

Starker proves that you can be expressive without necessarily being romantic. It has always confounded me when people described his playing as emotionless.

[jwunschie14]

@proggoth I know you made this comment a couple years back, and your opinion may be different now, but trust me I believe in it still. Starker was all about making the best sound possible, not necessarily giving an athletic performance, like so many performers do today...

[lambicframbroise]

Where did you find this video? I want to see all of Kodaly and Cassado.

[inaned]

amazing technique and performance!

[xiooua]

I much prefer Teodora Miteva's interpretation (which is up here on youtube, under the wrong title). This felt rushed.

[amaraacello]

Noooo comment, fantastic

[katsukawa123]

mr. starker, this is not an etude.

[uxnosidda]

He didn't play it like an etude.

[violonluna]

Can't you feel his great music?!

[eriqkk]

Així es toca Cassadó! Endavant Starker.

[hyuroo88]

good..

[hyuroo88]

best of best

[had9s8888]

Hi thank you for posting this. But what is with the other movements? Do you have this?

[sein12]

Hear the version by cheglakov.

[flotan]

technically fantastic playing, but where is the heart? he's just rushing through the movement.

[MichaSchlechtriem]

His right arm also amazes me, flawless and so relaxt.

If you want to hear this work played with more heart, try the George Neikrug video....

Anyway, nice to see you here,flotan.....

[ilshatt]

breathless

[cellodude1]

Amazing!!!

I enjoyed this work very much!

[cello4ever]

Though the beginning was a but awkward for my taste, I caught on quickly to the pace he was going at and whole-heartedly enjoyed it. Amazing!

[AlamoCityCello]

Starker had the BEST left hand in the biz!

[pix40]

I don't know -- its that right hand that impresses me. Really sharp. The harmonics, though, are cool indeed.

[cellofan98]

Excellent Video!!!!!!! Thank You for posting.