Claudio and Johanne (the arrangers) are old friends of mine. Way back in the early nineties, James Darling (a fine cellist himself) and I stopped by their place in Boca Raton without announcing ourselves. We opened a bottle of wine and had a good meal. Afterwards, they each took their cello and played that for us. Vivid memories!
I absolutely love this piece by Bach and the beautiful performance by these two young people. Very well done. I love the organ-like procession of this piece, of which Bach is king. Very enjoyable performance, and I keep coming back to it over and over! Thank you for your hard work and for sharing it with us.
it definitely is. From my experience, once it enters your life, it stays with you forever. And you can have a wonderful time looking for the millions of arrangements there are for whatever instrument (Orchestra, piano, marimba, accordion, brass quartet... you name it)
You prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!
This is one of the greatness of Bach's music: it is so absolute and perfect that it is basically disconnected from the instrument it has been written for. You play it on a different instrument and a new world open up.
this "platform independence" is not correlated with beauty in my opinion: kodaly cello sonata is also wonderful, but it would be strange (or unplayable) in any other instrument
@@federicofranceschini1783 Different kinds of "beauty". The structural security of Bach's music that renders it independent on what specific instrument it is performed on, to me and many others I suppose, "beautiful" in itself!
@@kingsgambitHave you heard the beautiful transcriptions for piano, like the very Bachian one by Brahms? I like that just as much as the "string" versions of the Chaconne. Also, what are you actually disagreeing with?
Of all the beauty there is in the world, this particular performance of Bach's Chaconne is among the most sublime. I hope these two superlative musicians are doing well and making music at this level, now and for years to come. Thank you for posting this.
You had me at the first chord. What rich harmonies and huge tone! I can hear it as a duet now with call and response, something that I never noticed before.
How beautiful this is. And how wise to divide this into two instruments (originally written for a single violin). Using two cellos, the piece is so much smoother, dramatically more elegant, and has none of the "chopiness" of the solo violin arrangement. The only thing that can compare is the organ arrangement. Yet that, although excellent, does not give me the emotional tonality that only the cello can provide. Truly a beautiful performance. Thank you!
The solo violin version is not an arrangement. It is the original Bach's version. Perhaps you should listen to a baroque violin version of this Chaconne, instead of this "2 cello machine".
@@andreaflorit114 He does state "originally written for a single violin" so he already knows it is the original. I agree you cannot grasp the polyphony with the constant double stops on the violin. The piece is abstract, not meant to be perfectly playable on a single instrument. Each break in the double stop releases the harmonic tension Bach brings to the music. This is where a keyboard like the organ surpasses the violin. Of course, there are pros and cons.
Of course, the cello is a beautiful instrument. It is; perhaps, among the stringed instruments most similar to the human voice in range and and tonality. Bach’s Chaconne movement; however, is more faithfully (to the composer’s intent) rendered on the piano. The slurring of the bow technique in this rendition loses some of the madness that must surely been what Bach experiences in the wake of his first wife’s death. Personally, I find Ms. Helene Grimaud’s performance of the Busoni transcription for piano to be the most powerful and communicative.
How is this even possible? You've taken an already sublime work for violin and elevated it even further. Bravissimo to the performers and arrangers. I am in heaven. Also the backhand flip of the left hand she does at 10:28 is cool.
My mother would have absolutely loved this. I am listening in tears. How amazing is this performance of this stunning piece? Geez, c’mon you two. For real? Wow.
I don't listen to cello music as much as I should, just felt like listening to a cello duo and your the first 2 that I came across and OMG this is absolutely beautiful and amazing words can not describe how outstanding this performance is, I keep coming back and listening to this over and over again, this deserves a million views, BRAVO
The more I see these beautiful interpretations with multiple intrusments the more amazing it is to think that all the melodies were intended to be captured on a single violin
You two create something new in this song. Finally!!! I always love in perfect tonal surprises that are perfectly played in tune. I will use this for morning prayers and let my grandchildren hear it. Some of the composers really were in tune to God and it shows. My favorite instrument. I never tire of hearing two played. Both of my sons are cellists. My home always had beautiful music flowing thru it when they were lads growing up.
Had to listen to this today, September 11th; this work of unfathomable sorrow and beauty. Bach's musical thinking is abstract but always springs directly from his heart. This is such an inspired performance.
From France, greats thanks to the authors of this transcription I have bought thru a US website for about 10 USD. Adult cellist for 9 years, aged 53, weekly courses with a cello teatcher in the Public Music School of Saint Jean de Maurienne (Savoie-French Alps). The olny work for finding the left hand positions is a real fun ! At least 2 good monthes of daily word to fillfull the minimum level to pass the "triples croches" at the initial tempo. But, once worked, this piece is so obvious. When playing in auditorium, it sounds, and the polyphonics harmonies make nearly crying !
Eric, so... you have the fingering ! I have been working on this for a few weeks. Difficult to find the right fingering. I get the impression of reinventing it over and over... and yet Hillary Smith seems to plough through it with so much ease... Would you mind sharing the fingering ?
Oh! so graceful, energetic and beautiful polyphony with two cellos. Occasionally, I would love to listen to Joseph Szigeti and Leonid Kogan. They sing the length of dotted quoter note rather well. I would feel so mysterious. (92yrs.Japanese.)
The cellists present a sublime passage reflecting Bach's sombre spirit, their elasticity and marvellous technique is refined, precise and with magisterial sound. The cello has a unique sonorous and serene melody, definitely, one can appreciate the excellence of emotional balance as well a spiritual feeling of sadness. Outstanding performance...of majestic tenderness.
Esto es elevar la música a niveles divinos. A pesar de los límites del Cello esto fue sublime de escuchar, es decir, indescriptible. PD.: No puedo creer que se halla grabado hace al menos 7 años
The first arpeggio section is especially beautiful with the back and forth trading of the melodic line and arpeggiated chords. I was initially skeptical that having two instruments would be beneficial but the beautiful execution has convinced me otherwise.
Que cette chaconne de Bach est belle avec les deux violoncelles dans cette transcription ! combien ce compositeur est génial et souvent bouleversant ...
Phenomenal arrangement and a very convincing interpretation. Elegant is the word that most comes to mind. Of course, all of Bach’s music is elegant, but this performance highlighted that aspect of this piece in a way I hadn’t truly appreciated before. Bravo.
Many thanks Hillary and Christopher for this lovely moment spent in your company. Your execution is perfect. The audio and video support underlines your performance. The venue is simply exceptional. I am right now working on this chaconne on the violin. I heard it also on the piano. The cello version is marvelous. Maybe would it worth trying also with a duet, violin and cello, or with a piano trio ?
Contrairement aux autres interprétations au violoncelle..Cette chaconne jouée à deux violoncelles est toute en douceur..Cela me fait penser au concerto pour deux violoncelles de Schubert..On passe du baroque de Bach au romantisme de Schubert.Le jeu des archets est fluide et l'attaque sur la corde est douce...Bravo
This is really great. Thank you. First time I sight read this, even with my mistakes, my reaction was what just happened? I was taken aback and amazed. That’s how brilliant and powerful this piece is.
Absolutely perfect, I just played it yesterday on viola which is painful so nice not to have. it played in such a tasteful way , bravo for arrangement, ( grammy winner)
Claudio and Johanne (the arrangers) are old friends of mine. Way back in the early nineties, James Darling (a fine cellist himself) and I stopped by their place in Boca Raton without announcing ourselves. We opened a bottle of wine and had a good meal. Afterwards, they each took their cello and played that for us. Vivid memories!
next time I come by at Boca-Raton I will also invite myself for a good bottle of wine and a meal and nice concert. -- really thanks for the advice 🤣
I absolutely love this piece by Bach and the beautiful performance by these two young people. Very well done. I love the organ-like procession of this piece, of which Bach is king. Very enjoyable performance, and I keep coming back to it over and over! Thank you for your hard work and for sharing it with us.
Oh my God, this has to be one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever.
It is generally accepted that it is.
And one of Bach's own favourites!
it definitely is. From my experience, once it enters your life, it stays with you forever. And you can have a wonderful time looking for the millions of arrangements there are for whatever instrument (Orchestra, piano, marimba, accordion, brass quartet... you name it)
You prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account?
I somehow forgot the password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!
@Lian Van instablaster :)
This is one of the greatness of Bach's music: it is so absolute and perfect that it is basically disconnected from the instrument it has been written for. You play it on a different instrument and a new world open up.
this "platform independence" is not correlated with beauty in my opinion: kodaly cello sonata is also wonderful, but it would be strange (or unplayable) in any other instrument
I totally agree.
@@federicofranceschini1783 Different kinds of "beauty". The structural security of Bach's music that renders it independent on what specific instrument it is performed on, to me and many others I suppose, "beautiful" in itself!
I disagree. This really lives from the vibrating sonorous warm sounds of strings and the reverb. Imagine on a high flute or a trumpet.
@@kingsgambitHave you heard the beautiful transcriptions for piano, like the very Bachian one by Brahms? I like that just as much as the "string" versions of the Chaconne.
Also, what are you actually disagreeing with?
still the most shockingly beautiful rendition on the internet. Thank you all and hope you're well, 6 years on.
Of all the beauty there is in the world, this particular performance of Bach's Chaconne is among the most sublime.
I hope these two superlative musicians are doing well and making music at this level, now and for years to come.
Thank you for posting this.
You had me at the first chord. What rich harmonies and huge tone! I can hear it as a duet now with call and response, something that I never noticed before.
That's Bach!
Ever noticed how the cello is the best instrument?
It almost always is!
As a violinist i agree
My mother played violin for numerous symphonies around the world and I agree with her that the Cello is the best.
@@bf699 I thought the trombone was the nearest to the human voice, I always heard people say that...
Ever noticed that there is more than just one instrument? Well there’s a reason why.
Just wow! I am a violinist, and I think no violin performance of this piece can come even close to this one. Congratulations! Truly beautiful!
Don't do your self down, many a fine tune on the Violin. Brahms comes to mind. Cello is well suited to Bach.
How beautiful this is. And how wise to divide this into two instruments (originally written for a single violin). Using two cellos, the piece is so much smoother, dramatically more elegant, and has none of the "chopiness" of the solo violin arrangement. The only thing that can compare is the organ arrangement. Yet that, although excellent, does not give me the emotional tonality that only the cello can provide.
Truly a beautiful performance. Thank you!
The solo violin version is not an arrangement. It is the original Bach's version. Perhaps you should listen to a baroque violin version of this Chaconne, instead of this "2 cello machine".
@@andreaflorit114 He does state "originally written for a single violin" so he already knows it is the original. I agree you cannot grasp the polyphony with the constant double stops on the violin. The piece is abstract, not meant to be perfectly playable on a single instrument. Each break in the double stop releases the harmonic tension Bach brings to the music. This is where a keyboard like the organ surpasses the violin. Of course, there are pros and cons.
Of course, the cello is a beautiful instrument. It is; perhaps, among the stringed instruments most similar to the human voice in range and and tonality. Bach’s Chaconne movement; however, is more faithfully (to the composer’s intent) rendered on the piano. The slurring of the bow technique in this rendition loses some of the madness that must surely been what Bach experiences in the wake of his first wife’s death. Personally, I find Ms. Helene Grimaud’s performance of the Busoni transcription for piano to be the most powerful and communicative.
ANDREA FLORIT This two cello “machine” sounded beautiful.
i personally think the chopiness makes it more emotional. this version is too clean. it has no grief. it has the sadness of grief, but not the anger.
How is this even possible? You've taken an already sublime work for violin and elevated it even further. Bravissimo to the performers and arrangers. I am in heaven. Also the backhand flip of the left hand she does at 10:28 is cool.
How any human with a beating heart in their chest and an intact soul give this a thumbs down is beyond all practical reasoning...sad!
Ridicolous and senseless comment
This is not a matter of reason
The most musical version of the chaconne. The best of all transcriptions, beautifully played. Wow.
Beautiful. Please more like this one.
Possibly the best performance of the two cellos chaconne. Compliments!
This is already Olympian beauty for the violin. The cellos make it even more Divine….
Thank you for uploading this.
My mother would have absolutely loved this. I am listening in tears. How amazing is this performance of this stunning piece? Geez, c’mon you two. For real? Wow.
Grossartig gesetzt, hervorragend gespielt, enorme Glücksgefühle ! Dr. Hans - Peter Bestehorn, Bad Krozingen, Deutschland
I was searching this. A while ago when I was driving my car listening to this masterpiece on Klara classic radio in Belgium. I cried. Thank you.
As a cellist each passage and note is very beautiful, interpretation as soft as a silk fabric, perfect arrangement, just perfect 🥹
Superb. In my humble opinion one of the best versions of this piece I’ve come across on UA-cam.
I completely agree with you !
I don't listen to cello music as much as I should, just felt like listening to a cello duo and your the first 2 that I came across and OMG this is absolutely beautiful and amazing words can not describe how outstanding this performance is, I keep coming back and listening to this over and over again, this deserves a million views, BRAVO
The more I see these beautiful interpretations with multiple intrusments the more amazing it is to think that all the melodies were intended to be captured on a single violin
First time I've heard this arrangement. I love the original but am choking back the tears with this version
Christopher and Hilary, thank you so much for sharing this powerful, heart-opening performance. Blessings from Detroit, Michigan!
You two create something new in this song. Finally!!! I always love in perfect tonal surprises that are perfectly played in tune. I will use this for morning prayers and let my grandchildren hear it. Some of the composers really were in tune to God and it shows. My favorite instrument. I never tire of hearing two played. Both of my sons are cellists. My home always had beautiful music flowing thru it when they were lads growing up.
Astonishing performance and the superb natural sound and reverb, WOW!!!
Bach + cello + cello = fantstika !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bravo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's my favorite piece and this is now my favorite version. Thanks for this moment !
This is beyond beautiful. What a timeless piece!
Had to listen to this today, September 11th; this work of unfathomable sorrow and beauty.
Bach's musical thinking is abstract but always springs directly from his heart.
This is such an inspired performance.
From France, greats thanks to the authors of this transcription I have bought thru a US website for about 10 USD. Adult cellist for 9 years, aged 53, weekly courses with a cello teatcher in the Public Music School of Saint Jean de Maurienne (Savoie-French Alps). The olny work for finding the left hand positions is a real fun ! At least 2 good monthes of daily word to fillfull the minimum level to pass the "triples croches" at the initial tempo. But, once worked, this piece is so obvious. When playing in auditorium, it sounds, and the polyphonics harmonies make nearly crying !
Wonderfull
Hi Eric, I wonder if you could tell me the website where you found the music? I really want to play this with a friend at university! :)
@@RebeccaWarnes I think it's this? Good luck :) www.natashajaffe.com/store/p5/Chaconne_for_Two_Cellos_(PDF).html
Eric, so... you have the fingering ! I have been working on this for a few weeks. Difficult to find the right fingering. I get the impression of reinventing it over and over... and yet Hillary Smith seems to plough through it with so much ease... Would you mind sharing the fingering ?
Yes the cello is the best especially for this Bach. And this rendition is remarkably beautiful.
Oh! so graceful, energetic and beautiful polyphony with two cellos. Occasionally,
I would love to listen to Joseph Szigeti and Leonid Kogan.
They sing the length of dotted quoter note rather well. I would feel so mysterious. (92yrs.Japanese.)
Fantastic! This piece never actually spoke to me untill now, thank you for the great performance!
How does this not have more views
Beautiful!! An absolutely stunning performance!
Closed my eyes, ..and for a time, the music carried me.. away
So VERY well done!!
I have just got goosebumps just watching their performance…🥰👏👏👏
The cellists present a sublime passage reflecting Bach's sombre spirit, their elasticity and marvellous technique is refined, precise and with magisterial sound. The cello has a unique sonorous and serene melody, definitely, one can appreciate the excellence of emotional balance as well a spiritual feeling of sadness. Outstanding performance...of majestic tenderness.
cant tell how many times i’ve listened to this
Very beautiful performance. We should try to add this to our repertoire.
I love Bach's Chaconne so much. This arrangement, with your beautiful cello sound, makes it even better than the original. Thank you!
You two are quite wonderful! Thank you so much for your beautiful, thoughtful work, and for posting this!
Great performance! Bravo. The arrangement is great as well.
Esto es elevar la música a niveles divinos. A pesar de los límites del Cello esto fue sublime de escuchar, es decir, indescriptible.
PD.: No puedo creer que se halla grabado hace al menos 7 años
I come back to this almost every second day. It's just too good.
The first arpeggio section is especially beautiful with the back and forth trading of the melodic line and arpeggiated chords. I was initially skeptical that having two instruments would be beneficial but the beautiful execution has convinced me otherwise.
brilliantly performed. what a beautiful masterpiece.
Excellente performance! Bravo!
Nagyon szépen szól! Milyen érdekes ez a darab két cselló előadásában!
Very nice...
The instruments, are in a perfect harmony!!!!
Amazing harmony！！Yes!!
Bravo! Great performance, transcription, and video production. Very touching.
So beautifully, and a wonderful arrangement!
this is the best piece I have heard in a long time
Absolutely amazing, and played to perfection. Throughly your performance 👏 👏
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Amazing playing!!
Doing the music of JS Bach justice, incredible performance and interpretation, bravo!
Wunderschön, vielen Dank für diese tolle Darbietung 🥰🎻🙏
Wonderful sound.. great playing!
Que cette chaconne de Bach est belle avec les deux violoncelles dans cette transcription ! combien ce compositeur est génial et souvent bouleversant ...
Wow. That was one of the lovliest things I've ever heard! Never heard it on 2 'cellos before but it works really well. You both sound great together!
Спасибо Hillary и Christopher за это исполнение. Вы мастера виолончельной игры 💐💐👏👏
Wonderful performance, thank you❣️Cellos add so much warmth and depth. And to be spared from applause after this sublime oasis is another miracle❣️
Excellent!!!!!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Phenomenal arrangement and a very convincing interpretation. Elegant is the word that most comes to mind. Of course, all of Bach’s music is elegant, but this performance highlighted that aspect of this piece in a way I hadn’t truly appreciated before. Bravo.
Lodo il Signore per aver donato a Bach la capacità di concepire un tale monumento musicale e per voi che lo avete saputo così bene interpretare.
This is truly wonderful playing! Bravo to you both.
I love this piece so much….
So lovely. A spiritual experience.
Many thanks Hillary and Christopher for this lovely moment spent in your company. Your execution is perfect. The audio and video support underlines your performance. The venue is simply exceptional. I am right now working on this chaconne on the violin. I heard it also on the piano. The cello version is marvelous. Maybe would it worth trying also with a duet, violin and cello, or with a piano trio ?
Sublime composition. Beautiful arrangement. Magnificent playing!
Bravo! Magnificent!
maravilloso of boths of you
Oh my god!!!!!! Thank you so much!!! That is the BEST i ever heard!!!! I love you!!! !!!!
This transcription is profoundly joyous to hear!
You both sound wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to more!
CelloPwr thank you!
I'm still waiting for more... : (
wonderful! great interpretation congratulations!
Qué hermosura! Gracias! ❤
Soooo Beautiful!!!
Brilliant. Lovely. Such talent and musicality.
Deryn Warren thank you!
Contrairement aux autres interprétations au violoncelle..Cette chaconne jouée à deux violoncelles est toute en douceur..Cela me fait penser au concerto pour deux violoncelles de Schubert..On passe du baroque de Bach au romantisme de Schubert.Le jeu des archets est fluide et l'attaque sur la corde est douce...Bravo
This is really great. Thank you. First time I sight read this, even with my mistakes, my reaction was what just happened? I was taken aback and amazed. That’s how brilliant and powerful this piece is.
Bravissimo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
13 minutes for unique feelings, completely stole me away!
Superb
Absolutely perfect, I just played it yesterday on viola which is painful so nice not to have. it played in such a tasteful way , bravo for arrangement, ( grammy winner)
So beautiful!
This is Incredible! 😢❤
Hillary Smith-a perfect demonstration of "effortless power" rather than "powerless effort".
Thank you for this wonderful video, I can't stop watching, it is heavenly
Beautiful! :) Many thanks!
This is so very beautiful!
What a wonderful performance and arrangement!
Can I buy this arrangement music ?
😮Perfeito de mais 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Ty, I enjoyed your playing.
You play it fantastic and tell the story in a nearly romantic spirit.
Very nice, thanks!
My favorite coupleeeee❣️🥰👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Super intéressant ! Et super cadre pour la vidéo...
Stupendo !!!