"It is my privilege and duty to keep these fine old instruments for the next generation, I have the privilege to work on them, you have privilege to play on them". A true old world craftsman without ego, most would says it's their pleasure or honor to service, but here this true tradesman is dedicated to his work entirely without even a thought of ego.
I know I will be burned and scorched for saying this but we have no one like Heifetz in the violin world today and we never will again. We have fine violinists, but hardly any great artists. What we have are mostly a lot of Heifetz imitators. Anyhow, it's nice to hear/see this interview. Only a moment or so was included in the Heifetz film (2011.) As a Benning customer for many years, I will attest to how good this shop is - and there have been 3 generations of Bennings working there for many years now.
I agree. The Benning family are some of the best luthiers in the world right now. The level of care in each instrument is astounding. I have a fiddle made by Eric Benning that is just heart melting.
Lovely. Thank you! Maestro Heifetz' comment on the cost paid by top virtuosi reminds me of a quote attributed to Franz Liszt when an admirer after a private concert in a home told him she would give her life to play like him. He responded, "Madame, I have!"
Im 37 now, well 38 in two days but i have been going to hanz since i was 5 and bought all but one of my violins from his shop. I can attest that he definitely doesnt give a "F" and a bit scary at first but as i got older i respected him. I love seeing him and hes a great man. His whole family is amazing. His son Eric is definitely keeping their legacy alive and erics son is now working there as well. Im honored to be able to say that im lucky enough to know them and now that hanz knows me i get to see his soft side and talk to him more and love him so much.
Thank you so much for this video. He is my great-uncle and we never got to meet so this is a small piece of connection for me. The family lore is that he played for the Czar as a child, no mean feat for anyone let alone a Jewish boy in the Russia of the time (prob need to fact check the dates, but as far as I recall, that's the story)
An amazing video, amazing story, Mr. Hans Benning an amazing gentleman. Thank you for making such a great video and sharing it with us. Much love from Ireland.
I love your story and respect your expert.making. this was a joy to see there will never be another Heifetz. Violin hasn't been the same since. And you sir thanks so much for being there for him and also for all the other musicians that came your way and I know there was a lot. Enjoyable story
Thank you Eric Benning; are you a relative of Mr. Hans Benning -- a real humble artisan he sounds like. WOW....am in tears...so much history...I am a violinist in Calif. I so want to know about Mr. Heifetz's violin and other violins he owned and what happened to them.
Talk about a fascinating video. I loved listening to him discuss his meeting the great violinist the first time and how their relationship lasted for 15 years. So interesting.
Many thanks for uploading this most interesting video! The most impressive anecdotes to me: Heifetz never allowed his students to show up with shoulder rests, and the famous Guarneri sounded totally different in different hands on the same music with the same orchestra. Great lessons!
Heifetz stories are always interesting. The person who had the greatest number was Eric Friedman. If you met him at a party he could tell Heifetz stories, one after the other as long as you could stay and listen. This included the one about what Heifetz said to Friedman after Friedman had sent his first recording to Heifetz. Heifetz allegedly said "I have taught you everything I know, and you know nothing." Friedman was such a superb player he did not need to depend on the stories to create an impressive identity. He told them for the sheer joy of it.
Thankyou for sharing these most interesting memories with us. I think Heifetz appreciated - besides Your mastership as a violinmaker - that You are an honest, down-to -earth and humble person, The story with the sissers though show that he was - let's say very - "special".
A very pleasant, peaceful piece of storytelling.. very different from Heifetz' playing style which is natural because this talking gentleman is another artist. Still could feel Heifetz. I enjoyed it.
I like the story about the little half-size bow lol. This guy calling the del Gesu the "del Jayzee" that's an old Californianism, like a real old California guy might call the city of Costa Mesa, "Costy-Maysy".
His exact string setup is available : www.damianstrings.com/try_gut_strings.htm Silver wound gut G, plain unvarnished gut D and A and Goldbrackt steel E. Not easy to play on them. Very unforgiving of bad habits, quite plasticky, but once mastered, it's totally worth the pain. Nevertheless, the sound of Jascha Heifetz was unique and indescribably colorful and intense - only a few live recordings give you a glimpse of how it could make your hairs stand on end. Truth be told, the sound really begins in the mind of the player, and that's why others could not make the same sound on his violin.
@@srinitaaigaura Thanks. Whilst that's useful, the set up Hans refers to is what I was referring to; e.g the bridge height/string height, and perhaps string height at the nut if he had something unstandardised.
Never could. Heifetz was a pain up my bum. My hands and wrist simply wouldn't accept his finger position on my bow hand . And then Ivan Galamian entered into my education. ❤ Pull the bow with a steady energy originating directly from your chi. Worked like a charm. The original spiritus involved was my mentor William Magers, a former Galamian student, and my viola Teacher at Arizona State University. I was one of five students, which gives you a clue regarding his status. He said to me, "You need more than Arizona. Study at Meadowmount. At Juilliard.""You need Paul Doktor, the #1 Violist on this planet." So off to Juilliard I went. Whilst running round this lecher's dining room table in my tennies, my peers in Manhattan asked"why are you studying with Paul Doktor, when you had Bill Magers??" Sometimes you have to go all the way round the world to find home.
........for performances , Jascha had some good days and some slightly less than good days. There were a hell of alotta top violinists back then . Plenty good ones today but I think they were slightly better from that earlier generation.. ....yehudi Menuhin made a violin out of matchsticks,, that's the violin I'd want. I like unusual violins. Best fiddle I've ever played is a homemade teardrop shaped violin.
Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate is the first piece. The second piece is the Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor; the third piece is Sarasate's Spanish Dance, "Malagueña".
and meanwhile reducing Jascha's playing to documentary background music, thereby making it difficult to listen to the interesting story of mr. Benning!
Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate is the first piece. The second piece is the Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor; the third piece is Sarasate's Spanish Dance, "Malagueña".
That's a great story, BUT it would also be nice to come and greet your customers. I frequented your shop on the recommendation of a dear colleague. He said I should stop by and say hello to you. I saw you through the glass window and one of your employees told you that I wanted to meet you. You declined! I was shopping for 3 people that day, but unfortunately, I did not get the help that I needed. I told my colleague about my visit.
"It is my privilege and duty to keep these fine old instruments for the next generation, I have the privilege to work on them, you have privilege to play on them". A true old world craftsman without ego, most would says it's their pleasure or honor to service, but here this true tradesman is dedicated to his work entirely without even a thought of ego.
Great story and great storyteller....people like this are getting rare. This man's story should be documented for posterity.
You are so right, I was literally entranced through this entire video.
It just has!
what is the background piece?
Again?
@@fernandodelvecchio6549 sorry I just copy pasted it into a million comments because many people never reply
I know I will be burned and scorched for saying this but we have no one like Heifetz in the violin world today and we never will again. We have fine violinists, but hardly any great artists. What we have are mostly a lot of Heifetz imitators. Anyhow, it's nice to hear/see this interview. Only a moment or so was included in the Heifetz film (2011.) As a Benning customer for many years, I will attest to how good this shop is - and there have been 3 generations of Bennings working there for many years now.
So much respect for this dude being like, "I don't give a fuck who you are, you come into my shop you bring your shit. And no house calls!"
Lmao
LOLOLOLOL🤣
Hmmm.. He had a bit more class than this but basically that’s what he meant. Oh and I wouldn’t call him a dude.
A very humble man.
I've played your violas, and violins. They are off the charts amazing. I have been saving for years for your violin.
I agree. The Benning family are some of the best luthiers in the world right now. The level of care in each instrument is astounding. I have a fiddle made by Eric Benning that is just heart melting.
“It is very lonely at the top, and there’s a very high price to get there”
Is that Eddy from Twosetviolin as your profile picture?
@@Surr3alll yes it's Eddy
U the guy from heifetz’s Masterclass?
“It’s lonely at the top but it’s comforting looking down on everyone beneath you” 😂
Heifetz touches ones soul with his playing.
he talks very delightfully.
Yes, certainly lovely accent, speech pattern and vocabulary.
Image meeting mr Heifetz in person, it would be an honor just to talk with him, this is an amazing story, and I loved hearing it
It’s like just a dream, I would just shake ☺️☺️😂
“It’s just the way it is”
It is what it is.....!!! (The Irishman - Deniro)
@Lhuce G i am pretty sure it was like this :)
"This is the way"
So very personal, and beautiful relationship with a great Violonist
Lovely. Thank you! Maestro Heifetz' comment on the cost paid by top virtuosi reminds me of a quote attributed to Franz Liszt when an admirer after a private concert in a home told him she would give her life to play like him. He responded, "Madame, I have!"
One of my very favorite videos on UA-cam! Hans is a great man!!! Also wonderful to see family continuing the good work!
Im 37 now, well 38 in two days but i have been going to hanz since i was 5 and bought all but one of my violins from his shop. I can attest that he definitely doesnt give a "F" and a bit scary at first but as i got older i respected him. I love seeing him and hes a great man. His whole family is amazing. His son Eric is definitely keeping their legacy alive and erics son is now working there as well. Im honored to be able to say that im lucky enough to know them and now that hanz knows me i get to see his soft side and talk to him more and love him so much.
I should clarify, by does give an F i meant stands his ground like he did with Mr. Heiftz but i personally love that about him
Thank you for sharing your experience with Hans. Lovely.
Very humble man. Great story.
What a great master `violin fixer`. Great unsung heroes.
*luthier
Outstanding story.
Thank you so much for this video. He is my great-uncle and we never got to meet so this is a small piece of connection for me. The family lore is that he played for the Czar as a child, no mean feat for anyone let alone a Jewish boy in the Russia of the time (prob need to fact check the dates, but as far as I recall, that's the story)
What a memory to tell, thank you
An amazing video, amazing story, Mr. Hans Benning an amazing gentleman. Thank you for making such a great video and sharing it with us. Much love from Ireland.
I love your story and respect your expert.making. this was a joy to see there will never be another Heifetz. Violin hasn't been the same since. And you sir thanks so much for being there for him and also for all the other musicians that came your way and I know there was a lot. Enjoyable story
Love hearing about all this. Thank you.
Thank you Eric Benning; are you a relative of Mr. Hans Benning -- a real humble artisan he sounds like. WOW....am in tears...so much history...I am a violinist in Calif. I so want to know about Mr. Heifetz's violin and other violins he owned and what happened to them.
Talk about a fascinating video. I loved listening to him discuss his meeting the great violinist the first time and how their relationship lasted for 15 years. So interesting.
Many thanks for uploading this most interesting video! The most impressive anecdotes to me: Heifetz never allowed his students to show up with shoulder rests, and the famous Guarneri sounded totally different in different hands on the same music with the same orchestra. Great lessons!
Wonderful old world accent.
I guess it's because I've been around people with his background that I don't hear an accent.
For me, It is an american accent without even a tiny bit of a germanic tongue.
@@ghlscitel6714 There are some extremely subtle give-aways such as "t" instead of "d" at the end of some words.
@@KSfan4ever My Germanic ear does not recognise it.
The Benning shop is the best! This was very interesting! He is a humble man.
How inspiring!!! thank you. I wish I had heard Heifetz live ... sigh
Пп ихе
This such a great lesson in not compromising your standards you will be more respected in the end. Great story!
Heifetz just tested him, would make sense given his nature :) great story !
That’s definitely what it seemed like, haha. He was definitely a unique person.
Thank you Sir. Wonderful.
Heifetz stories are always interesting. The person who had the greatest number was Eric Friedman. If you met him at a party he could tell Heifetz stories, one after the other as long as you could stay and listen. This included the one about what Heifetz said to Friedman after Friedman had sent his first recording to Heifetz. Heifetz allegedly said "I have taught you everything I know, and you know nothing." Friedman was such a superb player he did not need to depend on the stories to create an impressive identity. He told them for the sheer joy of it.
That’s a lovely memory Mr Benning. Thank you for sharing it.
Great story
This is the best video on this website
What an amazing interview.
Thank you Sir. I love your craft. I am sure that you make most beautiful instruments. A very nice story.
Wonderful memories. Thanks for the storytelling M. Benning
Great video
Thank you
Thank you again for your touching insight !
Thankyou for sharing these most interesting memories with us. I think Heifetz appreciated - besides Your mastership as a violinmaker - that You are an honest, down-to -earth and humble person, The story with the sissers though show that he was - let's say very - "special".
Great story from a consumate craftsman and student of his craft.
This is so beautiful!
Great .....so cool....just wonderful....thank you sir....
I always look for Great Stories like yours, Sir. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
astounding wonderful wise humane
Thank you!
Lo que dice Tom Greene es FORMIDABLE. Y la honestidad de Hans Benningtá es un ejemplo de amor y honestidad.
Fantastic story! Also, who downvotes something this amazing?
A very pleasant, peaceful piece of storytelling.. very different from Heifetz' playing style which is natural because this talking gentleman is another artist. Still could feel Heifetz. I enjoyed it.
What a wonderful account and what a great man!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories on the genius that was Jascha Heifetz
"Cwaarnayree dayl chasey"
I like the story about the little half-size bow lol.
This guy calling the del Gesu the "del Jayzee" that's an old Californianism, like a real old California guy might call the city of Costa Mesa, "Costy-Maysy".
the background music appears too noisy affecting Mr. Hans particularly audiences .
please consider !
Wonderful stories from a wonderful workman. I can play instruments, but I recognize that I don't have the patience to work on them. :)
Wonderful. Thank you.
Sympathisch!!!
A great privilege n video not to mention it would be great for your business
Fascinating. Thank you for sharing this.
Fascinating... Thank you so much for posting this marvelous reminiscence!
Fantastic interview. Thank you
Thanks for sharing, very insightful.
That was wonderful!
I'm glad the guarneri would speak only to Heifetz in that particular way.
He reminds me of Max Von Sydow.
If theses stories and this history ever gets lost, the world will be worse off for that loss for ever.
How did Jascha have his Instrument set up?/What particularities? Great video, thanks very much for sharing all such insights.
His exact string setup is available : www.damianstrings.com/try_gut_strings.htm
Silver wound gut G, plain unvarnished gut D and A and Goldbrackt steel E. Not easy to play on them. Very unforgiving of bad habits, quite plasticky, but once mastered, it's totally worth the pain. Nevertheless, the sound of Jascha Heifetz was unique and indescribably colorful and intense - only a few live recordings give you a glimpse of how it could make your hairs stand on end. Truth be told, the sound really begins in the mind of the player, and that's why others could not make the same sound on his violin.
@@srinitaaigaura Thanks. Whilst that's useful, the set up Hans refers to is what I was referring to; e.g the bridge height/string height, and perhaps string height at the nut if he had something unstandardised.
Can you tell me please, did Jasha Heifetz use only stock height bridges, or did he ever cut them down. Thanks for any help. C.e.usa
7:38 Heifetz did not allow a sholder rest in masterclasses.
If I don't like sholder rests, you can't use one !
The music makes it hard for me to hear what is being said
6:56
Never could. Heifetz was a pain up my bum. My hands and wrist simply wouldn't accept his finger position on my bow hand . And then Ivan Galamian entered into my education. ❤ Pull the bow with a steady energy originating directly from your chi. Worked like a charm. The original spiritus involved was my mentor William Magers, a former Galamian student, and my viola Teacher at Arizona State University. I was one of five students, which gives you a clue regarding his status. He said to me, "You need more than Arizona. Study at Meadowmount. At Juilliard.""You need Paul Doktor, the #1 Violist on this planet." So off to Juilliard I went. Whilst running round this lecher's
dining room table in my tennies, my peers in Manhattan asked"why are you studying with Paul Doktor, when you had Bill Magers??" Sometimes you have to go all the way round the world to find home.
Imagine playing ping pong with heifetz
and winning....
July-18-2023. ✝️
I play my viola with no shoulder rest and no chin rest. Makes ALL the difference!
Heifetz young looks just like Maxim Vengerov, same facial expression, same smile
........for performances , Jascha had some good days and some slightly less than good days. There were a hell of alotta top violinists back then . Plenty good ones today but I think they were slightly better from that earlier generation..
....yehudi Menuhin made a violin out of matchsticks,, that's the violin I'd want. I like unusual violins. Best fiddle I've ever played is a homemade teardrop shaped violin.
The background music is too loud!!!
Yes, agreed.
Second here.
I actually liked it and could hear him just fine
Good for you! I edit tv commercials, and I can safely tell you the background music is too loud.
it's ok we allow it because HE is playing
What are the pieces being playing in the background?
Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate is the first piece. The second piece is the Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor; the third piece is Sarasate's Spanish Dance, "Malagueña".
A very nice tribute to his good friend...
I'd love to hear Heifetz play, and I'd love to hear Mr.Benning. But I hate doing both at the same time, because they only disturb each other.
Yes they distract each other but I like the story
Please correct en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jascha_Heifetz which says 10 years, if it's indeed 15 years.
4:35 What's playing here and next?
Hungrean dance
🙏
Thank you for the video. I came back to re-watch it. Is Hans still living and well?
Yes.
@@srinitaaigaura Thank you, really happy to know!
the first time I find Heifetz' playing annoying: the background of this video.
Would love to be able to access this without the background music
and meanwhile reducing Jascha's playing to documentary background music, thereby making it difficult to listen to the interesting story of mr. Benning!
You're right, they should put crap music up instead.
Music is a bit too loud to hear the guy speak.
“One day, I was at my violin shop and God himself walked in and asked me to repair his instrument.”
You rehair as well, right?
I like this guy more than Heifetz 🤔
Great luthiers are far interesting than their violinist counterparts.
🙏🏻💐🎻
What is the piece being played in the background, and which recording?
Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate
Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate is the first piece. The second piece is the Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor; the third piece is Sarasate's Spanish Dance, "Malagueña".
The music is too loud and it is difficult to hear what the man says
👏
That's a great story, BUT it would also be nice to come and greet your customers. I frequented your shop on the recommendation of a dear colleague. He said I should stop by and say hello to you. I saw you through the glass window and one of your employees told you that I wanted to meet you. You declined! I was shopping for 3 people that day, but unfortunately, I did not get the help that I needed. I told my colleague about my visit.
Geigenbauerschule Mittenwald. Yeeeees!
Holy Mackerel
Turn the background music down