If all string quartets in this world could be transplanted this way into a chamber symphony I would be the happiest man on earth. This is a wonderful proof that it is possible. I like Norwegian Chamber Orchestra for the nearness, the eye contact, this time playing without notes. Shostakovich string quartet no 8 has hereby found a true interpreter in this NCO. Just a wonderful performance!
Shostakovich wrote his String Quartet no. 8 in July 1960. The arrangement of the quartet for string orchestra that is performed here was made by the Russian conductor and violist Rudolf Barhsai and approved by Shostakovich.
lol every conductor used to arrange compositions. It used to be the job of conductors to show up with their own interpretations. Quite fascinating how "arrangement" today is almost considered a nasty word. In my opinion a nasty word should be "authentic interpretation" because we have no authentic conductors anymore.
This orchestra seem to produce a sound like no other I have heard for years. The acoustics of the concert hall are probably perfect for them, but still, this is close to absolute perfection. Outstanding musicians.......all of them.
@@DavidA-ps1qr I agree. Just listened for the second time and was stunned at the lush sound this orchestra presents. The pianissimo in the final movement seems to start from another dimension.
Exquisite musicianship for a demanding and subtle piece. Yes, it is impressive to play without music, but don’t let that overshadow the fact that this was a superb performance by any standard.
I was an early 20's punk/ goth boy working at Borders Books and Music in 2001 when I picked an album by Kronos Quartet that featured this piece. It changed my life. Fantastic work!
All these '"amazing performance" comments! 1. Do you think ONLY these musicians play this well? Wake up! 2. Why not praise the composer's composition? That is where most praise is deserved.
Is the best string orchestra in the world! Nobody play like Norwegian string orchestra....Nobody! Grand talento, molto espressivita', meravigliosa la senorita! Il concert maestro e' un genio! Complimenti! Viva la Musica
One of the best performances I've ever heard... It's impressive that they played the whole symphony by heart and with no conductor, only the principal who gives the cues.
Wow!!!! Thrilling and touching performance - I feel, Shostakowitsch would say: "Yes, like this, I've meant it to be..." Great peace, great interpretation!!!!
@@johnbradbury4000 No, he was quite certain that the KGB would be arresting him any day, and the stress of living with that almost drove him to it. Luckily that day never came, though.
What an exquisite performance! So far one dislike for this video. Why? This person doesn't like Shostakovich or Music? No matter what, a performance like this is worth 5 stars (*****). They play with no sheet music in front of them!! Music is ingrained in their hearts!
Hauntingly beautiful. I keep hearing the knocks at the door. Dum. Dum. Dum! Isn't that what Shostakovich feared all his life? Bravo NCO. Another wonderful performance.
Do not make a bloody morder out of the country in which he lived. He lived in it with honors and glory and, by the way, did not like to go to the "blessed" West even to concerts. From Russia.
Notice that the piece begins with Shostakovich's initials -- DSCH -- His signature in many of his works. This four note sequence is woven throughout. I think I hear passages "stolen" from his tenth symphony, which also uses the DSCH motif.
Brilliant. That is some amazing sound, especially the pianissimo/pianississimo near the end. I have not heard anything better than this. No sheet music and no conductor. Outstanding.
@@hannahchester1845 Well when you practice something, you "memorise" it whether you like it or not, right? I get if you're playing something with a lot of repetition you could play the wrong part at the wrong time, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
Completamente asombroso... Sensacional interpretación de una obra muy profunda... Dimitry Schostakovich vive y vivirá por siempre en nuestra alma. Nos explicó TODO a través de su música...
That cadence at 0:59 is so beautiful. To me almost the whole piece is about that cadence. It comes back a few times in different variations, with the last time being at 22:25, but the sound and performance of its first appearance at 0:59 is just absolutely stunning. I have come back over and over to relisten to that cadence only. Congratulations and a big thank you to the musicians and technical staff in capturing this piece of art in the way you did and making it available to all of us.
Now frenzied desperation has a sound. Thank you Mr. S ! It must have felt like this for many people in the Soviet Union, especially under Stalin. Or in every other totalitarian state for that matter.
I'm sorry, but you're an idiot. We did not feel anything in the USSR. This is what you at school (propaganda) flooded into your heads. Choke on your "white fluffy" democracy. From Russia.
3 días le llevó componer esta obra en Alemania, original para cuarteto pero bien logrado este arreglo que contó con la aprobación de Dimitri. Excelente interpretación esta, Felicidades al grupo.
Second movement is the rage I felt this morning with 20 different people on the train having their loud text messages notifications pinging constantly! I don’t need anger management because Shostakovich get’s me boo. He’s my bae.
I always assume if I’m hearing a very obvious comparison within two master’s works, they must have heard it too. There’s a LOT of the Largo in West Side Story, and there’s a little bit of RVW’s Fantasy on Thomas Tallis in THIS piece. Who knows if it’s coincidence. (I think Bernstein heard this.)
It is a great recording, the playing by memory makes it so much more interesting!! One question though: the violinist at 20:13 stands in a really weird position, I suppose he plays 2nd violin, but it looks like he’s there to fill up the space, so It kind of looks like he’s lost.. it could be also, since the camera zooms in on him quite often, that he’s somehow Important to the orchestra ? Don’t know, just looks a bit strange, especially from the wide shot…
the fact that they have it all memorized is no joke and adds to the flow of the group
Absolutely amazing memorization with total assurance at every entry.
Many old people lose their enthusiasm. But this old man is still full of wrath for what the USSR did to him.
That concermaster knows how to do his job! His movements perfectly fit the strange and haunting feel of the piece.
If all string quartets in this world could be transplanted this way into a chamber symphony I would be the happiest man on earth. This is a wonderful proof that it is possible. I like Norwegian Chamber Orchestra for the nearness, the eye contact, this time playing without notes. Shostakovich string quartet no 8 has hereby found a true interpreter in this NCO. Just a wonderful performance!
Many ensembles don’t play this well with the music and conductor in front of them
The soloist is the conductor, doesnt it?
Peterson A.Boll No he’s considered as the principal because he’s not using actual conducting, he’s only showing the cues.
Idky @nikocado avocado but my friend is a fan of yours, are you into classical music?
why the fuck were u here LOOL i just wanna do my school assignment? ¿¿ also you disgust me lulw
I literally just watched on of your mukbangs about an hour ago and I came to this video and you're here oml
Shostakovich is the death metal of the classical world.
Since Shostakovich was here first, it should be 'death metal is the Shostakovich of pop music'
Tchaikovsky, Dvorak , Rimsky-Korsakov too
BARTOK
Stravinsky. Rite of Spring is pretty metal.
@@tiestokygoericprydz3963 Yeah... I can tell you have no idea what metal is. If you gave Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and Rimsky-Korsakov as examples
4:39 second movement.
常恩 thanks man
Is there a third?
Peter445 yes 7:24
Shostakovich wrote his String Quartet no. 8 in July 1960. The arrangement of the quartet for string
orchestra that is performed here was made by the Russian conductor and violist Rudolf
Barhsai and approved by Shostakovich.
lol every conductor used to arrange compositions. It used to be the job of conductors to show up with their own interpretations.
Quite fascinating how "arrangement" today is almost considered a nasty word.
In my opinion a nasty word should be "authentic interpretation" because we have no authentic conductors anymore.
Viola: has a solo
Camera man: RIGHT THEN I’ll just film the violins doing nothing
JAJAJAJAJAJA
EXACTLY
Ik, I hate that...other than that everything else is wonderful!
lol
Exactly! The director and camera man those not have a slight idea what's happening on the stage.
This orchestra seem to produce a sound like no other I have heard for years. The acoustics of the concert hall are probably perfect for them, but still, this is close to absolute perfection. Outstanding musicians.......all of them.
Very nice! 👍
Totally agree...one of the best live performances I've ever heard.
@@paulhoyle9013 Thank you Paul for your reply. It is something special.
@@DavidA-ps1qr I agree. Just listened for the second time and was stunned at the lush sound this orchestra presents. The pianissimo in the final movement seems to start from another dimension.
@@julieandrews730 Absolutely!
Beautiful, stunning performance of Barshai's arrangement.
No conductor, no sheet music - GREAT job!
0:04 first movement
4:39 second movement
7:23 third movement
12:26 forth movement
19:10 fifth movement
fifth? I dont remember Str. Qrt. 8 having a 5th movement
@@forbiddenfursona I'm pretty sure there is
@@joshua866 there is
@@forbiddenfursona there is
omg thx i needed this
Exquisite musicianship for a demanding and subtle piece. Yes, it is impressive to play without music, but don’t let that overshadow the fact that this was a superb performance by any standard.
I was an early 20's punk/ goth boy working at Borders Books and Music in 2001 when I picked an album by Kronos Quartet that featured this piece. It changed my life. Fantastic work!
All these '"amazing performance" comments!
1. Do you think ONLY these musicians play this well? Wake up! 2. Why not praise the composer's composition? That is where most praise is deserved.
Is the best string orchestra in the world! Nobody play like Norwegian string orchestra....Nobody! Grand talento, molto espressivita', meravigliosa la senorita! Il concert maestro e' un genio! Complimenti! Viva la Musica
One of the best performances I've ever heard... It's impressive that they played the whole symphony by heart and with no conductor, only the principal who gives the cues.
Wow!!!! Thrilling and touching performance - I feel, Shostakowitsch would say: "Yes, like this, I've meant it to be..."
Great peace, great interpretation!!!!
Never heard this before. It's beautiful in a dark sort of way.
Dresden bombing...
It was meant to be Shostakovich’s suicide note.
Did he suicide??
@@johnbradbury4000 No, he was quite certain that the KGB would be arresting him any day, and the stress of living with that almost drove him to it. Luckily that day never came, though.
The loud unisons in the last movement are meant to echo the KGB knocking at his door.
REMARKABLE - Performance completely by memory. ♥♥♥♥
Absolutely phenomenal performance of this piece! God, you are the true musicians!
What an exquisite performance! So far one dislike for this video. Why? This person doesn't like Shostakovich or Music? No matter what, a performance like this is worth 5 stars (*****). They play with no sheet music in front of them!! Music is ingrained in their hearts!
Magnificent performance of an utterly haunting piece of music, one of he composer's finest creations.
Extremely brillant! I hope someday I could listen your performance live...Bravi!!!👏👏👏👏👏
Hauntingly beautiful. I keep hearing the knocks at the door. Dum. Dum. Dum! Isn't that what Shostakovich feared all his life? Bravo NCO. Another wonderful performance.
Do not make a bloody morder out of the country in which he lived. He lived in it with honors and glory and, by the way, did not like to go to the "blessed" West even to concerts. From Russia.
This is bloody well done. Hands down one of the best performances of the piece
I will watch this video for the rest of my life
are you still watching it
@@goobGoobian always
Truest of Compelling Contemplative Mysticism! Electrifying to our emotions, Penetrating through our Souls! God Bless and entire gratitude!
God the amount of times that this scared me is ridiculous, every time I think I can catch my breath there’s a mass plummet in my chest.
this is stunning - real ensemble but the feel behind the music is tangible - Dmitri S would have LOVED this!
Notice that the piece begins with Shostakovich's initials -- DSCH -- His signature in many of his works. This four note sequence is woven throughout. I think I hear passages "stolen" from his tenth symphony, which also uses the DSCH motif.
Wasn't it D E C B from D-Mi(tri) C-H(ostakovich)?
@@orionlavinmartinez3186 No, it's e-flat, or Es in German notation. It's pronounced like the letter "s", so it's D-Es-C-H - Dmitri SCHostakovich .
@@irinaindeikina4042 ah yes, makes more sense indeed.
Brilliant. That is some amazing sound, especially the pianissimo/pianississimo near the end. I have not heard anything better than this. No sheet music and no conductor. Outstanding.
Magnificent and powerful performance
amazing and brilliant stylistic and artistic performance
Fantastic performance!
What an amazing performance 👏🏾
Hauntingly beautiful! Thank you, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra!
Love this.. I gotta listen this masterpiece everyday....
Masterful performance, and masterful audio engineering, fantastic recording
I definitely was NOT prepared for the powerful chords at 12:27! Extremely well done!
Sounds a bit like the mii channel theme, don't you think?
Rei Iwahara lmao
When KGB or Gestapo "knocks" your door, you don't usually expect it...
Waited for them ... but still terrifying!
Best version ever heard!
Meravigliosa esecuzione !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Absolutely ENTHRALLING.
So wonderful! ❤️❤️❤️
This is what music should be!
Absolutely amazing! Many thanks for sharing 😀
Absolutely magnificent! The best interpretation ever! Congratulations!
Thank you thank you. NOW THESE ARE MUSICIANS, TRUE ARTIST, YA KNOW ON THE LEVEL OF KEEPING UP WITH KIM CARCINOGEN
Oh my god.... !!!!!
Why you here?
I gotta respect his taste in music
@@stefi1438 yeah
Was not expecting you here damn.
great orchestra. play everything from memory. that's the way musicians should be.
Ok boomer
@@hannahchester1845 cheap shot
@@hannahchester1845 what's that supposed to mean? your ass is itchy?
@@hannahchester1845 Well when you practice something, you "memorise" it whether you like it or not, right? I get if you're playing something with a lot of repetition you could play the wrong part at the wrong time, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
Completamente asombroso...
Sensacional interpretación de una obra muy profunda...
Dimitry Schostakovich vive y vivirá por siempre en nuestra alma. Nos explicó TODO a través de su música...
Just ... no words .... w o w ! BRAVO !!!
6:29 is amazing
Wow, just wow in many regards....
So......I can't even pick a word to describe..... perfect....
Großartig!❤
just, Amazing! Bravo!!!!👏🏼
Magnifique
this is unreally good. Speechlessly amazing!!!
That cadence at 0:59 is so beautiful. To me almost the whole piece is about that cadence. It comes back a few times in different variations, with the last time being at 22:25, but the sound and performance of its first appearance at 0:59 is just absolutely stunning. I have come back over and over to relisten to that cadence only. Congratulations and a big thank you to the musicians and technical staff in capturing this piece of art in the way you did and making it available to all of us.
Hopefully they will record this. They are my favorite chamber orchestra! Goosebumps all over
Я в день раз пять слушаю ваше исполнение. Это прекрасно то что вы делаете.
Musica bellissima ottimi gli interpreti
Amazing, beautiful!!!! i have no words to describe this...
BRAVA!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Now frenzied desperation has a sound. Thank you Mr. S ! It must have felt like this for many people in the Soviet Union, especially under Stalin. Or in every other totalitarian state for that matter.
I'm sorry, but you're an idiot. We did not feel anything in the USSR. This is what you at school (propaganda) flooded into your heads. Choke on your "white fluffy" democracy. From Russia.
The violas had the melody but you still focused the violins? not cool but it's still so great
Daniel Marquez Carretero I’m pretty sure you are a very misguided soul.
No sane man would prioritize the violas. He is clearly something else, something more... sinister.
@@andrewmcclellan9347 Hahaha
I’m sure there’s some reason that they focused the violins. Violins are naturally louder so it might just be the way it has to be
nobody wants to see the violas.
3 días le llevó componer esta obra en Alemania, original para cuarteto pero bien logrado este arreglo que contó con la aprobación de Dimitri. Excelente interpretación esta, Felicidades al grupo.
Terrifying as the string quartet original is, Barshai's arrangement is ten times more terrifying. This performance rocks!
Magical!
What do you get when Shostakovich scores Psycho? This music.
Sooo gooooood! love it!❤️
this piece sounds so much better performed by a chamber orchestra than a string quartet!
I agree 100%!!!!
I disagree but it's still a great arrangement
I think it’s just different,
but I do prefer the string orchestra version by a tad.
so we’ll played! absolutely incredible!!
Sans conducteur (chef d'orchestre), sinon le premier violon, et pas de partitions devant les yeux et..... debout. Quelle intensité, c'est splendide !
7:10 HAHAHAHA YES
Second movement is the rage I felt this morning with 20 different people on the train having their loud text messages notifications pinging constantly! I don’t need anger management because Shostakovich get’s me boo. He’s my bae.
Just stunning! And more than once - goosebumps!!
Great synchronized performance. Keep it up 👍🏻
I just realized they have no sheet music. From memory, very impressive.
Sem partitura, sem papel. Olhos desligados e ouvidos ao máximo. Parabéns e muito, muito obrigado.
Great! Bravi!!!
8:27 I just love that section
Beautiful
Formidable!
This concert-master have big vibe
Magnificent !
Shostakovicht es extraordinariamente expresivo. Puro expresionismo
Jesús R. Silva ¡si! Es fantastico
I always assume if I’m hearing a very obvious comparison within two master’s works, they must have heard it too. There’s a LOT of the Largo in West Side Story, and there’s a little bit of RVW’s Fantasy on Thomas Tallis in THIS piece. Who knows if it’s coincidence. (I think Bernstein heard this.)
This is just wow😩😩
Spectacular ...
Пожалуй одно из лучших исполнений 8 квартета
Impressive and great performance - without sheet music!
AWESOME!!!
“The majority of my symphonies are tombstones.” -D.D. Shostakovich
It is a great recording, the playing by memory makes it so much more interesting!!
One question though: the violinist at 20:13 stands in a really weird position, I suppose he plays 2nd violin, but it looks like he’s there to fill up the space, so
It kind of looks like he’s lost.. it could be also, since the camera zooms in on him quite often, that he’s somehow
Important to the orchestra ? Don’t know, just looks a bit strange, especially from the wide shot…
Stunning.
洋阿相
恐るべき暗譜力とアンサンブル能力です。指揮者なしの合奏団は最近多くUPされて優れた合奏を聞かせておりますが、これほどの難曲を暗譜で演奏している合奏団体を私は知りません。団員ひとりひとりの才能と合奏訓練の賜物でしょう。
How they do this..! Especially the second movement.
Holy shit, the chords in the fourth movement...
Even crazier, the pp colour at the end of the last movement. Wow. Very few ensembles would dare to play that quietly... amazing.
Awesome! Though I wish the audio engineer was more gentle on the dynamics.
The best!!!!