Yeah, I agree, except for once when a street musician (busker) in Seattle whipped out an incredibly impactfull rendition when I asked her if she knew it... people had tears in their eyes before she was done. I was in if them. I left her my last five dollars. I wonder...
Thank you sincerely for a most delicate rendition of this thoroughly comprehensive expression of remembrance, or a depiction of a way of life that was almost forgotten in our near constantly inter-connective-ness. Your most impressive interpretation and violin skills have perhaps also allowed other listeners to be more thoroughly immersed in Jay Ungar’s endearing piece.
Funny how a song written in 1982 in the style of a Scottish lament could become the identifying theme music for Burns' magnificent Civil War series. The melody is haunting and bittersweet, provoking an emotional response from the listener. The mystical quality of music.
@@pwcomps Well it was where alot of the scottish highland diaspora settled after the clearances.. and beyond their roots run very deep and strong through the place.
Transcends the boundaries of time. And I’m sure would’ve been received by my Grandfathers in the trenches before a Petersburg, or when all was quite on the Potomac.
Has this music notbeen used as a lament for all the deaths & suffering of the American Civil? - an event which was tragically predicted at the time of the war of 1812 by those seeing the conflict of interests within the United States -
Unger apparently wrote this after a visit to the north west highlands of Scotland, and I have to say, as a Scot, it hits home big time. A beautiful piece. A Scottish Lament, written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx, as he described it. And he nailed it.
This is forever a favorite of mine. It's bittersweet, heartbreaking, joyful, sad, hopeful... It reminds me of days older than me and memories I never had. It fills me with dreams of my future and makes me wonder what they'll look like. Mostly, it makes me desperate for the morning so I can dig my violin out and give it some much needed attention.
I understand completely! Music is amazing like that, isn't it! And no time like today for your violin! I always tell my students - the hardest part is getting it out of the case to practice. Once you start, it's not so daunting! Even if it's just 15 minutes a day, you'll feel so great having done it!
Though this song was only wrote some 40 years ago, if one listens to any version and concentrates hard enough one can almost hear the sound of distant cannon and musket fire. The jingle of horses hardware, and the marching of troops. Such a haunting and sorrowful melody.
That's a bloody joke : this piece of music has nothing to do with the Civil War of the USA in 1861-65. Or any war. Originally ... this was written like a romantic scottish lament or complain, in 1982 in New York.
I think what the commenter is referring to is that this piece transports them there. That's what music is all about, after all. While a contemporary composition, it's an old soul. ❤️
@@jeansentrais9866 the award for reading my comment but lacking the comprehensive skills to understand it and still replying to it making a blundering fool of yourself goes to you buddy……………..
As a Scot, I can tell you it rings true in my heart, it is a line of smoke that stretches from dark and long since abandoned crofts across the endless ocean to deep into the green of Appalachia
I have wept for men who died for in the American civil war over a 150 years ago. And I am not even an American. The documentary and this track captures the tragedy of the time and how monumental that war was for humanity. And that letter from Sullivan Ballou! Oh my gosh! ❤❤❤😢😢😢
@@ernesthill4017 - What must one conclude about the supporters of the confederacy? Was it a war of patriotism, a war to defend states rights, war for love of their beloved states (Lee for Virginia) or to defend their way of life (aka right to preserve slavery in the south)? I am sure southern soldiers fought for a myriad of reasons and not one. I am not being snarky. Just trying to understand truly. As you would imagine, there is precious sympathy for those who wanted to continue slavery. I am from India. We were a colony of the British empire which I find abhorrent. Slavery as a policy is therefore deplorable in my mind. I have tried to find sympathy for the soldiers of the confederacy as well who were fighting for the leaders of the confederacy and the rich slaveholders (who I am sure did not send their own sons to die).
@@anakinskywalkerii4350 well, if I may be a bit snarky... It's complicated.And it ISN'T. But, yeah, all of the points that you raised are worthy of consideration. The one thing that I do not accept is the officers who broke their oaths to preserve, protect and defend the constitution- even R.E. Lee- they were traitors, oath breakers, dishonest and absolutely untrustworthy (after breaking an oath that they swore, hand on the Bible that they claimed to hold sacred). VERY FEW Confederate officers did not try to disingenuously justify their willingness to swear on their honor, and then abandon those paths and that 'honor'. The few that admitted that they had changed their minds about what honor was were at east willing to admit that they were liars and craven untrustworthy despicable dishonest un-American treasonous rebels. There are NO GRAY AREAS for people that held their honor as sacred, and then abandoned it for the ultimate cause of white supremacy. (It is absurd to think that the Civil War was about anything else than that! ...Just read the Confederate Constitutional convention, the Confederate state constitutions, Speeches by Jefferson Davis, the Confederate electoral platform, etc, etc, etc... and how they ALL say that there is a self evident truth, under GOD, that the natural state of the Negro is to be subservient to the Superior White Man. (Funny how women, white or otherwise, aren't mentioned, eh?)
@@anakinskywalkerii4350 It is not complicated. (Though I can see how, even a hundred and sixty years later, the lies and racist crap still are able to confuse what is, really, a really simple thing- the secessionist leaders in the south were EVIL. (If evil exists, if not, then they were merely despicable deplorable hateful horrible people...) From the Confederate Constitution: "It's foundations are laid, it's cornerstone rests, in the great truth that the Negro is NOT equal to the White Man." Pretty simple, eh? (And then there is Robert E Lee, and all of the other officers that put their hands on a Bible that they believed in and swore to pee, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and, as soon as it became apparent that holding to their oaths would mean giving up their slaves, broke those most sacred of oaths and went to war to continue their ability to 'wring their bread from the sweat of other men's faces: (keep their slaves!) Yeah, what a bunch of honorable men. (Despicable, dishonest, oath breaking, untrustworthy, violent, treasonous rebels... Pieces of shit, frankly
Absolutely beautiful ❤ This was the first song I memorized when I started playing the violin. 30 years later, I still remember it, and play it for funerals for my loved ones at their request.
This was played at my dads funeral by my niece and her husband. I’d never heard it before or either of them play ( both very accomplished). How she managed to play it so well on the day it brought me to tears and cannot hear it without thinking of my dad. He loved to hear her play.
Well... except that this lovely lament, composed by Jay Ungar, has absolutely Zero to do with the American Civil War... or Any war. It was written in the early 1970, and was merely chosen by Ken Burns as a recurring theme in his series in the late '80s. 🙄
Thank you for your sweet comment! The little girl in my video is my daughter and I love getting to look back on when she was such a fun age! Kids really are special, aren't they?! ♥️
From the first notes i was in tears, and i am musician for long time (pianist). That deepness and genuinely in the play have pierced everything in my soul ! Thank you for that performance 🙏
Hauntingly beautiful and almost beyond words. Jessica's playing of Jay Ungar's classic, The Ashokan Farewell, touches not just the heart but the very soul. Very best wishes, Jessica, from the west coast of Ireland.
You remind me of my mom when she played this on her violin, I cried when I first heard it, even now it chokes me up. You brought me back to those good times thank you Jessica. ❤
I've loved this tune since I saw the documentary and I've heard many versions, but none as beautiful as yours. I weep every time I listen to it. How is it humanely possible to create such beauty? All my best and ❤️❤️❤️ all the way from Denmark.
This brought tears to my eyes ... I have a family friend who played this as my sister walked up the aisle for her wedding. I wanted to hear it again before I planned the same thing for my own wedding in a year. Absolutely beautiful job!
+Bailey Sucha -- Thank you for your sweet comment! It really is a beautiful piece of music and a wonderful choice for processional :) Best of luck at your wedding!
+Bailey Sucha, it's true-- I do play at weddings! I didn't want to step on anyone's toes in case you already had a violinist lined up, but if you're in the state of Utah, please feel free to contact me for a quote if you're interested. :) My website is jessicamcallister.com
Thank you so much! I hope your lessons are going well, too :) The violin can be one of the most mesmerizing and inspirational instruments out there, so keep up the hard work!
Sorry for the delay in responding... YT makes finding approved comments in reply threads almost impossible to find! I had to manually scroll and look for it 🤣 The playing is going well! Just got back from the studio, in fact. I'll be working with a new cinematographer in the coming months to launch a new (professional quality) video! I'm so excited! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it ♥️
Hahaha! Randall, your comment made me laugh out loud! 😂 I'm so glad they touched your soul in a good way, 'cause Heaven knows that there are plenty of double stops that have the opposite reaction 😜
Ashokan Farewell, and performers like you, are informing and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Thank you so much. I've just started playing, and I'm 61.
Well, I'm glad it did:). Maybe this is just me, but I find many musicians don't quite capture the emotions in the piece, and in some performances the double stops were harsh, the grace notes stilted. Yours is completely natural, capturing every emotion Jay Ungar intended.
You are so sweet! Thank you! I'm always cussing my double stops, so I really appreciate that compliment! I think a common issue for a lot of musicians (myself included often enough) is that they try SO hard to make everything flawless that they end up forcing the music out and forfeiting the emotion. I'm beyond grateful that it was able to shine through in this recording! :)
Yes, double stops are the bane of my existence haha. And yes, it is too easy to force a piece out, especially if the performer is nervous. For me, I worry incessantly about my tone and intonation, which ironically causes it to sound poorly.
You're not alone! The violin is SO difficult to get just right. . . and some days, it royally kicks my trash. . . even after playing for 20 years. hahaha! How long have you been playing?
Listening to you playing this tune, I close my eyes... First you transport me to this tragic civil war where so many human being were lost.. Then you make me remember many memories of my childhood in Africa, best and the worst. That bring me tears to my eyes. You play it so well Jessica!!! This the best violin version I ve ever heard, played with so much soul. Thank you very much!!! Grating from Belgium
Thank you so much! Music can definitely take us places, can't it! It's unlike anything else. I'm so happy to enjoyed my version! And it means a lot to me that you took the time to comment. It made my evening! ❤️
During spring concerts we would play this song for our seniors. It hits you differently when you’re walking across the stage and not the one playing it
I couldn't agree more! It's such a beautiful piece with a lot of hidden depth and emotion. :) It's one of those pieces that can touch your heart in different ways depending on what's going on in your life when you hear it.
You know I attended Washington and Lee University for a year back in 1997/1998. If ever there a song that could capture the tragic loss of so many men, in the war for Southern independence, and if ever there was a performance of the saddest song in the whole world, this is it. It's really kind of saved me from lesser songs, and I'm grateful.
What an honor! Thank you so much ❤️ It's definitely one of those pieces that has huge potential for a raw emotional impact on listeners (and performers). I'm beyond thrilled that I was able to portray that in my video. Thanks again! Wishing you all the best!
@@firststringviolinist Well, we love you, Ms. Jessica McAllister. Not, perhaps as a distraction from better things said by better men, by thought by better men but . . . .
Grand. it was beutiful- i have played ashokan farewell on nylon guitar and lissen to it 1000 times , but i still not there yet, but after seen this excellent play , i will still exsercise ASHOKAN with added lyric.
Thank you so much! And, yes, keep working on it! My advice is: don't overthink it. The raw beauty of this piece comes from the heart and soul. It doesn't have to be technically flawless in order to be beautiful. Best of luck! (And thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment)
thanks ! i tryed with lyrics. Cleo Laila , and i was a Little easier to play it, so now i iam gonna try Pricilla herdman (94 ,Lyrics from a Movie i guess.) and see its thats gonna feel the same way, nice saturday evening on you jesssica
just returned from a 4 day bluegrass festival in Norway. last jam-session ended sunday morning at 06.15 AM. This version of Ashokan farewell fully covers the feeling in the soul by the departure from the festival grounds.
this is really fantastic. A lot of players, including some famous ones, have covered this song. You're the first player that I think has truly done it justice. If I didn't know it, I'd think it was Jay Ungar himself. Cant wait to hear more.
+Jackson Smith - What a sweet comment! It really made my day. I hope to record Jay and Molly's "Lover's Waltz" when I'm at the studio again later this year. I'll be sure to upload it (one way or another) so you can hear it! Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!
I can picture David McCullough giving us a virtual tour and the heroic stories brought back to life narrated by the lovely man, RIP. And this is a beautiful rendition of the tune, thanks lady 💘
for Enlightenment, i don't need any meditation or worshipping of any god , just sit in my wheelchair and play this piece of yours 😇🎧🎻 thank you so much 🙏 lots of love and respect from India 🙏🇮🇳
This was played with such beautiful talent! You have such an ear for pitch! I loved listening to you play! The video was also very artistic and beautiful! Thanks for posting!
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! And you're right - it really IS hard to believe. Some music has an "old soul", and this is definitely one of those pieces!
Thank you Jessica. This is honestly one of the best recordings and videos of "Ashokan Farewell" that I have found. Sorry that it took me seven years to find it. On an amusing note: My violin teacher and I sometimes joke about when the first tune that our students (or perhaps their pesky pushy parents) want to play is "Ashokan Farewell". Well, that is all understandable, and possible, but first we shall begin with the virtuoso masterpiece: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". OMG! Just Look, Grandpa! Our grandson is suddenly playing Mozart! Mission Accomplished. ;-)
Why, thank you! I once had a student request that I teach her "Schindler's List" and I *gasped* a little inside. That's another one of those pieces that looks one way on paper and entirely different once you start trying to play it. 🤣 And, yes! I warn my beginners that they (and their families) will have Twinkle Twinkle stuck in their heads for a looooong time.
@@firststringviolinist Thanks for the encouraging words! Where Irish and American folk music meet is some of the richest music. There used to be a show on Irish TV called the Transatalantic Sessions - here's a good example of how American and Irish folk drink from the same well. ua-cam.com/video/suRuMnb9Ho4/v-deo.html
stumbled on this by accident, but have returned over and over again. How Jessica McAllister is not inter nationally famous is a mystery to me. Absolutely stunning performance .
I'm just a student violinist (but a senior). You are my new benchmark for the perfect vibrato. Ashoken Farewell is an absolute favorite and I love the way both Jay and his daughter Ruth play it. But this version is in a world of its own. What an absolutely beautiful interpretation. I will study this video extensively in the next weeks. What a wonderful relaxed wrist you have and what a marvelous vibrato the motion of it produces. I'm so glad to have found this video. I subscribed too.
Golly - I feel so fancy now! Hahaha! Thank you for your sweet comments! I'm so happy you subscribed, as well. I wish you the best of luck as you find what works best for your playing style. And, hey, don't forget to have fun and enjoy yourself! Sometimes we musicians strive for perfection at the expense of feeling the "soul" of the piece. Let it speak TO you so it can speak THROUGH you 👍 You're going to do great!
Merry Christmas Jessica! I still think of how thrilled my Mother and family was with you and your beautiful music. Mom is back here in New York. She misses Utah though. Please share more of your music on youtube. I will be so happy to view whatever you play.
I'm so glad to hear that she's settled in New York! And I often think back fondly on my time spent with your family! I had such an enjoyable time :) I'll work on uploading something new once the craziness of the holidays dies down! Thanks for the encouragement 👍
Hahahaha! In my experience, violinists are very hard on themselves. It's probably MUCH prettier than you think! Keep practicing and don't give up! And like I always tell my violin students - HAVE FUN. Don't overthink it. Let the music move through you instead of trying to force it. It might not be perfect, but that will come in time. 👍
This video seems like a distillation of all that is good and noble in Humanity - Thank You, Jessica McAllister. I watch this regularly and am always deeply moved.. The Ashokan Farewell was played at my beloved first wife's funeral because she loved it ever after hearing it on the Ken Burns Civil War documentary series. In due course, it will be played at mine too.
I may never be able to play it so beautifully but some day soon i shall stand on a hilside and play it to the wind and the trees. So beautifully played here
Some how this is evocative of the sadness of Ireland ad The Scottish Clearances, I am Scottish and It pulls on my heart thank you sovery much yes I have read about the sad events of the civil war thank you thank you George Fryer
George, you do know this was composed in 1982 (nineteen eighty-two) as a closing waltz at summer camps in Ashokan, NY? It had nothing to link it to the civil war until PBS chose it as the theme tune in 1990 for a mini-series.
Your violin performance was lovely. Although I am a pianist, I could listen to great violin performances like yours all the time! Bravo! Hello from Houston
I discovered, and fell in love with this beautiful music, via the civil War documentary. I have listened to many versions since. This is truly, one of the most beautiful i have heard. No frills, just musical delight. The sadness of the lament. touches your soul. Its simplicity, and beauty is totally magical. Absolute congratulations, on a fabulous work, both musically, and visually. Safely saved into my playlist, for future joyful listening.
@@firststringviolinist YaY right back at you. I'm Always pleased, if I can put a smile on someone's face. The very least I could do, after listening to your joyous music. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Back for another delicious dose of this gorgeous music. Has I always relate Ashoken to the civil war documentary, your post, brings a touch of melancholy at the ultimate futility of war. But, the simple beauty of the arrangement, wins in the end, and a happy smile is once again on my face. oh the joy of music. :) :)
I love this tune and I play it. I am also a Fiddle Player. But I can't play vibrato yet. The song is so much more full with Vibrato. Can I ask you how long it took you to learn Vibrato and can you suggest any drills I can use to help me learn? It is so limiting when you can't play vibrato.
This is a really beautiful tune and it was beautifully played here. I struggle trying to play it on a recorder but have difficulty hitting the high notes.
I've heard dozens of violinists play this piece but never more beautifully. Thank you!
How sweet are you?! Thank you SO much!
Yeah, I agree, except for once when a street musician (busker) in Seattle whipped out an incredibly impactfull rendition when I asked her if she knew it... people had tears in their eyes before she was done. I was in if them. I left her my last five dollars.
I wonder...
Thank you sincerely for a most delicate rendition of this thoroughly comprehensive expression of remembrance, or a depiction of a way of life that was almost forgotten in our near constantly inter-connective-ness.
Your most impressive interpretation and violin skills have perhaps also allowed other listeners to be more thoroughly immersed in Jay Ungar’s endearing piece.
@@timothymccarthy7048
What a gracious reply. I agree 100 percent. Cheers!
It’s so lovely.
Funny how a song written in 1982 in the style of a Scottish lament could become the identifying theme music for Burns' magnificent Civil War series. The melody is haunting and bittersweet, provoking an emotional response from the listener. The mystical quality of music.
Scotland and Appalachia have a lot in common, including the mountain range.
@@pwcomps
Well it was where alot of the scottish highland diaspora settled after the clearances.. and beyond their roots run very deep and strong through the place.
Transcends the boundaries of time. And I’m sure would’ve been received by my Grandfathers in the trenches before a Petersburg, or when all was quite on the Potomac.
Has this music notbeen used as a lament for all the deaths & suffering of the American Civil?
- an event which was tragically predicted at the time of the war of 1812 by those seeing the conflict of interests within the United States -
Resonates in Atlantic Canada too. Nova Scotia. 🇨🇦
Unger apparently wrote this after a visit to the north west highlands of Scotland, and I have to say, as a Scot, it hits home big time. A beautiful piece. A Scottish Lament, written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx, as he described it. And he nailed it.
It is very remanisrnt of the "fluers o the forest"
This is forever a favorite of mine. It's bittersweet, heartbreaking, joyful, sad, hopeful... It reminds me of days older than me and memories I never had. It fills me with dreams of my future and makes me wonder what they'll look like. Mostly, it makes me desperate for the morning so I can dig my violin out and give it some much needed attention.
I understand completely! Music is amazing like that, isn't it! And no time like today for your violin! I always tell my students - the hardest part is getting it out of the case to practice. Once you start, it's not so daunting! Even if it's just 15 minutes a day, you'll feel so great having done it!
Though this song was only wrote some 40 years ago, if one listens to any version and concentrates hard enough one can almost hear the sound of distant cannon and musket fire. The jingle of horses hardware, and the marching of troops. Such a haunting and sorrowful melody.
This was a beautifully written comment! 🥰
its not an out of date song! its just the song for round 2!!! >:)
That's a bloody joke : this piece of music has nothing to do with the Civil War of the USA in 1861-65. Or any war.
Originally ... this was written like a romantic scottish lament or complain, in 1982 in New York.
I think what the commenter is referring to is that this piece transports them there. That's what music is all about, after all. While a contemporary composition, it's an old soul. ❤️
@@jeansentrais9866 the award for reading my comment but lacking the comprehensive skills to understand it and still replying to it making a blundering fool of yourself goes to you buddy……………..
As a Scot, I can tell you it rings true in my heart, it is a line of smoke that stretches from dark and long since abandoned crofts across the endless ocean to deep into the green of Appalachia
I have wept for men who died for in the American civil war over a 150 years ago. And I am not even an American. The documentary and this track captures the tragedy of the time and how monumental that war was for humanity. And that letter from Sullivan Ballou! Oh my gosh! ❤❤❤😢😢😢
To truly understand what it means to be American, one must understand the War
@@ernesthill4017 - What must one conclude about the supporters of the confederacy? Was it a war of patriotism, a war to defend states rights, war for love of their beloved states (Lee for Virginia) or to defend their way of life (aka right to preserve slavery in the south)? I am sure southern soldiers fought for a myriad of reasons and not one. I am not being snarky. Just trying to understand truly. As you would imagine, there is precious sympathy for those who wanted to continue slavery. I am from India. We were a colony of the British empire which I find abhorrent. Slavery as a policy is therefore deplorable in my mind. I have tried to find sympathy for the soldiers of the confederacy as well who were fighting for the leaders of the confederacy and the rich slaveholders (who I am sure did not send their own sons to die).
@@anakinskywalkerii4350 well, if I may be a bit snarky... It's complicated.And it ISN'T.
But, yeah, all of the points that you raised are worthy of consideration. The one thing that I do not accept is the officers who broke their oaths to preserve, protect and defend the constitution- even R.E. Lee- they were traitors, oath breakers, dishonest and absolutely untrustworthy (after breaking an oath that they swore, hand on the Bible that they claimed to hold sacred).
VERY FEW Confederate officers did not try to disingenuously justify their willingness to swear on their honor, and then abandon those paths and that 'honor'. The few that admitted that they had changed their minds about what honor was were at east willing to admit that they were liars and craven untrustworthy despicable dishonest un-American treasonous rebels. There are NO GRAY AREAS for people that held their honor as sacred, and then abandoned it for the ultimate cause of white supremacy. (It is absurd to think that the Civil War was about anything else than that! ...Just read the Confederate Constitutional convention, the Confederate state constitutions, Speeches by Jefferson Davis, the Confederate electoral platform, etc, etc, etc... and how they ALL say that there is a self evident truth, under GOD, that the natural state of the Negro is to be subservient to the Superior White Man. (Funny how women, white or otherwise, aren't mentioned, eh?)
@@anakinskywalkerii4350
It is not complicated. (Though I can see how, even a hundred and sixty years later, the lies and racist crap still are able to confuse what is, really, a really simple thing- the secessionist leaders in the south were EVIL. (If evil exists, if not, then they were merely despicable deplorable hateful horrible people...)
From the Confederate Constitution: "It's foundations are laid, it's cornerstone rests, in the great truth that the Negro is NOT equal to the White Man."
Pretty simple, eh? (And then there is Robert E Lee, and all of the other officers that put their hands on a Bible that they believed in and swore to pee, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and, as soon as it became apparent that holding to their oaths would mean giving up their slaves, broke those most sacred of oaths and went to war to continue their ability to 'wring their bread from the sweat of other men's faces: (keep their slaves!)
Yeah, what a bunch of honorable men. (Despicable, dishonest, oath breaking, untrustworthy, violent, treasonous rebels... Pieces of shit, frankly
Absolutely beautiful ❤ This was the first song I memorized when I started playing the violin. 30 years later, I still remember it, and play it for funerals for my loved ones at their request.
You are a good person! Bless you!
This was played at my dads funeral by my niece and her husband. I’d never heard it before or either of them play ( both very accomplished).
How she managed to play it so well on the day it brought me to tears and cannot hear it without thinking of my dad. He loved to hear her play.
"The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places..."
Well... except that this lovely lament, composed by Jay Ungar, has absolutely Zero to do with the American Civil War... or Any war. It was written in the early 1970, and was merely chosen by Ken Burns as a recurring theme in his series in the late '80s. 🙄
@@conradinhawaii7856 so what? It is a beautiful piece that evokes the time very well. He uses period music as well and this fits in perfectly.
Ken burns best narrator I've ever heard
@@JohnAnglin-lh7bs😂
This piece was ideal... and perfect... for Ken Burns' The Civil War.
As an old Irishman, I can tell ya lassy, that was fine playin. Jessica you are amazing, and I’m glad to have found out about your channel.
Thanks, Don! I'm glad you found it, too :)
Women are the best fiddle players. Gentler on the strings I guess.
Hahaha! I guess so!
@@tedc7714 Gentler on the eyes too...😉
@@sherp2u1 Creepy little twat.
This Ashokan Farewell is very classical and beautiful!
The little girl running in the video , remindes me of my daughter,when she was very.young . Tears of love saying she is God's gift to us ..always..
Thank you for your sweet comment! The little girl in my video is my daughter and I love getting to look back on when she was such a fun age! Kids really are special, aren't they?! ♥️
From the first notes i was in tears, and i am musician for long time (pianist).
That deepness and genuinely in the play have pierced everything in my soul !
Thank you for that performance
🙏
Hauntingly beautiful and almost beyond words. Jessica's playing of Jay Ungar's classic, The Ashokan Farewell, touches not just the heart but the very soul. Very best wishes, Jessica, from the west coast of Ireland.
Thank you so much, Michael! Your comment means the world to me :)
Absolutely beautiful
You remind me of my mom when she played this on her violin, I cried when I first heard it, even now it chokes me up. You brought me back to those good times thank you Jessica. ❤
What is the sound of beauty and sweet sorrow...this right here...I would think Mr. Ungar would be proud
Thank you so very much! I like to think so, too 🥰
I've loved this tune since I saw the documentary and I've heard many versions, but none as beautiful as yours. I weep every time I listen to it. How is it humanely possible to create such beauty?
All my best and ❤️❤️❤️ all the way from Denmark.
Aw that's so sweet of you! I'm not her but it's sweet to be so kind.
so beutifull brings tears to my eyes
A beautiful musical piece and very well played.
It was my husband's favorite.
Our daughter, Adeline played it at his burial on the cemetery.
Thank you! I know that music can be a great comfort during rough times. I hope it helped bring you peace!
This brought tears to my eyes ... I have a family friend who played this as my sister walked up the aisle for her wedding. I wanted to hear it again before I planned the same thing for my own wedding in a year. Absolutely beautiful job!
+Bailey Sucha -- Thank you for your sweet comment! It really is a beautiful piece of music and a wonderful choice for processional :) Best of luck at your wedding!
Bailey Sucha she plays at weddings, may be you're close. She is a wonderful violinist
+Bailey Sucha, it's true-- I do play at weddings! I didn't want to step on anyone's toes in case you already had a violinist lined up, but if you're in the state of Utah, please feel free to contact me for a quote if you're interested. :) My website is jessicamcallister.com
@@firststringviolinist I have just come across your video you played great
I hope you are happily married now
There are many versions of this great music, however, this is easily the best.
Awww - what a sweet comment! It totally made my night ☺️ I'm so glad you like it!
I plan to show this video as the closing song at my funeral. Jessica plays it so beautifully.
you have angels in your violin !!!!!!!
This was played at my friend's funeral.....so beautiful, it moved me to tears....as did you❤
Your music is heartbreaking. I cannot imagine a more beautiful or wondrous use of a violin. Thank you.
Thank you very much! I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it :)
one of the best versions I ever heard ,violin sounds great.[goose bumps] I started playing the violin because of this song.thank you for sharing!!!!
Thank you so much! I hope your lessons are going well, too :) The violin can be one of the most mesmerizing and inspirational instruments out there, so keep up the hard work!
Better than Jay Unger. Sitting down now to learn it.
Why thank you! What a compliment! I wish you the best of luck. I know you'll do great :)
Sorry for the delay in responding... YT makes finding approved comments in reply threads almost impossible to find! I had to manually scroll and look for it 🤣
The playing is going well! Just got back from the studio, in fact. I'll be working with a new cinematographer in the coming months to launch a new (professional quality) video! I'm so excited! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it ♥️
My god mamm , those double stops reach all the way to my soul. With love from Texas.
Hahaha! Randall, your comment made me laugh out loud! 😂 I'm so glad they touched your soul in a good way, 'cause Heaven knows that there are plenty of double stops that have the opposite reaction 😜
This instrumental brings tears to my eyes. It's so beautiful yet slightly haunting, and it touches my inner soul. Thank you Jessica. ❤
Ashokan Farewell, and performers like you, are informing and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Thank you so much. I've just started playing, and I'm 61.
Yaaaaay! I love that so much 😍❤️🙌
I believe this is the most beautiful performance of this piece I've heard.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that :) And thank you for taking the time to comment. It made my day!
Well, I'm glad it did:).
Maybe this is just me, but I find many musicians don't quite capture the emotions in the piece, and in some performances the double stops were harsh, the grace notes stilted. Yours is completely natural, capturing every emotion Jay Ungar intended.
You are so sweet! Thank you! I'm always cussing my double stops, so I really appreciate that compliment! I think a common issue for a lot of musicians (myself included often enough) is that they try SO hard to make everything flawless that they end up forcing the music out and forfeiting the emotion. I'm beyond grateful that it was able to shine through in this recording! :)
Yes, double stops are the bane of my existence haha. And yes, it is too easy to force a piece out, especially if the performer is nervous. For me, I worry incessantly about my tone and intonation, which ironically causes it to sound poorly.
You're not alone! The violin is SO difficult to get just right. . . and some days, it royally kicks my trash. . . even after playing for 20 years. hahaha! How long have you been playing?
Listening to you playing this tune, I close my eyes... First you transport me to this tragic civil war where so many human being were lost.. Then you make me remember many memories of my childhood in Africa, best and the worst. That bring me tears to my eyes.
You play it so well Jessica!!! This the best violin version I ve ever heard, played with so much soul. Thank you very much!!! Grating from Belgium
Thank you so much! Music can definitely take us places, can't it! It's unlike anything else. I'm so happy to enjoyed my version! And it means a lot to me that you took the time to comment. It made my evening! ❤️
During spring concerts we would play this song for our seniors. It hits you differently when you’re walking across the stage and not the one playing it
I couldn't agree more! It's such a beautiful piece with a lot of hidden depth and emotion. :) It's one of those pieces that can touch your heart in different ways depending on what's going on in your life when you hear it.
Beautiful
You know I attended Washington and Lee University for a year back in 1997/1998. If ever there a song that could capture the tragic loss of so many men, in the war for Southern independence, and if ever there was a performance of the saddest song in the whole world, this is it. It's really kind of saved me from lesser songs, and I'm grateful.
What an honor! Thank you so much ❤️ It's definitely one of those pieces that has huge potential for a raw emotional impact on listeners (and performers). I'm beyond thrilled that I was able to portray that in my video. Thanks again! Wishing you all the best!
@@firststringviolinist Well, we love you, Ms. Jessica McAllister. Not, perhaps as a distraction from better things said by better men, by thought by better men but . . . .
thank you again Ma'am. Please continue to share the wonderful music. Thank you.
Grand. it was beutiful- i have played ashokan farewell on nylon guitar and lissen to it 1000 times , but i still not there yet, but after seen this excellent play , i will still exsercise ASHOKAN with added lyric.
Thank you so much! And, yes, keep working on it! My advice is: don't overthink it. The raw beauty of this piece comes from the heart and soul. It doesn't have to be technically flawless in order to be beautiful. Best of luck! (And thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment)
thanks ! i tryed with lyrics. Cleo Laila , and i was a Little easier to play it, so now i iam gonna try Pricilla herdman (94 ,Lyrics from a Movie i guess.) and see its thats gonna feel the same way, nice saturday evening on you jesssica
just returned from a 4 day bluegrass festival in Norway. last jam-session ended sunday morning at 06.15 AM. This version of Ashokan farewell fully covers the feeling in the soul by the departure from the festival grounds.
Awww! Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear that 🥰
Not ashamed to say..your version brought me to tears ..thank you!
I'm so glad you liked it 😍
this is really fantastic. A lot of players, including some famous ones, have covered this song. You're the first player that I think has truly done it justice. If I didn't know it, I'd think it was Jay Ungar himself. Cant wait to hear more.
+Jackson Smith - What a sweet comment! It really made my day. I hope to record Jay and Molly's "Lover's Waltz" when I'm at the studio again later this year. I'll be sure to upload it (one way or another) so you can hear it! Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!
Jessica McAllister
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It is so beautiful Jessica that it made me cry. Made me homesick in my own home. Awesome Job!
I just love this music,thank you
When I played cowgirls with my best friend as kids, I named my persona your name, spelled differently. I was a viola player. I still have it. I sing.
I can picture David McCullough giving us a virtual tour and the heroic stories brought back to life narrated by the lovely man, RIP. And this is a beautiful rendition of the tune, thanks lady 💘
Thank YOU! 💕
I've listened to this song more times than I can even imagine. It gets better and better every time I hear it. Thank you so much for sharing!!
That's excellent news! I'm glad it's getting better and better instead of the opposite 😜
I just want to know how you play this without tears in your eyes? Beautiful!
I normally don't! HAHAHA! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
One of my top 3 favorite songs of all time across all genres done tremendously well. Thanks for making me cry 😂
You're welcome... I think! 😜 hahaha!
This hits the spot every time.
The most beautiful song I've EVER HEARD!!!!!!
that tune haunts me, beautifully played!
Thank you very much!
A magnificent melody so well performed with abundant love and understanding
for Enlightenment, i don't need any meditation or worshipping of any god , just sit in my wheelchair and play this piece of yours 😇🎧🎻 thank you so much 🙏 lots of love and respect from India 🙏🇮🇳
Just as beautiful as Jay Unger plays it. Thank you.
This was played with such beautiful talent! You have such an ear for pitch! I loved listening to you play! The video was also very artistic and beautiful! Thanks for posting!
Beautiful - I shed tears
Hard to believe this was originally composed in 1982. Very nicely done, Jessica.
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! And you're right - it really IS hard to believe. Some music has an "old soul", and this is definitely one of those pieces!
Wow I would never have guessed I'm older than it! If asked to guess I'd have gone for 1700 something.
I never tire of listening to this song. Well done. Thank you.
I couldn't agree more! Haha! Thanks for the kind comment 🥰
Thank you Jessica. This is honestly one of the best recordings and videos of "Ashokan Farewell" that I have found. Sorry that it took me seven years to find it.
On an amusing note: My violin teacher and I sometimes joke about when the first tune that our students (or perhaps their pesky pushy parents) want to play is "Ashokan Farewell".
Well, that is all understandable, and possible, but first we shall begin with the virtuoso masterpiece: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
OMG! Just Look, Grandpa! Our grandson is suddenly playing Mozart!
Mission Accomplished. ;-)
Why, thank you! I once had a student request that I teach her "Schindler's List" and I *gasped* a little inside. That's another one of those pieces that looks one way on paper and entirely different once you start trying to play it. 🤣
And, yes! I warn my beginners that they (and their families) will have Twinkle Twinkle stuck in their heads for a looooong time.
Absolutely brilliant. So glad there's still people taking the time, and passion, to play such works.
Thank you so very much! ♥️ I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!
Another Irish fella here - think I'm gonna learn the fiddle just for this.
I hope you do! The violin/fiddle is the best, and so is this piece! But then again, I might be biased 😉 Best wishes!
@@firststringviolinist Thanks for the encouraging words! Where Irish and American folk music meet is some of the richest music. There used to be a show on Irish TV called the Transatalantic Sessions - here's a good example of how American and Irish folk drink from the same well.
ua-cam.com/video/suRuMnb9Ho4/v-deo.html
stumbled on this by accident, but have returned over and over again. How Jessica McAllister is not inter nationally famous is a mystery to me. Absolutely stunning performance .
Hey, thanks David! You're welcome back as often as you'd like, and thank you for taking the time to comment :) P.S. I hope you enjoy the MP3 tracks!!
Absolutely beautiful
I'm just a student violinist (but a senior). You are my new benchmark for the perfect vibrato. Ashoken Farewell is an absolute favorite and I love the way both Jay and his daughter Ruth play it. But this version is in a world of its own. What an absolutely beautiful interpretation. I will study this video extensively in the next weeks. What a wonderful relaxed wrist you have and what a marvelous vibrato the motion of it produces. I'm so glad to have found this video. I subscribed too.
Golly - I feel so fancy now! Hahaha! Thank you for your sweet comments! I'm so happy you subscribed, as well. I wish you the best of luck as you find what works best for your playing style. And, hey, don't forget to have fun and enjoy yourself! Sometimes we musicians strive for perfection at the expense of feeling the "soul" of the piece. Let it speak TO you so it can speak THROUGH you 👍 You're going to do great!
Notes played so clearly and with super, rich tone. Outstanding rendition of this now famous lament. TY!!
Thank you, Pat! Your comment made my night! I'm so glad you enjoyed it ♥️
Sullivan Ballou would let you accompany his last letter anytime.
Merry Christmas Jessica! I still think of how thrilled my Mother and family was with you and your beautiful music. Mom is back here in New York. She misses Utah though. Please share more of your music on youtube. I will be so happy to view whatever you play.
I'm so glad to hear that she's settled in New York! And I often think back fondly on my time spent with your family! I had such an enjoyable time :) I'll work on uploading something new once the craziness of the holidays dies down! Thanks for the encouragement 👍
Sorry, she has outshone the the composer. This is truly lovely--she powers up on the high notes without harshness.
Why, thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment 😀
She played it beautifully but frankly the composer of this song deserves most of the credit. It is a gift to all of us.
Beautiful song, fantastic playing. Really enjoyed this, great job. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.
I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, thanks! I appreciate that!
@@firststringviolinist You are very gifted!! Lucky you! Beautiful job....
I find that this is the best version I have heard. Thank you, Jessica,.
Awww! I love that! Thank you so very much! 💗
You are a wonderful violin musician just love to listen to Ashoka Farewell it’s so relaxing well done.
Thank you!
Wow, beautifully played. Listened to you play your rendition six times and felt moved to my core every time. Thank You ❤❤❤
I'm so glad to hear that!
such an evocative tune, and beautifully played. thanks for posting!
Soo beautiful ❤ I have always loved this. Thank you for posting
Others playing it: *Beautiful sound*
Me playing it: *screech screech*
Hahahaha! In my experience, violinists are very hard on themselves. It's probably MUCH prettier than you think! Keep practicing and don't give up!
And like I always tell my violin students - HAVE FUN. Don't overthink it. Let the music move through you instead of trying to force it. It might not be perfect, but that will come in time. 👍
Haunting, lovely, beautifully played…
This video seems like a distillation of all that is good and noble in Humanity - Thank You, Jessica McAllister. I watch this regularly and am always deeply moved.. The Ashokan Farewell was played at my beloved first wife's funeral because she loved it ever after hearing it on the Ken Burns Civil War documentary series. In due course, it will be played at mine too.
Awww! You're so sweet! That means so much to me 💖
Absolutely beautiful,heard this tune for the first time today,this is by far the best xx
Awww! Thank you! I'm so glad you think so 🥰
@@firststringviolinist 💖💖
Brings more than one tear to my eye let me tell you
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
I may never be able to play it so beautifully but some day soon i shall stand on a hilside and play it to the wind and the trees. So beautifully played here
Thank you so much! Playing in nature really is a special experience... I highly recommend it :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I love finding new versions of this to play along to. Beautifully done Jessica - new subscriber
I'm so glad! ❤️💕
Such beauty can come out of something so tragic as the Civil War.
A beautiful song played by a beautiful woman.
Awwww, thank you! What a sweet comment! ❤️
Wonderful
BRAVO !
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it 😊
Every time I hear this song I think about Abraham Lincoln ❤ and the brave soldiers, who fought in the Civil War
Lovely
Some how this is evocative of the sadness of Ireland ad The Scottish Clearances, I am Scottish and It pulls on my heart thank you sovery much yes I have read about the sad events of the civil war thank you thank you George Fryer
I am so thankful for your comment! And I agree... There's something about this piece that transcends boundaries and speaks to everyone. ❤️❤️❤️
George, you do know this was composed in 1982 (nineteen eighty-two) as a closing waltz at summer camps in Ashokan, NY? It had nothing to link it to the civil war until PBS chose it as the theme tune in 1990 for a mini-series.
@David Heaton - so true! It is definitely one of those "old soul" pieces, I find!
What a beautiful rendition of this . Thank you pretty lady from this ol Southern boy. Huggs !!!
Thank you very much, Bill! I'm tickled you liked it! I hope all is well down South :)
Your violin performance was lovely. Although I am a pianist, I could listen to great violin performances like yours all the time! Bravo! Hello from Houston
Thank you very much! And I agree about enjoying other instruments... wouldn't it be dull if everyone played the same thing? :)
been ill so missed this for a few weeks months actually so wlll done.
Hope you're feeling better! 💕
Thank you very much!So so beautiful music! God bless you!Greetings from Bulgaria❤️😊🖐️
Thank you very much! I hope all is well in Bulgaria :)
@@firststringviolinist How do I do this? In what sense? Is there anything in mind?🤔
Absolutely lovely 'velvet touch' rendition of this classic, Jess. 👍❤
Love that! Thank you so much! ❤️
I discovered, and fell in love with this beautiful music, via the civil War documentary. I have listened to many versions since. This is truly, one of the most beautiful i have heard. No frills, just musical delight. The sadness of the lament. touches your soul. Its simplicity, and beauty is totally magical. Absolute congratulations, on a fabulous work, both musically, and visually. Safely saved into my playlist, for future joyful listening.
YAY! You have no idea how happy that makes me ☺️💕 I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it! And thank you for taking the time to comment.
@@firststringviolinist YaY right back at you. I'm Always pleased, if I can put a smile on someone's face. The very least I could do, after listening to your joyous music. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Back for another delicious dose of this gorgeous music. Has I always relate
Ashoken to the civil war documentary, your post, brings a touch of melancholy at the ultimate futility of war. But, the simple beauty of the arrangement, wins in the end, and a happy smile is once again on my face. oh the joy of music. :) :)
I couldn't agree more! I am so glad that you're enjoying this arrangement as much as I do 💕
Wow absolutely amazing. Never heard this piece played as beautifully as this .l love this ashokan farewell.
Thank you very much, Sally! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. And thank you for taking the time to comment! It made my day :)
I love this tune and I play it. I am also a Fiddle Player. But I can't play vibrato yet. The song is so much more full with Vibrato. Can I ask you how long it took you to learn Vibrato and can you suggest any drills I can use to help me learn? It is so limiting when you can't play vibrato.
This gal is scary good!!❤️❤️❤️
Don't be frightened 😉😂
FAbulous Jessica no other words to describe it comes from the heart
It's amazing what human talent and hard work can do. Beautiful... thank you.
What a sweet comment, Kevin! Thank you so very much! I'm pleased you enjoyed it 😊
My only brother died suddenly July 9, 2020. This was played at his memorial. Now, everytime I hear it, memories of him come flooding back
I am so sorry for your loss! What a hard thing. Music can be a great comfort but it is also closely tied to our memories, isn't it?!
absolutely magnificent
Thank you so much!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so very much! 😍
This is a really beautiful tune and it was beautifully played here. I struggle trying to play it on a recorder but have difficulty hitting the high notes.