Hilary Hahn - V. Williams "The Lark Ascending" 

Decades ago, as an ICU nurse, I had a terminal, comatose patient who happened to have been a concert violinist. Over the span of night shifts when she was under my care I witnessed the indignity of edema, the growing forest of IV poles and pumps, the continuous ventilator noises, the steady decline and loss of her humanity despite or because of every measure the Intensivists inflicted on her... I would speak to her as I went about her care, speaking of her son, of the worthwhile life she had lived, of the beauty she brought to so many, and on occasion reassuring her that it's okay to let go... One evening I played this ineffably beautiful piece for her, in honor of her...knowing that some aspect of her soul might soar. The next evening her room was empty. She had passed a few hours after my shift ended. I have instructed my kin to play this at my funeral. It still brings tears to my eyes and is so beautifully symbolic of the flight of the soul freed from the gravity of the earth. God bless RVH for bequething this to humanity.

After 50 years of listening to rock, blues and jazz, at the age of 62 I am being drawn to the classics. It’s like……..hearing music for the first time again. Beautiful stunning delicate piece. Wonderful.

This has always been my favorite piece. I am 71 now and losing my hearing, and can't hear the high notes any more, but I still listen to this, and will until I can no longer hear it at all. It's beauty if beyond description. Ms. Hahn is stupendous.

Soon after Hilary began her solo violin career, I heard her give an NPR interview. At that time she had just performed this piece with the St Martins in the Fields. A group of older men politely asked Hilary, "Have you ever seen a lark? A lark ascending?" Her answer was no. So, one day when no rehearsing nor performing was scheduled, they took her to a hillside field and she saw a lark ascending. She said in the interview that that experience influenced her performance. Larks ascend like our birds of prey ascend, only larks nest in meadows, not in trees. Take off is slow and low, flying in circles until an updraft is captured under their wings and then up to the highest hieghts.

As long as there is music like this and people who want to listen to it, there is hope for us.

I don't know how the supporting musicians aren't teary eyed by the time they have to start playing, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

Nearly 4 years ago I took my son to see Hilary Hahn perform with the Dallas Metropolitan Orchestra for his 21st birthday present. We had eye-level 7th row center seats. Although they didn’t perform this piece, every note from her violin was magical. Every time I glanced at my son or he looked at me, tears covered his face. A night neither of us will ever forget.

Now in my 94 year and hearing for the first time Hilary Hahn in Lark Ascending, absolutely superb, bringing such a lovely piece of human feeling for the natural world into our very troubled world!

One of the most beautiful tunes ever created by humankind!

I am an oldtimer Englishman from Shropshire who has lived in the countryside all of my life. The Lark is a birdsong I have listened to in early Spring forever, blessed eh ?

This piece, not just the solo but the whole orchestra, is heartbreakingly beautiful. How can such beauty possibly exist?

Vaughan Williams must have been a magical fairy, not a mere mortal. I have loved this music since a very young age. The music soars above humanity. Bliss and tears in equal measure...

Shared this with my five-year-old, her comment, “she is like a dancing rose.” 🌹

This piece has taken me out of a dark place and will always continue to. It’s extremely refreshing and beautiful all in one. You have to listen to every bit, every note is so accurate. I’m 19 and really really appreciate music like this.

I often yearn for the halcyon days of my youth, when all was right with the world. This stunning interpretation by Hahn nearly takes me there.

This is the first time I've heard this piece. I found myself holding my breath and closing my eyes. I'm there with the Lark ascending those wind currents. It is so evocative. Beautiful.

Oh my goodness what a miraculous, transparent performance. Hilary Hahn is such an unprecedented vehicle for the composer's wishes. In a world of ego-driven soloists, she stands alone as a beacon of selflessness. Bless her and her artistry.

It was a day in 2015 around 6:00pm, the orange sun was setting I was walking on a bridge. I had my ear phones on & the radio started playing this...I didn't know what I was listening initially...but the moment the violin came in...I knew I got to have it...breathtaking. The Lark Ascending - Vaughan Williams, forever I remember it.

This rendition of the Lark’s Ascending is truly unequalled. The orchestration is in complete harmony with the sensitivy of Ms Hanns interpretation.

She is pouring her heart on in this piece. She is not just playing the violin, she is sculpturing it. The piece always puts my mind among rolling hills in the country on a beautiful sunny day. Nowadays I need this feeling more than ever. I yearn to go back to those rolling hills again.

I grew up in the Yorkshire country side. While I listen I reflect on those feelings of warm contentment roaming the fields in the summer months, while the sun sets on a beautiful day.

I can't find another song in the world that is more beautiful.

Historically one of the best versions of this fabulous musical piece by Ralph Vaughan Williams that I ever heard. And to top it off Hilary Hahn plays her heart out. What an amazing version of the "Lark Ascending" . Hilary Hahn, you are amazing!!

On November 9th, 2017, I had to put my dog to sleep. She was very young, but had fatal kidney disease. When I got home from the vet, I played some music and one of the first pieces was "The Lark Ascending". Hearing it, all I could think of was my poor dog's soul, rising up to doggie heaven. Ever since then, this piece has a whole different, and intensely emotional, meaning for me. Beautiful performance.

Ralph Vaughan-Williams, deserving of being one of the best composers in history.

Oh! The orchestra deserves recognition for such an ideal accompaniment.

What is SO refreshing about this artist is that there is not one ounce of pretense in her performance. No affectations of the 'self' imposed in her interpretation. Every movement she makes is pure efficiency in honor of the music. I really appreciate that. She provides a noble example for us all to emulate.

Tears in my eyes. My admiration for those dedicated to classical music, under appreciated by most but absolutely timeless.

Brought me to tears the first time hearing this, waves of emotions, up and down. Stunningly beautiful.

I am 78 and in younger times a french hornist and lover of classical music, but that fell by the wayside as practicalities of life took precedence. Last Thursday, when returning from a ride around the neighbourhood with my wife Christine as a well distanced break from isolation since March 12th, we heard the first notes on the radio of The Lark Ascending and only two minutes passed before we returned home. But the sounds of pure bliss kept us both in our seats not wishing to miss anything having never heard its like before. Immediately after it ended and we learned the name of the piece and the violinist we search for and found it online. Hilary Hahn is an imposter! Like her sister Kira (Terpsichore) who came to Earth from Xanadu, Hilary's real name is Euterpe and comes from Parnassus, the home of the muses. No other explanation can exist for the perfection of her performance of RVWs composition, and no other could match the elegance and lightness of touch to pull the hearts strings. We are both captivated by her and are seeking performances of other works by the only earthbound muse.

This is art worth living for. After the death of Alex Navalny this is tonic for a weary soul, tired of man's beasteality and depravity. This is why God bothers with us at all. Sublime rendering of a masterpiece by a masterful Hilary Hahn. Forever grateful I am for the genius sent to accompany us home.

As a military man and Harley Davidson rider l love most music, lm 64 and been around done stuff been good and bad choices made, by chance l heard this music.Born in England and playing in the fields and fishing climbing trees and being a boy , mischievous yes going to school knowing l was getting the cane in the morning.Brings back so many memories, l wish l could go back and do it all over my childhood, just like l repeat this beautiful and joyous music, it brings me tears and joy.

When I am broken, a great artist recuses me. I love you.

I cannot believe I have gone this far without this piece. It's incredibly moving and stunningly beautiful every time

I am not a musician but I am glad i discovered hilary hahn throught twoset violin.Needless to say...I am in LOVE

Yuna Kim,figure skater from Korea skated to this beautiful piece of music so i wanted to hear it full. Hilary is perfect

Everything Hilary Hahn plays turns to gold. More than once I listen back to this performance. Soloist, orchestra and conductor put on a beautiful Lark Ascending.

this performance is the peace I need during these times when the world is suffering and you can’t do much except pray and hope that the virus ascends this earth forever

This is a gift of magic sound ❤️ Love her depiction of the Lark. Touched my soul. As a new violinist myself, this gives me so much comfort and inspiration 🎻❤️

This piece just breaks my heart every time I hear it

I read some of the comments about "Hillary Hahn should smile more often/not look so serious." I don't know about her, but as a musician who has also been told this before a LOT: I don't play to smile. When I am playing I am focused on the emotion, passion, and story of the song, I am not thinking about whether I'm smiling or not, I am immersed in the music -- as I should be. If y'all have a problem because she doesn't smile enough for you, watch someone else. But don't criticise her for her expression when she performs.

Perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces ever written for violin and orchestra, Ralph Von William's "The Lark Ascending" transports one. Hats off, Hilary Hahn!

Reading the other comments has brought tears to my eyes. So often all we see if negativity online. It's wonderful to see a whole comment section opening up with heartfelt stories, reminiscences, and lots of love. Thankyou.

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard, touched my soul

If this doesn't have you in tears by the end,you have no heart or soul. Achingly beautiful.

The dislikes are from the people so emotionally moved that they missed the like button. Hilary Hahn is just amazing... I love her playing and as a person ❤❤

Ralph Vaughan Williams always brings me to tears. Hahn's performances are always so airy and floating and graceful and thoughtful. It's said that an artist's personality comes out in their performances, and I think that's very true with Hahn. So blessed to have discovered this artist.

I'm nearly 14 I wish kids/teens had more appreciation for classical music it has such beauty. I listen to this every morning now. I love her version of der erlkonig , may be spelt wrong but hey... Hillary hahn is my fav violinist.

That bow control is mind blowing. How all the notes speak so perfectly and beautifully... Green with envy here.

It is a wonderful thing to discover a song and an artist that you will carry in your heart for life. Thank you HH.

Until tonight (November 18, 2021) I had never heard of this song nor of Hilary Hahn. Now I have one word for both - Exquisite.

What a melodic piece of music and matchless performance by Hilary With composition by Ralph Vaughan williams.. I am a Neurosurgeon by profession. Nothing can be more pleasureable when i am doing brain surgery of my choice with background Lark ascending Symphony which gives unmatched coordination and harmony to my operating hands and being overwhelmed with ecstasy. Mortal Man immortal melodies

This performance is impossibly perfect.

Many years ago now I was walking a couple of dogs, and we stopped in a field to rest!! Lay back, and a Lark started its climb, circling and singing 'til out of sight. One of the most wonderful experiences in my life.

I listen to this often. Sometimes it brings me to tears, not from sadness but joy. It is refreshing and enobling (if that is a word). It unites those who make music and those who listen to it in a reverent communion.

She is stunning. Playing by memory as far as I can see. Powerful. Oh so many emotions....the larks would be proud. ❤

A wonderfully rapt, technically very accurate performance. There is never any doubt that she, and indeed conductor and orchestra, are fully 'inside' this music. Completely absorbing.

Absolutely amazing, I'm in my 70's and have never heard anyone play a violin like her, period!

This tears me up every single time and especially Hilary's playing.

This piece has such nostalgia for me, of people gone, sweet moments past, and tears...

I look at the faces of people in the audience - every single one quietly amazed I look at the orchestra - you can actually read the music on their expressions, in their body language I look at Ms. Hilary Hahn, her long neck and her arm movement, and I think it’s incredible that you can see the marks left on her body after years of playing the violin; she’s been doing this for years and years, every since she was a little girl probably, and that actually influenced the way her neck and shoulders developed after being locked in a certain position so often, for so long. These details, and then the music and actually picturing a lark ascending - that’s magical.

I come back and listen to this every couple of months--especially when I feel sad. It lifts my spirits every time. What a joyful piece!

One of the masterpieces of modern classic. And the reason why I love the music of Vaughn-Williams more and more.

This is one of the top five pieces of music that I have ever heard. Perhaps the greatest, I don't know. Simply miraculous.

Why is it that i never heard this amazingly beautiful music before? Why is it that i never find good classical music on anything labeled something like 'top classical hits'? And yet over the years continually find astonishingly beautiful classical music hidden away from mainstream?

As a musician she has it all, and she really smashed this out of the park! A truly beautiful rendition.

I think of this as a perfect piece of music; mesmerizing, beautiful, and a wonderful depiction of its pastoral subject. Whenever it comes on, I have to listen to the end, which has meant, on a few occasions, that I’ve sat in my car in my driveway waiting for its lovely end.

I heard this composition the other day while driving. I caught Hilary Hahn...ascending.... I went online right away to find this. My soul is deeply moved by this piece. I read the history of both the composer and the poet and this knowledge is very enlightening. During a pandemic , Nature , music always provides Peace and Healing. Brilliant performance. I listen to this every day. Thank you.

Sublime, this moves me to my depths, to love of this Lark Ascending, to the earth, to the nobility that humans can embody. And such an incredible performance by Hilary and the orchestra, who seem truly moved by the piece, one of the most beautiful ever created.

So much beautiful music the general public Never get to hear such as this piece I believe our world would be a better place if people took the Time To Smell the Rose's 🌹🙏

This was mesmerizing. I had intended to let this play in the background while I do something else but I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

Please, never delete this.

I just love how the conductor stands there , with his hands folded, in awe of the beauty of the music she is making.

The first time I ever heard this played was today during my son’s school concert. It was magnificently done there and tremendously done here. What a beautiful work of art.

I love the way she "dances" on stage, a beautiful piece of music played by a beautiful lady. Her playing is simply breathtaking, heaven sent I'm sure. A truly magnificent piece of musicianship ❤️

Breathtaking performance! She covers the whole range of dynamics and the keyboard with flawless tone and intonation. This is the perfection we hear in our souls as we practice and try to release it through our instruments.

An incredibly satisfying performance of this work. Hahn digs deep and avoids the melancholic tendencies usually imposed .

Beautiful just beautiful rendition of VW The Lark Ascending Hilary Hahn gives a superb performance as a 75 year old it brought back happy memories spent on holidays in the English countryside

Just a flawless and captivating performance. I love how her dress has the same colors as a lark. I see what you did there, Hilary. :)

This piece of music always brings tears to my eyes-it makes me think of my children and how much I love them-how mini miss them being little- and how much I miss my parents who both passed in 2016 and how awesome they were - friends that are no longer alive or that lost touch with and the great times we had. It’s sad and beautiful all at once. Stay safe everyone and lots of love to all. I truly hope this moves you all like it does me.

My violin teacher introduced this to me, I'm so grateful for it. Beautiful piece and wonderful rendition.

This performance is so beautiful, by Hilary Hahn, and all of the orchestra. So exquisite and ethereal that you could even imagine that you might be a Lark yourself being lifted up high into the sky by the music.

Hilary, this piece of music is so beautiful, everything about it, just wonderful, and listening to you is such a joy

12:40 imo this is the greatest passage of music ever written or heard. Unstoppable emotion.

Fell in Love today with a lady who feels the music and shares it with us all, Thank you Hilary Hahn for lifting me up when I was down x.

This masterpiece is something Incredible, compassion Incredible comfort, and Incredible beauty, and Incredible feelings, and unrivaled,

Hilary Hahn is for me, the very best of the best when it comes to playing this piece.

The gentle waves of Hilary's performance come rushing in , enveloping my heart . It's a blissful moment , greatest pleasures

I first heard this as part of a music major back in the late 70s, and it still leaves me breathless. I heard it live once, by the Utah Symphony. The conductor was also the violinist. I wish I could remember his name. I remember he played that last high note, and the entire audience was silent before taking a breath and exploding into applause.

She plays this glorious piece with great authority and elegance. One could also say the conductor does a superb job with the orchestra.

Had to stop here Xoxo Favourite of all time

When I die, this is the only music I want played at my funeral.

Every time I listen to this masterpiece she plays with splendid skill and beautiful attire , I remember the nostalgic Tokyo's coutryside when I was little . At that time , fireflies were flying aall over the coutryside at night . There were landscapes everywhere in Tokyo that were unthinkable and blessed with nature . This masterpiece she plays brings back memories of the distant and distant past . I am a Japanese old boy and ７２ years old This masterpiece back memories of a time long long ago From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵

Evokes the deepest longing for the light and joy that. C.S.Lewis tried so valiantly to describe in his writings.

This is beautiful. I became a fan of Ms Hahn's work when the film The Village came out. Her playing was mesmerizing. If you have a moment, search for "The Vote" (on RU-vid) for the soundtrack for The Village.

This is 17 flavors of AWESOME!!! Hillary Hawn has improved sooooo much in the past decade: she is on her way to be one of the finest violinists of ANY era, especially ours. We are truly blessed to have her.

Hilary's performance is full of grace and joy, with measured appreciation of the responsibilities of freedom. She gets the soaring and the top of the ascent so spot on!

4:38 those harmonies just hit me right in the feels

What a pleasure to watch Hilary’s impassioned colorful playing.

Everything Hilary touches turns to gold.