OFFSTAGE with: Augustin Hadelich 

Augustin gives off a really serene and really kind aura.

Two of the most celebrated soloists giving live streaming, I would say this is a blessing we got from this outrageous lockdown

This was one of the best of Ray's lives Augustin is such a lovely person

People, check Augustin's cadenzas... they’re awesome. Such a complete musician. When he plays Bartók’s Concerto I could hear notes that no other version had. He’s extremely articulated. And so approachable too. What a wonderful artist and human being.

I love how Ray just hyped Augustin up so much because he deserves it! There’s nothing quite like his playing. It’s just sublime. Really one of the best violinists out there

The level of honest humility of these guys is just beyond imagination.

Loved this! Ray is the perfect host and Augustin is the perfect guest. I’m a proud Boomer who is grateful to be living during this time when two great violinists can come together to share their immense knowledge and also make us smile. Too bad Menuhin and Milstein never had the joy of doing something like this when I was young. I would imagine Menuhin doing most of the talking and Milstein doing most of the playing. 😂

Augustin Hadelich's Chaconne by Bach is the best in history, I'm convinced! It's on his new CD set. I cry regularly when listening to his music, in the best and most welcome way. He's a genius, without exaggeration.

Augustin seems like the most precious human ever :')

35:10 Ray realizing that him (a soloist) is getting taught fingerings by a soloist.

Augustin is my current favorite. I think this man is going to surpass everyone shortly, though in my opinion he already has. So cool to see two favorite violinists chop it up over music. +1 Ray, you're the man.

I love how Ray is always amazed and acts like he is hearing it for the first time, when someone explains something technical, like himself didn't already reinvent those techniques. So humble :) Augustin was so adorable, it made the best offstage stream. I could have watched you two hours more. I find these streams and discussions very helpful and insightful, even though I play guitar and I am not a serious musician. I can still draw parallels and it gives me a new perspective.

It’s funny to see how Ray looks like the student here but then you remember he’s a world-class soloist himself.

Hadelich is one of the first classical musicians I've heard to intelligently describe what jazz improv is (48:30) and I really appreciate that. As someone who only gigs in jazz music, but I love listening to and practicing classical, ... jazz is absolutely NOT just playing 'by heart, playing what you feel, just letting go'. It absolutely IS a training like any other school of music.

Not only is he among the best violinists alive, but he also plays piano. He plays Chopin, for fun. I wish I would'd been born in his planet.

Every time I watch one of Augustine's videos I get so many new insights into violin playing and music interpretation. I feel very lucky to be able to access this wealth of knowledge at the touch of a button

Augustin is so lovely

Thank you Mr. Hadelich for taking the opportunity to share the techniques - not just “it’s all good”...I respect and appreciate you Sir !

I loved Augustin's Zigeunerweisen run, and your reaction to that Ray LOL

One of the most pious, humble and cutest student and fan: Ray Chen! One of the most patient and amazing teacher: Augustin Handelich! You guys have shown us how great musicians are working together and inspiring each other. We’re so lucky to watch this valuable video. Thank you!

Two great violin stars merges into an explosive violin supernova today...Loved it to the max! Thank you so much guys. :-)

If I could give 100 thumbs up, I would. Two stars of the lockdown, and two of the finest violinists of today, inspiring all of us, with humour, humility, excellence, and a chemistry that reminds of Itzhak and Pinchas in their younger years. Your contributions to the violinist community during the times of this nasty virus will be remembered for a long, long time. I greatly look forward to seeing you play on real live stages again soon, hopefully also together. My hope is that all the online fans you have deservedly won over will come out in droves to support your stage performances to come. I certainly will. The future of the violin looks very bright. Thank you Ray, and thank you Augustin!!

His description of breaking a big run down into smaller pieces, is such crucial advice, to accomplishing it as a whole. Great advice!❤️

Augustin is a genius, so when it comes to interpretation, versatility, and efficiency, he is well “boomerless”. Ray is as spontaneously humorous as an interviewer/fellow concert violinist can be! Very enjoyable and pertinent subject matter, (ie. nothing will ever replace the intimacy and minutia of nuances of playing with others in person, as it literally breaths life into the music; warming up with something like Bach first before jumping into something more difficult while always having a goal in mind). Great to hear Augustin’s laughter.

Simply can't keep my eyes from Augustin's smiley face

Augustin is such a divine player but discussing such down to earth problems. It's really interesting.

It made my day to see violin soloists connecting with each other! I feel like most of them never talk to or about each other. This is so refreshing and heartwarming. :)

I’m a HUGE fan of yourself and Augustin. Would love a part 2 to this video if possible.

This was awesome! And I love the fact that Augustine demonstrated on the violin rather than just trying to explain what he means, it makes such a difference.

Hi, Augustine maestro, thanks for sharing your feeling of playing in competition with us, it must be nerve wrenching. But look at you now , an accomplished, polished virtuoso, hats off to you

Wow, this was wonderful!! One of the most difficult things about quarantine is that I miss teaching my students (my internet has not been great-Zoom works sort of okay for meetings, but not well enough for lessons to be effective), but thanks to this series I've been able to soak up a lot of insight and wisdom that I'll be able to bring with me when I start lessons again. I'm pretty excited, and it's given me something to look forward to during a difficult time. Thank you so much! It was also great to see Ray kind of glowing with enthusiasm. It's important to spend time doing what makes us come alive during times like this; plus, it's contagious! I loved what Augustin had to say about Bach, and also about improvising. In my undergrad I had the opportunity to take a class called Baroque Performance Practice, and sometimes the professor would bring his Baroque violin and play for us. I just loved it. At the end of the semester, part of our final was to give a recital as a class, and we were all split into chamber groups. It helped me a lot with gaining at least a little more confidence as far as finding my own way to interpret music in a way that respects and captures Baroque style but on a modern instrument (though I don't think I'll ever be completely confident about it). We did less talking and more listening and more watching the professor demonstrate, just like what Augustin did. It took me back and it made me miss school! With improvisation, I have a good friend who is an excellent jazz pianist, but his favorite music to listen to is classical music (orchestral and piano). He went to school for music theory and composition, so he's almost exclusively classically trained. I think it's unfortunate how sometimes the classical and jazz worlds kind of end up at odds with each other (I think Andre referenced that in your last livestream), because the two can work together so well. My friend is a prime example. Whenever people ask him how he makes the piano parts sound "so good" in jazz and how he makes the solos sound “nice” but also like jazz at the same time, he says it's because he uses good voice leading. It disproves the misconception in the jazz world that classical training is irrelevant, and it disproves the misconception in the classical world that jazz is always unfettered chaos. (And, like Augustin said, he has sort of an arsenal of ideas to draw from that have come from experience, and those provide a framework.) Anyway, sorry, long comment! I love these. My wheels get turning, and I feel like I could write a paper after each one. Hopefully this is an appropriate place to nerd out during quarantine 😂🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you very much for this opportunity! Please, keep on. Two world class musicians make music closer to wider circles of people. It is so important nowadays. This is a real miracle))

I am so thankful for Ray because of this livestream, Augustin gave so many useful advise like sooo many🙏 He talked about thing, which I have never even thought about💖 Huge thanks for both of you 💖❤️🙏

I really hope to go to both Ray and Augustin's concert someday. You both are amazing violinists!

Ray, Please send just the part of you and Augustin playing the ocarinas to TwoSetViolin.

Ray lives streaming with Augustin ???!!! For real ?! I'm here for it 😍 How didn't I even know about it sooner ! Better late than never I guess. Almost two hours long, even better, is it Chrismas already ? Came here after watching an Augustin "masterclass" video for his 13-years-old self. Ray you're the best 😎😋

You two are great!!!🎉You ought to do this with Maxim Vengerov. It would be amazing!!!

This series should be a podcast

The best improv advice I ever got was from my old saxophone repairman. He told me to learn the melody and words of jazz standards until I felt the emotion of the story. Then replace the words with my sax and tell the same story and evoke the same emotion. Then finally, the improvisation is the verse that was never written, but that evokes the same emotion and continues the story.

Bach you scoundrel! 30:00 Amazing comments by Augustin Hadelich, I feel like he would make for an excellent teacher.

Gosh, this is a masterclass for me! Só good!

my 2 favourite violinist! so delightful to you 2 together!

Those submissions was dope ❣️😩😳,thanks Ray and Austin for the reviews🙏

The ocarina challenge....hilarious. but Augustin, don't even joke about "ditching the violin". 😳🤣. You're both wonderfully wonderful 💖💖. Thank you for your music.

Marvellous encounter!! Great musical wisdom by both artists... 👏👏👏👏

Very beautiful connections at 13:00 in lyricism and dynamic line, and bass fundamental - shockingly pretty! Bravo Augustin Hadelich w Ray Chen

This video is priceless! It's like multiple master classes by two awesome violinists in tandem + demonstrations and discussions. Just awesome!

Thank you for doing this Ray, really starting to looking forward to this every week. A blessing of this cursed time… revive me of those spontaneous happiness of music which haven’t occur to me that often since my long gone child years.

Maestro Hadelich, wie immer clever und motivieren! vielen Dank! Für mich (persönlich) der beste Geiger momentan

What an absolute gem.

Yes, I look for a new video from you , Augustin and from you, Ray, everyday!

This is wonderful - so insightful!! Thank you! 🎻🎶🙂💞

Thanks, Ray! This was an astoundingly great interview! I'm addicted to your channel!

Thank you, dear Augustin. Your advices are very necessary for young musicians.

Total love for Ray and Augustin!

When will we get Hilary hahn???

Dont skip pinky day, folks.

Thank you very much for the long video, it helps to understand where your musicality is coming from, be it the practice tips, the reviews and simply your talking together. Please keep doing this, it is a great addition to your musical projects.

I just discovered this session these days. This was great entertainment with two extraordinary artists! Thanks a lot and greetings from Munich/Germany!

So many wonderful tips for practising!! Warm regards and thanks to you both, you made my day!🙏☀️🌈😊

Valuable tips, thank you! Such a fantastic upload! Love you both!

I teach full time ; alas online in this period. Given a choice I would always teach live of course. Even though I have wired internet, my students usually have laptop wireless... let me just say I can't wait to go back to live teaching. This video was great thank you Ray and Augustin ; both world class artists hugely loved. The Sarasate was great... and I loved Ray's expression (priceless) and focus as he watched and listened with respect and admiration. Thank you both for sharing your violin wisdom in such a fun down to earth way. Peace and prosperity !

I respect you for preparing hard for every offstage and every Ray rewiews... etc anything and everything👍

I breathed deeply when I saw this would be a two hour stint at my phone but I'm amazed how you managed to bring out my old attention span! So interesting interview! THANK YOU!!

Lmao Ray just got flexed on 34:02

This was a wonderful video. Can't believe you asked Augustin to play Naruto sad theme song lol

Love both of these strapping young talented lads

Best video ever! Enjoyed every second, so genuine and such good energy! :D

I was wondering if the two of you knew each other. It warms my heart to see that you do. Number one and Number two.

I think the quarantine is getting to you!!! I love it and you musicians!

Impressive, again both of you... Learning never ends, thank you again...

Please do 10 episodes with Hadelich

Those guest violinists are amazing!🤗

You two violinists are more than outstanding and admirable!

I am surprised to see that nobody has commented on the ocarina playing of Ray and Augustin. It is around 1:39:00.

This is amazing!! ♥️♥️♥️🎻🎻

Thank you Ray, Thank you Augustin 👍👍👍👍

beautiful conversation! Both of you Love so much! one of best musicians!:)

I don't even play violin why did I watch the entire goddamn thing

Thank you for this Master Class

best live so far. 😍

Muchas gracias por esta oportunidad para seguir aprendiendo!👏👏👏👏👏👏💜🎶💜🎻

This is my first attempt at meme : Me: Can I go watch Naruto with my friends? Mom: No, we have Naruto at home. Naruto at home : 1:45:34

We need another collab of those two!

Nice!

Ray: I do 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 Augustin: Let's add some 3's. Ling Ling: I do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Two of the best violinists in the world challenge each other...with the ocarina. 😆 I enjoyed this video a lot, thank you guys. You two are awesome.

Keep on doing this. You have a great chance to bring classical music to the people.

Thank you for advices

This was great. Two phenomenal violinists chatting. My dream guest would be Hilary Hahn. I think it would be fascinating to hear her critique the studensts' videos.

I just want to be able to play music without cringing back at myself lol, Augustin clearly enjoys his music which is something I very much cannot do with my music smh

I am a year late but still wanted to see this interview. Thanks to you both!! The serious violinists. I do listen to 'andreas,' channel so he's very good. J.A.N. scriabin has lots of very hard 5 finger chords!@

I get to see him at the BSO next season - can't wait!

both of u are my idol😭

Show 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

hey Pretzel l liked your performance/sound/arrangement Lovely Show and l admire everyone.

1:39:02 for the Ocarina battle

Ray's pinky is famous 😁

Let’s not forget about Gasparo da Salo and G.P. Maggini - wonderful violin makers who predated the Amatis. Also I recently found out Stradivari made bows which was a total shocker for me!

You guys are amazing 💔 love from Russia