Ray Chen Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 

Lots of practice hours sunk into the Mendelssohn but totally worth it! Speaking of practice, want to stay motivated and have fun while you practice? 🎉 Download my app Tonic today to join a community of practicers: tonicmusic.app/join-in

i bet he could play the violin with just his eyebrows

I am so proud of Ray... he nailed my concerto 10/10

i know ray isnt gonna read this comment , but i want you to know that your violin playing got me out of depression/anxiety zone, Thank you very much for your performances

I kind of wish that the camera would stay on his left hand the whole time. Seeing Rays fingers dance on the strings is something I can never get enough of.

Ray Chen: Good playing: ✔️ Handsome: ✔️ Technique: ✔️ Speed: ✔️ Facial Expressions: ✔️(definitely)

This mans intonation is phenomenal. I never hear an off note. Truly one of the great violinists of the 21st century.

Eddy and Brett really opened up the whole door of classical music to me..where I once merely peeped through the cracks, now I am discovering wonderful musicians like Ray and Hillary and experiencing music more profoundly. BRAVO TwoSet!

High def recording reveals all the bow hairs that bravely sacrificed themselves to produce this gem

Mr. Chen, I have listened to this piece many times. I must admit that it is usually when i am cleaning this house. It gets me moving faster but today I stopped and watch at times. I must extend you wonderful compliments because you really are enjoying yourself and your face elicits some much expression. And this time I saw a brief smile between you and the conductor. Thank you for sharing this gift of music with a large audience. I hope you come and play here in Austin, Texas one day. I would enjoy seeing you in person. Peace to you always :)

All phrases of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto I. Allegro molto appassionato 0:20 - the opening (main subject) 1:06 - epic & powerful part (octaves) 1:20 - tutti main subjekt 1:51 - dance-like part 2:59 - hopeful part 3:39 - quiet & lonely part 4:46 - energetic part 5:22/5:38 - explosive part 6:16 - unclear part 7:48 - cadenza part 8:59 - last phrase of Cadenza 9:27 - cadenza ending (Main subjekt return) 10:04 - abstract part 10:39 - soft & empty part 11:45 - epic part 12:22 - most epic part 13:02 - ending part II. Andante 13:50 - the beginning 14:29 - beautiful solo start 15:49 - new melody 16:23 - bright part 17:37 - ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ part (orchestra) 17:50 - mysterious part (solo violin) 18:00 - epic octaves 18:30 - tense part 19:30 - magical part 20:25 - warm part 21:01 - soft ending III. Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace 22:05 - sentimental opening 22:52 - main subject start 23:40 - festive & epic part 24:20 - steady & skip-pie part 24:46 - hurrying part 26:04 - lovely part 27:17/27:39 - triumphant part 28:18 - ending of the Concerto If you want me to do this on another video in the future, let me know in the reply section :)

When I try to introduce my students to Ray Chen (my favourite violinist); they're like: "yeah, I know him. Why do you think I wanted to learn the violin?" Thank you for inspiring so many teachers and pupils.

Ray is one of the best violinists of the time. He really is fabulous.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that we can all watch such an amazing performance for free at home in such high quality anytime we like? 30, heck even as close as 20 years ago this is the kind of thing only the upper classes could have had even semi-regular access to. Thank god for youtube and modern technology.

Why is everyone praising Ray when his eyebrows did all the heavy lifting

I love the emotion Ray puts into his playing. He truly gives it everything he has. It's as if the violin is an extension of his soul.

You have to watch him play the violin, just listening is not enough!

15:46 - 15:49 wen ur crush catch u starin but u pretend u be doin ur "work"

In my opinion, Ray Chen is one of the most talented, expressionistic and passionate players of our generation, if not the most. I absolutely love the way he appreciates music, understands the music and the composer. His sense of humour and passion are unmatched. He can have fun while playing accurately and that is amazing. So much hard work has been put in to achieve this standard and it really shows, also how much Ray cares for the music.

Who's here before Brett's does ditto on the 16th Nov? Hope it goes well for all concerned...

I don't listen such a classic music very often but every time I do, I am crying and the dynamic let me feel like nothing is more important than having emotions and let them be... That's music🥹 wonderful

More musicians need to smile when playing classical music... thanks Ray 😅

Why is everyone obsessed with Ling Ling in a Ray Chen performance. ? Here even Ling Ling listens and enjoys the music instead of practicing 40 hours a day.

Some soloists just make it look easy. Ray shows you exactly how difficult it is, and shows his appreciation for the difficulty at the same time, all while making it look easy. It's a really refreshing style. Shows passion both for the piece and for the genius involved in its creation.

Ray's Mendelssohn is honestly king. I don't think anyone plays it better than him. Mendelssohn VC requires the perfect balance of just playing in a way that sounds nice and not tilting too far in any direction which many soloists with strong playing styles tend to impart on their interpretations. Ray's performance is just a service to the music and delivers each note and phrase in the Goldilocks zone, the ideal interpretation.

Almost as good as Ling ling

No matter how each individual think about their favorite violnist for their own taste and preference,All world class violinists need to be respected for their life long hard work and talent. In that sense,As time goes by, new generation represnts their time period. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to maestro Ray Chen for posting this precious performance.

Well maybe he’s not the best professional violinist to me, but he made me think that classical music is more beautiful than I thought in the past, this is the thing that I can’t find when listening to other professional violinists’ performance. Thank you very much Ray. If someday you came to Vietnam and performed, I’ll come to see you for sure 👍

I love Ray. He's not just a wonderful player but he's a great guy, really fun, modern, cool, clever... really, he has it all.

The secret to being good at the violin *Eyebrows*

Really interesting how it seems like they've planned out who's following whom when. At times when the orchestra has more of an important melody, Ray is watching Maestro Nagano, while when Ray has a more important solo part which requires him to take some liberty with how it's played/rhythm, Maestro Nagano is watching him. I don't think soloists are usually concerned about conductors this much.

the DON shines in those difficult and complicated pieces of classical music, not in the easy ones, coincidentally that is what having the GIFT is all about, power with any master of music. It's always a challenge to get a master to touch that not all of his colleagues can. You can tell that he carries classical music in his soul and that his work also demonstrates his effort and dedication full time. GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA.

Who is here after twoset playing this piece

Everyone has their favorite violinist’s version of this classic. Can we just agree that this is spectacular playing?

Wonder if we added a few TwoSet handicaps in...

I love the interaction between Ray Chen, the conductor and the orchestra. The conductor even at one point in the last movement seems to step back and allow Ray to lead the orchestra. Has to be my most favourite live performance. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I’m proud of Ray Chen, I think he plays 40 hours a day like Ling Ling! Beautiful performance and passion to not only his music ……but his violin. A strong and sturdy vibrato and lovely expressional tone! If I were Mendelssohn right now then his score would be 10000000/10000000. Amazing playing!

6:04 Ray trying to cheat of the conductors score

You're like the only soloist who looks like he's having a blast. Soloists are always so stoic

The fact I love about Ray is that you can see how much fun he's taking while he plays

So I think Brett did a phenomenal job of this piece. Just listening here for reference, what the best possible version of this piece sounds like.

They need to turn on the air-con, cause Ray is on fire... no, like literally, can't you see the sweat!?

I like looking at him playing. He has so much energy and is super expressive in the music and in his face.

Here to listen to it before Brett plays it for 4 Mil. Wonderful job Ray!

Look forward to Ray's review on Brett's 4 mil Mendelssohn ;]

Ray executed the cadenza marvellously. He played each note crystal clear. From 9:27-9:51 is one of my favourite sections. This is the best interpretation I've heard by far.

Ray chen constantly making constipated faces is genuinely becoming my new favourite thing to watch.

Revisiting this performance after Brett's performance for his 4MIL.

I just saw Rey play live last night in Pittsburgh. Absolutely incredible.

I *listen* to Hilary Hahn, I *watch* Ray Chen.

By far, the best interpretation I've ever heard 😍

The way he plays the violin makes everyone happy.. The smile on his face when playing this is such a plessure..❤❤

so good

We use to see mostly Korean and Japanese young lady violin soloists on RU-vid. They are superb violinists. It is quite a pleasant change to see a young male violinist of this high standard here. My first exposure of this concerto was back in the 60's when I was a teenager. Yes, it was a recording of Jascha Heifetz. Much later on RU-vid, I like Sarah Chang's performance with Maestro Kurt Masur in New York when she was 15 years of age. Both played the concerto in straight adherence to the tempo as indicated in the music. Mr. Chen plays some passages in the first movement in somewhat slower tempo. It is not till the 3rd movement that he plays Allegro throughout. Maybe I am old style, I like it that way.

Sur quel violon joue Ray Chen? Certainement l'un des plus parfait du monde, comme son maître. Combien d'émotions, combien de sentiments se dégagent de cette oeuvre et de son interprétation. L'orchestre est d'égale qualité. Quel privilège de pouvoir jouir de la perfection.

That second movement is nothing like i've ever heard before. He was edging by the precipice of heaven. Bravo.

How many horses does Ray Chen have to kill every year to rehair his bows?

This is one of the best Mendelssohn violin concerto I have even heard. Passionate and powerful. All the details are just in perfect. Bravo!

Also Ray, I like that you treat the orchestra as an ensemble. You are not just playing expecting them to follow, but your are playing WITH them!

I have seen may performances of this, my favourite violin concerto. This has left in tears. So passionate. Thank you for allowing me the pure pleasure of experiencing this most profound performance. Having played the violin in years past, not many people realise that to play such a wonderful masterpiece of music without the score in front of you, even with it, it amazing. I will definately be watching some more of this wonderful young man.

9:52 - taking off broken bow hairs like a badass!

Dude, when the end of the cadenza melds into the rest of the orchestra coming back in with the main theme around 9:20... absolutely phenomenal.

I really enjoy watching him play. His expressions are delightful and his fingers are mesmerizing.

❤The composer did not expect that the performer of his work would be better than him

Lol, now everytime I hear the introduction I hear Eddy in my head saying "Davie504 you picked on the wrong gang... the VIOLIN gang !"

Can't argue with this world-class performance. And even Kent Nagano seems on board, which is saying a lot. I've performed with that man. He's brilliant, but oh so hard to please. :)

This is maybe the most passionate performance of this piece. I can hear it by the sound of it. Its just different than any performance, this performace have so much energy

Been listening to this non stop in anticipation of his show in Ottawa on May 16. Can’t wait!!

waiting for Tchaikovsky violin concerto.....

Ray plays with such a passion but without seeming arrogant, he just loves the music and smiles at all the parts I smile at

I grew up listening to a magnificent recording of Jascha Heifetz performing this, one of my favorite pieces of music of all time, so that’s the benchmark I’m used to. Ray has done this piece incredible justice! BRAVO!! This past weekend we had the pleasure of attending another fantastic performance of it at the Vancouver Symphony, with Nikki Chooi as the soloist. Can’t get enough of it!

I've never seen a soloist give so much care and attention to ensemble playing...

Lots said about the violinist, but the music remains one of the real standouts for violin and orchestra. Mendelssohn you made the performance possible. Bravo to both.

Obsessed with this video. I think 641 views come from me.

I’m a piano student who has like no idea how exactly should “good violin music” sound but THIS, THIS IS GIVING ME CHILLS LIKE RUBINSTIEN’S CHOPIN AND I KNOW THIS IS DEF G O O D

Ray Chen, Hilary Hahn, Isaac Stern, Yitzchok Perlman--I don't known who plays the best Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. This piece absolutes makes me cry from total joy and lifts me out of a depression when needed, or when I'm feeling great I listen to it as well. As far as I am concerned, it is the violin concerto of all time. Thank you, Ray, and thank you all the others who keep this violin concerto very much alive for generations to come!

Ray Chen plays with a very beautiful tone snd intonation.

Literally one of the best renditions of this piece I've ever heard. Your energy is driving the orchestra's sound instead of vice versa, and your technique is electrifying. Will always be your fan Ray because you are amazing!

All superlatives have been used to describe his musical prowess. So, allow me to emphasize the obvious -- he is SICKENINGLY HANDSOME...😍

Ray Chen music is much more happier and attractive when being voluntarily played with a joyful company in a smaller audience. ❤❤❤

Replay that beautiful Cadenza for free!!! 7:50 7:50 7:50

I love how Ray is smiling the whole time, enjoying every moment. (Makes the conductor smile too.) 25:50

He looks so handsome in that suit and tie! Honestly, I feel like that kind of mom who’s so proud of her child, lol.😂 Way to go, Ray! - Ana

So far, that is the best violinist to play Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

Ray has so much expressions that the bow string breaking was just an added expression

Ray, you catch my ears then my eyes then my attention on who you are. Then I google and realize that you were born in Taiwan, so proud of you! Your music really touches my heart!

I love it at 5:37 when he looks up all heroicly

those upper registers and the fact that his violin can be heard singing no matter what the orchestra is doing....amazing stuff

Just discovering this today and this is the best version I've heard. I can't even tell when Ray is bowing, it's perfectly fluid and silky. Wow!!

9:27 start of accelerando is the best part in my humble opinion.

An emotional masterpiece. Was Ray going to crack? Was his violin going to crack? No pressure. Just pure brilliance. Smooth. Balance. I never thought I could feel music the way I just did. A real gift! This is absolutely magical. ❤

Too often I think this world is a terrible place and then comes along something as beautiful as this. So glad I got to see it.

I've never seen his playing face before and now I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING

Ray Chen has given me inspiration. I played violin before I knew of Ray Chen and I was never about to quit, however, Ray Chen has given me the inspiration to push myself and to see how I play violin from a completely different perspective. He has shown me how to connect with the music and the composer and that when you play, you’re not just playing notes on a page; you are expressing the emotions of the composer. And to be able to do that, you must feel that same emotion. Ray Chen shows this in his playing. The way he plays, not only can you tell that he feels the emotions of the composer, but he also makes the audience feel it too. That is inspirational and that is why I aspire to become a professional violinist when I graduate high school; so that I can help others see this too.

I got pushed a video from Ray a week ago. Since then, I have watched a number of his videos and am obsessed with his positive energy and effortless music. It comes with so much soul. Congrats ray!!!

Maestro Nagano’s conducting is so nice on the eyes.

Definitely the best interpretation of this incredible concerto. Ray's tone is just so gorgeous, his intonation is flawless, and he is so engaged in the music. You can tell that this is a true musician who loves his music so much. He's not just doing it for the performance, he's doing it for his own enjoyment!

Oh man, Ray is nice. I must have played this video at least a hundred times by now.

He makes it look like a little kid in a sand box . Beautiful, fun, and playful. Amazing Ray.

His emotions cn literally play the whole song