I've had the Pleasure of taking Steve & his family to New Orleans in July 2018 where he represented the 10th District of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Steven won 1st place beating musicians from Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana & Wisconsin. Then he went to New Orleans where he completed against the best of the best from AROUND THE WORLD. Steve is one of the humblest musicians I've had the pleasure of working with. "2DaMoon&Beyond" Jeff
Good afternoon. Do you have his contact info? I am working on a film and need a violist for my opening scene. Please contact me as soon as you get this, thanks!
I started playing violin 4 years ago and I stumbled upon this gem while looking for other classical performers. Can’t count how many times I’ve watched this.
Bruh... just why... I’m a fellow black string player, but why does that matter? The classical world is probably one of the least racist of all, so why does our skin color matter? Man... I’m tired of all of this race crap
Black cellist here. Yes, it is a beautiful thing seeing other Black string players do their thing and sound amazing doing it. We're an underrepresented group, but more are joing our ranks and discovering the beauty and power of classical music. 🖤🖤✊✊
Very inspiring! Such a talented and gifted musician. I'm honored to hear you play. And this from a "semi-retired" viola player who spent 34 years in a symphony orchestra. You inspire me to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you Steven Baloue, I will be following your career!
This guy is definitely going places. Can someone please explain why this video has few views but Justin Bieber, Miley and the rest of them have millions of views. So unfair! This is true music. True beauty!
People have largely been trained to not appreciate real beauty, but rather explosions of sound with no aesthetic or cultural value. We are blessed to be among those who have not been deprogrammed.
Violist Steven Baloue, age 19 at the time of this video, masterfully plays an homage to Paganini on viola by Paganni's friend, the composer Henri Vieuxtemps.
I watched this performance and Diyang Mei's (performing the same piece), back to back. I'm not a musician at all, and they both play the viola very beautifully. But something about the way Steven hits the strings that have a lower register sounds a little bit richer to my ears. You are very talented Steven and you will go places! I love music because in my opinion, music has no race, religion, or gender. It transcends all of those things that we as human beings feel we have to label. Music is a mood, or a feeling to me, it's just a beautiful creation. 🎵🎻🎶
Sorry, I can't focus on the music alone, I'm too distracted since he is.... super handsome!!! He could live on his face alone, instead he relies on his music, kudos! 😍👏👏
The way he holds his viola looks so uncomfortable. Its on his chest in front of him. Makes his bowing poor and amateur like hes twisting his body instead of using his bowing arm. Not saying he didnt hit every note and play expressively. Just saying improve your technique in front of a mirror so your body will last as long as your mind.
I watched this again and again and saw my comment. I normally dont care what people think, but because this guy is younger, i wanted to take it a step further and say i only remarked about that because i want him to be healthy and improve...and have a lasting career. I didnt want to come off as a troll to a good kid.
@@miguelmarquez4192 i think he just has very long arms and a viola with a thicc bottom. i'm sure heifetz gives players' physiology and setup lots of consideration.
I completely agree. he sounds amazing, but he has some very odd technical things going on in how he holds the instrument, and his left hand clearly has tension issues. I hope he can fix that easily, as he has amazing potential as a musician.
I think the piece was played in a very immature way... The expression was always on forte dynamic. Nothing really changed from beginning to end. I dare to say that it was even played too fast for sort of "funeral" piece... But that's just my opinion.
At first read, I was really annoyed that you so harshly critiqued his performance, BUT---I did some due diligence and searched for other performances of this piece. My verdict? I agree with your observation about the lack of variety in the dynamics. I haven't seen the actual sheet music yet, but from the other two performances (older violists--Diyang Mei is my fav), they play with a much wider range of mezzopiano to fortissimo, giving it a more haunted quality. The tempo was actually almost the same among them, so I don't think Baloue played it aggressively fast. Anyway, I"m a beginner violist and I love watching viola performances so I can learn from a variety of musicians. I appreciate your critique because it forced me to think more critically about what I saw and even search for others in comparison. Although if you are going to offer your opinion (esp online), you could provide a more tactful commentary/observation, especially for younger, less experienced musicians IMHO. Have a good day. (And happy practicing if you're a musician.)
I mean there are different interpretations for music :) i personally prefer this one…even if it isn’t 100% historically accurate to the original composer
This young man is definitely gifted and well studied. Great technique with lots of emotion! Excellent!
We need more appreciation for violists
*less
@@ValirAmaril *more bro
I've had the Pleasure of taking Steve & his family to New Orleans in July 2018 where he represented the 10th District of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Steven won 1st place beating musicians from Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana & Wisconsin. Then he went to New Orleans where he completed against the best of the best from AROUND THE WORLD. Steve is one of the humblest musicians I've had the pleasure of working with. "2DaMoon&Beyond"
Jeff
Thanks Jeff that was the best experience we had competing in the Omega Psi Phi Young Artist Talent Hunt competition!
SEEK DUI TO IQ
Good afternoon. Do you have his contact info? I am working on a film and need a violist for my opening scene. Please contact me as soon as you get this, thanks!
Absolutely stunning! This young man is a brilliant artist.
Ross Robbins thanks!
I started playing violin 4 years ago and I stumbled upon this gem while looking for other classical performers. Can’t count how many times I’ve watched this.
Very nice, thanks!
Amazing playing brother! Love seeing fellow black string players on big stages!
Bruh... just why... I’m a fellow black string player, but why does that matter? The classical world is probably one of the least racist of all, so why does our skin color matter? Man... I’m tired of all of this race crap
'Fellow black ...'? So you don’t love seeing white string players?!? 😳 🤦🏻♀️
Black cellist here. Yes, it is a beautiful thing seeing other Black string players do their thing and sound amazing doing it. We're an underrepresented group, but more are joing our ranks and discovering the beauty and power of classical music. 🖤🖤✊✊
@@TheWendable bruh
@@Smoke--- if it doesnt matter then you shouldn't be offended
An extremely capable musician, wonderful resonance and intonation. Loved this!
Ey, viola gang
heyyyyyyy!!! lol
Viola gang, viola gang, viola gang!
Wazzuppppp
Sup
Eeeeeeyyyy wassssuuuuuuuup ? xD
Refreshing to hear someone so knowledgeable and capable.
Nothing better than seeing a young, talented, black, VIOLIST representing Chicago! This makes me incredibly proud❤
I understand your pride. Personally I just think that was an amazing performance by a fabulously gifted musician..
Very inspiring! Such a talented and gifted musician. I'm honored to hear you play. And this from a "semi-retired" viola player who spent 34 years in a symphony orchestra. You inspire me to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you Steven Baloue, I will be following your career!
Young man, you were made to play that instrument, Gorgeous!
Magnifique
This guy is definitely going places. Can someone please explain why this video has few views but Justin Bieber, Miley and the rest of them have millions of views. So unfair! This is true music. True beauty!
People have largely been trained to not appreciate real beauty, but rather explosions of sound with no aesthetic or cultural value. We are blessed to be among those who have not been deprogrammed.
Because art is subjective and there is not a right way to enjoy art
That was incredible. I hope to one day play half as beautifully, lol!
Violist Steven Baloue, age 19 at the time of this video, masterfully plays an homage to Paganini on viola by Paganni's friend, the composer Henri Vieuxtemps.
Amazing! Thank you! I think you've just inspired me to pick up the viola again.
Beautiful tone color!
Thank you. It is an honor to hear you play.
So beautiful! We had the opportunity to be there... Great night!
Great sound! - I didn't know this beautiful piece.
I watched this performance and Diyang Mei's (performing the same piece), back to back. I'm not a musician at all, and they both play the viola very beautifully. But something about the way Steven hits the strings that have a lower register sounds a little bit richer to my ears. You are very talented Steven and you will go places! I love music because in my opinion, music has no race, religion, or gender. It transcends all of those things that we as human beings feel we have to label. Music is a mood, or a feeling to me, it's just a beautiful creation. 🎵🎻🎶
Marvelous.. chaotically beautiful.. thank you Steve .. and thank for uploading.
Outstanding! Bravissimo!
Thank you for this beautiful play. What an amazing Viola player.
Love that performance!
Loved listening to this
Sooo good and heartfelt!!❤
So beautiful! I loved this piece!
Such sweet viola music. 😌🍪🎻🎵
Gracias por COMPARTIR este GRAN TALENTO Bendiciones DIOS delante desde ARGENTINA Buenos Aires Ciudad
There's grief and happiness in this piece, honestly I'm a bit confused. I'm feeling conflicting emotions. The playing is superb!
Maybe it's the grief for someone passed away, and happiness for having known them.
brilliant playing👏🏻🙇🏻♂️
Wonderful performance, wonderful music.
Absolutely beautiful
Que lindo!!!👏👏👏🎻😍
INCREDIBLE
Parabéns, gostei muito desse ótimo vídeo, muito lindo.
Amazing performance!
Very well done!
Sorry, I can't focus on the music alone, I'm too distracted since he is.... super handsome!!! He could live on his face alone, instead he relies on his music, kudos! 😍👏👏
Absolutely amazing!
Amazing!!!!!
Divino!
Отлично!
Magnifique (...)
^^
Beautiful
Bravo!!
Great future awaits him
viola gang is the best gang
I love it
Viola gang 🤘🏻
Beautiful! 🧡👏🏼
IM FROM CHICAGO TOO!
VIOLA GANG
Wow... 👏👏👏🙏
And I knew him when....this is just MAGNIFICENT.
Wow.......wow.
We really gravitate to this instrument for some reason.
哇靠好好听耶😍😍😍
bravo
DAMN
Anyone from twoset?
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
👍👍👍
Would love to see him and sheku play and see all that black magic on display.
YES! That would be amazing!
Twoset, come on. Is this the viola you hated?
They're joking you know
@@wolfgangsell3233 it's not funny though
@@pianogirl7125 yes it is
@@pianogirl7125 I agree
you better play it my brother
Oh yeaaaaa. “Vieuxtangggg”
who's here after listening to 2setviolin freaking it up lol
Yep, I could hear through the poor playing that this was a truly excellent piece of music.
@@edifyguy lol
Facts
I knew I wasn’t alone
@@edifyguy Aren't you such a special person. You must be wonderful at parties a real thrill..
1:25 when the music starts
1:24
The Viola equivalent of ling ling
This is Quadrado. you have to play football(soccer ) dude
mid
The way he holds his viola looks so uncomfortable. Its on his chest in front of him. Makes his bowing poor and amateur like hes twisting his body instead of using his bowing arm. Not saying he didnt hit every note and play expressively. Just saying improve your technique in front of a mirror so your body will last as long as your mind.
I watched this again and again and saw my comment. I normally dont care what people think, but because this guy is younger, i wanted to take it a step further and say i only remarked about that because i want him to be healthy and improve...and have a lasting career. I didnt want to come off as a troll to a good kid.
@@miguelmarquez4192 i think he just has very long arms and a viola with a thicc bottom. i'm sure heifetz gives players' physiology and setup lots of consideration.
I completely agree. he sounds amazing, but he has some very odd technical things going on in how he holds the instrument, and his left hand clearly has tension issues. I hope he can fix that easily, as he has amazing potential as a musician.
I agree. He is a kid. Long way to go still
I think the piece was played in a very immature way...
The expression was always on forte dynamic. Nothing really changed from beginning to end. I dare to say that it was even played too fast for sort of "funeral" piece...
But that's just my opinion.
At first read, I was really annoyed that you so harshly critiqued his performance, BUT---I did some due diligence and searched for other performances of this piece. My verdict? I agree with your observation about the lack of variety in the dynamics. I haven't seen the actual sheet music yet, but from the other two performances (older violists--Diyang Mei is my fav), they play with a much wider range of mezzopiano to fortissimo, giving it a more haunted quality. The tempo was actually almost the same among them, so I don't think Baloue played it aggressively fast.
Anyway, I"m a beginner violist and I love watching viola performances so I can learn from a variety of musicians. I appreciate your critique because it forced me to think more critically about what I saw and even search for others in comparison. Although if you are going to offer your opinion (esp online), you could provide a more tactful commentary/observation, especially for younger, less experienced musicians IMHO. Have a good day. (And happy practicing if you're a musician.)
I mean there are different interpretations for music :) i personally prefer this one…even if it isn’t 100% historically accurate to the original composer
Bravo!
1:50