Our friend Fa Claes wrote: "Raphaella lets us hear a Bach who sits down to grieve and goes through all the facets of grief. It goes from gloom, desolation, hopelessness past melancholy and poignant sadness to outright rebellion, to resistance that cannot help but exhaust itself and lean toward resignation, but it is an acceptance that remains aware of intense loss. In deepening the whole scope of grief processing, Raphaella realizes a highly moving performance. It is delightful, but in fact we sit in real pain, beneficent pain they call it. Bach is so 'complete'."
Never in a million years would I have imagined this piece to sound so beautiful and resonate so deeply on the guitar. Raphaella Smits is in a league of her own. Absolutely stunning performance.
Has anyone noticed she never glanced at the fretboard? That she seldom opened her eyes? Well, best rendition ever so far. Thank God I found this video.
This is the best guitar performance of this piece I've ever heard. The harmonies from 10:50 to 11:20 bring tears to my eyes every time. I don't think I've ever heard a more beautiful piece of music.
@@hindenburg1596 bravo Is an Italian Word that mean good or good job. In italian language there's feminin Word and masculin, Raphaella Is a woman, so bravo that Is masculin become brava
This is the first extended string guitar in which the tonal consistency is maintained. A small guitar by contemporary standards yet delivering a wonderfully rounded sound and full of unforced resonance, in the hands of a player who profoundly understands Bach. Absolutely wonderful.
Qualunque musicista si avvicini a questo brano, sia esso eseguito per chitarra, violino, piano, ha la mia ammirazione ed il mio grazie più profondo. La profonda emozione che esso trasmette è un reale atto d'amore, e sebbene ciascuno di noi avrà ovviamente il o i suoi "preferiti", tutti coloro che godono del lavoro di cotanti artisti, dovrebbero ringraziarli.
Oh this is such a deeply felt and exquisitely realized performance of a work that Bach wrote during a period of profound grief,. I have never a heard a performance of this that touched me so deeply. Truly remarkable!!!!
Despite having played, studied, and pondered this piece for over forty years, there were passages whose import eluded my understanding, and others - notably measures 181-184 - that performing artists didn't seem to get either. Ms. Smits illuminated all the variations and wove them all into one whole: sorrow and fortitude. My thanks for this.
This tune has been my religion since 2015. So far this is the most soulful rendition of it on guitar I've heard. Could you point to where measures 181-184 are in terms of seconds and minutes?
Best chaconne in guitar I ever heard. She really understood the spitit of the song (and obviously had the skills to tramsform it into notes) . Thanks, Raphaella for this interpretation.
I cannot help but think that this is the Chaconne as we all imagined it should and could sound but never thought we’d actually hear. Thank you Raphaella!
(guest, R.M.) This lady has found the heart of the music and gives it to us in such a wonderfully sensitive, yet authoritative way. What an experience. Those who only play and know" pop" really don't know what they are missing. ☺
This interpretation should be taught in music schools. She got a telepatic connection with Bach and with his mood when he composed this piece. Emotions and spirituality united to perfection. Thanks Raphaella.
Even if everyone has told so, after listening to this, I just cant leave this whitout a comment; the most beutiful version of Chaconne I ever heard. Moved to tears.
This is mastery; of the instrument; of the music; of this piece. What an incredible thing to have captured on video and with such superb sound quality. My favorite interpretation of this masterpiece.
I appreciate this performance not only for it's intrinsic musicality but also because the lady does not promote her face at the expense of her hands...so to speak. She keeps her face quiet so we can hear what her hands are doing, to put it another way.
Спасибо Вам, Рафаэлла за прекрасное исполнение музыки И.С.Баха! В 1997 году видел и слушал Вас в России г. Волгограде. Очень понравилось Ваше сдержанное и чистое исполнение тогда и сейчас! СПАСИБО! Да хранит, Вас Господь!
She left me speechless and in tears with her profoundly moving execution. This interpretation of this beloved Chaconne surpass any other that I have heard from other virtuoso guitarist.
Waoh! I started listening, and couldn't stop. I was mesmerized by the story she tells (as do all great artists). She made me re-discover this piece, from a totally different point of view. Less energic than Segovia's version, but more profound, more spiritual. I will never play the Chaconne the way I used to, from now on.
What is clever about what Bach did in the Chaconne is he composed a work that represented his life with his wife who sadly died. It tells the story of all those emotions and memories. Joy, wonder, sorrow, etc. I suspect Raphaella may have visualised that for each of the sections to memorise the notes. 14 minutes without glancing at fretboard is an incredible achievement.
Raphaella, I'm absolutely certain that Belgium is extremely proud of you maestra. That was a totally sound, masterful performance ma'am. I really enjoyed your performance and I thank you for putting it on You Tube. Please be well and thank you again for a wonderful performance.
The sound of that guitar is extraordinary. I've listened to this performance many times now and each time it retains the crispness and beauty of the first listen. Fantastic playing.
Raphaëlla, on dit que Bach est le père de la musique. Vous, vous êtes sa fille !! En 40 années de passion pour la guitare, c'est la première fois que j'entends une interprétation d'une telle qualité. Chapeau Madame ! C'est merveilleux. Pierre
C'est merveilleux. Je suis d'accord avec la plupart des commentaires: c'est d'une incroyable musicalité. On dirait que Bach l'a écrite pour elle. On oublie la nécessaire virtuosité pour n'entendre plus que la musique. Magnifique. Merci Madame.
This lady came to my university for a guest artist performance and recital the day following elections in early November last century. She played a guitar that had been given to her by Narcisco Yepes and spoke about it with intense dedication. Perhaps the high point of my appreciation of guitar artistry came from hearing her perform that evening. Few things were better than hearing her perform this music. I still collect her recordings and listen to them. She was the consummate artist in so many ways. I spoke with her following the recital and asked questions about the recordings that I eventually purchased. An inceptive for me to learn more about Belgium came from this encounter. Most rewarding and fruitful for me.
This extraordinary performance is fully the equal of any I have every heard, and far more interesting than most. I have never heard Raphaella before, and only turned up here on a whim - a most fortunate one. Her guitar took some getting used to, aurally, but then I was seduced by its dark sound - really quite right for the Chaconne, I think. But mostly it is her musicality that stunned me. Very early on, I felt compelled to give my complete attention, because this was such a careful, deep, profound reading. Such a gift. But then many of us think this is the most astounding piece of music ever written - something I say with considerable reluctance, because I don't like to get too competitive about such things. If I were to use a single word to characterize this performance, it would be "original". Raphaella did, successfully, a number of things with this piece which I have long thought ought at least to be tried. And they worked because there was such emotional authenticity in the playing. Thank you for this, Raphaella.
As a new and zealous fan of this piece, I would suggest you are not watching enough youtube. There are so many absolutely breathtaking arrangements of this work, particularly on guitar. Segovia's arrangement is beauty defined.
Reading many of the comments regarding the nuances in the sound of this video seems to be a response to those sounds produced by the 7th and 8th strings (sympathetic strings). Her slower tempo in places also give these strings a chance to resonate and bring out new phrases not heard elsewhere . Certainly another beautiful and personal interpretation of this magnificent Bach composition. I believe the Chaconne more than most guitar selections allows any truly great guitarist to raise their level of technique, playing and understanding of what the guitar (6,8,10 string) is capable of.
What a technique, what a musicality, what a meditative atmosphere, what an instrument, what a sound! The best recording and interpretation of the ciacona.
have you checked out segovias version. If not, you should. Maybe you rethink whose the best interpretation. He did the transcription of the piece from violin to guitar.
I had the good luck and musical fortune and personal pleasure hear this lady perform guitar music on two occasions so wonderfully years ago that I have-not forgotten my impression of her artistry. She performed music on a guitar given to her by Narsico Yeppes at Akron University one day following elections day in November. The event was arranged by Steve Aron. Most grateful for his efforts to bring qualify guitar music to that town for me and others to hear and see in person. This lady - Raphaela Smits - was phenomenal then with her playing style, interpretation and command of the instrument from beginning to the end of her performance. Then she performed guitar music at the Cleveland Institute of Music shortly after that first encounter. On both occasions she demonstrated artistry that needed no additional words to earn praise than what the audience was saying about her. This was a most knowledgeable and receptive audience whose members knew what they are hearing. For us it did not get any better on either occasion.
Diep bewogen door zoveel liefde en schoonheid. Innig dankbaar, Raphaella, dat ik een leerling van jou mocht zijn. Je bent voor mij één van de mooiste vrouwen die ik ontmoette, ik zie en hoor je graag, als muzikant en als mens. Enkele jaren geleden had ik bijna mijn gitaar verkocht maar iets heeft mij ervan weerhouden en nu, na meer dan 20 jaar, heb ik mijn instrument terug liefdevol in de armen genomen. Voor altijd nu.
Un son superbe, une interprétation superbe, un jeu précise tout en harmonie et en simplicité, que demander de plus ! sans doute la meilleure interprétation du web.
Absolutely Stunning..I'm even hearing things I haven't heard before..Raphaella's amazing confidence to not look at the fingerboard while playing leaves me staggered - let alone her confidence displayed in the playing of the Chaconne..
I was very impressed by John Feeley's rendition of the Chaconne (also on YT) but this is right up there with it (and Ms Smits is playing live!). Marvellous!
sometimes when listening to Bach i imagine how he would have enjoyed the performance, but somehow this one transcends both the composer and the performer
I was astonished her eyes are closed. So I closed mine too. At the end it took a minute to open my eyes because I had to let my soul finish processing the emotions graced by Bach and her immaculate playing. I think music hit the zenith when Bach wrote this. There is no other greater composition.
THIS is what I have been looking for - eight string guitar - beautiful playing too. I have heard dozens of versions of the Chaconne on many instruments - this is the best interpretation I have personally heard
Chaconne always touches the parts that others can't reach. This performance on this superb guitar-would like to know what make it is-brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Ms Smits.
Ok,.Raphaella's virtuosity is a given, an incredible performance. But I'm fascinated by the 18th century guitar she's playing -- multi stringed, no less. These small, narrow-waisted guitars have such a lovely lyrical quality about them and a surprising level of volume. It is truly a treat getting to hear the Chaconne played on this wonderful instrument by such a talented player.
This woman does the most soulful representation of this piece that I have heard do far. I'm on it 8 months and can't conceive of closing my eyes for a second. Maybe in 8 years I'll have it down, but I will use RSmits as a reference point.
Qué belleza, toca la pieza con una sensibilidad apabullante, la guitarra de 8 cuerdas es una extensión de su alma. Había escuchado esta pieza maestra de Bach al laúd barroco en reputados laudistas, pero esta versión es especial y única. Bravo.
I have listened to Chaconne my whole life mostly by A Segovia considered the standard but this version is right up there,thank you Raphaella for a life of dedication I was deeply moved by this performance
The sound of the instrument is heavenly, and the interpretation.... It's one thing to play a piece of music perfectly, but a true master feels the music and plays with emotion and dedication. Raphaella, this was amazing!
He would certainly have given it a thumbs down. He had no tolerance for anyone having their own interpretation, and that she produced her own transcription rather then use his would have infuriated him. It was his way or the highway. And because she was so good he would find that threatening and have to cut her down. Segovia was a dick.
Zeer geachte mevrouw Smits, gisteren zag ik u voor het eerst op Canvas, bij Studio Flagey. Ik schaamde mij voor mijn landgenoot, u collega-muzikant, de brulaap Wispelwey. Gelukkig was hij wel in staat u een terecht compliment te geven voor uw prachtige gitaarspel. Ik vond het zo mooi wat u zei over Bach: meest menselijke componist en tegelijkertijd zo diep spiritueel.
I don't know... her technique is impresive... she's very connected with the instrument and the work!, and of course nothing less than Bach!.beautiful! amazing!
Geachte mevrouw Smits, Prachtig gitaarspel. Zo sereen, zo mooi! Zoals u over Yo-Yo Ma zei, toen hij probeerde uit te leggen wat musiceren juist inhoud. Het niet gaat om de aandacht naar jezelf te trekken. Maar om het beleven van het moment waarin je met je instrument iets unieks weet te vertellen aan je luisteraar. Dat heb u met het werk van Chaconne voor mij gedaan. mvg
Our friend Fa Claes wrote: "Raphaella lets us hear a Bach who sits down to grieve and goes through all the facets of grief. It goes from gloom, desolation, hopelessness past melancholy and poignant sadness to outright rebellion, to resistance that cannot help but exhaust itself and lean toward resignation, but it is an acceptance that remains aware of intense loss. In deepening the whole scope of grief processing, Raphaella realizes a highly moving performance. It is delightful, but in fact we sit in real pain, beneficent pain they call it. Bach is so 'complete'."
🥲🫠😊
Never in a million years would I have imagined this piece to sound so beautiful and resonate so deeply on the guitar. Raphaella Smits is in a league of her own. Absolutely stunning performance.
Mystifying why this video has not reached more people…. Beyond me….
about 350.000 individual views is not too bad. Thank you for your comment :-)
Has anyone noticed she never glanced at the fretboard? That she seldom opened her eyes? Well, best rendition ever so far. Thank God I found this video.
Yes, I did. Amazing.
One thing that puzzles me is that she stares at the fretboard at other times, like here. ruclips.net/video/EIfsaEUG4f0/видео.html
When you really know how to play you don't need to open your eyes or look at the fretboard. You instinctively know where everything is.
@@bechet12 good observation. I wonder why that is?
@@mobongo4246 It's mostly because of muscle memory. A musician developes it through decades of playing and practicing.
Every once in a while I come back to listen to your interpretation... The best I've ever heard... I said it 7 years ago.... I say it again! 😍😍😍
This is the best guitar performance of this piece I've ever heard. The harmonies from 10:50 to 11:20 bring tears to my eyes every time. I don't think I've ever heard a more beautiful piece of music.
This slower version sounds and feels much better than the other ones I found on youtube. Bravo Raphaella, Bravo.
Brava* 'couse She's a girl
Thankfully "pronouns" will never breach the romance languages! Long live masculine and feminine!
@@pollo_da5778 Hahaha what
@@hindenburg1596 bravo Is an Italian Word that mean good or good job. In italian language there's feminin Word and masculin, Raphaella Is a woman, so bravo that Is masculin become brava
This is the first extended string guitar in which the tonal consistency is maintained. A small guitar by contemporary standards yet delivering a wonderfully rounded sound and full of unforced resonance, in the hands of a player who profoundly understands Bach. Absolutely wonderful.
Qualunque musicista si avvicini a questo brano, sia esso eseguito per chitarra, violino, piano, ha la mia ammirazione ed il mio grazie più profondo. La profonda emozione che esso trasmette è un reale atto d'amore, e sebbene ciascuno di noi avrà ovviamente il o i suoi "preferiti", tutti coloro che godono del lavoro di cotanti artisti, dovrebbero ringraziarli.
Oh this is such a deeply felt and exquisitely realized performance of a work that Bach wrote during a period of profound grief,.
I have never a heard a performance of this that touched me so deeply.
Truly remarkable!!!!
Despite having played, studied, and pondered this piece for over forty years, there were passages whose import eluded my understanding, and others - notably measures 181-184 - that performing artists didn't seem to get either. Ms. Smits illuminated all the variations and wove them all into one whole: sorrow and fortitude.
My thanks for this.
Bis in idem.
This tune has been my religion since 2015. So far this is the most soulful rendition of it on guitar I've heard. Could you point to where measures 181-184 are in terms of seconds and minutes?
I believe it corresponds to 9:49-9:58 in this video.
What is there to get? It's heaven!
The best version I ever heard of this music.
Best chaconne in guitar I ever heard. She really understood the spitit of the song (and obviously had the skills to tramsform it into notes) . Thanks, Raphaella for this interpretation.
What an out of this world performance. I never heard her before. This is an absolute revelation.
Bach's Chaconne is proof (to me at least) that there really is a God. Raphaella Smits brings Heaven down to earth with this performance.
Amen to that! I say this regularly, and feel it so, too!
Proofs are for theorems and are not subjective.
I don't know how Bach was possible.
Or rather we say we exist as human and there are better humans than us who could compose and play it and bring that to us.
Dr. Joey,
Bach isn't possible. I guess thats what’s called a miracle.
Extraordinary beauty, Zen concentration, a real lesson of art and conviction.
Thank you two!!too, love
Raphaella Smits if this is really raphaella, do add performances & content to your channel. i'm subscribing just in case.
@@raphaellasmits3450 you're just a great musician, thanks for your art.
I cannot help but think that this is the Chaconne as we all imagined it should and could sound but never thought we’d actually hear. Thank you Raphaella!
(guest, R.M.) This lady has found the heart of the music and gives it to us in such a wonderfully sensitive, yet authoritative way. What an experience. Those who only play and know" pop" really don't know what they are missing. ☺
This interpretation should be taught in music schools. She got a telepatic connection with Bach and with his mood when he composed this piece. Emotions and spirituality united to perfection. Thanks Raphaella.
Even if everyone has told so, after listening to this, I just cant leave this whitout a comment; the most beutiful version of Chaconne I ever heard. Moved to tears.
Je n'ai jamais entendu une interprétation d'une telle qualité... jamais.
C'est bouleversant. Cela fait des années que je me dis que c'est la meilleure interprétation de la Chaconne que j'ai jamais entendue.
This is mastery; of the instrument; of the music; of this piece. What an incredible thing to have captured on video and with such superb sound quality. My favorite interpretation of this masterpiece.
To play the Chaconne,eyes closed is putting her in to the league of esteemed guitarist of the world that are a rare breed.
She is just so wonderful.
I assume this is her Mirecourt?
I appreciate this performance not only for it's intrinsic musicality but also because the lady does not promote her face at the expense of her hands...so to speak. She keeps her face quiet so we can hear what her hands are doing, to put it another way.
So this is what mastery looks like....
indeed...
@@TheModernHermeticist hardly
Спасибо Вам, Рафаэлла за прекрасное исполнение музыки И.С.Баха! В 1997 году видел и слушал Вас в России г. Волгограде. Очень понравилось Ваше сдержанное и чистое исполнение тогда и сейчас! СПАСИБО! Да хранит, Вас Господь!
3 years later this is still the best :)))))))
She left me speechless and in tears with her profoundly moving execution. This interpretation of this beloved Chaconne surpass any other that I have heard from other virtuoso guitarist.
What a wonderful player and instrument! Mesmorising, i nearly fell off the ground!
One of Bach's most intensely sad compositions... in this lovely and sensitive performance, the virtuoso keeps her eyes closed the entire time.
I think that guitar was made for this piece and you were born to play it. Thank you so much.
OK, that left me speechless. I've only ever been rendered speechless by the Chaconne from Heifetz's performance.
Best version of Chaconne on guitar!
Waoh! I started listening, and couldn't stop. I was mesmerized by the story she tells (as do all great artists). She made me re-discover this piece, from a totally different point of view. Less energic than Segovia's version, but more profound, more spiritual. I will never play the Chaconne the way I used to, from now on.
Supreme musicianship in a magical performance.
What is clever about what Bach did in the Chaconne is he composed a work that represented his life with his wife who sadly died. It tells the story of all those emotions and memories. Joy, wonder, sorrow, etc. I suspect Raphaella may have visualised that for each of the sections to memorise the notes. 14 minutes without glancing at fretboard is an incredible achievement.
I’m a baroque trained cellist and have played with lots of baroque guitar players and Raphaella Smits’ Spanish baroque modified guitar is glorious
It's a romantic guitar, baroque guitars are very different
@@braulios3386google is free. Look it up bud. The shape is EXACTLY THE SAME
The most mesmerizing performance of this piece I've ever heard.
I'm astonished, this woman has discovered where the music lives.
Raphaella, I'm absolutely certain that Belgium is extremely proud of you maestra. That was a totally sound, masterful performance ma'am. I really enjoyed your performance and I thank you for putting it on You Tube. Please be well and thank you again for a wonderful performance.
I fear she is, like many truly gifted artists, very underrated and hardly known by the broader public.
Maybe she wants it this way, I don't know.
The sound of that guitar is extraordinary. I've listened to this performance many times now and each time it retains the crispness and beauty of the first listen. Fantastic playing.
Best guitar edition ever, can't really get any better.Whisper of God through that soundhole.THANK YOU MAESTRA, THANK YOU SO MUCH
A beautiful chaconne story, by maestro Raphaella Smits!
Raphaëlla, on dit que Bach est le père de la musique. Vous, vous êtes sa fille !! En 40 années de passion pour la guitare, c'est la première fois que j'entends une interprétation d'une telle qualité. Chapeau Madame ! C'est merveilleux. Pierre
Pierre Jurado sûrement la meilleure interprétation à ce jour,mais c’est aussi une très grande dame de la guitare et certainement l’égale d’Ida Presti.
C'est merveilleux. Je suis d'accord avec la plupart des commentaires: c'est d'une incroyable musicalité. On dirait que Bach l'a écrite pour elle. On oublie la nécessaire virtuosité pour n'entendre plus que la musique. Magnifique. Merci Madame.
This lady came to my university for a guest artist performance and recital the day following elections in early November last century. She played a guitar that had been given to her by Narcisco Yepes and spoke about it with intense dedication. Perhaps the high point of my appreciation of guitar artistry came from hearing her perform that evening. Few things were better than hearing her perform this music. I still collect her recordings and listen to them. She was the consummate artist in so many ways. I spoke with her following the recital and asked questions about the recordings that I eventually purchased. An inceptive for me to learn more about Belgium came from this encounter. Most rewarding and fruitful for me.
This extraordinary performance is fully the equal of any I have every heard, and far more interesting than most.
I have never heard Raphaella before, and only turned up here on a whim - a most fortunate one. Her guitar took some getting used to, aurally, but then I was seduced by its dark sound - really quite right for the Chaconne, I think.
But mostly it is her musicality that stunned me. Very early on, I felt compelled to give my complete attention, because this was such a careful, deep, profound reading. Such a gift. But then many of us think this is the most astounding piece of music ever written - something I say with considerable reluctance, because I don't like to get too competitive about such things.
If I were to use a single word to characterize this performance, it would be "original". Raphaella did, successfully, a number of things with this piece which I have long thought ought at least to be tried. And they worked because there was such emotional authenticity in the playing.
Thank you for this, Raphaella.
It's so true
Well said.
This is dope, indeed.
Not so extraordinary, sorry. No emotion. Have you ever listened to Andrea Segovia version of the Ciaccona?
Just listen to the eleven string here on youtube still by far the best ruclips.net/video/YzP6mkPVzm0/видео.html
She's one of a few musician who really brings this piece alive. Bravo!
As a new and zealous fan of this piece, I would suggest you are not watching enough youtube. There are so many absolutely breathtaking arrangements of this work, particularly on guitar. Segovia's arrangement is beauty defined.
Reading many of the comments regarding the nuances in the sound of this video seems to be a response to those sounds produced by the 7th and 8th strings (sympathetic strings). Her slower tempo in places also give these strings a chance to resonate and bring out new phrases not heard elsewhere . Certainly another beautiful and personal interpretation of this magnificent Bach composition. I believe the Chaconne more than most guitar selections allows any truly great guitarist to raise their level of technique, playing and understanding of what the guitar (6,8,10 string) is capable of.
I sob, absolutely every time, that I listen to this. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.
I'm speechless...there's no words on earth that can express how magnificent this is
Bach comme il me semble devoir être joué: inéluctable et sensible... magnifique et le son de cette guitare est une révélation. Bravo Mirecourt!
Фантастично, дякую! Все зрозуміло, нічого не дратує. Виконання гіпнотизує і підносить до висот!
Fantastic. Her fingers have eyes.
Master Raphaella Smit, the best version of the Chaconne, She plays so deep and so beautiful
Непринужденное, спокойное исполнение не может не успокоить❤
What a technique, what a musicality, what a meditative atmosphere, what an instrument, what a sound! The best recording and interpretation of the ciacona.
Brava, Maestra. You make me cry 🥲You deserve million views
Just SUPER!!! This is one of the better versions on RUclips.
The best interpretation ever! What a sound! Is absolutely perfect!
have you checked out segovias version. If not, you should. Maybe you rethink whose the best interpretation. He did the transcription of the piece from violin to guitar.
The best interpretation of the Ciaccona? sorry, you are wrong. The best is by Andres Segovia.
@@robertotosini8160У Сеговии она очень романтическая по темпераменту здесь более тяжёлая ...дело вкуса
I had the good luck and musical fortune and personal pleasure hear this lady perform guitar music on two occasions so wonderfully years ago that I have-not forgotten my impression of her artistry. She performed music on a guitar given to her by Narsico Yeppes at Akron University one day following elections day in November. The event was arranged by Steve Aron. Most grateful for his efforts to bring qualify guitar music to that town for me and others to hear and see in person. This lady - Raphaela Smits - was phenomenal then with her playing style, interpretation and command of the instrument from beginning to the end of her performance. Then she performed guitar music at the Cleveland Institute of Music shortly after that first encounter. On both occasions she demonstrated artistry that needed no additional words to earn praise than what the audience was saying about her. This was a most knowledgeable and receptive audience whose members knew what they are hearing. For us it did not get any better on either occasion.
Thank you Freddie Frumko and Stephen Aron. I am just back home from an other visit at Oberlin. Tx
Diep bewogen door zoveel liefde en
schoonheid. Innig dankbaar, Raphaella, dat ik een leerling van jou
mocht zijn. Je bent voor mij één van de mooiste vrouwen die ik
ontmoette, ik zie en hoor je graag, als muzikant en als mens.
Enkele jaren geleden had ik bijna mijn
gitaar verkocht maar iets heeft mij ervan weerhouden en nu, na meer
dan 20 jaar, heb ik mijn instrument terug liefdevol in de armen
genomen. Voor altijd nu.
Un son superbe, une interprétation superbe, un jeu précise tout en harmonie et en simplicité, que demander de plus ! sans doute la meilleure interprétation du web.
Absolutely Stunning..I'm even hearing things I haven't heard before..Raphaella's amazing confidence to not look at the fingerboard while playing leaves me staggered - let alone her confidence displayed in the playing of the Chaconne..
I was very impressed by John Feeley's rendition of the Chaconne (also on YT) but this is right up there with it (and Ms Smits is playing live!). Marvellous!
sometimes when listening to Bach i imagine how he would have enjoyed the performance, but somehow this one transcends both the composer and the performer
I was astonished her eyes are closed. So I closed mine too. At the end it took a minute to open my eyes because I had to let my soul finish processing the emotions graced by Bach and her immaculate playing. I think music hit the zenith when Bach wrote this. There is no other greater composition.
Raphella is a very sensitive guitarist. That was brilliant! So effortless! I hope you recorded this on CD!!!
THIS is what I have been looking for - eight string guitar - beautiful playing too. I have heard dozens of versions of the Chaconne on many instruments - this is the best interpretation I have personally heard
So wonderful.
Thank you so much Raphaella Smits, refined artist, infinite talent.
Chaconne always touches the parts that others can't reach. This performance on this superb guitar-would like to know what make it is-brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Ms Smits.
Maestra Raphaella must have dreamed this Chaconne a thousand times, then she rehearsed it in the dark for decades. Bravissimo!
Ok,.Raphaella's virtuosity is a given, an incredible performance. But I'm fascinated by the 18th century guitar she's playing -- multi stringed, no less. These small, narrow-waisted guitars have such a lovely lyrical quality about them and a surprising level of volume. It is truly a treat getting to hear the Chaconne played on this wonderful instrument by such a talented player.
This woman does the most soulful representation of this piece that I have heard do far. I'm on it 8 months and can't conceive of closing my eyes for a second. Maybe in 8 years I'll have it down, but I will use RSmits as a reference point.
Non ci sono parole per affermare l'assoluta meraviglia di questa prestazione. Unica. ❤
I've studied this piece for several years. This performance made me rethink it, and indeed, my whole relationship with the guitar.
So beautiful - it made me fall into meditation while tears streamed down my cheeks.
Incredible interpretation of a an Incredible work of the supreme composer of all Times.
Quite possibly the best performance of the great Chaconne I have ever heard. The instrument and the sound are also extraordinary. Bravo!
Beautiful playing. I'm surprised at how deep and rich the tone of that guitar is.
+mr muckle please sit down there's only so much a player can do. A poorly made instrument will still sound like garbage in skilled hands.
This is like the 30th time I m watching this and still tears(of joy) at 0:42 never thought I d thank somebody for making my cry. Bless you :))
Una de las mejores interpretaciones que he escuchado de esta partitura de Bach.
Qué belleza, toca la pieza con una sensibilidad apabullante, la guitarra de 8 cuerdas es una extensión de su alma. Había escuchado esta pieza maestra de Bach al laúd barroco en reputados laudistas, pero esta versión es especial y única. Bravo.
I have listened to Chaconne my whole life mostly by A Segovia considered the standard but this version is right up there,thank you Raphaella for a life of dedication I was deeply moved by this performance
The sound of the instrument is heavenly, and the interpretation.... It's one thing to play a piece of music perfectly, but a true master feels the music and plays with emotion and dedication. Raphaella, this was amazing!
Inspired & magnificent ♥️🎶
Thank you for sharing this. As a guitarist I was so moved, as always by Bach but so much more by your interpretation.
How could anyone thumbs down this. I'm sure Segovia would not have thumb down this.
He would certainly have given it a thumbs down. He had no tolerance for anyone having their own interpretation, and that she produced her own transcription rather then use his would have infuriated him. It was his way or the highway. And because she was so good he would find that threatening and have to cut her down. Segovia was a dick.
Raphaella, I haven't heard real artistry at such a high level as yours in quite a long time. So inspiring!
Zeer geachte mevrouw Smits,
gisteren zag ik u voor het eerst op Canvas, bij Studio Flagey. Ik schaamde mij voor mijn landgenoot, u collega-muzikant, de brulaap Wispelwey. Gelukkig was hij wel in staat u een terecht compliment te geven voor uw prachtige gitaarspel.
Ik vond het zo mooi wat u zei over Bach: meest menselijke componist en tegelijkertijd zo diep spiritueel.
Im speechless by this, how much did it take to get to this level.Words arent enough!.
Absolutely beautiful playing. Lovely phrasing and interpretation.
magnifique un grand moment de musique , on entends rarement la chaconne aussi bien jouée...wouaouhhhh
I love the phrasing, the colors, I am impressed.
I don't know... her technique is impresive... she's very connected with the instrument and the work!, and of course nothing less than Bach!.beautiful! amazing!
Geachte mevrouw Smits,
Prachtig gitaarspel. Zo sereen, zo mooi! Zoals u over Yo-Yo Ma zei, toen hij probeerde uit te leggen wat musiceren juist inhoud. Het niet gaat om de aandacht naar jezelf te trekken. Maar om het beleven van het moment waarin je met je instrument iets unieks weet te vertellen aan je luisteraar. Dat heb u met het werk van Chaconne voor mij gedaan. mvg
The master of masters!!! Words cannot describe her soul reaching to Bach .... to GOD!!
Extraordinary performance I love her playing
Such wonderful performance! Love it!