I can listen to many harpists blindfolded but will always tell you apart. Your delicate yet steady touch is unprecedented and very characteristic, to the point where I can recognize it immediately no matter what you are playing. You have a very dignified clarity in your technique which compliments the soul of your playing. A Dorian sensitivity, honest and not overly elaborate, but with impressive depth. Probably the most sophisticated harpist I have had the pleasure of listening to, and one of the most thoughtful and complex musicians.
This is the piece that really solidified my desire to start learning the harp. I had admired the harp for a long time as I think many people do, but Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is what made me really fall in with the harp.
This sounds so crisp, clear, and powerful, and you move so gracefully and efficiently from one note to another. I have been watching other videos of this piece of music by other harpists, but this is by far my favorite.
I could'nt imagine that this piece played by harp would be so beautiful. The sound is so clear, you can hear every note , sharp, vivid, in marvelous harmony. Really wonderful, thank you!
One of my favourite pieces by Bach which is so much more beautiful (and less haunting) on the harp. You make it sound like a river in constant flow, amazing 🙂
Unglaublich ! Ich höre es jeden Tag . Und kann nicht genug bekommen . Ich spiele jetzt 14 Jahre Doppelpedalharfe und finde es unglaublich wie du auf den Saiten jonglierst . Und was mir auffällt, wie ökonomisch deine Bewegungen sind : keine überflüssige effektheischende Bewegung en Der Klang wie er überkommt ist klar und energievoll. Bewundernwert!!!
My favorite artist playing one of my favorite pieces ever, what else can I say? The bad thing it is that after listening to it I don't want to listen to anything else xD
Lieber Josh , ich höre jeden Tag dein wunderbares Stück und es rührt mich immer wieder zu Tränen . Es ist von so großem Können und keinerlei Eitelkeit so von dir gelebt , dass es mich zutiefst berührt. Es hat für mich unglaubliche Emotionen. Deine entspannten Hände und doch so voller Kraft sind mir ein immerwährendes Vorbild . Liebe Grüße Maria Stöhmer
Well done! Your interpretation for harp is perfection with every note -- clear and expressive. Love the composition of the shot too. The lighting makes watching your hands all the more hypnotic. ~Lisa
Absolutely stunning and beautiful like always! 🎶💖 You are such an inspiration, thank you for your passion and devotion to harp music. It is a gift to the world. 🙏
WOW, Josh!! Bach is so hard to play well! Especially, for some reason that piece, bcz everyone seems to rush through it! Even organists rush through it and the individual notes become complete mush. I know this piece well bcz my dad not only played it on the piano, but also on the pipe Organ! Bach was his absolute fav composer! His first Master's degree was in music as he went to Westminster Choir College!! U just blew this piece out of the Water!!!! In soooooo HAPPY for u!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ur one of a VERY few ppl who actually play it properly!! 😄😘😘😘 Even among professional organists! 😄
Yes, I completely concur regarding the 'rush to mush'. There is an otherwise beautiful rendition of this stunning piece by Sophia Kiprskaya on RUclips where she does just that.
I was wondering about Amy, but their techniques r soooooo MARKEDLY different, I'm not so sure it would work. I've heard her version. I love Josh's version so much better! He plays do much more calmly
Really lovely adaptation! Just found your channel as I finally got my first harp and I’m learning how to play it! My fiancée and I sat and discussed the history of this piece while we listened ❤️
I just bought your new lever harp book, couple make videos of the tunes in the books please,so we could learn it faster (it would even better if you could record the angle we can see your fingering clearly.) You're awesome! Thanks again for great the book!
So so so beautiful Josh!! I actually just drifted off into a sublime sleep as I listened to that!! (but it’s morning here now and I’m supposed to be getting out of bed ... not going back to sleep!!😅). Fun to see you at Deborah’s mini-concert earlier today ... the world has just got SO much smaller since all this COVID business happened!
So so beautiful! I had no idea this piece would suit the harp so well. I love your channel! You’re very skilled and inspiring to me as a beginner harpist
Beautiful Josh I love the power of your fingers. The harp has that clean beauty coming from all the strings. Very well done! the harp sounds like Lyon & Healy style 30 my favorite pedal harp. I am hoping you will preform the rose and the last rose of summer. Just saying😁
Wow! That is just amazing - I love it! I've always loved Bach's organ works, but have rarely liked harp transcriptions of them. Your arrangement is stunningly beautiful, the voicing is wonderful, and you play it so well! Bravo!
This is amazing! I’m curious at 1:10 why are you using your 2 finger to pluck each note? Was this just a personal preference or is there some other reason. I’m new to harp just trying to understand.
With the LH repeating the same note all the time 2 is the best option. With the RH, one could connect but I wanted the sound of a more detached "staccato" note.
Absolutely amazing! I have a question about the lever harp version. Does anyone know how long it is or if there is a video? It would appear to be shorter than the pedal harp sheet music. Thank you!
Hi Linda! I will have a video of the lever harp version soon :) The lever harp transcription is just of the Toccata, which is the part here from 0:00 to 2:36 (The Fugue seems pretty impossible to do on the lever harp, given that it's already a hand and footful with the notes+pedal changes!) Hope that helps!
Josh Layne I’m so glad you are arranging Bach for harp, regardless if it’s pedal or lever. It makes me very happy, and your performance truly exciting.
Is a recording of your playing Toccata and Fugue available to buy - on an album or as an mp3, or have you any plans to record it? My mum asked me as she loves it, and I'd be interested too. Thank you.
Oh Josh, this is wonderful! I can see your hand positions and make poor attempts at copying you. Allow me to butcher the first few bars of Toccata for my Halloween party! Horrid Harpist vid coming soon. It'll be just as good as my Clair De Woodchuck. 😂😂😂
I can listen to many harpists blindfolded but will always tell you apart. Your delicate yet steady touch is unprecedented and very characteristic, to the point where I can recognize it immediately no matter what you are playing. You have a very dignified clarity in your technique which compliments the soul of your playing. A Dorian sensitivity, honest and not overly elaborate, but with impressive depth. Probably the most sophisticated harpist I have had the pleasure of listening to, and one of the most thoughtful and complex musicians.
I've been playing the piano for 35 years and started learning the harp this year. You are so very inspiring! Thank you!
That was SPECTACULAR. Wow -- the piece kept its inherent nature and yet still had all the requisite harpiness. That was really something.
Breathtaking and totally masterful! Bach is on cloud 9! Thank you, Josh, for lifting us up!
Absolutely amazing I have to keep listening to you playing it. So, so beautiful
This is the piece that really solidified my desire to start learning the harp. I had admired the harp for a long time as I think many people do, but Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is what made me really fall in with the harp.
This sounds so crisp, clear, and powerful, and you move so gracefully and efficiently from one note to another. I have been watching other videos of this piece of music by other harpists, but this is by far my favorite.
Thanks Victoria! :)
I could'nt imagine that this piece played by harp would be so beautiful. The sound is so clear, you can hear every note , sharp, vivid, in marvelous harmony. Really wonderful, thank you!
Thanks Patrizia!
@@JoshLayne BRAVISSIMO !!HO SONATO ESTUPENDAMENTE!!!!GRACIE BACCIONE DEL BRASIL SAO PAULO MARIA TERESA BRIAMONTE HARPISTA
Learning to play on an American Folk harp and I find this arrangement amazing how light your touch is inspirational videos. Thank you!.
Ich habe dieses Stück auf Orgel und Accordeon gehört, nie auf Harfe gespielt. Das ist was besonderes, lautet einfach wunderbar. Danke fürs Upload.
One of my favourite pieces by Bach which is so much more beautiful (and less haunting) on the harp. You make it sound like a river in constant flow, amazing 🙂
Love this piece. And esp on the harp..... excellent
Unglaublich ! Ich höre es jeden Tag . Und kann nicht genug bekommen . Ich spiele jetzt 14 Jahre Doppelpedalharfe und finde es unglaublich wie du auf den Saiten jonglierst . Und was mir auffällt, wie ökonomisch deine Bewegungen sind : keine überflüssige effektheischende Bewegung en Der Klang wie er überkommt ist klar und energievoll. Bewundernwert!!!
Wow!! Just watching those fingers dance on the strings is a work of art alone! Inspiration to practice! Thank you!
Still come back to watch this. So good
Goosebumps all over the body. Bach still thrills)
Beautiful. Love this interpretation!! So tasteful - wow, your technique blows my mind! Thank you for sharing your exquisite gift!
Fantastic interpration Josh 🎶🌺
Just wonderful! 👏👏👏
My favorite artist playing one of my favorite pieces ever, what else can I say? The bad thing it is that after listening to it I don't want to listen to anything else xD
Thanks Josh, very beautiful, natural, perfect sound even on RUclips
Lieber Josh , ich höre jeden Tag dein wunderbares Stück und es rührt mich immer wieder zu Tränen .
Es ist von so großem Können und keinerlei Eitelkeit so von dir gelebt , dass es mich zutiefst berührt.
Es hat für mich unglaubliche Emotionen. Deine entspannten Hände und doch so voller Kraft sind mir ein immerwährendes Vorbild .
Liebe Grüße Maria Stöhmer
Just fabulous and inspiring,
Stunning.
Well done! Your interpretation for harp is perfection with every note -- clear and expressive. Love the composition of the shot too. The lighting makes watching your hands all the more hypnotic. ~Lisa
Thank you for creating a lever version. 🎶 🙏
Excellent; only 9pm in the UK...thank you, Josh!
I am 11, playing the harp,and this is very impressive and want to play this one day.
Thanks! Look forward to hearing you play it sometime in the future! :)
Hey, I’m 20 and I play the harp for almost a year. Keep it up, you will get there. I wish I could have started when I was as young as you. Good luck!
Ashley you will as part of your harp journey!.
Absolutely stunning and beautiful like always! 🎶💖 You are such an inspiration, thank you for your passion and devotion to harp music. It is a gift to the world. 🙏
Thanks so much, Anne!
Enjoyed the lighting, really focuses on the hands. But the music was sheer delight!
Thanks Susanne!
So crisp and beautiful, and loved a glimpse of the footwork at the end! What a gift you are!
Thanks Marian!
Thank you.
WOW, Josh!!
Bach is so hard to play well! Especially, for some reason that piece, bcz everyone seems to rush through it! Even organists rush through it and the individual notes become complete mush.
I know this piece well bcz my dad not only played it on the piano, but also on the pipe Organ! Bach was his absolute fav composer! His first Master's degree was in music as he went to Westminster Choir College!!
U just blew this piece out of the Water!!!! In soooooo HAPPY for u!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ur one of a VERY few ppl who actually play it properly!! 😄😘😘😘 Even among professional organists! 😄
Wow, thanks for that!
Yes, I completely concur regarding the 'rush to mush'. There is an otherwise beautiful rendition of this stunning piece by Sophia Kiprskaya on RUclips where she does just that.
Looking forward to it. I know it will be beautiful with your special touches.
Utterly superb. Very rewarding to watch and listen. Thank you Josh.
Wow! I can't imagine it being played any better. Gorgeous !!!!!!
It would be so cool to see you collaborate with Amy Turk someday. You two could create an absolutely astounding arrangement for two harps.
I was wondering about Amy, but their techniques r soooooo MARKEDLY different, I'm not so sure it would work. I've heard her version.
I love Josh's version so much better!
He plays do much more calmly
Amy does some fantastic stuff :) Had this year gone as normal I would be the UK right now! Maybe next year...
@@juliagrauel2951 Their difference is what would make the pairing interesting, imnsho.
Really lovely adaptation! Just found your channel as I finally got my first harp and I’m learning how to play it! My fiancée and I sat and discussed the history of this piece while we listened ❤️
Bravo! 👏 I never tire of listening to this performance
You are so, so incredible, Mr. Layne. I'm in absolute awe. Thank you for posting this!
love this one！
Thank you so much this is so beautiful.
Wonderfull thank you josh layne.
Thanks Heidi!
Amazing!
Wow! Excellent, Josh!
Great job, it is wonderful 🎶🎶🙂.
Incredible! Beautiful arrangement and performance 👏
Exquisite technique!
Einfach nur wundervoll
Oh so wonderful Josh, I really am lost in wonder. Thank you for this performance.
Wow--Excellent! Thank you! 🌹
Fabulous arrangement
Timer set! Can't wait! :-)
Wonderful! Thank you. I'm excited to read there is a lever harp version of the first part too, looking forward to it.
You just bought me to tears
I just bought your new lever harp book, couple make videos of the tunes in the books please,so we could learn it faster (it would even better if you could record the angle we can see your fingering clearly.) You're awesome! Thanks again for great the book!
I loved this!! Thanks - and beautifully filmed as well.
Bravo!!!!
Thank you Josh this sounds great!
Hey, thanks Brett!
fantastic 🌹, Josh, keep posting!
I love it ! This is beautiful piece with a very talented musician. Thanks Josh, it's a real pleasure to listen to you !
So so so beautiful Josh!! I actually just drifted off into a sublime sleep as I listened to that!! (but it’s morning here now and I’m supposed to be getting out of bed ... not going back to sleep!!😅). Fun to see you at Deborah’s mini-concert earlier today ... the world has just got SO much smaller since all this COVID business happened!
Thanks Anne! And yes, small world :)
So so beautiful! I had no idea this piece would suit the harp so well. I love your channel! You’re very skilled and inspiring to me as a beginner harpist
Thank you!
Powerfull and inspiring playing, you're so talented thank you so much for sharing ❤️
Beautiful Josh I love the power of your fingers. The harp has that clean beauty coming from all the strings. Very well done! the harp sounds like Lyon & Healy style 30 my favorite pedal harp. I am hoping you will preform the rose and the last rose of summer. Just saying😁
Wow! That is just amazing - I love it! I've always loved Bach's organ works, but have rarely liked harp transcriptions of them. Your arrangement is stunningly beautiful, the voicing is wonderful, and you play it so well! Bravo!
Thanks Stephanie!
Incredible!
Your STILL the BEST, dude!!!! 😄 Love you, man!!!! 💖💖💖✝️🤯
Hehe :)
Großartig!!!!!🤗
Espectacular Josh!!!
Jaw dropping
This is amazing! I’m curious at 1:10 why are you using your 2 finger to pluck each note? Was this just a personal preference or is there some other reason. I’m new to harp just trying to understand.
With the LH repeating the same note all the time 2 is the best option. With the RH, one could connect but I wanted the sound of a more detached "staccato" note.
That 1 person who disliked has broken speakers on their phone so they can't hear a thing.
Haha, ur probably right! 🤣😂
I guess they changed their mind now it’s zero😁
You know the rather grim expression on the Hausmann portrait of J.S.B.?
I think the corners of the mouth are turning up now!
Oh, to play like this...
I agree whole-heartedly
Haha, love it! Thanks Charlotte :)
Absolutely amazing! I have a question about the lever harp version. Does anyone know how long it is or if there is a video? It would appear to be shorter than the pedal harp sheet music. Thank you!
Hi Linda! I will have a video of the lever harp version soon :) The lever harp transcription is just of the Toccata, which is the part here from 0:00 to 2:36 (The Fugue seems pretty impossible to do on the lever harp, given that it's already a hand and footful with the notes+pedal changes!) Hope that helps!
Josh Layne thanks so much for the info!
Josh Layne I’m so glad you are arranging Bach for harp, regardless if it’s pedal or lever. It makes me very happy, and your performance truly exciting.
I want to learn the harp, where do I even start. Which harp do I buy? How do I start learning the strings ?
How long did it take to learn this? You really captured every note...Bravo!
Is a recording of your playing Toccata and Fugue available to buy - on an album or as an mp3, or have you any plans to record it? My mum asked me as she loves it, and I'd be interested too. Thank you.
Wonderful. Why not so much views? Promote your channel and guys share please. I think those 2 dislikes are looking for download button.
Oh Josh, this is wonderful! I can see your hand positions and make poor attempts at copying you. Allow me to butcher the first few bars of Toccata for my Halloween party! Horrid Harpist vid coming soon. It'll be just as good as my Clair De Woodchuck. 😂😂😂