This performance is almost too intimate and introspective to watch. He seems to be pouring his angst and the agony he suffered into his playing, and when his tears came it was so personal I had to look away. Ferras and Sibelius were matched by the pain they each experienced. This movement expresses almost unbearable sorrow. Truly extraordinary.
I first saw this performance a long time ago. I actually teared. Indisputably the best interpretation. I can not even tell if that's sweat or tears pouring down his face. Mr. Ferras poured his soul out through his playing, expressing his aching heart from his depression. It is so tragic that a virtuoso violinist of this caliber could even suffer this - to be at the top yet still feel you are lacking. I wish I could have talked to you about your problems. But maybe it was the struggle that made this legendary interpretation and violinist. It gives comfort to people who struggle like me to think that maybe everything does happen for a reason... Rest in peace, Mr. Ferras. I hope that you have finally found the peace you so desperately sought for when you finally took it into your own hands... You deserve it.Thank you for sharing your art. We will remember you forever. I love you... I will learn this piece...
It is the struggle between the agony of pain and the endeavor to overcome it behind great art - implied is the talent and hypersensitivity are there, of course.
There is no relationship between being at the top and depression. Depression goes back to early life event/s, not excluding other etiologies, but, behind GREAT ART there's conflict and the ensuing struggle to overcome it, produces the uniqueness we see, in this case, hear Ferras give a performan
I'm pretty sure it's a tear. If you look at the beginning of the next movement, you see that Zubin Mehta (the conductor) looks over at Ferras, and seems very concerned--so I'm pretty sure Ferras was crying.
Today is the 37th anniversary of the tragic suicide of Christian Ferras; a rather forgotten virtuoso violinist. This production of Sibelius violin concerto is not only one his best filmed performances, but the best performance of this great musical piece I have ever heard, even better than the recording Ferras made with Von Karajan. In the 2nd movement his sensitive soul is impressed so heartfeltly by this masterpiece of sorrow, that twitches and flickers of his face end up in heartbreaking tears. Ferras is a violinist to be discovered again. His extraordinary bowing and the quality of sound he extracts from his instrument is UNIQUE! Homage to you dear Christian Ferras. May your soul rest in peace.
Believe me we as violinists we remember this legend again and again...and not only Ferras but all those legends who lived that era! He was incredible creature and warm sound violinist! One of a kind violinist!
It is a sad statement of the condition of the world that in 13 years since this was uploaded that this has only 150,500 views. I don't think there is anywhere a better example of one man pouring out the desperate anguish of his soul, to communicate with all his might the nature of Art. That desperation directs ever detail of his phrasing unlike the modern product of the conservatory machine, that produces many notes and rarely anything worth listening to.
Dear Mr. Ferras… We cry with you. I wish I could hug you and tell you how much you were and are loved. I feel your agony. I hope you are at peace. Thank you for baring your soul to us. You are deeply loved now and always, and your supreme artistry and unmatched playing are so missed.
i am now sitting in a public library, listening to this piece and trying to write my essay...and out of nowhere i started to cry silently... this is one of the most soul-baring performance I have ever listened!!! (and man...crying in public sucks)
Mehta bites his lip at the end so I suppose he is very moved by this wonderful performance and Christian Ferras being very emotional. I imagine he will never forget that concert.
The emotion on Zubin Mehta's face at the end of the movement explains whether those were tears. Truly a violinist of genius! Thank you SamLee0519 for the ability to be able to keep this video for ever.
This movement is the most sublime 6 minutes or so in all music IMHO and ChristianFerras gives a performance which to my ears (and the eyes confirm it) is unsurpassed. Perhaos his own struggles gave him a sensitivity that so many other technically brilliant violinists cannot match. Thank you Christian :)
it's mind blowing how nobody else even comes close to this level of playing for this concerto. this is truly a once in a lifetime performance, and i would give anything to go back and listen to him. just ridiculous.
so honest... by watching something like this, one really can't avoid noticing that most players these days lack this kind of honesty to the music...to music in the highest sense. Ferras has a pure existential need to play and express himself, and convey this amazing music in the most pure way.this should be the motor of any musician when facing such works...but way too many show themselves instead...and, worse,they use music in a business like manner... what a shame.
I can not express how I feel after listning to this tortoured soul, the beauty, and soulfulness moved me to tears. Theere is no one, absolutely no one to match this.
Woke up this morning in so much pain. I needed anything to pad it so I came to this video. To all of us who need healing, may we find it. I’m sorry Christian Ferras. Thank you for this beauty.
The Grandmaster of emotional violin playing. This piece is played like a true master. I wish he never killed himself if he only knew he had such a vast following, people who would willingly help him out of his depths. It is imposible to listen without breaking out into tears or atleast a lump in the throat.
Ferras truly makes the violin "sing" as if it were a human voice...the expression of sorrow and pain that I feel is indescribable. It is eerie to think that Ferras was so good at portraying these emotions because of his internal conflicts and depression (and subsequently resulting in his suicide...). I'm just glad he recorded this...his legacy will live on.
Every time I listen to this interpretation of Sibelius concerto, I cry. Christian Ferras plays it with so much emotion and delicacy, every note is felt . He touches my soul. I have asked to play it at my funeral.
Gives me chills every time I watch this. Obviously no ordinary person can play with such raw emotion and intensity. Depression obviously brought out the genius in him. But it also ended his life in the saddest of ways. Truly amazing playing!
One of my regular comments on this post... yes, i am obsessed for a long time it has never mattered to me whether they are tears or sweat. Christian killed himself in 1982, so i'm pretty sure he held a lot of tears inside him. Watching today, in 2021, I am convinced these are the tears of a genius who knew where life was leading, instructed by the dark openings of another tortured genius. This is one of the all time great performances.
This performance embodies the phrase "don't just play the notes". When I think of the second movt. of this piece I think of his playing. He was so good the audience clapped between movt.'s :)
This man had enormous ability.I truly love his playing.He put so much musicality in to this performance and he also had incredible technical facility. He really was so special.
The way he picks out both melodies so distinctly during the double stops (4:07 - 4:28) I never heard any other violinist do this. By far my favorite version of this passage.
Sibelius' most sensitive piece of music.....performed with tears showing deep emotions. Witnessing this is a miracle. This is so so profound. Great Mr. Christian Ferras: thank you. You are a hero.
I love this performance. How often do you actually see a musician crying from the emotion they're putting into the piece? When you combine that with knowledge of his depression it paints a very sad picture.
This Concerto has meant so much to me. The only recording for me is the Ferras/Karajan recording with Finlandia and Tapiola. The tragedy and angst, darkness and savagery is unmatched today. Just wish there was a way to enhance the audio quality comparable to modern recordings. Ferras is a true hero. His Brahms is great too. But this piece was destined for Ferras.
Few things in this entire world have made me feel so sad and vulnerable. The first were the deaths of my grandpa and my Great Grandpa. Every time I hear this piece, I sit in a secluded area and I just cannot help but let out tears. This is truly my favorite rendition of this piece. Christian was such a talented man, and I also weep thinking of anyone taking their own life. Thank you so much for uploading this
Is there anything more sublime than this? What a curse to follow after him and try to reach the same perfection of sensitivity, generosity and sincerity.
Moved to tears. Ferras was capable of transporting the listener; making the listener part of the music; taking the listener on a journey *inside* the music - the an ineffable place named "beauty".
The hypersensitivity of this most amazing artist is the result of tremendous pain and inner conflict. We are so privileged to listen to what came out of his agony and suffering: an unparalleled creation of sound.
4:05 - 5:45 !!! To me this is the "best" recording of this passage, ever. Who plays this passage better than Ferras in this recording? I searched everywhere and no one comes even close( In my humble and subjective opinion. Please comment and tell me if you find someone "better") The way he picks out both melodies(which seem to harmonize with one another equally rather than one or the other acting dominant even though the listener can clearly follow the dominant one, however, with subtlety ) during the double-stops, and slides when he shifts positions coupled with his distinct vibrato all under the atmosphere of his sensitive, emotional, yet bold and confidant phrasing. Oh also, the orchestra are so on point with him. Which is not easy, considering how he takes his time and does not follow such a strict a tempo, requiring a lot of communication, chemistry and practice.`
For me, vengerov is the Best on Sibelius. But of course i agree that this interpretation is magic. The only thing i can say is maybe too much gilssando.
I heard Ferras in recital in Adelaide, South Australia, somewhere around 1955. His performance of the C-major unaccompanied sonata by Bach, especially of the great fugue, changed my life forever,. I could not believe what I was hearing, the experience has been a benchmark for me ever since. A few years ago I wanted to thank him and bear witness to the effect his playing had on me. To my sorrow I found that he had committed suicide. I pray that he may have had at least some sense of the great gift he had for all of us. Now, at the age of 81 I find, listening to him, that I am discovering an important part of myself. For some time during the last twelve months, or so, I have been frequently too weak to draw a bow across the string. Yet, by some miracle, I am playing again. In doing this, I had to start as if a beginner, this time with a body very different from the one I had in my childhood. Listening to Christian now, I feel that I had to experience this breakdown in order fully to realise the fruits of what I got from him at the age of fourteen. At last I am ready for it and the results are marvellous. Thank you Christian, I have never heard a violinist remotely equal to you. I am so moved to have found a place in which to bear witness to my gratitude. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Ferras is indeed the most mysteriously tragic violinist His rise to becoming among the most preeminent soloists of the last century - indeed one of my personal favorites - was a hard and sad one. He was whipped into becoming one. His father would force him to make a cheap violin sound like a Strad. And indeed he did it. With a cost. After a hard childhood and a lifelong battle of alcholism, he took his own life. He was 49. I've searched quite extensively into his death, but there isn't much. It made me wonder, why, of all people, a man at the top of his craft, would still take his own life? A clue into why was when I discovered his live Sibelius recording. At one point in the second movement, Ferras seems to literally cry tears into his violin. One can't be sure if it was tears or perspiration under the heat of performance, but it was quite affecting. No other violinist lays claim to the Sibelius other than Ferras. It is his.
This movement always cuts into my emotions. The conclusion feels like the expression of an impending and inevitable finality, or the shutting of a door in his soul that was steadily closing for a long time over the process of his life.
It's astonishing. Vow!!! He managed to stay cool til' almost very end, where he gave up to emotions. What a fantastic bow work. You can't hear the change of bow, it's seamless. His holding of the bow is not the best, too deep, some fingers lie flat because of that, but it doesn't make any difference, as he can apply bow pressure when he wants to, and it serves him perfectly. This is the best performance of this piece I've ever heard.
I learned to love violin as a kid with the Ferras/Karajan Beethoven Concerto on Deutsche Gramophon. I'll always love your playing Master Ferras. You'll always travel first class in the Heaven with pals like Oistrakh...
Omg words can't explain how touching this is. I think he plays this a thousand times better than the first movement. I rarely ever hear this much emotion in a performance and the tears at the end prove that this man was getting into the music, and i haven't even been watching the video, i've been doing something else while listening, and if he can convey this much emotion through sound alone then he is a true master musician.
beautiful...this performance was amazing. all of the movements of him playing this concerto. mind blowing. this movement especially, very emotional rattling. I wish I was that technically sound so that I could be that emotionally vulnerable. phenomenal.
More people must know about him. To my amazement many young violinists don't. Heck! some music librarians haven't a clue. His rendition of the sibelius is simply divine.
I can remember talking to a Mackanovitsky student about Christian Ferras back around 1976. I still remember the disdain he had for Ferras. Hearing this amazing perform reminded me of that conversation. What a fool that self absorbed student was. Now almost 50 years later I believe he mostly plays weddings.
Come on! Jascha Heifetz better violin sound than Ferras! Leonid Kogan warmer sound! Guila Bustabo More fire and passion than Ferras! Itzhak Perlman(better technique than Ferras!) Viktor Tretjakov(The King!)
his interp. of this piece is just baffling you know? i mean i swear i just LOVE how he felt this piece, which makes me wonder how someone who performs in such a beautiful way could have been so depressed in his life.. his bow hand is just so incredibly controlled throughout the piece, just wow.
German critics accused Sibelius with "Kurzatmigkeit," but here he showed his capacity to write an extremely long-span melody of classic perfection. The almost unnoticable way to begin the recapitulation without breaking the ascent to the climax is also masterful. This movement may not show Sibelius at his most original, but it shows his mastery of traditional musical virtues.
Absolutely exquisite! This performance is deeply touching. He is an incredible musician and violinist. Very fine technique and very, very lovely vibrato.
Le 2 janvier 1966, la radio et la télévision françaises diffusent simultanément le Concerto pour violon de Jean Sibelius enregistré le 26 juin (mai ?) 1965 par Christian Ferras avec Zubin Metha et l'Orchestre National. Sa fine moustache donne à Christian une allure de conquistador. Droit, héroïque, les yeux fermés, le violoniste prend des risques insensés. Il enthousiasme par des coups d'archet vivifiants, trouve des accents où la fureur côtoie la sensualité. Le violon chante, pleure, hurle. Ferras confère une monumentale démesure aux traits épiques de la sombre rhapsodie du maître finlandais. Il porte l'œuvre sur des cimes inexplorées, en donne une vision quasi dantesque. Dans l’Adagio di molto, d’abondantes larmes coulent de ses yeux souvent fermés. Pleur ou sueur ? Probablement les deux. La tension est proche de la rupture. Tout son jeu, entre la chair et les sens, la hardiesse et les sentiments, est contenu dans cette gigantesque exécution. Pantois, les auditeurs applaudissent après chaque mouvement. De cette retransmission, le compositeur Serge Nigg dit : « je n'ai jamais vu quelqu'un jouer avec autant de beauté intérieure. De voir Ferras ainsi, avec cette manière d'être, authentique, magnifiquement directe, était d'une majesté spirituelle. C'était non seulement beau à entendre, mais aussi à voir. » Extrait de la biographie « Le Violon d’Icare ».
It would indeed be an insult. This is that particular moment in art that cannot be repeated even by the same artist. We are for ever indebted to be part of that moment.
Ferras was the greatest 'Rock Star' in the truest sense. He totally expelled himself on stage as a matter of personal exorcism,..and shared it with us...
Just goes to show that most classical musicians nowadays plays the scores like a machine - instead of interpertating and playing the music with heart and soul. Like it's done here in this video !
I don't feel well... And this helps, and at the same time it doesn't. But I needed it. Rest in piece the soloist as well. While I can not measure nor comprehend accurately his past suffering, I recognize a fellow sufferer from this earth. If a God exists, and is indeed a benevolent one, bless him... Bless him and forgive him for taking his own life.
This is a unique version of this concerto. You can not compare with any actual young violinists. I can compere only with Oistrakh. for me this is the best version of this concerto.
What a great musician was and what a great concerto. Looking at Ferras'bowing is of great help. He tries to keep the bow parallel to the bridge like my teacher keeps telling me. Surprisingly, this is not the case for Milstein, Gitlis and so on...And still they manage to keep the sound clean and pure. It also seems to me that Ferras habit to keep the elbow so high on the lower string is reminiscent of what I saw with Thibaud, the other great french violinist.
La mejor interpretación que jamás escuché..... no tengo palabras. Es increíble el grado de excelencia que puede alcanzar el ser humano, he aquí la máxima expresión de esto.(desde mi punto de vista).
I bought the Karajan/Ferras LP when in first came out, got the CD when it came out and never ceased to listen to this incredible performance of one of the most beautiful composition of the 20th century. The tears at the end of the 2nd movement .... bring mine as well..
Thank you for this video, I will treasure it always. Such genius is rarely found. His grave is south of Paris and I hope to make a pilgrimage there in 2010.
Thank you so much for posting this video. It's always been one of my favourite concertos, but until I saw Christian Ferras playing it, I never realised why. I've watched and listened to it now for many years, and it always touches me. It's not a happy piece, of course, but somehow it captures the best of us, doing our best to spite the indifferent universe.
The first pro violinist I've ever seen playing with a straight bow pinky and thumb BEAUTIFULLY. And pulling a straight bow is highly overrated too...lol How is this possible? Wow. But all that aside...absolutely moving performance
Yeah, a lot of soloists don't bow completely straight because a) that's physically impossible and b) it's a way to manipulate your contact point, which can change your sound.
It's partially sweat, but there is a part where you can clearly see the droplets coming directly from his lower eye, and you could tell it wasn't sweat dripping over. Also, sweat wouldn't just stream down in 2 perfect little lines directly from his eyes, only tears appear that way on the face.
I don't know why portamento is now a rare thing. It shouldn't be - everyone covets the playing of the great masters, right? Portamento and small glissandos and such were a fundamental part of violin technique in the old violin school methods.
In my opinion one of the most meaningful recordings ever made in classical music.
This performance is almost too intimate and introspective to watch. He seems to be pouring his angst and the agony he suffered into his playing, and when his tears came it was so personal I had to look away. Ferras and Sibelius were matched by the pain they each experienced. This movement expresses almost unbearable sorrow. Truly extraordinary.
I first saw this performance a long time ago. I actually teared. Indisputably the best interpretation. I can not even tell if that's sweat or tears pouring down his face. Mr. Ferras poured his soul out through his playing, expressing his aching heart from his depression. It is so tragic that a virtuoso violinist of this caliber could even suffer this - to be at the top yet still feel you are lacking. I wish I could have talked to you about your problems.
But maybe it was the struggle that made this legendary interpretation and violinist. It gives comfort to people who struggle like me to think that maybe everything does happen for a reason...
Rest in peace, Mr. Ferras. I hope that you have finally found the peace you so desperately sought for when you finally took it into your own hands... You deserve it.Thank you for sharing your art. We will remember you forever. I love you...
I will learn this piece...
It is the struggle between the agony of pain and the endeavor to overcome it behind great art - implied is the talent and hypersensitivity are there, of course.
Peter Haramis Do explain and clarify further what you mean? :)
There is no relationship between being at the top and depression. Depression goes back to early life event/s, not excluding other etiologies, but, behind GREAT ART there's conflict and the ensuing struggle to overcome it, produces the uniqueness we see, in this case, hear Ferras give a performan
Sorry for interruption...performance, himself could not repeat.
Hopefully, I have answered your valid question, not going into psychoanalytic jargon.
I'm pretty sure it's a tear. If you look at the beginning of the next movement, you see that Zubin Mehta (the conductor) looks over at Ferras, and seems very concerned--so I'm pretty sure Ferras was crying.
Today is the 37th anniversary of the tragic suicide of Christian Ferras; a rather forgotten virtuoso violinist.
This production of Sibelius violin concerto is not only one his best filmed performances, but the best performance of this great musical piece I have ever heard, even better than the recording Ferras made with Von Karajan. In the 2nd movement his sensitive soul is impressed so heartfeltly by this masterpiece of sorrow, that twitches and flickers of his face end up in heartbreaking tears.
Ferras is a violinist to be discovered again. His extraordinary bowing and the quality of sound he extracts from his instrument is UNIQUE!
Homage to you dear Christian Ferras. May your soul rest in peace.
Believe me we as violinists we remember this legend again and again...and not only Ferras but all those legends who lived that era! He was incredible creature and warm sound violinist! One of a kind violinist!
And also other people who are not violinists themselves will remember him again and again. Thanks a lot for sharing it.
In my mind, for decades now, Christian Ferras has owned this piece. R.I.P.
It is a sad statement of the condition of the world that in 13 years since this was uploaded that this has only 150,500 views. I don't think there is anywhere a better example of one man pouring out the desperate anguish of his soul, to communicate with all his might the nature of Art. That desperation directs ever detail of his phrasing unlike the modern product of the conservatory machine, that produces many notes and rarely anything worth listening to.
Thank you for kind words! Christian would be greatfull!
I am completely agree Paul...
Beautiful description. I will quote this from now on. That isn't to say, of course, that it left me in a state of happiness
If this recording had more listeners(views), this world would be a better place.
Dear Mr. Ferras… We cry with you. I wish I could hug you and tell you how much you were and are loved. I feel your agony. I hope you are at peace. Thank you for baring your soul to us. You are deeply loved now and always, and your supreme artistry and unmatched playing are so missed.
the most beautiful and tragic recording given the circumstances he passed away. just stunning..
i am now sitting in a public library, listening to this piece and trying to write my essay...and out of nowhere i started to cry silently...
this is one of the most soul-baring performance I have ever listened!!!
(and man...crying in public sucks)
same happened to me except instead of crying, i came in my pants xD haha
Behave yourself, Jeffrey. Nancy doesn't want to Know that. @@jeffrey1448
Mehta bites his lip at the end so I suppose he is very moved by this wonderful performance and Christian Ferras being very emotional. I imagine he will never forget that concert.
The emotion on Zubin Mehta's face at the end of the movement explains whether those were tears. Truly a violinist of genius! Thank you SamLee0519 for the ability to be able to keep this video for ever.
So sad yet so sublime. He doesn't play for himself. He plays for us all. There is redemption in his transmuted pain through his music
The most expressive violinist I've ever heard in my life! Christian Ferras was a genius
This movement is the most sublime 6 minutes or so in all music IMHO and ChristianFerras gives a performance which to my ears (and the eyes confirm it) is unsurpassed. Perhaos his own struggles gave him a sensitivity that so many other technically brilliant violinists cannot match. Thank you Christian :)
it's mind blowing how nobody else even comes close to this level of playing for this concerto.
this is truly a once in a lifetime performance, and i would give anything to go back and listen to him.
just ridiculous.
so honest... by watching something like this, one really can't avoid noticing that most players these days lack this kind of honesty to the music...to music in the highest sense. Ferras has a pure existential need to play and express himself, and convey this amazing music in the most pure way.this should be the motor of any musician when facing such works...but way too many show themselves instead...and, worse,they use music in a business like manner... what a shame.
Someone who actually understands it!
I agree fully on that comment!!!
I can not express how I feel after listning to this tortoured soul, the beauty, and soulfulness moved me to tears. Theere is no one, absolutely no one to match this.
Well there is Menuhin, Ferras was obsessed with him
Woke up this morning in so much pain. I needed anything to pad it so I came to this video. To all of us who need healing, may we find it. I’m sorry Christian Ferras. Thank you for this beauty.
The Grandmaster of emotional violin playing. This piece is played like a true master. I wish he never killed himself if he only knew he had such a vast following, people who would willingly help him out of his depths. It is imposible to listen without breaking out into tears or atleast a lump in the throat.
Ferras truly makes the violin "sing" as if it were a human voice...the expression of sorrow and pain that I feel is indescribable. It is eerie to think that Ferras was so good at portraying these emotions because of his internal conflicts and depression (and subsequently resulting in his suicide...). I'm just glad he recorded this...his legacy will live on.
Every time I listen to this interpretation of Sibelius concerto, I cry. Christian Ferras plays it with so much emotion and delicacy, every note is felt . He touches my soul. I have asked to play it at my funeral.
Never have I seen a better expression of Victor Hugo's great insight: music says that which cannot be said, but which cannot remain silent
That has to be one of the wisest things a human being has ever said. Right on Victor.
Gives me chills every time I watch this. Obviously no ordinary person can play with such raw emotion and intensity. Depression obviously brought out the genius in him. But it also ended his life in the saddest of ways. Truly amazing playing!
Best video on RUclips
One of my regular comments on this post... yes, i am obsessed
for a long time it has never mattered to me whether they are tears or sweat. Christian killed himself in 1982, so i'm pretty sure he held a lot of tears inside him. Watching today, in 2021, I am convinced these are the tears of a genius who knew where life was leading, instructed by the dark openings of another tortured genius. This is one of the all time great performances.
This performance embodies the phrase "don't just play the notes". When I think of the second movt. of this piece I think of his playing. He was so good the audience clapped between movt.'s :)
This man had enormous ability.I truly love his playing.He put so much musicality in to this performance and he also had incredible technical facility. He really was so special.
The way he picks out both melodies so distinctly during the double stops (4:07 - 4:28) I never heard any other violinist do this. By far my favorite version of this passage.
Sibelius' most sensitive piece of music.....performed with tears showing deep emotions. Witnessing this is a miracle. This is so so profound. Great Mr. Christian Ferras: thank you. You are a hero.
I love this performance. How often do you actually see a musician crying from the emotion they're putting into the piece? When you combine that with knowledge of his depression it paints a very sad picture.
Quite true!
Yo creo que esta recordando algún sucedo pasado
Tragic thing that he committed suicide at the age of 52 I think.. Truly tragic
This Concerto has meant so much to me. The only recording for me is the Ferras/Karajan recording with Finlandia and Tapiola. The tragedy and angst, darkness and savagery is unmatched today. Just wish there was a way to enhance the audio quality comparable to modern recordings. Ferras is a true hero. His Brahms is great too. But this piece was destined for Ferras.
those are without a doubt tears...incredible emotion, something every violinist should strive for. technique yes, but emotion above all.
Few things in this entire world have made me feel so sad and vulnerable. The first were the deaths of my grandpa and my Great Grandpa. Every time I hear this piece, I sit in a secluded area and I just cannot help but let out tears. This is truly my favorite rendition of this piece. Christian was such a talented man, and I also weep thinking of anyone taking their own life. Thank you so much for uploading this
Ferras is a legend in music history.
Is there anything more sublime than this? What a curse to follow after him and try to reach the same perfection of sensitivity, generosity and sincerity.
Moved to tears. Ferras was capable of transporting the listener; making the listener part of the music; taking the listener on a journey *inside* the music - the an ineffable place named "beauty".
The hypersensitivity of this most amazing artist is the result of tremendous pain and inner conflict.
We are so privileged to listen to what came out of his agony and suffering: an unparalleled creation of sound.
4:05 - 5:45 !!! To me this is the "best" recording of this passage, ever.
Who plays this passage better than Ferras in this recording? I searched everywhere and no one comes even close( In my humble and subjective opinion. Please comment and tell me if you find someone "better") The way he picks out both melodies(which seem to harmonize with one another equally rather than one or the other acting dominant even though the listener can clearly follow the dominant one, however, with subtlety ) during the double-stops, and slides when he shifts positions coupled with his distinct vibrato all under the atmosphere of his sensitive, emotional, yet bold and confidant phrasing. Oh also, the orchestra are so on point with him. Which is not easy, considering how he takes his time and does not follow such a strict a tempo, requiring a lot of communication, chemistry and practice.`
For me, vengerov is the Best on Sibelius.
But of course i agree that this interpretation is magic. The only thing i can say is maybe too much gilssando.
ruclips.net/video/JLy-xoH95C4/видео.htmlfeature=shared
I heard Ferras in recital in Adelaide, South Australia, somewhere around 1955. His performance of the C-major unaccompanied sonata by Bach, especially of the great fugue, changed my life forever,. I could not believe what I was hearing, the experience has been a benchmark for me ever since. A few years ago I wanted to thank him and bear witness to the effect his playing had on me. To my sorrow I found that he had committed suicide. I pray that he may have had at least some sense of the great gift he had for all of us. Now, at the age of 81 I find, listening to him, that I am discovering an important part of myself. For some time during the last twelve months, or so, I have been frequently too weak to draw a bow across the string. Yet, by some miracle, I am playing again. In doing this, I had to start as if a beginner, this time with a body very different from the one I had in my childhood. Listening to Christian now, I feel that I had to experience this breakdown in order fully to realise the fruits of what I got from him at the age of fourteen. At last I am ready for it and the results are marvellous. Thank you Christian, I have never heard a violinist remotely equal to you. I am so moved to have found a place in which to bear witness to my gratitude. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Ferras is indeed the most mysteriously tragic violinist His rise to becoming among the most preeminent soloists of the last century - indeed one of my personal favorites - was a hard and sad one. He was whipped into becoming one. His father would force him to make a cheap violin sound like a Strad. And indeed he did it. With a cost. After a hard childhood and a lifelong battle of alcholism, he took his own life. He was 49. I've searched quite extensively into his death, but there isn't much. It made me wonder, why, of all people, a man at the top of his craft, would still take his own life?
A clue into why was when I discovered his live Sibelius recording. At one point in the second movement, Ferras seems to literally cry tears into his violin. One can't be sure if it was tears or perspiration under the heat of performance, but it was quite affecting. No other violinist lays claim to the Sibelius other than Ferras. It is his.
This movement always cuts into my emotions.
The conclusion feels like the expression of an impending and inevitable finality, or the shutting of a door in his soul that was steadily closing for a long time over the process of his life.
Beautiful words.
Most touching Sibelius in the history of violin...
Ferras transubstantiates his pain (depression) in this most magnificent piece of music. Shortly after depression took him away from us.
i want to cry everytime i see him play this
its just fantastic...
its my honest dream to be able to play with such passion one day
its been 14years and i feel the same
It's astonishing. Vow!!! He managed to stay cool til' almost very end, where he gave up to emotions. What a fantastic bow work. You can't hear the change of bow, it's seamless. His holding of the bow is not the best, too deep, some fingers lie flat because of that, but it doesn't make any difference, as he can apply bow pressure when he wants to, and it serves him perfectly. This is the best performance of this piece I've ever heard.
I learned to love violin as a kid with the Ferras/Karajan Beethoven Concerto on Deutsche Gramophon. I'll always love your playing Master Ferras. You'll always travel first class in the Heaven with pals like Oistrakh...
Omg words can't explain how touching this is. I think he plays this a thousand times better than the first movement. I rarely ever hear this much emotion in a performance and the tears at the end prove that this man was getting into the music, and i haven't even been watching the video, i've been doing something else while listening, and if he can convey this much emotion through sound alone then he is a true master musician.
beautiful...this performance was amazing. all of the movements of him playing this concerto. mind blowing. this movement especially, very emotional rattling. I wish I was that technically sound so that I could be that emotionally vulnerable. phenomenal.
There is no argument here about the beauty of this performance. The pain, tears and emotion comes out and pulls at the heart.
More people must know about him. To my amazement many young violinists don't. Heck! some music librarians haven't a clue.
His rendition of the sibelius is simply divine.
I can remember talking to a Mackanovitsky student about Christian Ferras back around 1976. I still remember the disdain he had for Ferras. Hearing this amazing perform reminded me of that conversation. What a fool that self absorbed student was. Now almost 50 years later I believe he mostly plays weddings.
In my opinion the greatest violinist that has ever lived…
Come on! Jascha Heifetz better violin sound than Ferras! Leonid Kogan warmer sound! Guila Bustabo More fire and passion than Ferras! Itzhak Perlman(better technique than Ferras!) Viktor Tretjakov(The King!)
there is no truth in music, but this is definitely the true Ferras, inside out!
a rare blessed musical moment!
Are there any more active violinists like him? Unbelievable performances. Its as if the Music is directly pouring forth from his violin.
his interp. of this piece is just baffling you know? i mean i swear i just LOVE how he felt this piece, which makes me wonder how someone who performs in such a beautiful way could have been so depressed in his life.. his bow hand is just so incredibly controlled throughout the piece, just wow.
"Magique" C.Ferras !!!!!!
Un Vibrato unique !! Que d'Emotion .....
Merci pour ce partage !!
German critics accused Sibelius with "Kurzatmigkeit," but here he showed his capacity to write an extremely long-span melody of classic perfection. The almost unnoticable way to begin the recapitulation without breaking the ascent to the climax is also masterful. This movement may not show Sibelius at his most original, but it shows his mastery of traditional musical virtues.
Absolutely exquisite! This performance is deeply touching. He is an incredible musician and violinist. Very fine technique and very, very lovely vibrato.
This is the best performance I've heard of this movement.
Le 2 janvier 1966, la radio et la télévision françaises diffusent simultanément le Concerto pour violon de Jean Sibelius enregistré le 26 juin (mai ?) 1965 par Christian Ferras avec Zubin Metha et l'Orchestre National.
Sa fine moustache donne à Christian une allure de conquistador.
Droit, héroïque, les yeux fermés, le violoniste prend des risques insensés. Il enthousiasme par des coups d'archet vivifiants, trouve des accents où la fureur côtoie la sensualité. Le violon chante, pleure, hurle. Ferras confère une monumentale démesure aux traits épiques de la sombre rhapsodie du maître finlandais. Il porte l'œuvre sur des cimes inexplorées, en donne une vision quasi dantesque.
Dans l’Adagio di molto, d’abondantes larmes coulent de ses yeux souvent fermés. Pleur ou sueur ? Probablement les deux. La tension est proche de la rupture.
Tout son jeu, entre la chair et les sens, la hardiesse et les sentiments, est contenu dans cette gigantesque exécution.
Pantois, les auditeurs applaudissent après chaque mouvement.
De cette retransmission, le compositeur Serge Nigg dit : « je n'ai jamais vu quelqu'un jouer avec autant de beauté intérieure. De voir Ferras ainsi, avec cette manière d'être, authentique, magnifiquement directe, était d'une majesté spirituelle. C'était non seulement beau à entendre, mais aussi à voir. »
Extrait de la biographie « Le Violon d’Icare ».
Bien dit et avec profonde émotion
It would indeed be an insult. This is that particular moment in art that cannot be repeated even by the same artist. We are for ever indebted to be part of that
moment.
One of a kind performance from a most sensitive artist and human being. Never have I heard anything so close to perfection as this.
The best violinist ever. I cannot believe there are four dislikes!
Ferras was the greatest 'Rock Star' in the truest sense. He totally expelled himself on stage as a matter of personal exorcism,..and shared it with us...
Incredibly beautiful performance, and yes he cries, you can see clearly tears in his left eye. So profound an artist he was !
Just goes to show that most classical musicians nowadays plays the scores like a machine - instead of interpertating and playing the music with heart and soul. Like it's done here in this video !
I don't feel well... And this helps, and at the same time it doesn't. But I needed it.
Rest in piece the soloist as well. While I can not measure nor comprehend accurately his past suffering, I recognize a fellow sufferer from this earth. If a God exists, and is indeed a benevolent one, bless him... Bless him and forgive him for taking his own life.
I cried watching this... the power of music is just incredible.
Best Sibelius I've heard.
This is a unique version of this concerto. You can not compare with any actual young violinists. I can compere only with Oistrakh. for me this is the best version of this concerto.
Glorious sounds at 4.21 and after - astounding playing and fabulous artistry. Perfection. Absolutely sublime.
he is sweating but you can tell he is also crying, the way the droplets come directly from his eyes.
That part at 2:50. Just magic, pure magic.
because they can't. Neither before him nor after.
without words .... only tears
and jizz
I understand you... This miracle touches my wounds...
Ferras, szerying, Grumiau, mis preferidos
What a great musician was and what a great concerto. Looking at Ferras'bowing is of great help. He tries to keep the bow parallel to the bridge like my teacher keeps telling me. Surprisingly, this is not the case for Milstein, Gitlis and so on...And still they manage to keep the sound clean and pure. It also seems to me that Ferras habit to keep the elbow so high on the lower string is reminiscent of what I saw with Thibaud, the other great french violinist.
So touching... And Zubin Mehta, at the end is so touch too... Great piece of anthology!
I love the Sibelius Concerto!
Best Sibelius II ever
La mejor interpretación que jamás escuché..... no tengo palabras. Es increíble el grado de excelencia que puede alcanzar el ser humano, he aquí la máxima expresión de esto.(desde mi punto de vista).
The best performance I have ever heard ! What a loss !
this is the best 2nd movement! The orchestra was very good, didn't disturb like the others, (:
I bought the Karajan/Ferras LP when in first came out, got the CD when it came out and never ceased to listen to this incredible performance of one of the most beautiful composition of the 20th century. The tears at the end of the 2nd movement .... bring mine as well..
Thank you for this video, I will treasure it always. Such genius is rarely found.
His grave is south of Paris and I hope to make a pilgrimage there in 2010.
One of the best live performance ever. He had everything. Light, fervor, generosity, his vibrato is the best. ( and 11 viewers are grumpy cats)
giant Ferras, one of the best performance of this masterpiece
So generous, so beautiful! Sublime interpretation.
Camera close-up shows his soul, so I am appreciative is there.
Thank you so much for posting this video. It's always been one of my favourite concertos, but until I saw Christian Ferras playing it, I never realised why. I've watched and listened to it now for many years, and it always touches me. It's not a happy piece, of course, but somehow it captures the best of us, doing our best to spite the indifferent universe.
The first pro violinist I've ever seen playing with a straight bow pinky and thumb BEAUTIFULLY. And pulling a straight bow is highly overrated too...lol How is this possible? Wow. But all that aside...absolutely moving performance
Yeah, a lot of soloists don't bow completely straight because a) that's physically impossible and b) it's a way to manipulate your contact point, which can change your sound.
For me he's the greatest violist of all times.... Let's cherish his precious recordings...
*violinist
so wonderful...I'm crying
Ferras is incredible
thanks so much for this gift
L.
it's the best version i've ever heard.
his bow changes are so amazing, you cant even hear it!!
Not just his bow changes, if you would have listened
@@ludwigwladimirdorner3691 what?…
It's partially sweat, but there is a part where you can clearly see the droplets coming directly from his lower eye, and you could tell it wasn't sweat dripping over. Also, sweat wouldn't just stream down in 2 perfect little lines directly from his eyes, only tears appear that way on the face.
Those slides..why are people not playing like this anymore
I don't know why portamento is now a rare thing. It shouldn't be - everyone covets the playing of the great masters, right? Portamento and small glissandos and such were a fundamental part of violin technique in the old violin school methods.
its too hard to pull off i guess
Too cheesy for the modern style. It was great but it is now old fashioned.
He is very dynamic, and I really like his stage presence in this piece!
Heartbreak embodied in music absolutely viscerally relatable and beautiful in its vulnerability.
We are so lucky to be listening to such music and Ferras's interpretaion of Sibelius, for me at least, is the best I've heard.
I have always loved him but this is one of the most deeply moving examples of violin playing I have ever witnessed. Truly transformative.
Magic happened on this night.
Best Sibelius concerto interpretation
Listening to this performance just makes me cry. It is so beautiful, intense, and humanly.