Vocalise - Rachmaninoff - Timothy Chooi (♫ Violin) - 4K video

Voice of an Angel, Vocalise : Rachmaninoff

Timothy Chooi, violin/violon
Janelle Fung, piano

"Vocalise" is a song by Sergei Rachmaninoff, composed and published in 1915 as the last of his 14 Songs or 14 Romances, Op. 34. Written for high voice (soprano or tenor) with piano accompaniment, it contains no words, but is sung using any one vowel of the singer's choosing.

This recording is exemplified on the violin and piano. The violin cannot produce any words, and therefore performs this work very well. There are emotions of loneliness, sadness, and confusion, but despite these intense feelings, the piece maintains a meditative overarching character.

It starts with the piano playing a repetitive vamp, and the violin enters with a lonely but distinctive voice. The voice of the violin paints the image of the voice in a graveyard. As the piece develops the violin changes its facade, and becomes intensely emotional with flavors of sorrow, crying and mourning before resolving in a ghostly voice at the end.

Sheet music here:

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Anne Kostalas, videographer
Benoît Chamontin, creative producer
Drew Schlegel, recording engineer

With thanks to St. George's Anglican Church in Montreal, Canada.

[sasha]

I agree with everyone that this is a fantastic performance, however, I want to particularly draw attention to the spectacular pianist who is a perfect accompanist. Those who have ever played a duet know what I mean.

[JohnStacey-stks]

If you are not a violinist you have no idea how difficult it is to perform this relatively simple piece with the intensity and passion that Chooi does. It sounds so easy but only a few top artists of our generation have the skills needed to deliver a performance like this one by Chooi. He is truly one of the greats of our time.

[ГульсараКазеева-зб]

На протяжении многих лет, слушаю " Вокализ" Рахманинова в исполнении разных мастеров оперы, виолончелистов, скрипачей, это произведение для меня родное. Ваш замечательный дуэт покорил меня тонким, нежнейшим исполнением, слушала затаив дыхание. Спасибо ❤

[nadarocker]

Finally, a recording where the violinist doesn't gallop through the piece. This is gorgeous. ❤️❤️❤️

[robertcocovinis]

I keep coming back to this, because I know how good I'll feel, but I want to congratulate the accompanist too for her beautiful playing.

[Mackaylagrace]

Your tone, vibrato, and rich use of dynamics are stunningly put together in this piece. Amazing performance:)

[SkyGodKazuha]

Probably the most beautiful Vocalise recording I heard in youtube.

[MrKairoshu]

Enfin une interprétation vraiment poétique et non virtuose de ce chef d'œuvre.

[valeriechapman]

Vocalise. - Rachmaninov played by Timothy Choo (violinist). This is such a beautiful piece of music played on the violin 🎻 The violinist is such a talented player.
It was truly mesmerising and so relaxing to listen to.. Beautiful..
I’m at peace now.

[НатальяДорохова-зб]

Favorite elegy of Sergei Rachmaninoff in luxurious performance by the maestro. . .

[christinepark]

بعد الصمت ذلك الذي يأتي الأقرب إلى التعبير هو الموسيقى 🎻❤️🤗

[csee]

I use your playing to practice the piano accompany part for my daughter’s violin exam. I wish she will be as musical and lovely as you are. No matter how many times I hear the same piece you are playing, I never got bored with your playing. I further look into your other performances in YouTube. They are so well played with a soul singing behind. Good luck to your musical career.

[fitnessbrotherade]

Passion and tender, this piece would be the best romantic piece of classic music ever 🎶🎶🎶🎼🎵🎻

[rojaspaz]

Amazing! it was as if the violin says "I love you", the violin was talking and crying at the same time.
So emotional! And beautiful.

[ritamertens]

So glad we shared a table after that amazing concert with Sylvia at Lemmens Leuven this month so we could feel your beautiful inner soul ! Thanks !

[missy]

Timothy just saw this on TikTok & have watched several times here. This has & probably always will be my favorite piece & performance. Your passion for music shows in every piece you play. I look forward to one day soon seeing you perform in concert. I almost did, however. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful gift. M~

[jeannytjuatja]

A good violin, a good violinist, and a good pianist accompaniment. what a performance.

[allegrovivace]

Guess what
I don't care if world class soloists or whatever might be more professional than him
This is my favorite recording

[bobsgoodlife]

Spending the afternoon enjoying several of your beautiful performances, my friend. Thank you more than I can say.

[MoMad-xbgs]

I really love the Romantic period. It is a love story in itself, every chord, every note. It makes me cry every time I hear it. Thank you, this is beautiful. 🥰