Seymour Bernstein On Bach: Invention No. 1 (ft. Ben Laude)
240,853
Published 2023-05-20
0:38 Bach's Preface to the Inventions
3:15 Articulation, fingering, phrasing, and charm
6:53 Consistency, ornamentation, and climax
9:28 Slurring 8th-note leaps
11:49 Did Bach apply the Golden Ratio to this Invention?
See More Seymour: tonebase.co/piano
Join 96-year-old Seymour Bernstein and Ben Laude at Seymour’s cottage on the Atlantic Coast in Maine for three intimate lessons on popular intermediate works from the piano repertoire. In this lesson, Seymour shares his secrets on Bach’s First Invention.
Beginning with Bach’s Preface to his Two- and Three-Part Inventions, Seymour cites Bach’s emphasis on cultivating a “cantabile” touch at the keyboard, and shares a schema for articulation and phrasing with Ben, who seeks to integrate them into his own interpretation.
Recorded March 2023
Producer/Director: Ben Laude
Video/Audio: Daniel Kurganov
Production assistant: Jack Desrosier
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All Comments (21)
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Seymour is still an ambitious pianist and dedicated teacher at 95. I'm speechless.
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Man do you realise how lucky we all are that cameras and internet exsists so we can have one little masterclass with this genious every day!
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Could listen to Seymour talk for 10 hours straight. Even when I don't agree with him. His passion, conviction, and insight is a treasure to the world of classical music.
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"I think you're going to love it. And if you don't love it, pretend you love it." Love this part. We're so lucky to have this video, both of you are amazing!
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I really love how Prof. Bernstein motivates other piano players. He knows how to let others realize the “Ah-hah!!” moment.
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Regarding the Golden Ratio, I don't think listeners necessarily "notice" it, but when the performer notices it and treats it as a special moment listeners will especially be moved by it. Very nice playing!
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The chemistry between them is amazingly amiable. While Master Bernstein is been an remarkable mentor, Mr. Laude is such a humble pianist taking the advice and changing his habit right away. I love after Master Bernstein suggested something, then he said, “I think you’re going to love that. If you don’t, pretend you loved it….” The comment tickled me.
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"I guess consistency matters." It's amazing how intricate this piece is when using detached vs connected lines. It was interesting how when asked to play something differently how it takes a few times to do that. Muscle memory is our friend and our enemy at times.
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I am not a musician. As far as a musical instrument goes, I can hardly pat my head and rub my belly at the same time. But I am fascinated listening to him explaining and teaching this already trained musician about the concepts of this piece. “You see how charming it is?” Love it.
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What a wonderful teacher Seymour is that even Ben can learn from him.
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His book With Your Own Two Hands changed my life. I'm 75 and still studying. Bless his heart.
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I' d like so much that Seymour Bernstein could make one video per day... Not only for his extreme intelligence, competence, but also for his charismatic presence and his spicy humor. The entire planet watches him. He inspires us to put knowledge subservient to beauty and not the other way around. All tonbase pianists bring wonderful information, however, Seymour is the the greatest and most beloved artist. ps. The golden ratio was actually a very clever find.
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Seymour's observations can apply to any art form . I'm a visual artist and get so much inspiration from his critiques
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Brilliant. Seymour is an outstanding teacher and it is a such huge privilege to still be able to learn from his insights at 95. Please Tonebase keep making as many lessons as possible with Seymour while you still can!
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My favorite Tonebase Piano videos involve Seymour.
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This video brightens my Saturday morning. I also should play this wonderful piece later today. The existence of Mr. Seymour in the same planet is already a blessing! May God bless him with good health and long life.
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Prof. Seymour has a sharper mind than most of us half his age...
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Seymour Bernstein is a National Treasure. Thankfully, some of his observations and insights are preserved here for future generations. I love his passion and love for music—and the integrity he tries to apply to these historic compositions. What a great teacher.
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I love this lessons. Ben Laude, who is already a far better pianist than I am, learns from someone even better with decades of knowladge that dedicated his life to teaching piano and music. It helps me see how much I am still lacking and how much I could improve
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Love their friendly banter! They have such great chemistry.
