logo
Poking Fun at Classical Music, With Wigs, Hula-Hoops and Puns

Poking Fun at Classical Music, With Wigs, Hula-Hoops and Puns

New York Times05-12-2024

The violinists Eddy Chen and Brett Yang arrived in the suburbs of Bangkok recently on a mischievous mission. They had come to record hip-hop videos about Beethoven, Bach and other titans of music as if they were alive today.
'They called me calloused, called me unfeeling,' Chen, dressed as Beethoven, with a gray wig and crimson scarf, rapped in one video. 'Can't let them know what I am concealing.'
It was just another day in the life of Chen and Yang, better known as the comedy duo TwoSet Violin, who have millions of fans for the humor and whimsy they bring to the often very serious world of classical music. Over the past 11 years, they have galvanized a younger generation of musicians and helped dispel their field's stuffy image.
Chen and Yang have performed Pachelbel's Canon in D with rubber chickens, hosted wild composer-themed games of charades and brutally taken down actors pretending to play the violin in movies. They have produced skits about showboating musicians, pushy parents and high-stakes auditions.
Some of classical music's biggest names have joined in on the fun. Hilary Hahn joined Chen and Yang to perform Paganini caprices while hula-hooping. Ray Chen played a game in which he and the duo imitated violinists like Jascha Heifetz and Anne-Sophie Mutter.
Now, to the dismay of many fans, Chen, 31, and Yang, 32, who are based in Singapore, say they are moving on. They announced in October that TwoSet Violin was ending. They removed nearly all their videos from the internet and wrote on Instagram, 'It's been a wild ride with you all.' The post garnered more than 330,000 likes, with many fans in disbelief.
In an interview, Chen and Yang confirmed they were finished with TwoSet Violin, though they said they would likely continue to work together. They said they were increasingly worn out by the demands of creating more than 100 videos each year. And, with 4.3 million subscribers on YouTube, they said, they were growing tired of the scrutiny.
'We've said all that we wanted to say,' Yang said. 'It felt like I had 50-kilo weights on my shoulders for the last 11 years, just trying to please people and be the best that we can.'
Chen and Yang, who have made a habit of reading comments on their work, said they felt like they were under a microscope. At times, they were stung by criticisms of their personalities, music and style.
'Sometimes social media becomes this question of, 'Who's the next person for us to all hate on?'' Chen said. 'We needed a break.'
As part of their farewell, Chen and Yang are planning to release six videos in which they play members of a band of composers called B²TSM. (Inspired by South Korean pop, or K-pop, the band's name stands for Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Mozart.)
In the first video, titled 'I'm Bach,' released on Thursday, Chen, as Bach, finds himself dismayed by modern music. He raps:
Chen described the videos as a final gift to fans: 'our blood, sweat and tears.'
'We're showing what TwoSet has meant to us through our art, in the same way a composer shares how they feel through their music,' he said. 'To us that feels very meaningful.'
Chen and Yang were both born in Taiwan and raised in Brisbane, Australia. They met as teenagers, enrolled in Friday night math classes together and playing in the Queensland Youth Symphony.
They pursued a traditional path in music, studying at a conservatory and joining Australian orchestras. But they found themselves drawn to social media. They posted their first videos as TwoSet Violin in 2013, recording violin versions of pop songs.
In 2016, Chen and Yang quit their orchestra jobs and made plans to perform a mix of comedy and music on their own. They financed their first tour by livestreaming as they played violin around the clock on the streets of Sydney, while fans tuned in and made donations. After four nights of sleeping on benches, they reached their fund-raising goal of 50,000 Australian dollars (about $32,200).
TwoSet became known for jokes about violinists, conductors, prodigies and pit musicians. Chen and Yang sometimes tackled weighty topics, such as the pressures of auditions, discrimination in classical music and the mental health struggles of artists.
They did not shy from controversy, calling out the K-pop band Blackpink in 2022 for using a bit of Paganini in their hit song 'Shut Down.' In a video called 'Sell Out,' Chen played Paganini.
'Barely making songs, how you call yourselves pop stars?' he rapped. 'You must play the tuba, 'cause you keep repeating only two bars.'
As their popularity grew, Chen and Yang drew the attention of top violinists like Hahn, who met them at a cafe in New York in 2018, after she commented on a post of theirs and they started messaging back and forth. They quickly became friends.
Hahn said that TwoSet Violin captured the quirks of classical music in a relatable way.
'They don't have a separate persona; they are exactly who they seem to be,' she said. 'I think the world of them. I think they're phenomenal.'
The TwoSet universe, which is chronicled in minute detail on sites like Fandom and Reddit, is rife with heroes, villains, code words and fantasy. Fans unite in their worship of Ling Ling, a fictional violinist who is said to practice 40 hours each day.
Chen and Yang built a company around their brand. In 2015, they started a streetwear clothing line, which they described as 'the world's first classical music fashion brand.'
In 2018, Chen and Yang devised the 'Ling Ling Workout,' a series of tasks meant to test even the most formidable virtuosos, including Hahn. She was forced to play part of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the only the lower third of her bow. And she had to reverse her usual bearing — putting the bow into her left hand and the violin in her right — while playing an arrangement of Schubert's 'Erlkönig.'
In 2021, during pandemic lockdowns, Chen and Yang produced a virtual tour, performing a show about going back in time to save classical music.
Then, in the 2023-24 season, they went on a 39-city tour, appearing at some of the world's top concert halls. At the Philharmonie in Berlin, a fan threw a bra onstage.
But their grueling schedule began to take a toll. During a vacation in Japan earlier this year, Chen and Yang found themselves tied to their desks. They reached what they described as a mutual decision to move on.
'It's exciting to question yourself and challenge yourself sometimes,' Chen said, 'and not just do things purely out of inertia.'
In October, back at home in Singapore, they removed most of their more than 1,500 videos from YouTube, preserving only 29 — the crème de la crème, in their view, with titles like '21 Types of Orchestral Players' and 'The World's FASTEST (and most INACCURATE) VIOLINIST!'
In their farewell post, they wrote: 'We've all grown up together and it's kinda surreal that we're ending our chapter here. Thank you for all the laughs, the genuine encounters in real life and all the special moments we've had with you online and offline.'
The reaction from fans was intense. Some were angered by Chen and Yang's decision and chastised them for removing their content. Others said they had grown up watching TwoSet Violin and were not sure how they would cope.
'My childhood crumbling before my eyes,' the pianist Erica Lee wrote on Instagram.
Chen and Yang unplugged from social media and stayed silent. Friends messaged to ask if they were OK. Fans published investigations and commentary. ('What Happened to TwoSet Violin? The Shocking Truth About Their Future!,' one YouTube video was titled.)
They did not want to post a trite video explaining their decision, they said, and resolved instead to make the B²TSM videos as their send-off.
'I would much rather give all of you our best in these music videos than give you a nice, kind, seems-authentic video,' Yang said. 'I'd rather let your dreams and fantasies run free.'
For the B²TSM videos, which are lavishly produced, the duo filmed in Hong Kong, Thailand and Austria. They worked with Hong Kong Ballet to record a video about Tchaikovsky. In Austria, they produced 'Papa Wolfgang Style,' a Mozart-themed video, at the Eckartsau palace. They also filmed at Vienna's storied Musikverein concert hall.
Chen and Yang said they did not know what would come next, though they said it was possible they would perform again as B²TSM, which they introduced in 2022.
'It would be stupid to throw this all way,' Yang said, 'after all the ups and downs we've been through together.'
Chen agreed. 'I'm pretty useless in some areas of life without Brett,' he said.
To the fans disappointed by their decision, they offered a simple response.
'Go practice,' Yang said. 'There are no excuses anymore.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The best of English soccer star Poppy Pattinson in images
The best of English soccer star Poppy Pattinson in images

USA Today

time36 minutes ago

  • USA Today

The best of English soccer star Poppy Pattinson in images

The best of English soccer star Poppy Pattinson in images Poppy Pattinson is a veteran player of the Women's Super League in England. The left-back plays for Brighton & Hove Albion. She has also spent time with Sunderland, Manchester City, Bristol City, and Everton. Pattinson has more than 165,000 followers on Instagram and is one of the more popular players in the sport. Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson Poppy Pattinson

Top Secrets To Get YouTube Views And Grow Your Channel Faster
Top Secrets To Get YouTube Views And Grow Your Channel Faster

Geek Vibes Nation

timean hour ago

  • Geek Vibes Nation

Top Secrets To Get YouTube Views And Grow Your Channel Faster

YouTube has evolved into more than just a video-sharing platform it's now a massive content engine, a search engine second only to Google, and a goldmine for creators, businesses, and influencers alike. But here's the truth: with over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, standing out and getting views isn't easy. 1. YouTube Algorithm The YouTube algorithm decides which videos get seen and which ones disappear in the noise. It evaluates watch time, click-through rate (CTR), engagement (likes, comments, shares), and session duration. How to work with the algorithm: Create engaging content that keeps viewers watching till the end. Use enticing titles and thumbnails to increase your CTR. Encourage interaction by asking questions or prompting viewers to comment or like. When you align your content with what the algorithm wants, high retention and strong engagement, you significantly increase your chances of being recommended. 2. Nail Your Video Titles with SEO Your video title is one of the first things users and the YouTube algorithm see. It's essential to make it search-friendly and click-worthy. Tips for SEO-optimized titles: Include target keywords users are searching for (e.g., 'how to get YouTube views'). Keep it under 60 characters to avoid truncation in search results. Use emotional or curiosity-driven language (e.g., 'Secrets,' 'Proven,' 'You Won't Believe'). 3. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails Think of thumbnails as your video's billboard to get YouTube views faster. A good thumbnail can double or triple your click-through rate, even if your content is average. Thumbnail optimization tips: Use bright, high-contrast colors that stand out. Include text overlays that hint at the video's value. Show human expressions, faces perform well in thumbnails. Keep branding consistent across your channels. YouTube even allows A/B testing of thumbnails using third-party tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ, so don't be afraid to experiment. 4. Focus on the First 30 Seconds YouTube tracks how long people watch your video. If you lose viewers in the first few seconds, the algorithm assumes your video isn't valuable and stops promoting it. How to hook viewers immediately: Start with a teaser of what's coming. Eliminate long intros or irrelevant opening chatter. Use dynamic visuals and engaging language. Address your viewer's pain point quickly. The first 30 seconds should make them think, 'I need to keep watching.' 5. Optimize Video Descriptions and Tags While tags aren't as important as they used to be, video descriptions still play a big role in helping YouTube understand what your video is about. Best practices: Include your target keyword in the first 2 lines. Write at least 250 words summarizing your video. Add relevant links, timestamps, and hashtags. Use LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords to provide context. Think of your description as a mini-blog post. The more detailed it is, the better YouTube can index your video. 6. A Quick Boost for Visibility While focusing on organic strategies is crucial for long-term success, sometimes buy YouTube views can give your content the initial boost it needs. Purchasing views from trusted sources can increase your video's visibility and engagement, helping it to gain traction faster. This visibility can be a game-changer, as YouTube's algorithm tends to favor videos with higher view counts, improving the chances of being recommended to a wider audience. However, it's essential to ensure that you're purchasing real, high-retention views to avoid penalties for fake or bot-driven traffic. 7. Use Playlists to Boost Session Time YouTube rewards content that keeps users on the platform longer. One powerful way to do that is through playlists. Benefits of playlists: Encourage binge-watching of your content. Increase overall session duration and watch time. Improve your video's discoverability in YouTube's algorithm. Curate playlists by theme, series, or topic. For example, if your channel is about digital marketing, you could have playlists like 'SEO Tips,' 'Social Media Strategies,' and 'Content Marketing Hacks.' 8. Post Consistently (But Smartly) YouTube's algorithm favors channels that post consistently. However, consistency doesn't mean uploading daily; it means having a regular schedule. Strategy: Pick a realistic schedule (e.g., 1 video per week). Use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to plan content. Schedule uploads using YouTube Studio. Even if you're only uploading once a week, being consistent helps build an audience that knows when to expect your content. 9. Collaborate with Other Creators Collaboration is one of the fastest ways to tap into new audiences and get more YouTube views. How to collaborate: Reach out to channels in your niche with a similar or slightly higher subscriber count. Do shout-outs, interviews, challenges, or joint videos. Promote each other's content across platforms. Collabs create a win-win scenario; you both grow and provide value to your audiences. 10. Engage with Your Audience YouTube isn't just a publishing platform, it's a community. Engaging with viewers builds loyalty and trust, increasing the likelihood of repeat views. Engagement ideas: Respond to comments on your videos. Use community posts to ask questions or post behind-the-scenes updates. Go live occasionally to interact in real-time. Pin your comment with a question to boost replies. The more active you are in the comment section, the more connected your audience will feel and the more likely they are to keep watching. 11. Promote Your Videos Beyond YouTube Relying solely on YouTube to push your content isn't enough. To maximize views, you should market your videos across multiple platforms. Where to promote: Facebook Groups relevant to your niche Reddit communities (be sure to follow subreddit rules) Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok (use short clips or trailers) Email newsletters Embed videos in blog posts or websites Every click from an external source tells YouTube your content is valuable, boosting its internal ranking. 12. Study Your Analytics (and Adapt) YouTube gives you a wealth of data; use it. The Analytics tab in YouTube Studio shows you what's working and what's not. Key metrics to track: Watch time: How long people stay on your video. Audience retention: Where viewers drop off. Click-through rate (CTR): How many people clicked your thumbnail? Traffic sources: Where your views are coming from. Use this data to adjust your strategy. Double down on content types that perform well and improve the ones that don't. 13. Use End Screens and Cards Strategically End screens and cards are interactive tools that keep viewers watching more of your content. Best practices: Add end screens promoting related videos or playlists. Use cards around the 30-50% mark to suggest helpful content. Include subscribe buttons in your end screens. This keeps viewers engaged longer, increases session time, and tells YouTube that your channel offers value. 14. Create High-Quality, Valuable Content At the end of the day, no amount of SEO or tricks will work if your content isn't valuable. You need to create videos that solve a problem, entertain, or teach something new. Tips for value-driven content: Focus on what the viewer wants, not just what you want to say. Script or outline your content for clarity. Invest in good audio and lighting, even with a smartphone. Edit for pace, flow, and energy. Great content gets shared, saved, and rewatched, all things the algorithm loves. Key Takeaways for Sustainable YouTube Growth Growing a successful YouTube channel is not about shortcuts or tricks it's about understanding the needs of both your audience and the platform. By focusing on high-quality content, SEO, and consistent engagement, you set the foundation for long-term growth. With time, effort, and a strategic approach, your channel can thrive, attracting not just views but a loyal and engaged audience. Stay patient, adapt to your analytics, and keep refining your content. Success on YouTube is a journey, and with the right strategies, you're well on your way.

Blue Ivy Carter Just Won Another Major Award
Blue Ivy Carter Just Won Another Major Award

Elle

timean hour ago

  • Elle

Blue Ivy Carter Just Won Another Major Award

Blue Ivy Carter won big at last night's BET Awards. The 13-year-old took home the YoungStars Award for the second year in a row. She was nominated alongside actress Akira Akbar, YouTube star Graceyn 'Gracie' Hollingsworth, actress Heiress Harris, actress Melody Hurd, actor Thaddeus J. Mixson, actor Tyrik Johnson, and musician VanVan. Beyoncé and Jay-Z's eldest daughter was absent from yesterday's ceremony because she's currently in London for the European leg of the Cowboy Carter Tour. Along with her little sister Rumi, Blue has been performing at the show since the tour first began in April. In a recent interview with ELLE, Blue's grandmother, Tina Knowles, spoke about Beyoncé's choice to let Blue perform onstage, which she was initially apprehensive about. 'It was her mom's decision,' she said. 'But I encouraged it because my girls were allowed to express themselves creatively in any way they chose to. If they wanted to perform, then they got to perform. I tried to encourage everything that they wanted to do—every dream that they had.' She continued, 'So my personal two cents was, 'I hope you let her do it.' Her mother, being protective of her, thought she was too young. She was like, 'This is a heavy thing. It's 70,000 people out there sometimes, so that's a big deal for you to get in front of those people.' And so her response came from a place of protection, and mine came from a place of, 'Well, I would have let you do it.' And I remember saying that. But it wasn't my business, it was her mom's business. I just kind of helped the conversation along a bit.' There's still time to see the Carter girls at the Cowboy Carter Tour. For more information on where to get tickets, click here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store