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Yes Arcane is a masterpiece, and to have Ray play in it is legendary.

So lesson learned: Viola is dark, depressing, and tragic 😂

As a violist, I appreciate you giving the instrument the respect it deserves and talking about it with such appreciation.

Honestly, the only people who really knew you made a mistake were those of us who listened to “what could have been” 200x and memorized the whole song. So while you’re beating yourself up, most people probably didn’t notice lol

I'm disappointed hearing Ray Chen has not been contacted by Riot for Season 2. Not because he isn't going to be in it, I am sure he will be featured prominently again, but because this just shows how far we might still be from season 2. 😭😭

"Is this going to be good enough? The viola?" 😭Literally every violist's waking moment. This is all we ever hear. Thanks for appreciating my instrument 😭

Man I'm so appreciative that you actually shared the experience and your takeaways from it! Really hope that you'll be in the next Arcane OST too!

Ray Chen being viola gang and viollin gang at the same time is quite the shock, twoset will be hearing of this!

Ray said it so seriously that I'd be surprised if it's an intentional reference, but I can't hear the words "emotional damage" together anymore without hearing Steven He's character.

BRO, YOU HAD A CONCERT LIKE A FEW HOURS AGO, AND YOU STILL UPLOAD? 1. You played great! It was amazing. I loved your rendition of 'Waltzing Matilda.' 2. Respect dude! It seems like a lot of work to upload and perform in a concert in the same day!

Riot has always been great at creating music that draws you into whatever story they are telling. They manage to pull emotions out very well. Riot is a music producer that makes games on the side lol

The part where you messed up I thought actually sounded good. I feel like that off note added an uncomfortableness that worked really well. I feel it added more than it took away. :) It sounded intentional.

"It was no mercy I did emotional damage to myself" Ray Chen 2023 😂

I loved in the Behind The Scenes when they were basically like "We've got Ray Chen, he WILL play it" when they made that super hard piece for the Opera House theme

"Would it work in real life?" he said at 8:50 and I was really perplexed that he doesn't know about Stroh violins which are like violins with bells on it. Different types exist and were used to record early violin music and play folk music. One more tool to get different sound flavors out of a violin!

You're so humble, dude. Curious as to when you knew you'd flubbed it. Then and there? As an (ex) live sound engineer, I can tell you, that kind of environment trips up a lot of people and your fold back engineer was probably kicking themself that they didn't make sure you were more comfortable with the set up. You are all kinds of awesome.

Bro !!! Viola gang must be so proud! 🎉

Beautifully played! Love how excited Ray gets about his own playing whispering "That's me! That's me!"

they did so well animating lol I remember seeing it during the premier and pointing at the screen saying MOM THATS RAY CHEN 🤣

I've watched a lot of people react to Arcane, and there's not a few people who tear up just watching the first few minutes with no dialogue and characters they've never met before. Legendary work!

There is always the clean perfection of the studio recording, if one wants that. Btw, Sting wasn’t exactly the pinnacle of pitch stability in that live performance either, so you’re in good company 😉

There's a phenomenon that skiers experience when they go through a forest: when they think "don't hit a tree," they will hit a tree. Instead, they look for the path. We make mistakes as musicians and it feels like a tree in our way when we play, almost traumatic, but you just have to let go and think of the path, the music is already there. Thank you for your part in Arcane, it wouldn't be the same and we would have been left wondering what could have been.

Arcane was (and is still) one of my favourite shows due to a number of reasons (one of the main ones being the score!!) and i honestly didn’t know that ray played a part in this until recently - This is mega cool cant wait for s2

So many people (reactor, friends, etc) note almost immediately in the first scene how powerful the music is. You should feel enriched to know how much your art touched others.

LOL I KNEW THAT NOTE WAS OFF but you sold it like you meant it to sound dissonant and thats what matters! amazing performance

This man formed the emotional backbone of the entire show. Moving stuff

Very brave of you to admit you didn't practice enough. Jokes aside, videogame and anime/animation shows' music goes really hard sometimes. In my opinion, Star Wars The Old Republic's soundtrack is still one of most ambitious orchestral works to this day. It's so massive in scope. I recommend a listen to anyone interested :) Arcane was so good that it left a small void when I was through it.

As a fellow musician I can relate to the mistake trauma.😊. You are amazing sir.

Ray your music performance in Arcane blew me away, it was exceptional. Big congratulations.

the ost in the ''shower scene'' (Fallout) is one of my favorites ost's out there with violin solo in it, I get goosebumps every time I listen to it same with the "what could have been'' the different emotions you can hear and feel in these tracks are insane that brings tears to my eyes every time thank you for your amazing work in this amazing series

Fistbump. I played violin and viola, too.I'd swap between them so often, my violin was actually slightly bigger (it was made by a friend of mine). And a music theory professor of mine was a concert pianist. He always said that it didn't matter how many mistakes you made, but how you played them. :)

Thank you for sharing the experience of messing up with us! You hid it so well that I couldn't tell you messed up at. lol I love how you contained the frustration (and internal tears) behind and continued to deliver the music unaffectedly to the audience afterwards. Thank you for letting the audience get into your head to see how you deal with this kind of situation.

eMoTiONaL DAmAGE 😭😭😭 this has inspired me to practice for another 40 hours!!!

Ray you are so introspective. I am looking forward to watching Arcane. Meanwhile remember what Beethoven said: “To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable”. You always play with passion. Remember that when you make a mistake.

When I was watching arcane I knew right away that it was you playing the concerto, but when you played the bridge it took me a few seconds to recognize you. Love your playing 😍

Arcane is SO GOOD. There was actually a point when I was watching it that my brain just accepted that what I was watching was real, not animation. That's how well written and compelling it is. I'm not surprised that you had a part to play in the music, and I sincerely hope they bring you back for season 2. Something I've always wondered: during a live performance, when there's a camera moving around you, is that distracting? Or are you so zoned in on the instrument that you don't even notice?

The „Caitlyn showering“ scene, to me, only works because of the music in the background, specially Ray‘s performance. It’s so beautiful, but yet so intense, a perfect build up for Jinx to appear from the shadows. And talking about beautiful, there of course also is „What Could Have Been“. This song has pulled me in the moment I first heard it has yet to let go. Sting‘s voice, Ray‘s performance, the structure of the song itself, the final build up. It’s such a beautiful song, listening to the orchestra and the violin alone brings so much joy, but combined with the lyrics and the vocal performance, this joyful music suddenly is put into a very different context and it fits so perfectly. As someone who is recovering from severe mental health issues, the feelings this song awakens are very much representative of what life for me feels like now. On it’s own, the instrumental music is so captivating and wonderful and so alive. But with vocals and lyrics, there suddenly arises this sadness and tragedy, never truly overpowering but yet still intense enough to be felt from beginning to end. It reminds me of finding the joy and beauty of life again after what I‘ve been through, but the shadows of the past will never vanish entirely. It’s hard to put into words, but you can feel, that whatever you have been through, it has taken away a small sliver of yourself, has left a dark spot on your soul. You will always feel this void, but feeling it means you are alive and life is worth living.

i still listen to the bridge like weekly (an cry everytime). youre the best Ray

Wow, didn't realize Ray played in so many scenes in addition to the "Concerto" clip. Will have to listen more closely when I rewatch it. Thanks Ray!

I loved your work on Arcane, and your cameo as a character was a fantastic addition. So much power was added to this show through your work. I originally had not taken the idea of the series all too seriously, played it on a side-monitor while doing other things, and within the first episode the music essentially told me that there was something more to this series,. I stopped what I was doing and watched the series in full-screen immediatly. Fantastic work, I was always wondering if there would be a followup from your perspective, very glad to finally see this.

I noticed the 'mistake' and it gave off a vulnerable aura which gave me goosebumps. It was a perfect delivery, imperfections and all.

Arcane was my first time hearing Ray's performing, the violin solos were definitely one of the biggest highlights of the show for me!

Dude, even the "mistake" is legendary!

It makes me so incredibly happy to see you in literally my favourite series! Such an amazing crossover, truly I didn't think Arcane could not get any more special to me.

thank you for your work on this. you and everyone involved made this the best animated piece of art ever.

Thank you SO much for going through all of this. I'm a massive fan of the show so it was great to hear your input on what went into making it, and I absolutely LOVED your work in it. Masterful.

The music was beautiful! Never knew Ray has a part in it too.

Im on the ground, bowing. Thank you for your hard work. Your playing is a masterpiece

Your solo in What Could Have Been always gives me chills

I recognized you immediately in the concerto scene! So awesome you get to work on such a great show.

The strings is what made this soundtrack so absolutely heart wrenching and memorable. Thank you for everything you did, and do.

Finally!!!!!! Thanks Ray!!! I love Arcane! :)

I get shivers down my spines whenever Ray’s Violin tracks hit its just so cool 🔥😭❤

What a beautiful video.🥹 thank you Ray Chen❤❤

Ray you’re a rock star. Your talent is matched by your authenticity. Great stuff sir!

Bro what could have been is so perfect, so epic. one of your best work like ever in all of arcane episodes. Arcane is a masterpiece in every way

Wow! Thanks for sharing this. Even more amazed with Arcane now.

what a legend, thanks for making me cry in the final scene 😭😭

The darkness and of the viola's sound is one of the many reasons I play it over violin!!

You nailed it with 'Fallout' in the Arcane album! I have driven my family, friends, and co-workers insane with how often I having 'Fallout' playing usually on repeat. I absolutely love the sound of the violin and was blown away with 'Fallout' and all the emotion that was put into it.

Thank you for making this video for us the Arcane fans. Hahaha, I'm glad you mentioned about that emotional damage. My kids and I immediately pointed it out when that video first came out. We totally understand and we all still love you !!! Now that you made a section of a video to talk about it, making us even respect you more. Thank you for giving us such a rich and wonderful sounds adding onto everyone's life 🙏😇

I absolutely love both your humility, excitement, and honesty for this magnificant set of music! Well done, Ray! Well done!

manifesting your return for Arcane season 2!! your beautiful performances really brought the series to life

finaly after a long year i got my dream . man i was litraly been asking you pls do this on any platform for almost a year non stop . i know it isnt direct answer to those prayers but who care i got it :D . tnx legend . always big fan

I love the music sooo much. I cryed so much

Your expression in the music is LEGENDARY! It didn't just hit me in the feels, it straight up gut punched my feelings. Outstanding work sir!

Your way of playing the violin is simply incredible. And all the emotions you convey through your music show the tremendous talent you have. THANKS. I wanted to see Arcane because I fell in love with your violin in Sting's song.

Im a professional game and film artist, and yes absolutely its a huge honor to have the artists ask if you want your likeness in the show- we make so many generic characters for background via mix/match asset pieces or sometimes even individually, and for them to offer to make you, even if they had a blockout base, they put the effort into all the details as much as they could in the sculpt and texture to look as similar to you as they could in that style and thats no small feat. They had to have really admired your music too, im sure! (Disclaiming that i didnt work on this show though)

Thank you that you shared this with us 🙇‍♀️👏 I am a doctor and when I don't have patients and have patient cartels to fill I listen to a lot of music . You are lucky that your life is filled with so much beauty and delicate moments 😀😀

Ray i just wanted to let you know that i cry everytime i hear your parts in What Could Have Been and that I will be sending you my therapy bills for all the emotional damage thanks

gosh, I LOVE this series, because of the amazing storyline, because of the incredible animation and artwork, but especially for the music, it is just *chefskiss* ON TOP!! I am so glad that they have chosen Ray as violinist, you play freaking amazing and what makes you even more adorable is your authentic character and your honesty. You don't hesitate to show us your mistakes and it's so refreshing and relieving because even the professionals are just humans - like we all have those moments of "unplanned improvising" (sometimes one note, sometimes a bit more hehe... 🤡) but it's live performance and that makes it ALIVE (not the mistakes tho but this risk of EVERYTHING COULD HAPPEN). Because what does a little note mean when the whole vibe is soooo touching. Bravissississimo for you and Sting and the composer and the whole team and everyone involved!! Thank you so much for creating this magic stuff!!! 🫶😍

Great way to make completely new music. Full of story, magic and beauty .❤❤❤❤

The first time I shaw the show I though wow! the music and interpretation is beautiful and now I know part of the cause. You're great! Best regards from Spain!

You sir, are extremely talented. Your music perfectly matched each scene it was on, my absolute favorite being "The Toy Boat". Thank you for everything.

BRO I will always now remember the opening to episode 1 of arcane as you playing the music and It is amazing to see how much skill you have and are able to gain with things such as this!

I just love Arcane and I love that you are an important part of it!!! The music is just so epic, I always get goosebumps. They put so much work into the season, it is insane. It really is a masterpiece, all together. So many artists working together from different areas, you just can feel it. I think it is very brave that you put in the live performance with your mistake and talk about that. I cannot imagine how hard that had to be. But as you said, you are also only humane. I am playing violin myself and messed up in front of an audience some time and I so much can feel the anxiety of that (and my audience where just family, friends and small concerts, nothing professional). So shout out to your braveness!

You were definitely a perfect pick for this show. I love animation and classical music, you definitely create the perfect balance. I hope u r in season 2 as Jin or something. That’d be amazing to see

Ray, just wanna say that I appreciate your music and the effort on your videos! Keep going 🎉 Edit- thanks for the likes 😅. i haven’t watched arcane but should i?

I hope we will see you in season 2 because all the violin senses were so beautiful

What a cool look into a series I have totally flipped over! I had no idea you were the violinist for all of these scenes. The concerto scene was always one of my favorite scenes in the series because it was so brilliantly designed visually and honestly, it didn't have to be a genius as it was but HOOEY! Your playing was KILLER! You did a brilliant job conveying the heartbreak of this series, Ray. You all just ripped my heart out! I can't say enough how good your playing was (on top of the writing, animation, voice acting, etc., etc., etc....) Well done and thank you for this video! 👍

FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I'VE BEEN WAITING SO FRIKIN LONG FOR THIS

I LOVED "Arcane" and I still listen to "What could have been" from time to time, it's such a beautiful song. As for the Game Awards performance, I had a feeling it had something to do with the in-ears. I still enjoyed the performance a lot, though. The emotion really came through in your playing.

I`m kinda glad you also struggeled with this solo, because i now feel better for taking such a long time to learn it. Especially after hearing it made me play again after 1,5 years of not touching my violin first because of School and Sports and then loosing the passion for it over it probably because of beeing burned out in general. But yeah after 10 weeks I made it sound pretty good I think.

CAN'T WAIT FOR S2!! HOPE YOU RE-APPEAR AGAIN IN THE SHOWWW!!

The music in this show-- your violin specifically-- enhanced my appreciation for all music exponentially. Every time I hear you playing, I have to stop whatever I'm doing to desperately try to take it all in.

Wow, didn't know your connection to Arcane! So cool, and amazing artistry!!!

What could've been has been my favorite song from Arcane specifically because of the violin. Amazing job

Such an amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! It's fairly rare, having been in the world of classical too for some time in the past, to have such a personal link to one of the top soloists in the world. Thanks for creating it. And the app seems like a good idea too, hopefully it will work out.

my favorite OST in this show is called "Romance" on ep. 5 (victor's dying scene), it's amazing to see the process on how these show soundtracks were composed, ray you're a legend!

You know you made it as a soloist when you appear as a cameo in an animation this epic!

Dude, having a good violinist as an animation reference is one thing... having a big soloist like Ray is something else lol.

Thank your for your amazing addition to Arcane ! Loved it !

This is so interesting! So rare to hear about the themes and intentions behind a score from the guy who actually made it. I really want to rewatch the series now to dissect the music

League is my favorite game and you're one of my favorite contemporary violinists so I'm always ecstatic to hear you collabing with them! Arcane is an absolute masterpiece and the use of the violin for Piltover and Jinx's leitmotifs was just perfect. I got emotional every time I heard your playing while watching! I don't think the animators quite got your likeness but I think it's close enough hehe

OMG I FOUND YOU!!!! Okay, I 100% realized that they probably modeled the character onstage from the person playing, and I’m so glad I was right!!! I heard the fortiche actually animated the characters modeled after people (imagine dragons, you, some of the animators etc) differently as well which is so cool (possibly how I noticed)? Overall this was awesome and I’m just overjoyed that you have a KZfaq channel! Your music in this show was incredible and I’m definitely going to explore more of it ❤

This is one of your very best videos! I love it, especially the human part of an excellent professional.❤ Your sharing is very helpful and encouraging. It makes feel like practicing now😂 Btw, my daughters and I all practice on Tonic as much as we can (as much as I remember to do it, in my case). My daughters almost always do.

Concerto is one of my favourite all time tracks. Glad I found this video !

damn, that's some kind of spocon level determination out there! So much respect!

Thanks for sharing ! ❤