“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.” What a crushing realization that so many of us must deal with when we see our skills fall short of our passions. 😢

"With the baton, in the classroom, with the pen." Major Charles Emerson Winchester's finest moment. Rest in peace, David Ogden Stiers.

This is why Charles was so much better than Frank. While Frank was funny, Charles could go from being a pompous ass to having real depth and warmth. Truly one of the greatest characters ever in television.

In many ways, MASH became much better after Charles joined the show.

David Ogden Steirs crushes this scene. Acting classes should study this scene.

This particular Charles scene has a special meaning for me. I'm an artist and several years ago I temporarily lost the use of my right hand. Charles' words to David about how his gift wasn't in the hand but in his head and heart resonated with me during that trial and helped bolster my determination to teach myself to draw and write with my left hand in the event I could not restore the function of my right. Got to be about as good with left-handed drawing as I had been with my normal hand. I drilled myself in typing one-handed and was even in the middle of figuring out how to manipulate cameras with just the left hand when I started to get the functioning back in my right hand. I retain a degree of ambidexterity as a result of that experience. But this scene with Charles and David gained new meaning when I tapped into it to fire my will to not be defeated by my condition.

One of his two best episodes. This and the soldier with the stutter.

"You've performed Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, even if you never do so again you've already known a joy that I will never know as long as I live - because the true gift is in your head, and in your heart and in your soul." Beautiful, touching, poetic, heartfelt acting and line

One of my favorite lines from any show: "Your hand may be stilled; but your gift cannot be silenced if you refuse to let it be."

Anyone who doesn't like Charles never really watch MASH. He become my favourite character and it was moments like this which showed how deep and great a person he was.

I like the very end when Hawkeye and Bj were telling Charles he missed a good time not realizing Charles was content listening to the pianist play in the o club.

When I first saw this scene, during the first run, I was totally stunned by Winchester's line - "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music!" As a failed piano student, I never heard a better expression of the gap between my head and my hands. And then, his compassion and his generosity and his encouragement of his patient - this was a defining moment. We will miss you Mr. Stiers, and not just Charles, but all the other characters you blessed us with.

"You've been the victim of a ceaseless stream of dumb jokes. Though we may have wounded your pride you've never lost your dignity. I therefore bequeath to you the most dignified thing I own: my bathrobe. Purple is the color of royalty."

"Your hand may be stilled, but your gift cannot be silenced" omg

3:10 - The look on Charle’s face… As a lover of music of all kinds, I can testify that THAT is not Major Winchester’s reaction. That was a glimpse into David Ogden Stiers own soul. The man felt that moment, not the character. I have seen that look on many faces and have felt that same stirring in my own heart, typically completely unexpectedly. Whether I’m playing or listening, there is absolutely nothing like those pure moments when you aren’t just hearing the music. You can actually feel it. It is one of the most transcendental feelings imaginable and I sincerely wish more people could experience it.

I consider that small speech the greatest single scene David Ogden Stiers has acted. I saw this scene as a kid and the line "I can play the notes, but I can't make the music" sticks with me to this day. Here's a top notch surgeon, able to do something less than 1/10% of the planet can do (trauma surgery) and the angst he portrays for never being able to fulfill his dream of being a concert level musician... stunning.

As a musician, this brought me to tears. To see the passion in the pianist's face when he plays those ascending arpeggios....

I really identify with Charles here. "More than anything in my life, I wanted to play; but I do not have the gift. I can play the *notes,* but I cannot make the music."

Watching Charles facial expressions making love with music is priceless

R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers

This may have been Winchester's finest hour, and it showed more of his breadth of character than some whole episodes of the show. These were the actions and sentiments of a man who truly loved and UNDERSTOOD music, despite his own limitations. Indeed, seeing him *admit* those limitations on such a personal level was an astounding phenomenon, coming from him, and that alone makes this scene unique.

I love the moments when we saw the kind, caring man Winchester really was.

M.A.S.H. ended when I was born. I didn't watch it until.I was an adult. Scenes like this are why it is the greatest TV show of all time.

THIS is what television can be at its best: writing, direction and acting combining to create a scene as great as anything on stage or screen. "M*A*S*H" was an extraordinary achievement. Thank God for syndication and DVD; most of what's on nowadays seems to have been made by trolls, for trolls.

It is funny how it started as a TV comedy version of the movie, and morphed into a show that was more serious, but with the comedy still there. It probably wouldn't have survived more than two or three seasons otherwise, and would be all but forgotten now.

This, the one with the stuttering G.I. and the Orphanage episode were his best moments on this show. His final words To Col. Potter were pure class as well.

Charles always had a soft heart he showed it to people who needed it

When Charles first appeared I didn't care for his character at all Years later,after growing up myself I sincerely believe he had the best role and DO S played him spectacularly. His character came to show so many facets. One of the best characters EVER on a TV series

These are the type of scenes that have made MASH an unforgettable masterpiece.

One of the best television had to offer. I feel lucky to have grown up during this era of television.

"Your gift cannot be silenced of you refuse to let it." What great line.

When David plays the fist note, and Winchester's eyes briefly close, it tears my heart out. Beautiful scene.

There was an episode where Winchester has lost confidence in his skill because, as a surgeon in Boston, he was the best, and had all the best equipment one needs. But in Korea, where everything was frantic, non-stop, and any mistake would be a death sentence, he couldn't keep up. He and Klinger are lost away from camp. They come across someone who needs life saving surgery, they have minimal tools, and are on the side of a dirt road hiding from the enemy. At the end, that person is saved. Klinger says:" Major! You did it! You saved him!" to which Winchester replies something like: "yes. i did. But more importantly, I did it here."

I've got so many favorite Charles episodes. This may be the best.

I can't help but say that Winchester was an infinitly deeper character than Burns.

“I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music.” One of the most moving lines from one of the greatest shows in tv history- even more so when you know of Stiers’s real life love of music

This episode showed how different Charles to Frank. Frank was a jerk while Charles showed human he was. R.I.P David Ogden Stiers you will be missed 😭😭😭

I took piano lessons for three years and it took this one quote to explain why I did so poorly - "I can play the notes but I cannot make the music." I could read music, but whatever is in the brain that causes the notes to actually become music isn't in mine. IMO, you have to be born with it. Anybody can learn to read music, but if you weren't born with that innate gift... well, there it is. Thanks to whoever wrote that wonderful line, and to the late and wonderful David Ogden Stiers for the masterful delivery.

I love how Charles helps give this soldier his dream back. He cannot let that dream die without a fight, and it's beautiful to watch.

Major Winchester was really human in spite of not showing it to others. I think that was what made him one of my favorite characters. He couldn't heal the hand, but he healed the spirit instead.

David Ogden Stiers was a very gifted conductor. In 1987(if memory serves) he conducted at a symphony my mom played violin in. He was a guest conductor and conducted the piece with the soloist. Being family of a member of the orchestra I was able to go backstage after he was done. He was very pleased that I was not only a huge M*A*S*H fan, but that I also recognized the encore piece that the pianist played because it wasn't a very well known piece. I suspect that David didn't need to find this piece, and when the story came to him, he instantly knew the piece that could help the soldier realize his career was over. I remember that we'd talked about classical music and he said that he required classical music as part of the character as an escape from the war. He also didn't to do much work for the conducting bit in G.F.A. The conducting in G.F.A was, in fact his idea. Great man. R.I.P

What an amazing character, to be pompous and aristocratically arrogant (sometimes), and yet holds within him a streak of kindness we can all admire. He made a difference in someone's life. Well done.

Scenes like this are why Charles is my favorite character on MASH. He had a lot of hilarious moments, but also had his scenes where his humanity and compassion shined through. He had so much depth and complexity to him. Being in Korea really seemed to open up his eyes and change him for the better. He became so much more than just the smart, competent Frank Burns.

This is perfect writing - and brilliant acting from the late Mr. Stiers. Unforgettable.

I saw this last night for the first time. As a music teacher of 24 years this message is so powerful.

IMHO - one of the great soliloquies in television history

I always loved this scene. Didn't see it too often, but it was awesome to see the 'human', compassionate side of Winchester appear once in a while. Excellent portrayal, Mr. Stiers.

Even though Major Winchester is a pompous, upperclass Bostonian Doctor, yet he has compassion for humanity. RIP Major Winchester.

This is one of many reasons why Charles is one of my favorite characters. Why? Well firstly the sound of his voice, stern but soothing. Secondly he is just like me, a culturally posh human. Thirdly, he makes scenes like these so beautifully.

Screw Charles and the music. I did not know I had this many tears in my head. You want a good cry? Watch Winchester show his humanity. Tears every single time. Stunning brilliance and timelessness

I just found out the news and I've been watching some clips of his best scenes. RIP, David Ogden Stiers. You made Charles everything that we love about him. You made him yours, and then gave him to us.

Yet another of Winchester's finest moments. He could show real humility and selflessness at times. R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers. 🌹🌹🌹

First scene I wanted to see again after the news of the death of David Ogden Stiers came out. He will be greatly missed. What's even more poignant is that Siters was an orchestra conductor, too, so he obviously had the love of music. Larry Gelbart and John Rappaport wrote these brilliant words. Now I wonder whether Stier's love of music was deliberately written into the Winchester character he played so well.

This was one of the finest shows ever on TV. Now all we get are reality TV and the Kardashins. Bring back shows like this and TV would enter a new golden age.

The most beautiful words on TV EVER WRITTEN

MASH had many dramatic moments in it, but none have touched me the way this one has. Our gifts, whatever they are, will always be ours, no matter our weaknesses.

I just watched this scene for the first time in decades(?). I'm blown away by the subtle dropping of shoulders by Winchester as David plays the first chord. It's not intended to draw your focus, but his body acting tells as much of a story as his incredible spoken words here.

David Ogden Stiers, Emmy Nominee From M*A*S*H, Dead at 75. RIP "Charles" One of your greatest scenes in the series.

Charles was such an underrated character. He really made those later seasons worth watching. I wish we’d seen more of him and Hawkeye together, especially without BJ.

RIP David Ogden Stiers You Are Good Actor

The most interesting part of Charles is that he is so well rounded in the works, history, and styles of music, yet as he has said, he can play the notes, not the music. I love how even he is humbled to be in the presence of someone with just the ability to play with one hand. It shows far more depth than any other person. He knows his limited ability, and wants to be able to make music, but accepts that he never will be able too.

What a Beautiful scene! Oh my GOD! I haven't seen current television like this my whole life, the emotion, the passion, the compassion, and the spirit to keep going even when dealt a horrible hand. I love this show and it came out when my parents couldn't even make babies. AMAZING!!!!!

Loved the implementation of this character! Where Hawkeye, Trapper and BJ were more of a bullying nature through pranks and jokes, CEW III showed a compassion,in many ways, that was unrivaled by the other characters!

I seen this scene dozens of times and it still brings a tear to my eye.

This was my favorite "Charles" clip. He expressed what music means (to him) and how it's more than simply playing a bunch of notes. Love this clip.

MASH was more than a "sitcom". It had it's fair share of serious storylines and episodes. A testament to the writers that had empathy and compassion as well as humor flowing from their pens / typewriters.

"Perfect writing and brilliant acting" -- says it all.

Oddly enough, the character that brings me to tears more than any other is Charles. David Ogden Stiers was a brilliant, yet underrated actor.

This is such a memorable scene. It showed the entire world what music can overcome. It showed the world the genius of Maurice Ravel.

With this episode and the stuttering, Charles Winchester displayed the best motivational acts of Kindness to people who think they had hit rock bottom in their lives. Winchester, you may be a good surgeon, but you are the best counsellor in the whole M.A.S.H unit. In fact I always think of Winchester as the father that Frasier should have had,. No doubt Frasier would be proud and inspired by such a father doing helping people with their psychological problems.

Of the thousands of best scenes in MASH, this is one of the best.

Charles Emerson Winchester III. A man of depth and breadth, of wisdom and erudition. Truly the greatest character M.A.S.H. ever had.

One of my favorite scenes from M*A*S*H! The same can be said of Beethoven. He may have lost the use of his ear drums, but he never let that silence what he could hear in his head and heart.

*M*A*S*H* was so much more than just a comedy. It had the most talented actors, who created scenes which were so emotional, they made an impact. It has been 41 years since the show ended, but it still evoques emotions, which will be with me the rest of my life- more than can be said for most other show, which have also ended and gone into obscurity. Miss this show.

Can't remember where I read this, but somebody once described Winchester as "possibly the nicest guy in the entire MASH unit ... who didn't want anybody to know about it."

Winchester shines through moments like these. One of my favorite Charles episodes. R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers

It’s amazing how this scene has resonated with me-I remember being moved by David Ogden’s Steir’s empathic, compassionate performance the first time it aired, and the scene still moves me. This elevated MASH from a sitcom to something much more powerful. RIP

One of my favorite MASH moments of the whole series!

David Ogden Stiers brought a welcome respite to the show. It gave the writers something to play with and I think that's what made the show such a great success

He became one of my favourite characters. Frank became a cartoon character. Winchester was a rounded personality.

I don't think I ever saw a moment when Frank "Ferret Face" Burns was likeable... but there were a few moments when I truly admired Charles E. Winchester III... even though most of the time he enjoyed being disliked. Still, it was those few moments when the true beauty of his character shone through the fog of his arrogance... that really make the 2nd half of the MASH series a wonderful series to watch! Anytime I watch a marathon of MASH, I start with the episode where he came to the 4077th, because by that time Potter and Honeycutt had already arrived, and that was the best cast in the show's history. :)

I was too young to appreciate this show, but I always remembered this episode. It's one of the few that truly holds up over time.

Winchester had his moments there was one scene that was so well done it still makes me cry.

Winchester does his best to stay aloof and distant but he can't stop his humanity from shining through.

i know.... as i age...MASH will be my go to show....humour, wit , compassion and just fukking great to watch.

Each of us must dance to his own tune. Well said, Major.

He was far and clear the deepest character on the series. Potter was a close second. You had to watch a bunch of episodes to realize it, though. They replaced a cardboard cutout with someone of depth. That clearly wasn't a coincidence

Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, David Ogden Stiers.

David Ogden Stiers truly loved classical music. He was a guest conductor for over 70 symphony orchestras around the world during his life. RIP Mr. Stiers ✝️

Magnificent scene; the writing, the acting, the directing.

The look on Winchester’s face as he begins to play. The appreciation, longing and fulfillment of witnessing talent he can never achieve. MASH created moments we will never see on television again.

One of the best scenes with Winchester. He went from being an arrogant, condescending surgeon to a compassionate doctor. Winchester's passion is classical music and he reinvigorates a very talented concert pianist's abilities here.

One of David Ogden Stiers' greatest scenes as Winchester. R.I.P., David.

David Ogden Stiers, what a sublime actor. You are sorely missed.

I am 100% Charles here. I come from a family of musicians. They can play numerous instruments,sing like angels and have great stage performances.....I sadly on the other hand inherited non of it. Not much fun growing up when the family wanted to get together and perform 🙄🤦‍♂️

This scene captures my envy to those who can reproduce such beauty and strikes home the self realization that while anyone can play only those little few who have gift to touch the soul

This scene speaks volumes to me as an “in-progress” Music Education Major (I’m still in college). I have a severe visual impairment-I’m completely blind in my right eye and have extremely limited vision in my left eye. This makes it immensely difficult for me to read sheet music, to see the gestures of my conductor, and to understand all the visual nuances in piano playing and Music Theory. Still, I have an incredible ear and use that gift with everything I can in regards to my love and passion for music. Naturally, I go through doubts, thinking it’s a mistake to be chasing the career I want. Though I don’t have a hand injury, I can empathize, to a degree, with David here. I always come back to this scene, and this particular Ravel piece, when doubts are particularly high and consuming. I always breathe a sigh of a relief and leave this scene with a new sense of confidence and inspirational spark to find ways to share my own musical gift with the world. Regardless of my vision, I know I can pursue my dream career of being a Professor, a Choir Director, and/or a Musicologist (Still trying to narrow down my specific career goals!). ❤️

back when sitcoms were well written, and cast well..... this is why it stacks well in ratings today against the fluff we are given....

The depth they wrote in Charles’ character was masterful

I love how they made David’s love of music a huge part of his character. David was a great actor, a lover of music and a wonderful conductor.