Our friend Fa Claes wrote: "Raphaella lets us hear a Bach who sits down to grieve and goes through all the facets of grief. It goes from gloom, desolation, hopelessness past melancholy and poignant sadness to outright rebellion, to resistance that cannot help but exhaust itself and lean toward resignation, but it is an acceptance that remains aware of intense loss. In deepening the whole scope of grief processing, Raphaella realizes a highly moving performance. It is delightful, but in fact we sit in real pain, beneficent pain they call it. Bach is so 'complete'."

Never in a million years would I have imagined this piece to sound so beautiful and resonate so deeply on the guitar. Raphaella Smits is in a league of her own. Absolutely stunning performance.

Has anyone noticed she never glanced at the fretboard? That she seldom opened her eyes? Well, best rendition ever so far. Thank God I found this video.

This is the first extended string guitar in which the tonal consistency is maintained. A small guitar by contemporary standards yet delivering a wonderfully rounded sound and full of unforced resonance, in the hands of a player who profoundly understands Bach. Absolutely wonderful.

This slower version sounds and feels much better than the other ones I found on youtube. Bravo Raphaella, Bravo.

Every once in a while I come back to listen to your interpretation... The best I've ever heard... I said it 7 years ago.... I say it again! 😍😍😍

This is the best guitar performance of this piece I've ever heard. The harmonies from 10:50 to 11:20 bring tears to my eyes every time. I don't think I've ever heard a more beautiful piece of music.

So this is what mastery looks like....

Despite having played, studied, and pondered this piece for over forty years, there were passages whose import eluded my understanding, and others - notably measures 181-184 - that performing artists didn't seem to get either. Ms. Smits illuminated all the variations and wove them all into one whole: sorrow and fortitude. My thanks for this.

Best chaconne in guitar I ever heard. She really understood the spitit of the song (and obviously had the skills to tramsform it into notes) . Thanks, Raphaella for this interpretation.

What an out of this world performance. I never heard her before. This is an absolute revelation.

I cannot help but think that this is the Chaconne as we all imagined it should and could sound but never thought we’d actually hear. Thank you Raphaella!

The best version I ever heard of this music.

Even if everyone has told so, after listening to this, I just cant leave this whitout a comment; the most beutiful version of Chaconne I ever heard. Moved to tears.

What a wonderful player and instrument! Mesmorising, i nearly fell off the ground!

This interpretation should be taught in music schools. She got a telepatic connection with Bach and with his mood when he composed this piece. Emotions and spirituality united to perfection. Thanks Raphaella.

Mystifying why this video has not reached more people…. Beyond me….

To play the Chaconne,eyes closed is putting her in to the league of esteemed guitarist of the world that are a rare breed.

This extraordinary performance is fully the equal of any I have every heard, and far more interesting than most. I have never heard Raphaella before, and only turned up here on a whim - a most fortunate one. Her guitar took some getting used to, aurally, but then I was seduced by its dark sound - really quite right for the Chaconne, I think. But mostly it is her musicality that stunned me. Very early on, I felt compelled to give my complete attention, because this was such a careful, deep, profound reading. Such a gift. But then many of us think this is the most astounding piece of music ever written - something I say with considerable reluctance, because I don't like to get too competitive about such things. If I were to use a single word to characterize this performance, it would be "original". Raphaella did, successfully, a number of things with this piece which I have long thought ought at least to be tried. And they worked because there was such emotional authenticity in the playing. Thank you for this, Raphaella.

Extraordinary beauty, Zen concentration, a real lesson of art and conviction.

Best version of Chaconne on guitar!

This is mastery; of the instrument; of the music; of this piece. What an incredible thing to have captured on video and with such superb sound quality. My favorite interpretation of this masterpiece.

Bach's Chaconne is proof (to me at least) that there really is a God. Raphaella Smits brings Heaven down to earth with this performance.

I'm astonished, this woman has discovered where the music lives.

Waoh! I started listening, and couldn't stop. I was mesmerized by the story she tells (as do all great artists). She made me re-discover this piece, from a totally different point of view. Less energic than Segovia's version, but more profound, more spiritual. I will never play the Chaconne the way I used to, from now on.

She left me speechless and in tears with her profoundly moving execution. This interpretation of this beloved Chaconne surpass any other that I have heard from other virtuoso guitarist.

C'est bouleversant. Cela fait des années que je me dis que c'est la meilleure interprétation de la Chaconne que j'ai jamais entendue.

I appreciate this performance not only for it's intrinsic musicality but also because the lady does not promote her face at the expense of her hands...so to speak. She keeps her face quiet so we can hear what her hands are doing, to put it another way.

OK, that left me speechless. I've only ever been rendered speechless by the Chaconne from Heifetz's performance.

5:00 I get chills at this part every time

Je n'ai jamais entendu une interprétation d'une telle qualité... jamais.

She is just so wonderful.

Good is when you can't stop listening.

She's one of a few musician who really brings this piece alive. Bravo!

3 years later this is still the best :)))))))

I think that guitar was made for this piece and you were born to play it. Thank you so much.

Raphaella, I'm absolutely certain that Belgium is extremely proud of you maestra. That was a totally sound, masterful performance ma'am. I really enjoyed your performance and I thank you for putting it on You Tube. Please be well and thank you again for a wonderful performance.

sometimes when listening to Bach i imagine how he would have enjoyed the performance, but somehow this one transcends both the composer and the performer

The sound of that guitar is extraordinary. I've listened to this performance many times now and each time it retains the crispness and beauty of the first listen. Fantastic playing.

Reading many of the comments regarding the nuances in the sound of this video seems to be a response to those sounds produced by the 7th and 8th strings (sympathetic strings). Her slower tempo in places also give these strings a chance to resonate and bring out new phrases not heard elsewhere . Certainly another beautiful and personal interpretation of this magnificent Bach composition. I believe the Chaconne more than most guitar selections allows any truly great guitarist to raise their level of technique, playing and understanding of what the guitar (6,8,10 string) is capable of.

Supreme musicianship in a magical performance.

One of the best performances of the Chaconne by the brilliant Bach. Bravissimo!

Chaconne always touches the parts that others can't reach. This performance on this superb guitar-would like to know what make it is-brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Ms Smits.

Bach would give her a gold star and take out the wooden spoon for Elliot Fisk.

Best balanced Chaconne I have every heard . If J.S.Back could listen you.

Спасибо Вам, Рафаэлла за прекрасное исполнение музыки И.С.Баха! В 1997 году видел и слушал Вас в России г. Волгограде. Очень понравилось Ваше сдержанное и чистое исполнение тогда и сейчас! СПАСИБО! Да хранит, Вас Господь!

How could anyone thumbs down this. I'm sure Segovia would not have thumb down this.

Best guitar edition ever, can't really get any better.Whisper of God through that soundhole.THANK YOU MAESTRA, THANK YOU SO MUCH

What is clever about what Bach did in the Chaconne is he composed a work that represented his life with his wife who sadly died. It tells the story of all those emotions and memories. Joy, wonder, sorrow, etc. I suspect Raphaella may have visualised that for each of the sections to memorise the notes. 14 minutes without glancing at fretboard is an incredible achievement.

Being played wonderfully as it can be.

Absolutely Stunning..I'm even hearing things I haven't heard before..Raphaella's amazing confidence to not look at the fingerboard while playing leaves me staggered - let alone her confidence displayed in the playing of the Chaconne..

The best interpretation ever! What a sound! Is absolutely perfect!

Diep bewogen door zoveel liefde en schoonheid. Innig dankbaar, Raphaella, dat ik een leerling van jou mocht zijn. Je bent voor mij één van de mooiste vrouwen die ik ontmoette, ik zie en hoor je graag, als muzikant en als mens. Enkele jaren geleden had ik bijna mijn gitaar verkocht maar iets heeft mij ervan weerhouden en nu, na meer dan 20 jaar, heb ik mijn instrument terug liefdevol in de armen genomen. Voor altijd nu.

Beautiful playing. I'm surprised at how deep and rich the tone of that guitar is.

I don't know... her technique is impresive... she's very connected with the instrument and the work!, and of course nothing less than Bach!.beautiful! amazing!

C'est merveilleux. Je suis d'accord avec la plupart des commentaires: c'est d'une incroyable musicalité. On dirait que Bach l'a écrite pour elle. On oublie la nécessaire virtuosité pour n'entendre plus que la musique. Magnifique. Merci Madame.

Thank you for sharing this. As a guitarist I was so moved, as always by Bach but so much more by your interpretation.

Maestra Raphaella must have dreamed this Chaconne a thousand times, then she rehearsed it in the dark for decades. Bravissimo!

Un son superbe, une interprétation superbe, un jeu précise tout en harmonie et en simplicité, que demander de plus ! sans doute la meilleure interprétation du web.

Just SUPER!!! This is one of the better versions on KZfaq.

Todo el poder de Bach en manos de una mujer. Wow simplemente maravilloso. Cuando alguien toca la Chacona asi, la Tierra es uno de los mejores lugares de la galaxia.

Raphaëlla, on dit que Bach est le père de la musique. Vous, vous êtes sa fille !! En 40 années de passion pour la guitare, c'est la première fois que j'entends une interprétation d'une telle qualité. Chapeau Madame ! C'est merveilleux. Pierre

Oh this is such a deeply felt and exquisitely realized performance of a work that Bach wrote during a period of profound grief,. I have never a heard a performance of this that touched me so deeply. Truly remarkable!!!!

Bach comme il me semble devoir être joué: inéluctable et sensible... magnifique et le son de cette guitare est une révélation. Bravo Mirecourt!

What a technique, what a musicality, what a meditative atmosphere, what an instrument, what a sound! The best recording and interpretation of the ciacona.

Quite possibly the best performance of the great Chaconne I have ever heard. The instrument and the sound are also extraordinary. Bravo!

I have listened to Chaconne my whole life mostly by A Segovia considered the standard but this version is right up there,thank you Raphaella for a life of dedication I was deeply moved by this performance

Simply no words......I'm sure MR. Bach would be impressed with this amazing interpretation. Wau!!!!

Ok,.Raphaella's virtuosity is a given, an incredible performance. But I'm fascinated by the 18th century guitar she's playing -- multi stringed, no less. These small, narrow-waisted guitars have such a lovely lyrical quality about them and a surprising level of volume. It is truly a treat getting to hear the Chaconne played on this wonderful instrument by such a talented player.

I'm amazed over how good this is and on so many levels. She's obviously skilled but there's so much more. Integrity and expressiveness for instance. She plays this piece pretty straight forward and it just comes to life nonetheless!

A beautiful chaconne story, by maestro Raphaella Smits!

I was very impressed by John Feeley's rendition of the Chaconne (also on YT) but this is right up there with it (and Ms Smits is playing live!). Marvellous!

ok good lord. She is now my favorite guitarist.

The most mesmerizing performance of this piece I've ever heard.

THIS is what I have been looking for - eight string guitar - beautiful playing too. I have heard dozens of versions of the Chaconne on many instruments - this is the best interpretation I have personally heard

Raphella is a very sensitive guitarist. That was brilliant! So effortless! I hope you recorded this on CD!!!

Non ci sono parole per affermare l'assoluta meraviglia di questa prestazione. Unica. ❤

Geachte mevrouw Smits, Prachtig gitaarspel. Zo sereen, zo mooi! Zoals u over Yo-Yo Ma zei, toen hij probeerde uit te leggen wat musiceren juist inhoud. Het niet gaat om de aandacht naar jezelf te trekken. Maar om het beleven van het moment waarin je met je instrument iets unieks weet te vertellen aan je luisteraar. Dat heb u met het werk van Chaconne voor mij gedaan. mvg

Great musicianship and class. Love the guitar and the lower 2 strings that give out certain resonance through the piece . . . A great performance on this very exhausting and difficult piece . . . .

I'm speechless...there's no words on earth that can express how magnificent this is

Une vrai merveille !

The sound of the instrument is heavenly, and the interpretation.... It's one thing to play a piece of music perfectly, but a true master feels the music and plays with emotion and dedication. Raphaella, this was amazing!

My favorite piece of music on violin or guitar and this is sublime

I had the good luck and musical fortune and personal pleasure hear this lady perform guitar music on two occasions so wonderfully years ago that I have-not forgotten my impression of her artistry. She performed music on a guitar given to her by Narsico Yeppes at Akron University one day following elections day in November. The event was arranged by Steve Aron. Most grateful for his efforts to bring qualify guitar music to that town for me and others to hear and see in person. This lady - Raphaela Smits - was phenomenal then with her playing style, interpretation and command of the instrument from beginning to the end of her performance. Then she performed guitar music at the Cleveland Institute of Music shortly after that first encounter. On both occasions she demonstrated artistry that needed no additional words to earn praise than what the audience was saying about her. This was a most knowledgeable and receptive audience whose members knew what they are hearing. For us it did not get any better on either occasion.

I’m a baroque trained cellist and have played with lots of baroque guitar players and Raphaella Smits’ Spanish baroque modified guitar is glorious

Raphaella, I haven't heard real artistry at such a high level as yours in quite a long time. So inspiring!

chills, hairs-raised...

So wonderful. Thank you so much Raphaella Smits, refined artist, infinite talent.

Awesome!

I heard this played not too long ago and I left the comment who would want to learn this? Hearing it now played by a Master, it's a beautiful piece of music.

Brava, Maestra. You make me cry 🥲You deserve million views

Qué belleza, toca la pieza con una sensibilidad apabullante, la guitarra de 8 cuerdas es una extensión de su alma. Había escuchado esta pieza maestra de Bach al laúd barroco en reputados laudistas, pero esta versión es especial y única. Bravo.

Una de las mejores interpretaciones que he escuchado de esta partitura de Bach.

The master of masters!!! Words cannot describe her soul reaching to Bach .... to GOD!!

Zeer geachte mevrouw Smits, gisteren zag ik u voor het eerst op Canvas, bij Studio Flagey. Ik schaamde mij voor mijn landgenoot, u collega-muzikant, de brulaap Wispelwey. Gelukkig was hij wel in staat u een terecht compliment te geven voor uw prachtige gitaarspel. Ik vond het zo mooi wat u zei over Bach: meest menselijke componist en tegelijkertijd zo diep spiritueel.

I sob, absolutely every time, that I listen to this. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.

One of my favourite versions of Bachs Chaconne, congratulations to the beautiful sound and the transcendental spirit; other versions I recommend are those from Sanel Redzic ( more conventional but also perfect ) and the exceptional transcription and sound from Alan Mearns version ( the most baroque sounding one for my ears ever played on guitar)

I was astonished her eyes are closed. So I closed mine too. At the end it took a minute to open my eyes because I had to let my soul finish processing the emotions graced by Bach and her immaculate playing. I think music hit the zenith when Bach wrote this. There is no other greater composition.

Deep and powerful performance, inspiring and beautiful.... Bravo !

Someone actually playing with emotion! Wonderful sound!