He inspires me!

He is Richard Yongjae O'neill, a Korean-American violist. I really enjoy listening to him playing the viola, his tone, expression, interpretation and technical skills is exceptional. He is also very musical and inspirational.

When I first decided that I am going to invest time and money to pick up an instrument, I had initially thought of the violin. The dream instrument is of course the piano, but it didn't make practical sense in terms of space and $$. The violin looked like a cool instrument to play, but the only problem was, I didn't quite like its sound, it was too high pitch for my liking.

Then I came across his playing in a cameo role in a Korean drama serial. I was totally owned and blown away by that beautiful tone and sound and thought, "man, that violin sounds special." I know! Such disrespect for viola!

Well of course, I googled and did some CSI-ing on him and found out not only his bio of course; that there is such an instrument as the viola and that was what I had heard him play! I knew then the viola is what I wanted to learn (well not just because of him but more because of its beautiful sound).

Anyways, he has recorded 5 albums to date and I have bought them all. I don't understand why they are not available in local stores tho, I had to order all 5 of them online.



This is his 5th album, it is titled "NORE" which basically means "Sad songs". I ordered in online the very date it was released and just got it in the mail yesterday! Am so enjoying it! :D

Click on the video to hear him play!