When I was young, I took singing lessons for a while, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise” was one of the pieces my teacher wanted me to learn. I failed miserably. “Vocalise” is difficult for the same reason that it is beautiful. It wanders here and there in a relaxed and magical way. And it is the perfect composition for the saw.

Here is a superb version of “Vocalise” performed by Eric Jon Johnson on a saw he designed and made himself. He makes beautiful instruments, and he is a master saw player. Take a few minutes to listen to him play. You won’t be sorry.