The viral internet sensation, classical violinists duo Eddy Chen and Brett Yang, collectively known as TwoSetViolin, are back–but not the way fans were hoping. After abruptly announcing their finish a month ago and deleting much of their content from social platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, they surprised fans on December 5 by posting a video titled “I’m Bach”–a clever musical pun referencing the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Their account name and YouTube channel had been changed to B2TYSM.
The reason for their disappearance and termination was revealed in a New York Times interview by Javier C. Hernandez. According to the interview, they were “growing tired of the scrutiny” and needed some relief. “We’ve said all that we wanted to say,” Yang said. “It felt like I had 50-kilo weights on my shoulders for the last 11 years, just trying to please people and be the best that we can.” Both expressed that they felt as though “they were under a microscope” and needed a break from it all. Additionally, the pressure of having to upload hundreds of videos per year and maintain their social image was starting to take its toll on the two.
As a final farewell to fans, TwoSet decided to release six new videos under the B2TYSM name, in which they play pieces of music from “members of a band of composers: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Mozart,” which is what the band’s name stands for. The videos are inspired by K-pop. According to Eddy, “We’re showing what TwoSet has meant to us through out art, in the same way a composer shares how they feel through their music.”
On December 3, TwoSetViolin surprised fans by releasing a new video titled “I’m Bach,” following months of silence after their earlier announcement of dismissal and termination. The trailer immediately garnered international attention, but fans were quick to notice that Brett Yang was absent, leaving Eddy Chen to appear alone. This sparked speculation about whether the duo had split and were no longer working together. Two days later, on December 5, the release of “I’m Bach Official” clarified part of the mystery. The video, featuring Eddy as Johann Sebastian Bach, impressed fans with its exceptional production quality, from the visuals to the audio, reflecting the considerable time and resources invested. On December 8, a new trailer titled “Papa Wolfgang Style” was released, this time starring Brett Yang. Just a day later, on December 9, Brett followed up with “Papa Wolfgang Style Official,” marking his return and reassuring fans of the duo’s ongoing collaboration. Fans now eagerly anticipate at least three more installments in this series, which seems poised to honor the composers referenced in the channel’s iconic name: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Mozart.
In each of the videos released thus far, Brett and Eddy rap and demonstrate what it truly means to be dedicated to a life of music–from both the composers’ and their own perspectives. “Barely making songs, how you call yourselves pop stars?” Eddy rapped in one of his older videos, addressing controversies surrounding K-pop music that features classical melodies. “You must play the tuba, ’cause you keep repeating only two bars.” In light of the controversies, TwoSetViolin has consistently tackled challenges with their signature wit and humor. And now, their journey as content creators has come to an end.
From making videos with Grammy-winning artists to reacting to prodigy performances online and performing on stages worldwide, Brett and Eddy seemed to be on an unstoppable path to stardom. Just months ago, they were personally invited by the Queen of Belgium to attend the world’s most prestigious violin competition in Brussels. Their sudden retirement left fans and online communities in shock and distress. Many sympathized with their struggles and wished them well, while others criticized the duo for what they saw as reckless stunts and an over-the-top finale. This only further highlights the immense pressures of social media—pressures that likely played a role in TwoSet’s decision to step away.
However, the duo remains unfazed by the criticism. Though they may no longer be creating content for their millions of supporters, one thing is certain: Brett and Eddy will always be influencing the world of music and bringing the classical music rage back—or, as they might say, “bach.”
