HELLFIRE - VoicePlay | Vocal Coach Reacts
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2023
- Voiceplay attempts Disney ... and, as one would expect, does an incredible job. You do NOT want to miss their acapella arrangement of "Hellfire" from the Hunchback of Notre Dame (Alan Menken). Dark, sinister, and evil lyrics accompanied by the fiery low notes and icy high notes of Voice Play. This is GOOD singing. Enjoy this reaction and analysis!
ORIGINAL VIDEO:
• HELLFIRE - VoicePlay (...
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I remember reading about how Alan Menken was offered a list of potential new films Disney was thinking about doing, and he picked Hunchback because he wanted to dig into the darker themes. Basically, as one person who worked for Disney Animation at the time said, "Hunchback" was made purely for "HELLFIRE" to exist. So when Tony Jay couldn't hit the final high note and asked Menken to take it down, his request was flat out denied, and Menken sent the actor to voice lessons until he could hit and sustain that final note. And here Geoff belts it, then goes higher!
The Latin is based on the Penitential Rite of the Catholic Mass.
From the original song lyrics:
Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti
Beatae Mariae semper Virgini
Beato Michaeli archangelo
Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis
Et tibi Pater
Quia peccavi nimis
Cogitatione
Verbo et opere
Mea culpa, mea culpa
Mea maxima culpa
Mea culpa, mea culpa
Mea maxima culpa
Kyrie Eleison, Kyrie Eleison, Kyrie Eleison
Translation: I confess to God almighty, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to the blessed archangel Michael, to the holy apostles, to all the saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned, in thought, in word and deed. My fault, my fault, my greatest fault. My fault, my fault, my greatest fault. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
It's not exactly the Penitential Rite, it's missing more than half of the prayer, and they added "Kyrie Eleison." Still, it's definitely evocative of the steep religious beliefs Frollo has, juxtaposed with his admitted pride.
Menken meant for the Latin parts to represent Frollo's conscience, so when Frollo sings "It's not my fault," the shadow priests sing back to him "My fault, my greatest fault." So, Frollo KNOWS it is wrong, and that this lust is his fault, but he's lying to himself... another sin. In one song, Menken shows that Frollo is corrupted by 5 of the 7 deadly sins: pride in his presumed virtue, lust for Esmeralda, wrath at this weakness and blaming everyone else, greed in wanting her to be his alone, and envy that anyone else should dare be enchanted by her dancing. All those others circle back around to his pride, the worst of all sins. (From which all other sins spring, in the Catholic belief.)
thank you for typing out the Latin prayer, I couldn't catch it all. It gives me goosebumps as a recovering Catholic.
The percussionist, Layne, was also the arranger and editor of the song.
I love how every singer plays a different part in the creation process!
Wonderful reaction/analysis. There are a couple of reactors who complain about the "shared" lead and how they pass the vocals around, their "theatrics" etc . Personally, I always thought of that as the mark of a great ensemble, thank you for explaining why this works so well for them and those of us that enjoy them as well.
Thank you so much for watching!
Yeah, I occasionally watch the "It doesn't have to make sense" channel too. I find it frustrating when a reactor insists that they don't hate VP, but then almost never have anything good to say about them, get all up on Geoff for singing low notes, and complain about the shared lead and theatricality of their performances.
Like... that's what their signature VP hallmark is. those things are part of their group identity, and if it doesn't work for you that's fine, but like... I can never help but to think they should quit reacting on it just to hate on it. It drives me absolutely batty.
The fact that they share the lead is what makes me love Voiceplay, way more than any other group. And why I prefer their stuff since Earl left the most, as they really embraced that more so fully now. Honestly, one of a couple of reasons I only kind of like Homefree is that it seems like their tenor is always lead and that gets annoying. I want variety and a group of talent. Plus, VP's theatricality is amazing and fun.
I haven't ran into reactors complaining about those things and I'm glad. That would have been an instant backing out for me.
@@WelcomeApathy I respect Home Free in terms of talent, but I've not really been drawn in by any of their videos aside from the first one I ever saw. it makes me wish VP would take on some of my favorite country classics. That first Home Free video? Elvira. And wouldn't you know, Geoff is the one responsible for the arrangement. I've been disappointed by every HF vid I've watched since. VP and their arrangements and theatrics are just my jam.
@@WelcomeApathy Yeah, I very much agree, especially with the 'since earl left' part. I like wish him well, and i know that him leaving likely was hurtful from an interpersonal standpoint as he was one of the original crew from the way-back. But I do like all of their music since there just so much more. But yeah, I occasionally pop in to listen to a couple of reactors who are pretty negative to see if their opinions have changed (and a few have, so it's not a fruitless endeavour) as they get to know the band better.
And if they don't change, then I do eventually give up on watching them. The one I mentioned in my first comments is one to avoid and one that I just put on my 'naw, i'm giving up on you ' list this month.
Cheers & Good listening to you!
Layne is a genius arranger and vocal percussionist. it's always fun seeing how Layne and Geoff push each other (and everyone else) with their arrangements. Eli and Geoff seem to be on a reciprocal - the lower Geoff goes, the higher Eli blasts the next time. And then they've been known to switch...
I love your insightful analysis.
For a long time Geoff said he did not want to do Hellfire. I think he was conflicted about how appropriate, or inappropriate, the song seemed to be for the general Disney audience, that is, children. He was uneasy about ever singing the part of Disney's most evil character.
I am very glad he finally agreed to do the part. He kept Frollo's flawed humanity, which was the very basis of his evil nature.
Really! It doesn’t surprise me - certainly a controversial piece
I can understand his unease. The song is deeply unsettling, and his performance is more disturbing to me because I'm accustomed to seeing Geoff as a kindly man (as I think they all are). And yes, Frollo is definitely Disney's most evil villain. I don't see the movie as a whole as great children's fare because of that. At very least, if I were a parent, I'd have to supervise a child's viewing and be prepared to talk about it with them.
Voiceplay is killing it. They just seem to be getting better and better. True to their name, they consistently produce the most adventurous arrangements, when compared to the other top acapella groups, Pentatonix and Home Free. I love them all, but it is interesting how unique each group is when compared to the others.
Ceasar's "guitar" riff is really really good.
Yesss loved that 😂
One of my favorite visual and musical parts - and have to closely listen to it!
So many reactors delve into the notes they hit and seem unaffected by the emotion that is imparted. I love the way Geoff shows emotion through his entire performance. He really immerses himself into the character. Especially when he sings “she will burn” and how it intensifies in the second belt. It draws you in and envelopes you within the story. I feel this is important as well. You should hear him narrate books…awesome!
Great reaction. You’re one of the very few who pointed out the dichotomy that is Frollo. One thing that really underscores that to me is the bell tones in the beginning which echo the fact that he is a high ranking member of the church. The torment just shows on Geoff’s face as well as in his voice. You can really see it in his face when he’s staring at his hands as he is singing “the fire within my skin.”
One of the things that does set them apart is that they really research the lyrics and try to put meaning to the song. It’s easy with this one because there is a story. But in many of their pieces they try to create a mood and a storyline .
When J (between Layne and Geoff on the left) is singing,Geoff is doing these incredible arpeggios in the background. It almost sounds like bubbling and every time I hear it I think of lava as it bubbles up in a volcano.
Another little thing is when Tony (who used to be their baritone and is Layne’s partner in PattyCake Productions where this was filmed) comes in to report Esmeralda has escaped. In the background you can hear the BGVs singing “gyp-sy es-caped” . VoicePlay does not leave anything unfilled. If there is silence it is deliberate.
Those tiny little details is one of the reasons I come back and listen again and again. I have no musical training, so it takes me more listens than it would someone like you. But I keep finding new things every time I listen. Being a patron I get to listen to the karaoke track and that helps a lot!
Great reaction and a whole different take than anyone else that I’ve listen to so far. There is another reactor who goes into a lot of the types of things that you covered and I’m hoping he’s going to react as well. As someone who doesn’t have a musical training I rely on people like you to point out new things for me to watch for. Thanks for doing such a great job!
And not just any prayers! You pointed out the kyrie eleison (Greek for "Lord have mercy") when he sings "God have mercy on her/me," but it's also worth noting that the Latin bits are taken from the Confiteor, a prayer admitting you've sinned through your own fault, saying you need forgiveness, and asking other people to help by praying for you-all things Frollo is too proud to do.
I very much enjoyed your analysis, particularly when you talked about what specifically they did with their voices to support the storytelling! Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for more 🙂
It's especially ironic in that the Latin words, "Mea maximum culpa" (through my most grievous fault) which is part of the Confiteor is sung in the background while Frollo is singing, "It's not my fault". Not that Frollo was a priest (an archdeacon, meaning a senior priest to whom the bishop would delegate authority --- such as running the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is why he could stash the Hunchback up in the bell tower; he ran the place) so he most certainly would have been quite familiar with chanting the Confiteor, saying "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa" (I have sinned through my fault; through my most grievous fault). So to now have him declaim, "It's not my fault" while the background vocals are saying "mea culpa; mea maxima culpa" is quite the contradiction.
Note that in the musical, he is wearing clerical garb; in the animated movie, he isn't, probably because Disney didn't want the general audience to think that it was being anti-religious. Of course, the original author, Victor Hugo, was most an anti-clericalist, and some of his books, such as Les Miserables, were once on the Roman Catholic Church's banned book list.
I loved how you caught Geoff's emotion in his part. Check out his recent cover of Jack's Lament to see that in spades!
I have that video coming out soon!!! I just have to edit it
You turned your head at the best part where Geoff sings "Now gypsy it's your turn". The visual effects of the flames in Geoff's eyes is extremely well done.
Wow, Nick! You really nailed this reaction. I’m thrilled to see someone who can understand the genius that is VoicePlay!! It seems like they fly under the radar a bit from the other big acapella groups and it’s such a shame because they are brilliant, especially their arrangements. Some people just don’t “get it”. I really hope you will do more and I see others have already given you ideas. I just wanted to throw something else out there because you mentioned John Williams. Voctave is another acapella group, though larger and they did a “Great Movie Medley” singing mostly instrumentals from popular John Williams compositions. I really think you would love Voctave and this piece in particular. Their arranger, Jamey Ray is also a musical genius and every singer is amazing!! ❤
yes, and Voctave has a high soprano who will make your skin sizzle!
Layne not only provides fantastic beats. He did the arrangement for this piece!!! Layne and Geoff do most of the arrangements for VoicePlay ❤
I hope to see your reaction to Geoff's "Jack's Lament" soon. And since you're at it, check out VoicePlay channel, whatever you pick, they never disappoint! 🔥
Thanks for a great reaction! You've got yourself another subscriber 😍
SUCH a GLORIOUS reaction! Subscribed and eagerly waiting for more VP reactions!! Thx! In the BTS one can see them fooling around after everything is filmed - to get that sinister feeling off, to unroll... Only Geoff standing still in the middle wondering what's happening around him... 🎉😂❤
I’ve got lots in the works - stay tuned!
Very cool. It's like watching Severus Snape sing about Lilly Potter. 😁 Please consider reacting to Jonathan Young's metal (yes, metal) rendition of Hellfire. His performance will chill you to the bone. The genre lends itself surprisingly well to the song and I'm yet to discover another performer who has embodied the spirit of the song as provocatively. If Disney wasn't family friendly, his is the version of the song that would've made it into Hunchbank. Fair warning: You may want to keep an exorcist on speed-dial. 😁
Voiceplay songs are always set up by either Geoff, who you know pretty well, or like in this one by Layne... once you have reacted to them long enough you get use to it and you can tell who by the way the song goes. The whole team is extremely talented, J None is presently with the US Navy choir, Eli has repeatedly demonstrated why he use to head a rock band, Cesar was an independent singer, Layne is part owner of their production studio (the other owner, Nick, was the guard here), and Geoff is fully capable of being a one man band... but together they only get stronger. Since we are in spooky season, I would say look at In the Hall of the Mountain King next... they had lots of fun there.
There is a good reason they are known as the "Theater kids" of
a capella. They don't just sing it. They immerse themselves in it like you would in a play or movie, so you see it as well as hear it. And they are only getting better.
Kyrie Eleison is just that. It means God have mercy. Geoff comes in with God have mercy on her, God have mercy on me is backed by the Kyrie Eleison vocals which is so beautiful. Cesar did a great air guitar with high vocals just before the guard makes an appearance. The guard is Tony Wakim who used to be VPs baritone, but he really wanted to get into productions. He and Layne bought Pattycake Productions. Tony handles most of it and both Geoff and VoicePlay do a majority of the staging in Pattycake. Geoff and Layne usually swap out the responsibility for alternating videos. In this case, Layne was the arranger, pre-mix audio, camera work assignments, staging, costuming, makeup personel, etc. Eli does lighting, computer graphics, green screens, etc. for all of VoicePlay. He has done the arranging before in Eleanor Rigby and recently Creep (with more of the production work). With both Geoff and VoicePlay final mix is Ed Boyer who is the major mix for all the best acapella groups. They will hire in Rick Underwood for exceptional makeup. For some of what I feel is their best work try Halloween first: Oogie Boogie's Song, This is Halloween, In the Hall of the Mountain King (Edvard Grieg 1875); an apocalyptic trilogy over 3 yrs - Warriors (Imagine Dragons), Dream On (Aerosmith), Seven Nation Army (White Stripes), Hoist the Colours, Valhalla Callling, I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt), We're Good, Wicked, Drunken Sailor and Dragonborn Comes Skyrim, Halo theme.God be God be be with
Wow! Thank you for all of this amazing information 🙂
Kyrie Eleison is Greek for "Lord, have mercy"[1]. It does *not* mean "God be you". The full Kyrie as used in Christian Liturgies is "Kyrie Eleison // Christe Eleison // Kryrie Eleison", or in English, "Lord, have mercy // Christ, have mercy // Lord, have mercy". This dates back to the very earliest days of the church, when the service was still celebrated in Greek, and was retained when saying the Mass in Latin (or in other words, the common language of the time, so people could understand what it means), and so it is very commonly used in many classical music, since much of this music was written so it could be used as service music. This was the case in the Bach Cantatas, and later, it became a standard set of lyrics that would be used by composers, regardless of whether they wrote it intending it to be used in worship. One such example is Mozart's Kyrie from his Requiem Mass[2], which has its own fascinating history[3].
In any case, it is still used today in the Roman Catholic, Orthrodox, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Anglican Churches. In some cases, the English words (Lord, have mercy) will be used, and in some cases, the Greek words will be used because of their great historical significance (Kyrie Eleison). And in the liturgy (worship service) the words can be spoken, or one of the musical settings will be used. Even today, there are new settings being composed. For example here's one set to guitar, piano, and drums[4] from Truro Anglican Church.
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie
[2] th-cam.com/video/tIhwX7jxBWM/w-d-xo.html
[3] www.classicfm.com/composers/mozart/guides/mozart-requiem-full-works-concert-highlight-week/
[4] th-cam.com/video/eHNXM7-VzaU/w-d-xo.html
You, my good sir, have just earned yourself a new subscriber! Because god this was wonderful! How insightful you were, your comments on everything, you even mentioned a few things most other reactors didn’t catch up on!! As well as your insight on the emotional aspect of the piece! I LOVED that about this, how emotionally present you were and how it really contributed to the music! Very well done, keep all of this up ❣️❣️
This is a very thoughtful and informative reaction to a great performance.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
It's refreshing finding someone who doesn't critique them for changing between singers and how they should just stick to one and then complaining about unnecessary bass notes.
Thanks for the reaction. I didn't know how to explain the why's behind what they did and hiw important it was behind the why. (Hope that made sense)
Looking forward to your next reaction 😊
Only thing i would recommend is to continue watching to the end, you never know when they'll add something at the end. Like in Jack's Lament 😉 (Geoff's new song)
I truly enjoy how you explain what is happening musically along with what they are doing with their voices. It was interesting to hear how the composer played with keys and minor vs major chords in this song. Thanks, for taking the time to make it!
Thank you for this reaction. You have a lovely voice, and I appreciate that you use it for illustration, not (as some do) to just try to see if you can hit their notes. I will definitely be watching more of your reactions.
May I suggest a Voiceplay song that’s fits in very well this time of year - Hall of the Mountain King? The arrangement by Layne is a masterpiece. No words, but his use of costumes, makeup and prosthetics, and setting all combine to tell his story. I sometimes just have to shake my head in wonder at his seemingly endless imagination and wonderful talent.
I 💯 %
Agree with this and it's VERY timely!!!
Thank you, thank you for a fab analysis! Looking at the lyrics and score for a song like this is so informative. Hellfire is a conflicting but stunning villain song. Alan Menken knew exactly what he was doing. And VoicePlay is legit the best at honoring and enhancing classic songs, which only nurtures our love for the original piece. I'm obsessed!
I absolutely love your analysis and break down of the score, great reaction
I appreciate that! Thank you so much for watching, and please stay tuned for more 🙂
PS my Patreon will contain longer versions of my reactions 🙂
@@nickhiggsthesinger looking at that right now thanks
Great reaction and analysis !!
Let's not forget that Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) wrote the lyrics for Alan Menken on this.
VoicePlay's Wicked medley arranged by Geoff is another fantastic cover you should check out.
There transitions between songs is absolutely amazing.
Yes absolutely! Another legend 🙂
@@nickhiggsthesinger You will love their Wicked medley, guaranteed!
I forgot to add VoicePlay's Nothing Else Matters (Metallica), In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins), Creep (RadioHead). I really enjoyed your reaction and commentary. I also forgot to let you know about J None. He also was VPs baritone, but the US Navy recruited him for his vocal skills. He's past the halfway point of his 5 yr stint. He was stationed in Seattle which is a long way to Orlando, but he did come down several times to be a part of the video. First time was Friends on the Other Side. He has recently been promoted and moved to Washington DC which makes more possible. So VoicePlay is currently 1 member short but being in Orlando there is a wealth of talent that they know they can call on.
Thank you!
I think you will really like their version of Metallica Nothing Else Matters. It's astounding and you will see a new side of Layne Stein the vocal percussionist.
Perchance you got to see all of the VoicePlay baritones in one shot, albeit not hearing all.
Layne was the original baritone begore he took over the percussion work. His voice is angelic and it's a treat to hear him.now and then.
His place was taken by Tony Wakim, who you saw something of as he came in as the guard(voiceover by Eli Jacobson). He got tired of touring and nowadays work backstage at PattyCake Production , the video studio he runs together with Layne and where most VP and Geoff videos are shot.
Tony sings a beautiful Phantom of the Opera ig you get into VP back catalogue.
Tony was replaced by JNone, the featured guest. Member 2016-2021, when he was recruited to sing in the Navy. He comes back to sing on his leaves. Bass/baritone
His replacement since 2021 is Cesar De la Rosa, baritone/tenor with an airy quality in his voice, often showing either sass or vulnerability.
Eli Jacobson is the bald rock tenor, who is also the guy who gixes lightning and digital background
He seldom arranges but his Eleanor Rigby or Creep are exquisite.
One of the reasons I love voice play is the emotion they put into their pieces.
That opening part, "Beata Maria," may sound positive and upbeat in that major key, but the lyrics give Frollo away right from the very beginning. To pray boastfully about one's own righteousness, virtue and purity, and how superior one is compared to more sinful people, is _explicitly_ warned against in the Gospels. No one, they tell us, is without sin or in a position to judge others. Frollo's faith was just a facade overlying his cruelty and arrogance, and consequently, it collapsed the moment he really needed it to sustain him.
They're based in Orlando Florida and have as individuals all worked in the Disney theme parks
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the best disney films out there. its an amazing story, but also, when it comes to disney, it is very unique.
the reason why its so unique is that walks on a exceptionally thin line of being kid friendly and not kid friendly. its a very dark movie, i would say the darkest(i dont count the cauldron). it gets so dark that it almost tips over that edge and falls into not being kid friendly cause WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, does it get dark.
it easily one of the top 5, for me anyway.
Its so good and so underrated
Great reaction!! An intelligent reaction!! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to your reactions of Valhalla Calling, Nothing Else Matters, Hall of the Mountain King, Hoist The Colours, Dragonborn Comes. Enjoy the ride!!
Wow, am I glad I found you - what a great reaction/analysis. More VoicePlay please - lots more!
Another great reaction and analysis, Nick!! It's great that you can explain the conflicts in Frollo's twisted mind and how VoicePlay showed it in their arrangement (like using of major/minor shift and high note/low note to convey different emotions and massages in this song). Geoff is the perfect lead for this role, but the other members are also doing wonderful job to make this song a masterpiece. What I love about VoicePlay is their brilliant arrangements!! Hope to see some more!!
LOVE your reaction!! VP is amazing! I'm not a musical technical genius - but I know what sounds good - and I so appreciate an intelligent clear reaction! This was amazing! VP is soo good! The vocal percussionist, Layne - rarely sings - and when he does, it is soo incredible! Those of us that seek out VP reactors will be loving you lots the more VP you do... but yes - this was a fantastic song, Fantastic reaction - and we want more!!
Very knowledgeable but easy to understand breakdown. Subscribed for more vp and Geoff
Welcome aboard!
Arrangement duties are mostly split between Geoff and Layne. Their talent extends way beyond performance. If you want a mind-blowing VP cover, see “Warriors” from a few years ago.
Now this was truly a reaction worthy of watching/listening to. Great information about their arrangement, use of voices and tie to emotion and driving the song forward. I learned much. Keep 'em coming.
Love your content!! Also, I really like this format for the reviews where you are on the larger screen so its easier to see your reactions.
Awesome, thank you!
The Latin lyrics translate into “I confess to god the almighty, the blessed Virgin Mary, and the archangel Michael, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed.
And then later: “my fault, my fault, my most grievous fault.” And then, at the end “god have mercy on me.”
Basically the complete opposite of what Frollo is singing. It highlights his hypocrisy and self delusion by juxtaposing what his religion teaches with what he truly believes and does. It’s a fantastic conceit and provides an extra level of meaning to this already excellent piece.
This is one of my favorites and I’m so glad voiceplay did it!
First time in your channel, Nick. I think I've learned more from your reaction (history, theory, biography) than any other reactor. Excellent presentation. Thank-you.
Their song for Valhalla Calling is amazing and shows a really great side of them that is surprising.
Thank you, I truly appreciate how you explain what is going on without confusing us non music literate (I speak for myself) souls with technical mumbo jumbo, as ever I am totally blown away by Voice Play they never fail to blow my mind
Either their Metallica cover or Valhalla calling are goated, both have JNone an original member back.
Thanks for this excellent Reaction! 💖 👍
My pleasure!!!
That was a great reaction 😊 I always learn so much on your channel about how music is composed and arranged. Thanks for that and Voiceplay for the fabulous covers❤
Aw thank you so much. It means a lot!
I couldn't wait till you reacted to this one! As Geoff descends in pitch, the feeling is more and more dark and evil. I think this is their best ever! The Tenor's name is Eli but it's pronounced Ellie. Thanks for this!
You sir are awesome. Thank you.
You are!
Voiceplay and Geoff Castellucci are best listened to with stereo headphones to really enjoy the ear candy
The Dragonborn Comes is another ultra low Geoff notes song.
That “guy”, Layne Stein does the beat boxing … also did the arrangement for this.
In the beginning prayer while he prays to Maria he is also bragging that he is PROUD of his virtue and sets himself above the weal licentious groups. and as the saying goes. PRIDE GOETH BEFORE THE FALL. SO THE VILLANY STARTS AT THE VERY BEGINNING
Really enjoyed your reaction and analysis. It was interesting to hear you explain that beginning as major/happy because the text is only happy from Frolo's perspective. Prideful righteousness is evil, but not if it's me believing it about myself, right?
Voiceplay owns Disney, they have a playlist of Disney numbers. Their version of We Don't Talk About Bruno was so good that Disney hired them to sing it live at a corporate event. The Academy Awards would have been using Voiceplay's version.
Right to left, Layne Stein, beatboxer and baritone, J None, baritone withthem from 2018 to 2021 when he was recruited by the US Navy to sing with them, Geoff, Eli Jacobson (ellie shortfor Eliezer), rocking beast of a tenor, Cesar de la Rosa, newest member replaced J in 2021.
They lost their high tenor in 2020 for undisclosed personal reasons, he has not been replaced. They are one man short and have a variety of featured artists that they work with on a sort of rotating schedule.
Did you mean Left to Right?
@@thisismetoday7423 I am evidently directionally challenged today. Corrected, thanx!
@@ilonadever8249 🤣
Great reaction. I came to realise that what you said here is exactly what I find appealing about VP. Great singing, clear lyrics mostly (which is rather important for me as a non native speaker of English), great emotions and arrangements to die for. I am so glad I found them. Listening to them (and various other groups on yoputube) has somehow revived my enthusiasm for music in a sense that I no longer just listen to them but have started to listen more deeply, care for singing and so on. I quit high-level choir singing about 25 years ago when I went into the write-up phase for my PhD-thesis and then all that music stuff went sort of hibernating in my brain as there were always other things to do. - ell, apparently until now. :)
Thank you for this amazing reaction
My pleasure!
Check out their Wicked medley. It is arranged by Geoff and he worked on it for years to get it exactly how he wanted it.
Also note that the beatboxer Layne wrote the the vocal arrangement and also planned and edited the video.
Wow! Good to know. What a talented person
@@nickhiggsthesinger their tracks are usually arranged by either Layne or Geoff (they are kind of the group leaders and have been friends since school) and whoever does the music arrangement also organised and edits the video. Eli often designs and programs the lighting for the videos. So yeah they are a super talented group and do it all independently without a record label or anything.
Please, please do more Voiceplay and Geoff reactions! ❤❤❤😊😊😊
valhalla calling by voiceplay
valhalla calling by voiceplay
The joy of listening to VoicePlay is the you never know exactly what to expect but know the everything will be stellar and rewards rewatching.
Love your reaction! You go into depth reminding me a lot of Peter Barber! 🤗
Great reaction. :) Yes there is Latin in this, though not all that that were written in. i absolutely agree that it's the emotion they put into everything they do, from passion to humour, they act the songs, Geoff is a master of playing villains and he's such a lovely guy. :) Their arrangements are always exquisite, in my view. And you have a lovely voice.
I really enjoyed your reaction/ analysis to this, I will go and check if you’ve got more VoicePlay/ Geoff on your channel!
From left to right: Layne Stein - beatboxer, J. None - baritone, Geoff, Eli Jacobson (Eli pronounced like jelly without the j), and Cesar DeLaRosa baritone.
Great reaction. I really enjoyed your knowledge.
Great reaction, suscribed for more VoicePlay reactions
Really nice analysis and commentary through this piece. Excited for you to check out their Wicked and Greatest Showman medleys and see your analysis for them! Subscribed!!!
Good job Nick. Enjoyed it
New subscriber for VP reactions! Hall of the Mountain King is amazing! Pretty much everything they do is. And consider trying Home Free-a cappella with a country twist. Man of Constant Sorrow is a good starting place for Home Free.
Would love to see your reaction to Voiceplay's Wicked Medley.
Thank you Nick for explaining what some other reactors just don't understand. Some people think that it's not as good as the original because it should be sung by only one main character. They don't stop to think that it is multiple people reflecting the different emotions of the same character through their voices. That's the way I look at it.
I love this cover of Hellfire. One of my fave bass singers (other than geoff) did this a few years ago. Consider checking out Tomi P's cover of Hellfire. I have suggested checking out the group he is in on another video too. The Bass Gang, 4 Bass singers all are stunning at times in their own works.
You made some very insightful comments during your reaction. Appreciate that!
I appreciate that!
Thank you for watching
You should definitely check out “The Bass Gang” they just released their third album and their compositions and ranges are amazing. Said album was purely Disney songs, so I’d recommend you check that out.
This totally gave me shivers. It was really well done, but it's a little dark for me.
I recommend Tomi Ps cover of this. 6 octaves in one song and one man. Tomis range is something like F0-G#6 so not quite as low as geoffs lowest but his big range and also his control of his lower/higher parts of his range is insane
Voiceplay does Vallaha. That one is AWESOME! It has a whole lot of different sounds too!
New to your channel. If you haven't heard their covers of Nothing Else Matters and Dream On, you'll really appreciate the feeling in those.
Wonderful reaction! I subscribed! But the number 1 rule of Voiceplay and Geoff vids--watch until the patrons list rolls. Often they'll have an outro or Geoff talking to you.
I saw on another reaction someone point out a tidbit about the history of the song using the word sin, and how VoicePlay reflected it.
Some people boycotted the movie upon release just because the song uttered the word sin. Because of this, and the general controversy around the movie, the word sin in the original was half buried in the sound affects.
VP did the same thing. With the way Geoff almost completely cuts out the I and then stresses the N as he holds the note out gives the word a sort of slur that makes the word barely recognizable. With Layne's precussion coming over top, mimicking those sound effects in the original, the word nearly vanishes entirely.
Honestly, this choice also feels appropriate for the character as well as for someone as deeply religious as Claude Frollo, even uttering the word in a context that implies it to be their own sin (remember, he was just saying he was "rightly proud" of his "virtue") would be tortuous and he would not want it to admit that he was being swayed by sin.
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I have begun using the "Now Gypsy, its your turn" line as my alarm reminding me to take my ADHD meds. What can you do but go "Yes sir, my turn for meds." I have never been so consistant with my meds 😂
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I love that you have the original score to look at for comparison. I feel like when reacting and analyzing a cover, it is better to know the original first, but having the score there? Even better.
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This is one of the reasons, why this song is considered one of the darkest villain songs. Frollo decides that "If i can't have her, then no one can." And that is so very real (sadly). Anyone could become Frollo if not careful, and that is why he is terrifying.
If you like Disney try their version of "We don't talk about Bruno" or "The little mermaid"
Their names and parts are always in the comments. Layne Percussion, Geoff Bass, J-None Baritone, Caesar Tenor, Eli high Tenor (pronounced L-E). Charismatic voice has interviews with Goeff and Layne that could help you learn a lot more about them. You should also check out Home Free (DO NOT start with Mayday)
Really REALLY enjoyed your reaction and your analysis/breakdown. You point out aspect of the piece that no-one else does, or at least not in this way. And there's a lot to learn to an analysis of this kind, which is the main reason why I watch "reactions". 🙂
What's weird is that I didn't see your reactions earlier 😅.
Anyway.
The names... Left to right:
- Layne Stein, beatboxer, baritone, and founding member.
- J None, former member, currently in the 3rd year out of 5 in the Navy, when in leave he comes back and join the old friends.
- Geoff Castellucci, bass and founder member.
- Eli (rhymes with "Jelly") Jacobson, tenor and rock god of Asgard 😁
- Cesar de La Rosa, most recent permanent member, baritenor, very versatile voice.
I see that you've already got many suggestions for more Voiceplay's songs... I'd only add "In the hall of the Mountain King", the instrumental, orchestral piece from Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt. You'll be surprised to see and listen what they made of it... I simply LOVE it. 😅
Subscribed in anticipation of more Geoff/Voiceplay stuff.
See you next time!
First time on your channel, love it! Also, why do you remind me of Jonathan Groff...??
Check out VP Valhalla Calling.
You should listen to Jonathan Young's take of this song!
You should listen and react to wicked medly by voiceplay this one was arranged by geoff and has 2 girl guest singers
You should go back to one of their early songs like Phantom of the Opera
You should check out "Kidnap The Sandy Claws" or "Moana Medley" by them!
Love the other ones oogi boogie and this is Halloween
❤
Aww, hello TARDIS.
Nice review, Nick! Please check out and review Valhalla Calling and Skyrim, by Voiceplay.
You're amazing, please do more music reactions! Do Ren, do Voiceplay!
I'm a bit late to the party for your channel. However, when Frollo refers to Esmeralda in "Hellfire", for the movie and due to the dynamic between the two of them, it's because she's a beautiful gypsy woman whom Frollo feels very tempted by. However, historically, anyone within the time period this movie was set in (14th century, or the 1300's, I believe) born with green eyes - man and/or woman - are automatically labelled as witches who practice witchcraft and associated with the Devil.
Esmeralda has bright green eyes. So, when Frollo refers to her as a witch this could be a combination of the fact that her eyes are green and because she's a beautiful woman. As a "holy" man of the Catholic Church, this is not something that was tolerated and often involved a "witch-hunt". "So, let her taste the fires of Hell ..." is Frollo's condemnation and religious education with the Church speaking.
I think what makes this song so successful is how very unsettling it is. Because this is our history, and this is REAL. Whether we like it or not, this is what happened, and this is how people reacted to it when it got out of hand.
Hunchback of Notre Dame terrified me as a kid when I watched this for the first time because of Frollo and this song. It wasn't until I became an adult that I realized why. And that made it even more terrifying than it did before.
You are correct that there is Latin in this song. Specifically, the Latin lines are of the monks of the church confessing to the saints, to the Blessed Mary (Beata Maria), and to God that they have sinned. The lines form a stark contrast to Frollo's lines - as Frollo sings about how he is better than the common folk, the monks are singing about how they have sinned, in thought, in word, and in deed. As he sings "it's not my fault", the monks sing "mea culpa" - literally "my fault".
Honestly, my sole "complaint" (if you can call it that) about this arrangement is that they cut the first 3 lines of the song, as they are not sung by Frollo. I adore the arrangement overall, but the Latin makes less sense without the first lines.
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