Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- Hearing Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time was an engagingly entertaining experience. Not surprisingly for those of you who are already familiar with it, I was a bit bewildered by the end… there were some surprising musical twists and turns along the way and I couldn’t latch on to one particular idea which would sum up the whole song, but nevertheless, it was a great ride!
We’re sorry for the audio problem at ~12 min. We couldn't fix it here due to TH-cam restrictions, but you can follow this link for the ”fixed” version:
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Here’s the link to the original song by Queen:
• Queen - Bohemian Rhaps...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Queen
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"It's an interesting piece of music." That use of understatement practically qualifies you for British citizenship!
LOL
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
😄😆😆😆
😂😂
😂
It's from an album called "A Night At The Opera". The whole point of this song (and this was told to me by none other than Brian May at a guitar masterclass) was that it's a whole opera in one (BBC radio playable) pop song. And when you think about it - a crazy over dramatic story with the main character in conflict, a chorus of singers, a few solo hi-lights, the "sing-a-long" bit that you remember, then the musical return to the original theme - and yeah - it works EXACTLY like a miniature Italian tragic opera. Which is very Freddie...
Love your comment
Well, this song went far beyond just being playable on BBC Radio, but I agree with Diane, your comment is great.
There's also another video analysing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", featuring Brian May, in case you're interest: th-cam.com/video/3Ym7X_wCsPQ/w-d-xo.html. He also provided some insights on the song's production.
NOW this piece makes perfect sense! I grew up with 70’s rock and listened to this 100,000 times! I knew there had to be more to this song than I could figure. You just gave me the answer! Thanks for sharing.
How can’t you know Bohemian Rhapsody?
I agree , I can’t believe how anyone who has studied music at a serious level hasn’t heard it …. A masterpiece it is .
"...unashamed of their Classical influence."
One of my favorite stories is of Freddie being accosted by Sid Vicious in the hall at the recording studio, where Queen and The Sex Pistols were both recording.
"So, you're this Freddie Platinum guy what's trying to bring ballet to the masses," he says.
And without batting an eye, Freddie responds, "Ah, Mr. Ferocious! We do our best, dear."
I don't think "apologetic" was in his vocabulary. 😄
Ha! Love it!
@@nicholashylton6857 Freddie was the quintessential British queen. God bless him.
Can not help loving Freddie 😂
Nothing really mattered to him
The influence of opera and show tunes is obvious.
You don't have to be a Queen fan to recognize that this is probably one of the greatest songs ever written.
Yes, you do. LOL! Song is EXTEREMELY over-rated laughable bs.
@@needsmoreclippingWhat’s your pick for greatest song ever written lad?
@@BAR-id4yz I'm guessing needsmoreclipping's fav is a song that's EXTEREMELY misspelt 😅🤣😂
@@needsmoreclipping When you write a better piece of music that people still remember nearly 60 years after it was written, I'll value your opinion. until then , Shut the fuck up.
@@needsmoreclipping Buddy, you can barely write a coherent TH-cam post. Something tells me your music and music history education leaves a lot to be desired.
"What instrument do you play?"
Freddie: The audience.
For those who have never seen his stage performance
“Live aid” was a perfect example of his and the band’s talent.
(It’s on TH-cam)
Love of my life in Rock in Rio
I watched all 16 hours... he stole the show.
Trumpet. Benge 5X
How about when green day performed at Hyde Park and the background music before they came on led to 60,000 singing this this.... Freddie plays the audience darling. And he can do it from the grave.
Freddie was trying to tell the world, he had AID's and was going to die! Put a gun against head,pulled my trigger now he's dead. Is referring to a sexual act with another man, he gave that man AID's as well!
Watching a musician discover Freddie is such a treat, he was one of a kind.
A big feature of this song is how it fucks up people who are focused on one particular style of music. It leaves them confused and bloodied on the side of the road.
discover!? don't be daft she has heard this before, tired of these stupid fuckin' reaction bullshit videos.
@@lesterquintrell4844 sorry I take people at their word and don’t accuse people I don’t know of lying, she seems like a nice person who grew up in a different musical atmosphere, why that makes you mad is beyond me
@Matthew Proffitt
Well, it is just that she is being... umm... Disingenuous at best. 'Cause, it is absolutely just a basic commonly shared cultural musical milestone at this point, this song. That is why it is VERY difficult to believe she has never heard this song; it has a general saturation level of foundational.
@@jeremyw.norwood1453 YOUR culture.
Bohemian rhapsody is a song in three parts, or 'acts'. It is essentially autobiographical.
As a boy Farrokh Bulsara (Mercury's birth name) was a quiet, shy boy. Mercury knew he wanted to perform but that in order to do this he had to change, dramatically from the child he was. The opening of the song sets the scene and then the early verses are about him metaphorically 'killing' Farrokh Bulsara in order to realise himself as Freddie Mercury. He knew this would be hard on his family, especially his mother, here he is mourning the loss as well as the pain he caused.
The next (operatic style) section is about the drama and chaos of being in the band. Galileo is a reference to guitarist Brian May (who has a degree in astro-physics), the other references are the members of the band and others that were intimately involved with the band.
The final section is Freddie looking back at and accepting the loss of his former self, at the end of the song you hear the third and final repetition of the libretto 'any way the wind blows' but it is ghostly and distant, as it is now a memory.
There, straightforward when you know.
Wow. Thank you.
A lot of people don't know Freddie's life and struggles.. that's why most don't understand his songs
Such an interesting piece of plausible explanation for the lyrics BUT you ignore or are unaware that his magnum opus is about Freddie's realization in his teens that he was homosexual in a Muslim community.
He wrestled with the impact that his being gay would have on his family and the community and his religious upbringing, as the song recounts his desire to apologize to his mother for being a failure.
"Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go. Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth" is his way of recounting that he cannot truly be himself unles he leaves his community; it is his outing of himself through the song.
His "killing a man" refers to the killing of the hetrosexual person he was expected to be and an expression of the realization that he would be damned by his religion and community - hence the references to Bismillah and "Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me"
Always remember that being openly gay in Islam is punishable by death. "Spare him his life from this monstrosity" and "So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?" - are all references to the punishments that await the sinful homosexual.
In the end Freddie comes to terms with who he is, his imperfections, his deviance and realizes that he has a gift from God that compensates for his traumatic sexuality and he decides - Fuck it, I dont care anymore !
"Nothing really matters to me! - Anyway the wind blows"
@@maitaimik… or coming to peace with his bisexuality. After all, any way the wind blows.
@@willjohnson8446 Agree, from my research, done a long time ago from forgotten sources, the lyrics recount Freddie's sexual autobiography, and the famous line "Mama, I killed a man" is so sprecific to himself and killing off his persona of socially acceptable heterosexuality. The powerful line outs himself to his mother.
You are such a sweet soul and I love seeing the joy in your reaction 🫶🏼
Freddie would have loved your reaction. He was such a huge fan of classical music and he had a unique way of presenting classical music to a rock audience. Having grown up with classical and opera in my house I immediately loved this band.
Ditto
That is obvious from his body of work, the influences are strong.
Same 😊
My mom sang opera all the time I got impatient with it now I wish I could hear it again.
It’s such fun to watch heads spin 47 years after this amazing and timeless piece was released by Queen. Yea Freddie!
Queen...to me the best Band ever!
It's the mozart of our time is how I see it .what we prefer to our time in history. Face it people aren't listening to that music as much as creating what we have .yes there are still places and still people writing in the old classical style where that is .but this is truly the music we listen to go to see and enjoy most by most people .country pop rap rock metal . That's where most of the world's goes is doing dimething different. This is the stuff we are giving in our time .when history looks back to the music in this time and place .it's interesting to think what people see in the test of time and our offerings . I'll go with this led zeppelin and the the things the artist wasn't going for the money or the fame without offering something in the sounds of there playing and how they try to play from the craft of there instruments. The wanted to be remembered for the music and what they gave us . After there long gone, that's the thing the real artists like mozart did also . That's a connection to great artists they share . I think they will find good music and appreciate it as we do betoveheen or brahma concertos.
What will be there I can't say what sings will endure what will be remembered or thought of . But it can't be all of this from our time there's too much of it and to much of isn't worth more than a blip to get past to me . I see queen being remembered with all the music worth remembering will be from our time and what we gave the world .I dint see Justin Timberlake Brittany Spears there but thar my opinion people in 500 year's will have there own opinions . I just hope I'm right. That people are a better quality than pop bubble gum and people worried about grinding and butt shaking . Down to music in the value of it being epic in its creation .
@@lonniehawkins582 add SRV to epic composers and musicians.
@@carlosoruna7174
I would never argue with that . I saw him live once. He just floated across the stage never once lifting his feet .like an apparition, or a spirit .no I can't argue with that .
You being played like a fiddle…
Everybody who listens to this song for the first time thinks "what the hell have I just listened to". This isn't one of the greatest songs ever written, it's one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.
I’ve heard this song a thousand times, and it still can really choke me up at times. It’s an incredible piece of pure art.
Let's not go that far. It's like when someone says this person's the greatest guitar player. There's thousands of pieces of music you haven't heard just like thousands of guitarist one hasn't heard. Just say it's a nice piece of music
@@jaymusic9039 Well, I'll go with my 84 thumbs up and 0 thumbs down to reply to your comment as laughable. If you think Bohemian Rhapsody is a "nice" piece of music then you're obviously not much of a music critic. I'd give you more credibility if you'd said you hated it. Some songs are game changers, and this was one of them.
@@alunjones2550 you don't make any sense. You didn't like me not calling this the greatest piece of music ever, but you said you'd give me more credibility if I hated it. And as far as knowing music I think studying seven years at the Wisconsin conservatory of music makes me a critic! Again it's a great piece of music but you're naive to call it the best piece ever written. And you kind of seem like an ass. PS if you want to bolster your credibility don't use thumbs-up from TH-cam LOL
It's a beautiful piece, one of the greatest works of rock of all time. Very special and unique. It plays with our emotions but affirms our basic instincts. Genius.
You can see her emocional and physical response to the music, and her understanding of it blossoming in her beautiful mind, this woman is a truly admirable and beautiful human being...
I thought the same thing. Watching her absorb the music was beautiful.
Amen
D9nt know about emotional maybe emotional
Freddie Mercury was an absolute genius. He broke the rules of music in just the right ways. Bohemian Rhapsody is a particular masterpiece. I don't know that I've heard many pieces that manage to take you on an audible roller coaster so perfectly, you just want to go back and ride it again.
I don't think I' ve ever listened to someone quite like you! You seem so honest and authentic. You have managed to stay your special self whilst dipping into another musical cultural context. So refreshing!
I agree ✌🏼
Me too. Let's fandango!
I can still remember hearing this as a 5 year old on the radio for the first time and thinking, "What did I just listen to?" It was like nothing else I'd ever heard before... I guess a lot of people must have had the same reaction at the time 😊
I don't think you would have got this song at such an early age, sorry
@@UnearthlyKiss I'm 53 years old. The album is from 1975... so I was 5 when it came out.
It's definitely a trip the first time you hear it! Lol
@@albertoramirez6388I was 6 when it came out and was blown away by it. Also by the video! I taught myself the words. 10 years later with Live Aid, I realised I knew all of the songs they played, and became a lifelong fan from that day on.
I was 6 when I got this song as a single Christmas 1975. I had about 10 singles and some old 78s of a bygone era. There was nothing like it and I remember being crowded around a TV watching the video which was pretty unique at that time.
You, and your channel, are an example of TH-cam at it’s finest. I am so glad I found this. Thank you. Simply wonderful 😁
Queen did songs in a number of styles;: Classical, opera, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, vaudeville, rock n" roll, heavy metal, funk, and disco. The breadth of their music is astonishing.
I think the Queen album "Jazz" is in particular a crazy rollercoaster of styles.
@@Jaggedknife11 🎢 one more style is "Mustapha" . Arabian mishmash!
and folk. There are quite a few examples, eg "39".
In the iconic words of Freddie when people asked what his song lyrics meant "If you see it darling, then it's there!" Loved this and very keen for the in depth analysis
That was a scream to watch.
I've had a 40 year career in classical music but grew up with this rock stuff in my youth in the sixties and seventies. Deep Purple, The Tull, Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, Allman Bros, Lou Reed, A Cooper, Genesis etc. etc etc
I can't even imagine what it must be like to hear this material the first time with a classically trained ear.
This is a rare moment, indeed. And not in a bad way. I love the wholesome approach, and willingness to share this "first experience". I love it.
Just like discovered a new continent, and I cried when the first time I heard this song.
Originally, there were 3 songs. Freddie had trouble in completing all of them, so he did what any genius would- he mashed them into a single piece. Utter brilliance.
It honestly works as a single piece, even narratively. The first part is the personal close up, the second the sensationalist courtcase with supporters and detractors arguing to the judge.
As a Black man, born in the early 60's, and by no means a musical academic, I've always found this song by Queen to be...profound! I can not, for the life of me explain why...it just "is"!
It is a channeling of expression. I feel the same as a middle-aged white man from England about early blues and jazz music. There's something universal about it.
@@mattjames4978 Well said! =)
It’s his autobiography- when his homosexuality is originally hidden from his conservative family and the HIV weakens him and finally kills him. He knows this will hurt his family deeply . The song is a metaphor for his life and Bealzebub has placed this devil within him and he cannot escape it. It is a deadly serious song
This song was written when nobody had heard if HIV/AIDS. I remember this time exactly, my life stages - and the virus was not recognised for another five or six years! Around 82 is when the general public began to hear of it. And Freddie did not get it for years after that.
Not sure the significance of your color is but I agree there is something unique about the song.
Freddie did the harmonies in the beginning of Bohemian Rhapsody layering his own voice. He was amazing. Miss him still.
Nope. Twelve part harmony, each member sang four separate parts.
@@jameskinstle6874 No. The begining of the song is just Freddie multritracking himself. You are mixing this with the middle part where three of them (Freddie, Brian, Roger) sing.
@@jameskinstle6874
NO just Freddie there's a lot of coverage of this
@@jameskinstle6874 how come no talks about the very ending of the song the harmonies of “anywhere the winds blows” all this is missing and as I recalled it was always there so now I am thinking this is another Mandela Effect? So another me in a another reality is saying hey where did these words come from?
@@tonepoem4438 never had harmonies. Listened to this all my life.
You are mis remembering
To me Bohemian Rhapsody is a roller-coaster ride of emotions , regret, love ,pain, anger and realization .With every word and note you profoundly feel each of these emotions, and in the end you land in acceptance and peace. It's been almost 50 years since this song was first released , and still today it's amazing to see other generations hear it for the 1st time ! It's that wait for it moment , that sends shivers down my spine. Freddy was a musical genius with a voice like no other and he lives on in his music ! RIP Freddy 💞
FREDDIE!
Wonderful tribute to the music and the genious of Freedie.
Agreed. There's the admission of guilt, regret, pleading - and then the trial, which sounds like a jumbled mockery of justice. Then ultimately, a guilty finding and acceptance. The whole album "A Night at the Opera" is meant to marry rock with different classic styles. It is one of my favorite albums of all time - and probably one of the least popular songs is also one of my all time favorites: The Prophet's Song. I'm not diminishing the rest of the album, though. All of it is the work of a musical genius.
If I were to be in sarcastic mode,I would 've just said;DUH! But,every word you wrote is correct 💯 & I like it! No one will surpass Freddie's voice for a long, looooong time 🙏
@@DesertHomesteader Oh, god yes : The Prophet's Song. My favorite from Queen (and it means a lot). The one that must be listen peacefully, very loud, in the dark.
Love watching this woman's mind getting melted.
Exactly 😂
Impossible to understand this song without knowing it is all about Freddie realizing he is GAY.
@@maitaimikYes! I’ve noticed she takes lyrics very literal.
😂😂😂
@@maitaimik is it really? 😮
Jaw dropping good reaction. You're on a different level.
Thanks!
I can't believe anybody over the age of 20 can say they have never heard Bohemian Rhapsody
It's a lie for the thumbnail - and that's cool - this is TH-cam!
Make it a point to talk to people that left fundamentalist religions as adults. They 100% exist.
Believe it!
I wasn’t from the most affluent or privileged of upbringings . But my parents were the aqua net rockers of the 80’s. They raised me on Beatles, Motley Crue , stones, ozzy etc etc.
When I was able to take college classes , I was astounded to take music classes with kids who NEVER HEARD of Queen or any prominent groups from that era. My mind was blown . And these were music majors
She states that she is a classical musician, a singular group of people who spend their life soaking up music. Not convinced such a person would not have listened to the one group that introduced the general populous to classical music.
she admits to having heard other songs from Opera but somehow not this one.
There are three parts to the story...First, his sad admission to his mother and friends...Second, the middle part is the spectacle of the trial...and Third, his final acceptance of his fate.
My goodness, I know this song from forever and your analysis has caused me to understand it like I never have before.
Thanks enormously for opening this project. You are showing us how, two hundred years from now, this music can a will live, while people like you will continue to analyze it and see it for what it is....classical music.
I'm with you on this. First is the horror of what he's done, second is the circus of the trial, third is his angry reaction to the guilty verdict, and last is his final words before his execution--"nothing really matters."
Cymbal is the last breath...
Exactly ♥️
Beautifully put. I was thinking this exact thing while watching, she's amazing.
As most operas are written in three parts
Watching her break down the first part so much and knowing what what is coming is killing me with anticipation. Haha.
Same 🤣
EXACTLY! Like hearing it for the first time again. Except that, in the meantime, I have somehow acquired a wide, wonderful knowledge of Music!
The key to the piece is right in the title. It's a rock and roll themed rhapsody. To quote a definition, "A rhapsody as a musical form is a single-movement work that is episodic. It has distinct groups of musical ideas that are free-flowing in structure, and features a range of highly contrasting moods." Freddie Mercury decided to write one, and got it right.
Metallica does this masterfully as well
@@jeffstrom164This was before Lars Ulrik formed Metallica, I'm guessing the title references Rhapsody in Blue and The Beggar's Opera, while the album title references the Marx Brothers.
@@johndododoe1411 I'm not sure I follow, how does it matter who did it first? It's not like Queen invented rhapsodies either. I love Queen, don't get me wrong, I'm just pointing out that Metallica are masters of the style, too.
It's a great sounding song, but makes little to no sense lyrically. It's all about the sound, and is either playing with words for the fun of it, or is pretentious in its attempt to be something more than it is. Personally, from what I understand of Mercury, it's a great sounding song where he just had fun with the lyrics.
@@jeffstrom164 I have never knowingly heard a Metallica song. Which one or ones do you referring to because maybe I should take a shot.
This always reminded me as a sort of modern interpretation of ancient classical Greek dramas, where the main storyline is accompanied by a chorus of voices that stands apart and comments on the main action of the drama taking place. Love this piece, and equally timeless.
yeah, middle part sort of felt like a congress of the gods arguing about what should be done about this "little silhouette of a man" and what his fate should be.
@@5ilver42 Yes! You took the words right out of my mouth!
can't help but smile throughout the reaction. Brian always say that his guitar solo is an extension of the verse... that's why his solos are so melodic..
He don't played guitar..he singing by his guitar. Genius as a Freddie was....
@@ChatNick i agree
Freddy was a master musician period. His ability to format a song in a very familiar yet completely original way is just unmatched in my opinion.
What a reaction - the most insightful reaction and understanding of this masterpiece I've ever seen. I couldn't stop smiling and nodding. When you talked about the guitar solo 'singing' that's exactly how Brian May (the guitarist) describes how he composed the solo (and how he writes in general). I hope Brian May watches this intelligent and inspiring review of such an iconic and seminal piece of music and performance.
I have always taken this song as having an overture and five acts. (Overture) The scene is set for the story about to be told (1) It begins with the protagonist running to their mother after shooting a man, for reasons and in circumstances unknown. They wallow in self-recrimination but take no real responsibility (2) Then, after realising they can't live with themselves trying to hide from it, their body aching from the stress, they decide to face justice, bidding goodbye to everyone they know, wanting it to be over, going so far as to wish they had never been born. (3) They enter the dual courts of the justice system and public opinion, and a play, a mockery of justice is done - or at least, it feels this way to the protagonist, that no-one is listening to them. (4) They are convicted and sent to prison, angry at the world, and even angry at their own mother, perceiving that they have been abandoned and left to die. (5) The anger runs out at some indeterminate point later, and we are left with an impression of resignation and acceptance. I don't know what the generally accepted interpretation is, but that's mine.
While I differ on some of the details, this is my general read. The middle part that she find so disorienting is supposed to convey the theatre/circus of the publicity and show trial surrounding the killing.
I always feel like the "I see a little silhouette of a man" section feels like a sort of judgement scene between the courts of heaven and hell. Kind of a demonic discordant frenzy as a man weakly pleads for release from a place he feels he should rightfully be.
@duck Your spot on, on what I feel is being related with one additional tidbit. At the end, when he says you know, nothing really matters, it's something he doesn't really believe anymore, it's just something he says out of habit.
Brilliant interpretation. I feel it.
This is pretty much how I've taken it too. However even more I feel like this is a playground of a song for Queen. Even the name Bohemian Rhapsody hints at it. Rhapsody meaning an exaggeration of expression and feeling in speech, or music in this case.
I love how you were almost bursting out laughing at some of the twists and turns. The song is definitely a roller-coaster ride. It's not the kind of song that record companies would normally approve of, but I love that Freddie was able to push this through.
i love that michael myers played the record exec trashing the song in the "biopic"of bohemian rhapsody ... though it didn't really happen, it was a great easter egg
It's absolutely impressive the way you can grasp so many aspects of a song in such a deep way on the very first time you listen to it. It's a very, very beautiful sensibility. I absolutely loved your channel, thank you for doing it.
One of the most unique pieces of music in the history of rock and roll. Uniquely bombastic, harmonic, theatrical and sublime.
Delightful reaction to this classic.
You, dear are like a lottery ticket. Finding someone a bit older who's no stranger to music and never heard Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is very unusual. Your appreciation tells me you know a great deal about very high quality music.
I don't know if others have mentioned this, but to me this song evokes the different stages of grief (denial, bargaining, anger, etc.).
OMG yes, I never made that specific connection, but it seems to make sense now that you mentioned it.
Yep. The juxtaposition of differing internal states.
Was just thinking this, which would explain the different styles
Have always thought the same 😊
This is what I have thought too. Also a sequence of: Confession, Trial and Judgement, Devastation, Acceptance.
Ma'am, your analysis parallels mine to a tee when I was eighteen, that was when Bohemian Rhapsody came out. (1975) As a classical violist, an ancient alum of Juilliard, I still thrill inside when I hear BR, never mind that it's for the 800th time. Simply put, this excellent composition will stand the test of time. ❤ Who doesn't simply adore Bohemian Rhapsody?
32:32 to 33:02 is epic! 👏🥰
Yes ! Without a Doubt - Epic !
It’s cool to see someone who so quickly has more actual insight into this legendary song at a first listen than I ever had! And I’ve heard this countless times. Quite something!
I grew up in a classically trained family. At age four the question wasn't, "Would you like to play an instrument?" it was, "What instrument do you want to play?" I picked the violin because I was a huge fan (yes, I know, at four!) of Elgar and the Dream of Gerontius. My mother, who was the musician - a musical teacher and director - always shunned rock music - or any sort of pop. The first breakthrough for her was Jesus Christ Superstar - because she was very religious - the second was Queen - because of this song. Mum loved it. I was already a musical (and religious) rebel - and it *so* surprised me but made me incredibly happy. Love your analysis. Keep it going. If you haven't already, listen to the whole of "Crime Of The Century" by Supertramp. It is one of the most amazingly constructed concept albums of all time - in my opinion - because it tells the story of a life through snapshots of different people's lives and experiences, combined with some of the most creative and talented musicians of their time.
Supertramp was a fantastic live group too. Not mentioned nearly enough on this channel.
Many groups / musicians of the time were "breaking barriers of convention" at the time. This song did break the "3-minute record formula", which was required to get any airplay on radio stations ... and *Mike Oldfield* took it one step further with his "Tubular Bells", which is just one piece of ~25 minutes on each side of the record. There is also a german "Krautrock" band called *Grobschnitt,* which has "a song" called "Solar Music", which is made up of ~8-10 minute segments, which they can leave out or rearrange for any performance and which can be an hour long or just 40 minutes ...
Then there is the use of electronics ... creating new genres.
... and then there is Punk ... showing that you can get popular with "basic knowledge of how to play an instrument" and just pure energy.
I grew up in poor family but scored well on an early test for natural musical aptitude. The school's question was "would you like to play the violin?" but the family's response was "how about the recorder".
I would suggest Supertramp’s Fools Overture.
I highly recommend that everyone also watch the In-Depth analysis. Even if you don't normally watch these on most of Amy's songs, I really think many people will really appreciate her insights into the song. If nothing else, you will get to hear a beautiful rendition of this on her harp.
I love that you are so careful and thoughtful with your words :) Your joy is infectious.
The rest of the band had some vocal chops of their own; it's part of what made this band so great.
If I was ridiculously rich, I would give you million dollars easily to watch you react to every Queen song. When I did my first deep dive into Queen after listening to tons of rock and also listening to punk rock, I became so obsessed with Queen and Freddie's voice and songwriting abilities I was told by my husband that I had "Mercury poisoning". For awhile I couldn't listen to anything else. There are too many songs that are outstanding.
Thank you for this ♥️
Also, after immersing myself in Queen, I discovered I was a damn good songwriter, with Freddie as one of my main influences. I may not be famous but I recorded over 6 cds and played hundreds of shows, I credit Freddie Mercury for inspiring me to try without fear. Being famous doesn't make you successful, doing what you want to do and doing it well is more satisfying than being famous.
Amen suzi wonderful comment 🎉
Mercury Poisoning ! Thank you … I have survived having it for years ✌🏼
I love this. I have zero knowledge of classical music outside a few individual pieces, but I grew up on rock and roll. This naive yet intellectual take is brilliant. I loved every minute of this. The admiration, the confusion - all of it. Made my night!
What a delight to watch this enchanting person critique this iconic piece. I think I fell a little in love.
Exactly what I wanted to say. Thank you!
This is joyous! How wonderful to revisit these classic rock tracks through the ears of a classically trained musician who doesn't condescend or judge the genre as inferior. You share something of the surprise and wonder that I felt in my youth for these songs but with insights that elevate my understanding. Thank you for being so open minded.
Freddie was a huge opera fan. He was trained in piano when he was in a British boarding school in India. He was working on three different songs for a long time and wasn’t able to finish them so Freddie, bring Freddie decided to mash them together. Although he never explained the meaning of the lyrics, as others have said, it’s believed that the man he “kills” is his heterosexual self as he comes to terms with his sexuality and the difficulty he knows he will have in coming out to his parents. For something completely different you should add Golden Boy to your reaction list. It’s Freddie’s fusion of rock/gospel/soul to opera. He performs it with the Spanish soprano diva, Montserrat Caballé.
I now think this is the likely meaning. Freddie came from a Persian/Iranian sourced family, that was his background, ‘coming out’ to his mother during the 70’s must’ve felt like an epic drama worthy of a song.
I also feel like it also includes sadness over his contracting AIDS, which is a death sentence. But he probably wrote this before that. But he's more likely expressing his choice of lifestyle as a death sentence considering his background
Yep. Musicals and Opera.
@@fan-i-am I think innuendo is the part that speaks about his life after these things happened..
@@fan-i-am Bohemian Rhapsody was written in ‘75.
The first repo😢of AIDS wasn’t until ‘81 so his illness wasn’t part of the song.
I think the sadness is fear of not only how his family will react but a fear that coming out will ruin his career
Freddie was incredible and it will be a very long time before we get another performer of his caliber. The man could literally play an audience as if it was another instrument - it made Queen's live performances a very different experience from the studio versions. Queen as a whole was a certified dream team of virtuosos.
Thank you! We can use superlatives to say how much we love Queen and Freddie Mercury but you so wonderfully help me understand why I feel that way about their music!!
💯
So happy you finally got to this song!
The three parts of the song are defined as The Crime, The Trial and The Redemption. Although Freddie never gave an explanation of what the song was about, it has been speculated it was about his coming to terms with his sexuality.
This is a really great reaction and break down. It's really satisfying to watch not only someone's first time hearing "Bohemian Rhapsody," but a musician who knows and understands music. You're catching all the little details and all the little quirks of this glorious masterpiece of a song. It's really cool that you have the sheet music with you as well so you can actually show us specifically what part and notes you are talking about. You're really scratching an itch for me in your musical analysis. Thank you! 👍😊
After listening to the song for 50 years, I smiled and laughed and literally cried during this considerate “review”! So nice.
This is a masterpiece, written in an operatic style and using rock and roll, he was a musical genius
Freddie was working on three songs and had the genius inspiration to combine them into this epic masterpiece.
It is the kind of zing that once you hear it a few times you find yourself singing along. Right now at rock concerts while the crowd waits for the band to take the stage, they play Bohemian Rhapsody on the speakers and the entire crowd sings it word for word. It’s amazing to hear.
I didn’t think I would get emotional to your reaction but I did. I cried as a realised what an outstanding song this is. I was enthused by your reaction, as I had relegated this song in my history of listening to music, as just another song. This is just because I have heard it so much and over time lost interest. Thank you Amy for rekindling my love for this band and what a fantastic reaction it was. I really did cry, especially during Brian May’s first solo as I am a guitarist emotion, not technique, is my number one aim in a guitar solo. I only hope some time in the future you might listen to the band that really hooked me into music along with my love of Bach and Vivaldi which is Yes.
Yes to YES!
The word you were looking for when the Figaro section started, is “whimsical”! It’s a fantasy and a vehicle for their musical brilliance and Freddie’s incredible voice. Pure fantasmagorical rock at its innovative best! Freddie is an absolute legend. Brian May is a living legend, Roger is an amazing drummer & John is an excellent bass guitarist, together they were SUPERB!
Good that you picked up on the "not taking it seriously" feeling. Brian May has stated a few times that, as a band, they never took themselves too seriously which gave them great freedom in the studio.
So please know this. Queen can be so dynamic and quiet and the next song rip your face off with great rock n roll . They have many faces, they’re older stuff was like this, my opinion even better. Very deep rabbit hole if you ever decide to jump. One of the Greatest bands ever!
Freddie Mercury was, without a doubt, a musical genius. He was taken away from us way too soon. 😥
He wasn't taken away. He knew the dangers of his life style and went on, in spite of warnings from others about that "new disease".
Brian may was the brains behind this band.
Your reaction to this is an utter delight. I enjoyed this video tremedously.
I love seeing how amused she is when the song shifts
I like seeing your face as the song moves you. Thank you for being an honest recipient of beauty where it appears. It makes your reactions all the more honest.
This is my favorite reaction you have ever shown to me.
We didn't understand it either at first, but now stadiums of people sing along to it. We all know and love it!
I enjoyed your reaction a lot Amy! Getting into classic progressive rock, you're going to get a lot of variety and experimentation that was a hallmark of the style. These artists were pushing the boundaries of what music could be by melding so many different styles like classical, jazz, rock, folk, blues etc... The artists all had serious chops and very adventurous minds. It was an amazing time for music, and I know you will have a lot of fun when you explore more of it. I'm having a lot of fun watching!
Act 1: Opening up about a terrible deed. Act 2: trial and anguish. Act 3: Anger. Act 4 resignation. That's it.
I'm so jealous, I wish I could hear all these songs again for the first time.
Exactly why I have come to enjoy reaction videos - seeing people having the same reactions we did the first time.
So true
You’re never “lost” by the transitions of the differing modes or styles of its parts. It’s smooth, congruent, regardless of its diversity.
I love it when somebody can put into words what I can only feel when listening to it. There is something nice about getting it spelled out for you.
I was hoping you would do this one! Queen is of course a rock band, but Freddie's appreciation for classical and theatrical stylings and the way he brought them into Queen's music is one of the things that really made Queen special. Bohemian Rhapsody is probably the greatest example, and it's SUCH an influential song. I think it's also a great and concise introduction to the concept of the "rock opera", which is a piece of rock music that tells a story and consists of multiple acts with different musical themes. In this case, it's a one-song rock opera, but there are examples where bands have done entire "rock opera" albums, performed as one extended, unbroken performance, an hour or more in length, telling a story. There are many different interpretations and arguments surrounding the true meaning of this song, but I have always felt that the different "acts" of this song somewhat portray different stages of grief. It begins sorrowful and wistful.... then as the old adage goes, in the face of tragedy we must either cry or laugh... the song takes a sudden turn into something kind of amusing and jaunty. Still addressing the seriousness and gravity of his situation, but sort of a dark humored laugh---maybe a hint of madness---at the hopelessness of his own tragedy. Then we take another sharp turn into anger. Then we remember that the anger is pointless, it means nothing, nothing matters, we return to sadness and wistfulness and fade, almost as if the song ends as he exhales his last breath. One final, quiet, fading "any way the wind blows". He is gone and forgotten like dust in the wind. Curtains. Just a short little "rock opera" story! Good fun.
Wow - I have listened to and been amazed by this piece for many years. Your brilliant summary of this mini-opera is very satisfying and on point. Bravo and thank you👍
Queen weren't just a rock band as they didn't pigeonhole themselves to just making rock, there was so much more to them as you're probably well aware. Queen are the most versatile band of all time because they could do everything, not just rock.
Perfect...
it aint a rock opera song either
@@RoverWaters Mostly disagree. It's a rock composition that lyrically has characters and tells a story. While a rock opera would in the strictest technical sense be an entire album telling a story across multiple songs, here we have one song with multiple "acts" (it's almost like three songs in one), which is why I say it's sort of like a rock opera primer. It's not a full rock opera album, but it definitely occupies a space somewhere between a basic rock song and a multi-song narrative. It is not a full rock opera (an album consisting of many songs and one narrative). On this we could probably agree. But it has elements that are distinctive from a typical rock song that are more aligned with the rock opera concept. s'all i'm saying.
You have to imagine yourself that you are in a theater and this IS a performance. Not just a rock band performance. It is masterpiece of entertainment for the ears and heart and soul. It is a journey. I have heard it thousands of times - I must have - and it just keeps getting better.
Very unique and interesting reaction, breaking the whole song down (including individual instruments and lyrics) . I love the fact the song caused you confusion, that's what makes so unique, yet when you listen to it a few times you really appreciate it for what it is.
I was taught classical music at an English Grammar School and never really enjoyed it at the time. As I've grown older I really appreciate classical music and my children enjoy playing saxophone and piano. I particularly enjoy classical instruments in modern songs.
I was given an original 1975 "7" single of Bohemian Rhapsody from my uncle in the early 80's as a birthday present. I didn't appreciate it at the time but something told me to keep hold of it whilst I dispensed of many other singles. I still have it to this day and am very thankful. A classic.
Roger Taylor's high harmonies are legendary... and he ain't too bad a drummer either!😉
Without Roger ‘s vocal power and reach, it wouldn’t have had the same dramatic effects, I suppose. Love his shouts.
I agree with you on that and as much as I love Queen and their amazing talent, and the fact that Freddie Mercury is the absolute greatest frontman to ever grace the stage, Roger ( the dog whistle ) Taylor's incredible vocal range made the one slight difference that set their music far apart from any other band and, of course, their style cemented their place in music history, in my untrained opinion.
Amy, I loved your reaction. To be honest, it was reaaly visible that with this piece you had entertaining time and you were very engaged. There are many things to analyse in this song. I'm glad that you noticed the magic in connecting different parts of the song. I would be glad to hear your take on why inspite of being quite crazy and complex, this song was so successful on general market (the point just mentioned had to have some impact on that).
Btw, It seems that you are already a fan of Freddie's voice ;)
Your authenticity is very refreshing. Can't believe this is the first time you've heard this song.
I know, right? I don't care how wrapped up you are in your own cultural influences, there are some pieces of music/art that are so iconic and ubiquitous, it amazes me that someone can grow to adulthood in Europe and not have even heard some of this song. Quite astonishing.
I was surprised about that, too. I know next to nothing about paintings, yet I know about the Mona Lisa. I would think that this song is the pop music equivalent of the Mona Lisa when it comes to fame.
Welcome to Internet, they place where everyone can say wathever they will, and others can believe it or not
Dear Amy,
I love absorbing your thoughts, emotions and musical intelligence and how, when you navigate your response, I'm sharing your experience with you, which is then transferred to me. And respond with you during your breakdown of your musical and lyrically interpretive journey!
PS I think you’re fantastic, and I love your new mic setup and the inviting environment.
Keep up the incredible work you do; thank you!
Ah, the joy of discovering Queen! It was delightful to watch the progression of pleasure, confusion, and sheer astonishment of a classically trained musician hearing this for the first time. I think Freddy would have been so pleased at your reaction, he seemed genuinely humbled by the appreciation his music received.
*Freddie :)
@badgerboops
Delight is spot on. It's truly delightful to witness her reaction. :)
I've often viewed the operatic part of this song, almost as if heaven and hell are fighting for his soul, and he's making his case for them both to set him free again.....or something like that. But welcome to the club. People have been trying to make sense of this song for a long time. Thanks for the insight, as always. I love, love, love hearing your perspectives, because I feel I get to rediscover the music I've been listening to for years.
The audio issue was a bummer, but thank you for this content. I have thoroughly enjoyed your channel so far.
I loved your excitement while listening to this. I remember my excitement when this song just came out in 1976. We were all graduating High School that year, and my whole high school went crazy with this song.!!
“There’s so much happening already in this short clip I’ve played “
Queen: “Hold my beer…”
😂
You mean the plastic cup of beer on the piano?
It's called Bohemian Rhapsody for a reason. The middle section starts with a kind of, how your mind would dart in multiple directions if faced with what he's done. Then goes into almost a distortion of what a court battle is about, in his mind. Will you let me go, we will not let you go, let him go etc. The back & forth emotional rollercoaster he's feeling because of his actions with the intensity of the music filling that space. And then back to reality & the beginning of where he started. It's an eclectic masterpiece
YOu must have a fertile imagination, shroom like - the truth is more simple than an eclectic explanation. His magnum opus is about Freddie's realization in his teens that he was homosexual in a Muslim community.
He wrestled with the impact that his being gay would have on his family and the community and his religious upbringing, as the song recounts his desire to apologize to his mother for being a failure.
"Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go. Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth" is his way of recounting that he cannot truly be himself unles he leaves his community; it is his outing of himself through the song.
His "killing a man" refers to the killing of the hetrosexual person he was expected to be and an expression of the realization that he would be damned by his religion and community - hence the references to Bismillah and "Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me"
Always remember that being openly gay in Islam is punishable by death. "Spare him his life from this monstrosity" and "So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?" - are all references to the punishments that await the sinful homosexual.
In the end Freddie comes to terms with who he is, his imperfections, his deviance and realizes that he has a gift from God that compensates for his traumatic sexuality and he decides - Fuck it, I dont care anymore !
"Nothing really matters to me! - Anyway the wind blows"
Amy you are brilliant. Your music interpretation and explanation is fascinating.
Not brilliant enough to google “best musicians and performers of all time” to see Freddie Mercury pop up, perhaps from the Live Aid video in 85 which 1.9 billion people watched Freddie play piano on stage. Meanwhile this brilliant woman is walking around thinking Tchaikovsky is the last composer to write a song, Joplin is nothing more than a city in Missouri, and has SOMEHOW avoided ever hearing Bo-freaking-hemian goddamned Rhapsody despite being either a student or instructor of piano as Queen was topping the charts in both the countries she claims to have performed in for decades.
What’s more realistic… the above scenario, or that she is being deceptive to monetize a very popular TH-cam trend?
If you’re not a fraud, what business do you have teaching music to students when you literally haven’t heard anything written since the first ever audio recording?
@@kendrickje Try not to take it so hard, much of what you say about her is probably true but it's kind of like pro wrestling. We know it's fake but there are elements here that we enjoy nonetheless.
This is great! Your fabulous description and sharing of how you're experiencing it enhances both my enjoyment of the music _and_ my enjoyment of your reaction. Great job!!
I won't be original : this is the greatest rock song of all times, with probably the greatest rock vocalist ever.
I'm just as unoriginal as you. I agree with you 100%.
Ronnie James Dio is pretty amazing, as well.
Usually I hate when people talk too much when listening to music but this is much different. I stayed with you all the way through to get your take on it. This song was the biggest song the year it came out and was a hit again decades later. Now that is staying power.
I studied classical music from 6 years old to 21 and discovered Queen in my late teens. Even though it was apparently different from everything I knew and enjoyed listening to, I instantly fell in love not only with this song but Freddie Mercury's voice. Unfortunately he was dead for a couple of years when I really started to understand the genius of these guys. But I still love listening to them almost 30 years later. This song is a masterpiece.
Like everyone else who grew up in 70s UK, I’ve heard this song tens of thousands of times.
However, today I’ve been captivated by your fantastic critique and I now realise that I’ve never really heard this song before after all!
Thank you so much for your enlightening insight into this iconic piece of classic Queen.👑 🇬🇧
Love your reaction to this unique, brilliant, ahead-of-its-time song. Blending Opera, Classical and Rock into a moving, jarring, melancholic piece and yet, it all works together seamlessly. Freddie was one-of-a-kind, an iconic voice and someone that pushed the boundaries, both socially and musically, and the consummate performer. Strongly recommend you watch Queen's live performance during the Live Aid concert- some of the best live rock you'll ever see. Watching the joy/surprise on your face is definitely worth the price of admission. Thank you for your time and effort- it's really rewarding watching your passion/knowledge of musical theory being applied to some of my favorite songs.
I remember watching this song on TV on its release in 1975 and being amazed. Not only one of the best rock songs ever but also one of the first music videos. Freddie called this a 'mock opera.'
Same for me.
It's often overlooked, but this masterpiece has a historic president. Its actually a response to a similarly operatic / theatrical track by their rivals, "10cc", the track being "One night in Paris (parts 1 to 3), released less than a year before. Mercury decided to take the concept and raise it to an even higher level. And created a masterpiece.
Plus the FACT that Queen was a support act for 10cc before Queen became famous and were with them when they were working on One Night In Paris and other similar things that 10cc did vocally and musically such as Sheet Music and Feel The Benefit Parts 1, 2 and 3 etc
"Tommy" and "Days of Future Past" were out long before 10cc started down that path.
Brian said that he always saw a guitar solo as the continuation of the story Freddie was singing. During the recording a BoRhap Freddie asked him what he would like for a guitar solo and Brian replied that he would like to have a piece of verse. He said that he saw a guitar solo like the vocalist momentarily handles the story telling to a guitarist who carries it further and then gives it back to the vocalist.
Brian's 🎸 solos are never ment for a guitar show off but he is singing with his famous home made Red Special 🎸.
I remember hearing this song for the first time in the mid 1970’s and thinking wow that’s different. Now all these years later I’m watching someone listening to it for the first time which is quite incredible.
Amy. Your channel is so good! I come here to listen to what you have to say about songs I thought I knew inside and out and always come away smiling. Thank you for doing the deep dives and for sharing your rich insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
This analysis helped me a lot. I lost my daughter to addiction and mental illness 2 months ago and your analysis of this song I've heard a thousand times hit home. Especially powerful is Freddy Mercury's "I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all" which was a repeated theme in my daughter's illness.
🙏💙💜
so much pain... I can't imagine. I'm so sorry.
I love how you analyze pretty much every bar of music and you understand music so well ❤