5 Composers 1 Singer ft. Adam Neely, Aimee Nolte, 8-bit Music Theory, Ben Levin

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มี.ค. 2021
  • In this latest episode of the "5 composers" series, there's a new twist - each composer chooses the text for one of the others - the task is to write a short piece for classical soprano and harp. The texts chosen included a tweet, a meme, and a beautiful poem written by a relative of the composer when one of the poet's own relatives passed away. Featuring Adam Neely, 8-bit Music Theory, Aimee Nolte & Ben Levin
    Special thanks to soprano Mary Bevan MBE www.intermusica.co.uk/artist/...
    and harpist Eleanor Turner www.eleanorturner.biz/
    PDFs and MP3s of all the pieces are available on my patreon: / davidbruce
    Aimee Nolte's Channel:
    / noltefam
    Adam Neely's Channel:
    / havic5
    Ben Levin's Channel:
    / nimajqeb
    8-Bit Music Theory's Channel:
    / @8bitmusictheory
    ★ Support the Channel on Patreon ★
    / davidbruce
    ★ Follow me on Twitter ★
    / davidbruce
    ★ Follow me on Instagram ★
    / davidbrucecomposer
    🎧 David Bruce Composer Spotify Playlist 🎧
    tinyurl.com/y798swcy
    ★ My 2nd TH-cam Channel ★
    / @dbc2
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ความคิดเห็น • 706

  • @AdamNeely
    @AdamNeely 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1390

    Wow, Mary and Eleanor sound so damn good! Thanks for having me!

    • @benthepen3336
      @benthepen3336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Good Job, Adam👍

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +101

      I'm gonna be scared of you whenever you start speaking softly from now on :-)

    • @persaporto2603
      @persaporto2603 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They are lucky that they had the chance to attend this amazing project! And your music was so good!

    • @drekfletch
      @drekfletch 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If you’re interested in soprano and harp and have not heard it before, I recommend Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. The Interlude for solo harp is especially moving.

    • @bazzfromthebackground3696
      @bazzfromthebackground3696 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Shoulda gave David the extra sauce. Only use 4 of the 5 pentatonic notes, your choice of which, but you're locked into those 4.

  • @pheasantlogie6791
    @pheasantlogie6791 3 ปีที่แล้ว +447

    5 COMPOSERS 1 MARIACHI BAND

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +161

      Now that I would love - do you know any? :-)

    • @pheasantlogie6791
      @pheasantlogie6791 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DBruce unfortunately no! Haha

    • @fullerdiscontents8050
      @fullerdiscontents8050 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @@DBruce The only ones I have head live in Europe is "Mariachi Fiesta México" in Stockholm, but googling "Mariachi" and "London" brings several results. I suspect just picking a convenient time zone and go trough the bigger cities will give you an ample list to choose from. A first scan of the London results results is that "Mariachi Las Adelitas UK" seem good and having a complete lineup of the main instruments, with most others being smaller and usually lacking the Guitarrón. Both these bands seem still active and have youtube channels you can check out.
      You can of course consider bands outside of Europe, but then your question is basically equivalent to asking if someone knows any rock bands, you're probably better off narrowing it down. You can try asking on twitter if anyone knows a Mariachi with some members either teaching or having studied in a conservatory, that ought to yield a reasonable list.

    • @jayphonic9244
      @jayphonic9244 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But do they write the drill too? Who does the guard work?

    • @tompw3141
      @tompw3141 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Also: 5 MARIACHI BANDS 1 COMPOSER

  • @BenLevin
    @BenLevin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1289

    Sweeties? *check* Cuties? *check* Gorgeous Music? *check* Form complete, I'm calling my mom and bragging. Thank you David for this bright light!!!!

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +186

      Thank you my bioluminescent buddy.

    • @rockyliamscott01
      @rockyliamscott01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      You did such an amazing job with this challenge Ben!

    • @gsauss
      @gsauss 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Your song made me tear up. The empathy behind your music is absolutely thicc.

    • @episodicstudiosllc
      @episodicstudiosllc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Dude, your song got me crying over here. Amazing.

    • @beyshore_
      @beyshore_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@episodicstudiosllc Currently crying.

  • @AimeeNolte
    @AimeeNolte 3 ปีที่แล้ว +537

    THE ERUPTION QUOTE IS THE VERY FIRST THING THAT THE HARP PLAYS. 😂🙃

    • @mostesthighest
      @mostesthighest 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I was hoping it would be in the vocal

    • @ArianSadrayi
      @ArianSadrayi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Well masked!

    • @gabrielcayer2705
      @gabrielcayer2705 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Quoting Eruption quoting Kreutzer études

    • @richarddoan9172
      @richarddoan9172 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      ngl, I was waiting for the tapped arpeggios the whole time.

    • @PrinceWesterburg
      @PrinceWesterburg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I could feel something familiar in there, thanks for locating it though! :D Great piece!

  • @wurree
    @wurree 3 ปีที่แล้ว +377

    She made two cups of tea and only took one. So simple in it's storytelling yet so captivating. God that song was beautiful.

    • @agnesarellano6033
      @agnesarellano6033 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      god i just realised that :c

    • @expilectakunai
      @expilectakunai 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      great... now that I realized that I'm crying even harder, dang bruh *:c*

    • @andrewstump6138
      @andrewstump6138 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I knowww😭, it's so beautiful yet so heart-wrenching, wow I love it

  • @8bitMusicTheory
    @8bitMusicTheory 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1391

    This was so fun to be a part of! Thanks so much for having me, David!!

    • @persaporto2603
      @persaporto2603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Well done! :) It was amazing!

    • @TedMackey
      @TedMackey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Very Britten like writing!

    • @SamStrane
      @SamStrane 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Awesome!! Huge fan =]

    • @sergejnekrasov7688
      @sergejnekrasov7688 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You look like I always imagined you to look like!

    • @user-jv3cy7bq6s
      @user-jv3cy7bq6s 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      it was amazing :^)

  • @fikradas
    @fikradas 3 ปีที่แล้ว +647

    The climax "I miss you in so many ways" line was absolutely breathtaking. Ben always provides for quirky and whimsical music, but man does his sensitive side deliver. I'm stunned.

  • @joafus
    @joafus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    "I'm dying to be restricted!" Oh ben you naughty little boy

  • @huhneat1076
    @huhneat1076 3 ปีที่แล้ว +135

    Adam neely realizing that 8-bit couldn't repeat or legitimize
    _sweating_

    • @nitrozeus951
      @nitrozeus951 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Adam with tears in his eyes: "But.... i always thought.... i always believed repetition legitimizes" *goes on to have a full mental breakdown

  • @itsschwarbage6303
    @itsschwarbage6303 3 ปีที่แล้ว +80

    "Soprano makes tea and breaks my stupid little heart."

  • @khalylehagood3222
    @khalylehagood3222 3 ปีที่แล้ว +334

    I am here because drunk Neely said it was gonna be good.

    • @khalylehagood3222
      @khalylehagood3222 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Also wow Aimee and 8 Bit, rad grabs.

    • @harbar20
      @harbar20 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wait WHAT

    • @WesCAddle90
      @WesCAddle90 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Tell us more man, where did you see drunk Neely?

    • @khalylehagood3222
      @khalylehagood3222 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@WesCAddle90 Twitter

    • @Tabu11211
      @Tabu11211 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dam I need to sub his patrion again

  • @yuvalne
    @yuvalne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +299

    "Music makes you feel feelings, lyrics make you think thoughts, songs make you feel thoughts." ~Ben Levin

    • @therealmrfishpaste
      @therealmrfishpaste 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ...EY Harburg

    • @aidanfoley5627
      @aidanfoley5627 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I was looking to see if anybody else put that, 22:24 if you’re wondering

    • @sgnosymfoemos
      @sgnosymfoemos 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      A great quote

    • @alicec1533
      @alicec1533 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      It's not Ben's quote, but it is a favourite of Ben's

    • @danepher
      @danepher 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yip Harburg said that 70 years ago.

  • @AimeeNolte
    @AimeeNolte 3 ปีที่แล้ว +910

    Amazing experience all-around, David. Thank you to you and the performers!

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      You're the best Aimee! Thanks for being such a great part of this one. You definitely had the most challenging text!

    • @edskodevries
      @edskodevries 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      The poem you read brought a tear to my eye. Beautifully written and quite emotional.

    • @persaporto2603
      @persaporto2603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I wish I could join this challenge as well! ;) I loved your music so much! Thank you :)

    • @rickwoods5274
      @rickwoods5274 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Has she heard this? It's such a stunning rendition!

    • @Tr1sh4Lynn
      @Tr1sh4Lynn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Your piece felt like a Celtic air. And for some reason, I also feel like I’m being introduced to something. I liked this a lot.

  • @yuvalne
    @yuvalne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +170

    Aimee getting more and more frightened as 8-bit Music Theory reads the text @14:22 is hilarious

  • @ianmsutherland
    @ianmsutherland 3 ปีที่แล้ว +234

    I wish I could see the faces on everyone who experiences Ben Levin here for the first time, then goes to visit his channel.

    • @dundy96
      @dundy96 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol. As I read this I had just finished Ben's piece lol. You should've seen my face then haha

  • @xBUMSKIx
    @xBUMSKIx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    “..read various shirts from the people who stormed the capitol.” hahahaha - that idea has legs

  • @mesastreatexit
    @mesastreatexit 3 ปีที่แล้ว +183

    "Please sing as if you are singing to yourself while doing a mundane task that reminds you of someone you" is the best direction ever

    • @tmzFRM
      @tmzFRM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      yes! Ben always kills with directions that seem vague at first glance but end up being actually perfect.

  • @koolkid00gman
    @koolkid00gman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +291

    This sounds like the music of an Opera where a cat called Lydia is travelling to Pompeii aboard a ship called the 'Billy o' Tea' and ends up getting killed by a medic and it finishes with the owner singing the O'Lydia poem!
    Such amazing work as always!

    • @mortisCZ
      @mortisCZ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      It makes roughly the same sense as most operas but it's bloody beautiful and full of emotions.:-)

  • @Accordeonaire
    @Accordeonaire 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    The "Lydia" piece wrecked the hell out of me.

  • @artemlyubchenko3022
    @artemlyubchenko3022 3 ปีที่แล้ว +374

    Ben missed the opportunity to write "Oh, Lydia" in Lydian.

    • @gunterbunt
      @gunterbunt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +141

      i guess missing lydian implies to not have it

    • @yuvalne
      @yuvalne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      This comment caught me off-guard

    • @liamthelitlord5738
      @liamthelitlord5738 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yeah, it offended me

    • @tenorman1971
      @tenorman1971 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Fauré quotes the Lydian mode in his song Lydia.

    • @resourceress7
      @resourceress7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Well maybe that was part of the point. Lydia is, in fact, conspicuously absent in the poet's life.

  • @WhatAreDrums729
    @WhatAreDrums729 3 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    "I just want the boxes to be empty again" is too good a line for a cat book.

  • @luanocarroll9021
    @luanocarroll9021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +306

    When Ben's piece didn't resolve, that spoke to me so much...

    • @dominikkurowski3145
      @dominikkurowski3145 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      wow

    • @_BearKeeper
      @_BearKeeper 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Ben's pieces in these videos almost always make me cry and I'm not sure how he does it

    • @jibster5903
      @jibster5903 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I disagree, it resolved on the teaspoon, a weird resolve, but it felt like one, strong ending. (in my humble opinion ofc lmao, everyone experiences it differently, but i like thinking about it this way)

  • @HughResnick
    @HughResnick 3 ปีที่แล้ว +340

    And let it not go unremarked that Mary and Eleanor did a wonderful job with the different sets and camera angles.

    • @auldthymer
      @auldthymer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      And staging! Was not expecting staging -- understated and evocative. A very nice embellishment

    • @samuelsmith6281
      @samuelsmith6281 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah I did enjoy the changes to the staging and camera angles which just added to the different feel of each piece.

    • @lachiripiolca
      @lachiripiolca 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That was such a nice detail

    • @thejameslehman
      @thejameslehman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I see you remark and raise you a replied remark.

    • @HughResnick
      @HughResnick 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thejameslehman aha! A veritable hit! Touché!

  • @elliottmanley5182
    @elliottmanley5182 3 ปีที่แล้ว +333

    Of all the composers in the world, I never imagined Ben Levin would move me to tears.

    • @petervanderwaart1138
      @petervanderwaart1138 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

      Ben's videos are so out there, it catches you by surprise to find he has such a deft hand with melody. It's apparent in othe 5 Composers compositions, too.

    • @FreakieFan
      @FreakieFan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      He really put his heart and soul into that piece. You can see it by his reaction while listening to them perform his piece.

    • @metalsalsa
      @metalsalsa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      A lot of his music can make me pretty emotional

    • @findtheearth
      @findtheearth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Sometimes I put off watching his videos because I find them a little too intensely emotional. Gotta wait for the right mood.

    • @alvarezblanco
      @alvarezblanco 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Ben can touch the right fibers

  • @taco_engineer
    @taco_engineer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +159

    David's felt like he had so much familiarity with the 2 instruments that he could take them to places the others wouldn't be able to. However, Adam's also brought significant maturity. Sometimes it's fun to see what people can accomplish when they are significantly out of their element (not just being safe) and sometimes it's fun to see a master at work. This video brought both.

  • @StrongBadger
    @StrongBadger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    "Music makes you feel feelings, Lyrics make you think thoughts, songs make you FEEL THOUGHTS, and that's what's going on today, baby!" -Ben Levin

  • @MattyPanda
    @MattyPanda 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    You could say Adam made you use the catatonic scale

    • @jpizzleforizzle
      @jpizzleforizzle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was searching for this exact comment.
      Thank you.

  • @calamari3707
    @calamari3707 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Poor Adam had to wake up early for his meeting with Bruce lol

  • @RogLichKing
    @RogLichKing 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I cried my ass off listening to "Lydia, oh Lydia", thanks Ben and Aimee's mom :')

  • @falpsdsqglthnsac
    @falpsdsqglthnsac 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    I was completely unprepared for a song that starts with “that moment when”

  • @alicec1533
    @alicec1533 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I love Ben's compositions so much. the power of "I'm coming home" not resolving to a 'home' chord. She's coming home, but she's not there yet... I love it, so powerful.

  • @leeceero
    @leeceero 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I'm a simple man. I see David bruce ft. Adam Neely, 8-bit Music Theory, Aimee Nolte & Ben Levin, I click

  • @hotasiangarbage8476
    @hotasiangarbage8476 3 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    The musicians, Mary and Eleanor, were so playful with the material. Class!

  • @Antilles1974
    @Antilles1974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    First Five Composers Adam Neely: "Why aren't we all writing for button accordion?"
    Latest Five Composers Adam Neely: "More people should write for soprano voice and harp!"

  • @AMTunLimited
    @AMTunLimited 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    At first I thought it was a nice touch that Ben instructed them to make two cups of tea, the I realize THE PERFORMER MADE THAT CHOICE AND IT WAS PERFECT.
    AHHHHHHHHH

    • @qwertyTRiG
      @qwertyTRiG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ben's actual instruction was to sing as if to oneself while doing a mundane task. It's perfect. And yes, making two cups of tea and then taking only one was probably the performer's decision, and it worked so well.

  • @Just-Michael
    @Just-Michael 3 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    Ben's piece did bring a tear to my eye. We suddenly lost a family member last night.

    • @LemonMeringue4
      @LemonMeringue4 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I’m very sorry for your loss and I hope you and your family are doing well

    • @theelectricant98
      @theelectricant98 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      same

  • @anton8064
    @anton8064 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    from now on when I tell someone off, I'll just say "ben, that's jazz" in a disappointed tone

  • @brianstephens8337
    @brianstephens8337 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Ben setting text: achingly beautiful song perfectly suited to the themes of loss & grief that he has been presented with
    Ben choosing text: here are a few of my favorite Tweetes

  • @milesdavisahead
    @milesdavisahead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +145

    Do a five composers challenge with brass quintet

  • @AlessandroSistiMusic
    @AlessandroSistiMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +121

    00:00 - Introduction
    02:18 - 8-bit Music Theory (intro)
    03:11 - The Wellerman (performance)
    Text: Wellerman
    Restriction: Do not repeat any phrases
    07:35 - Ben Levin (intro)
    10:24 - Lydia, Oh Lydia (performance)
    Text: "Lydia: A Song" (poem by Nolte's mother-in-law)
    Restriction: Use only one non-diatonic chord
    14:11 - Aimee Nolte (intro)
    15:17 - The Last Days of Pompeii (performance)
    18:48 - alternative ending to The Last Days of Pompeii
    Text: Movie poster from "The Last Days of Pompeii" (1935)
    Restriction: Quote "Eruption" by Van Halen at least once
    19:23 - Adam Neely (intro)
    20:55 - That Moment (performance)
    Text: Tweet by @matthewgoldin on 2020-10-22, "That moment when … "
    Restriction: At least 40 seconds of the 60-second piece must be pianissimo
    24:23 - David Bruce (intro)
    25:35 - Moving to California (performance)
    Text: "Cleo's" story from Felines of New York
    Restriction: Use only pentatonic scales (in any key)
    31:26 - Final thoughts and outro

    • @julianhaupt1480
      @julianhaupt1480 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you internet stranger!

    • @AlessandroSistiMusic
      @AlessandroSistiMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@julianhaupt1480 you're most welcome :)

    • @Tabu11211
      @Tabu11211 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Mvp

    • @sierra3644
      @sierra3644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks!!

    • @lilac_hem
      @lilac_hem 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thank you so much ahdjfjf

  • @YanickFM
    @YanickFM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Ben's "HEEHEEHEE" when he hears the tweet in a song

  • @NotJonJost
    @NotJonJost 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    8Bit: Britten folk-song deconstruct.
    Nolte: Sarcastic epic film score.
    Levin: DISARMING SINCERITY.
    Neely: Ives!!!
    Bruce: Joanna Newsom writes an opera.
    Just damn lovely to hear how each composer gave each harp-lied a real sense of dramatic movement in different ways.

  • @edcrypt
    @edcrypt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    Next one: 5 composers, 1 recorder ensemble. Should be an interesting challenge

  • @druganovam
    @druganovam 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I didn’t expected that Ben Levin’s piece would be so heart-touching. I literally cried💔 and I really loved it

  • @coachsteve.
    @coachsteve. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Aimee's song sounds like it should be a heartfelt moment in a Broadway show just before the eruption.

  • @oldvlognewtricks
    @oldvlognewtricks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +82

    More lied should be sung while making a cup of tea.

    • @oldvlognewtricks
      @oldvlognewtricks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      And David’s whole world in a song should be expanded to a whole evening. Someone get the theatrical rights to Felines of New York?

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      @@oldvlognewtricks crossed my mind :-)

    • @oldvlognewtricks
      @oldvlognewtricks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@DBruce Can I pre-order a ticket/sheet music? 😍

    • @qwertyTRiG
      @qwertyTRiG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      She's a good actor as well as a singer, isn't she? I imagine that the staging of that was her own choice.

  • @mikerupsch7918
    @mikerupsch7918 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you, thank you Ben Levin, for “Lydia, Oh Lydia”. It brought me to tears for the loss of my dear mother. Thank you for your sweet and tender rendering of the text.

  • @PabloEmanuel96
    @PabloEmanuel96 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Man the second made me cry
    The soprano sang it incredibly and the acting with the tea was compelling
    And the poem was just beautiful

  • @TedMackey
    @TedMackey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    8 bit music theory’s piece and how it’s written reminds me a lot of Britten’s vocal writing, it has that dream-like quality reminiscent of Turn of the Screw (not to mention the nautical theme of Peter Grimes 😅)
    [snap, David - I posted this before I got to the commentary section]

  • @spacelevator
    @spacelevator 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    10:23 - leaving a time stamp for Ben’s piece so I can find it quickly when I need to cry again

    • @spacelevator
      @spacelevator 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It worked

    • @qwertyTRiG
      @qwertyTRiG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@spacelevator It always works, yes.

  • @dziwic
    @dziwic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I love how the soprano makes the her best acting it all out. The last one especially, but the face at Adam Neely's end was precious too.

  • @flavianomanfis
    @flavianomanfis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Oh that moment she leaves behind the teacup that she just prepared... so moving

  • @BraindeadCRY
    @BraindeadCRY 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Ben being unable to sit still because he's so excited by that pedal buzz from the harp in Adams piece is incredibly relatable. I've jumped up and laughed like a maniac in front of my PC screen on many an occasion.

  • @mrkiddguy
    @mrkiddguy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    God the players are SO GOOD, incredible. The subtlety in their performances OH!

  • @tfpp1
    @tfpp1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I like how the Lydia and the cat song were kinda like music videos, with the singer "acting" more. I especially appreciated how she was simply making her tea while singing Lydia.

    • @qwertyTRiG
      @qwertyTRiG 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      She made two cups of tea and took only one. That was a very nice touch.

  • @SukoSeiti
    @SukoSeiti 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Ben's song was just breathtaking.

  • @maximo.7240
    @maximo.7240 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I saw this on Adam Neely's story and I literally bolted upstairs to my computer to watch this. Hooray!!!!

  • @johannesbrahms1655
    @johannesbrahms1655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Ben's piece actually made me tear up.

  • @craigstephenson7676
    @craigstephenson7676 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    I would have totally made someone go through the ordeal of writing a soprano and harp piece to the lyrics of What’s my Age Again by blink-182

    • @Cyssane
      @Cyssane 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love this idea way too much, lol!

  • @Gio_Panda
    @Gio_Panda ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wasn't ready to hear Ben Levin talk about his lost doggy. That gentle soul hit me too hard.

  • @whatdoyousuppose
    @whatdoyousuppose 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    is it a coincidence my cat started meowing wildly when listening to “Moving to California” 😹❤️🎶

    • @Richard_Jones
      @Richard_Jones 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Absolutely not. Even I started meowing whilst listening to "Moving To California."

  • @hrlarson
    @hrlarson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    These videos always brings me to tears. Like Aimee said, it’s like little plays. The human touch. Nothing like it.

  • @arthinox3317
    @arthinox3317 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ben Levin's composition is unironically one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

  • @whatdoyousuppose
    @whatdoyousuppose 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    this is INCREDIBLE! I’m a soprano and really want to sing this little song cycle you’ve all created! ❤️

  • @SRJecastillo
    @SRJecastillo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    "Music makes you feel feelings. Lyrics make you think thoughts. Songs make you feel thoughts"
    Levin does it once again. And it also makes it sound like a commercial slogan.

    • @Liskafm352
      @Liskafm352 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think the quote is originally by Yip Harburg

  • @FullOvellas
    @FullOvellas 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It gave me the chills when the non diatonic chord hit in Ben's piece, he is just so great at evoking emotion.

  • @beigecosmiclatte5969
    @beigecosmiclatte5969 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    oh, man. I love this. I LOVE THE MEOW.

  • @luanocarroll9021
    @luanocarroll9021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    27:35-27:54, I love this clip with all my heart

    • @DBruce
      @DBruce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      not as much as me :-) Ben later emailed me and said we'd probably both just be sitting on the boat feeling sad for how much we miss our wives :-)

  • @matheustiengo3687
    @matheustiengo3687 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Ok imma need that ben levin piece on spotify or something ASAP

  • @WouterDmusic
    @WouterDmusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Unreal, every 5 composer project I see I get emotional. Is it because the composers are musical geniuses that surprise me everytime or the absolute amazingly positive feedback all the artists give to each other. It's quiet wholesome and beautiful to watch!

  • @iancallen7418
    @iancallen7418 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My eyes actually welled up with tears during Ben's "Lydia" song. Wow.

  • @wiesorix
    @wiesorix 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Wow, another amazing one in the series. As always, the musicians are great and yet again a surprising concept.
    Some thoughts on the pieces:
    3:12 The most surprising one to me: I've heard the wellerman so many times as a shanty that it was impossible to imagine it as anything else, but 8-bit really pulled it off. I love how the music represents elements in the story, reminds me of Shubert's lieder.
    10:23 To me, this piece is such an upgrade to the poem. When Aimee read it, I was not a big fan, but Ben's take completely changed my mind. The contemplative mood works really well with the lyrics.
    15:17 Oh yeah, the grotesque text became a great piece feeling like a heroic epos... something medieval with slaying dragons and stuff. I prefer the original ending, with the little pause before the last chord, very dramatic, perfect ending for the piece.
    20:54 Again turning silly lyrics into a great song, nice textures, but I'm mostly blown away by the soprano. In the beginning I was like, "this is not really pianissimo"... boy was I wrong.
    25:36 And of course a great final piece by the master, with the most interesting harp part in my opinion. I also love the long repeated notes at the start of the vocal part, gives me a real uninterested cat vibe.
    And of course, the most important thing: none of the restrictions were obvious in the pieces. Thank you all for making my day!

  • @sigmaclass
    @sigmaclass 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Oh that poem. It hit me in a totally unexpected way. Thank you so, so much.

    • @sigmaclass
      @sigmaclass 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I cried 3 times during that performance. Absolutely inspired.

    • @qwertyTRiG
      @qwertyTRiG 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sigmaclass The staging and acting (make two cups of tea, and then take only one) helped too.

  • @fearitselfpinball8912
    @fearitselfpinball8912 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So validating to see 8-bit Music on here. I’m in total agreement with David-his content is very high-level, insightful and binge-worthy (via video game music). He totally belongs here. Nice job to everyone.

  • @alvarezblanco
    @alvarezblanco 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Comment might get buried along. Every time these 5 composers videos come out they make me shed some tears of joy (this time also chuckles) and remind me why I love music so much. Thanks to everyone involved for this moment of cherish.

  • @stellarsoular
    @stellarsoular 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    This absolutely made my morning! Art song is so very dear to my heart. Would that I could add all of these to my rep. But alas I am stuck being a jealous mezzo. :’)
    Some comments:
    8-bit’s was a WONDERFUL example (maybe even a textbook example) of word-painting. He did such a great job conveying the story through the notes alone.
    Ben’s was gorgeous! It brought me to tears. He did justice to the beautiful text, the emotion and passion and tenderness were clearly evident.
    Aimee’s was so funny to me. It was absolutely not the tone I expected it to be, given the text, but the grand ballad-y approach was pleasantly surprising and I think it worked super well! (And the harp gliss gave me shivers.)
    Adam’s was so fun. (As we all know, limitations breed creativity.) I love the way he writes for harp, that trembling texture was so exciting and the crescendo was amazing.
    But David’s was by far my favorite. I love how cat-like it is- the harp sounds like a kitten running around and the long drawn out vocal lines were perfectly meow-y. He used the pentatonic scales to such great effect. And the ending- the ending was PERFECT. Don’t know how else to put it, it was just so right.
    Awesome job everyone!!!

  • @ericistired9767
    @ericistired9767 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ben's song brought me to tears; such a heartfelt choice of melody for the lyric.

  • @gitsurfer27
    @gitsurfer27 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    That was incredible, these are always so engaging. Maybe next time you could do "5 composers 1 beatbox acapella choir"
    With a trio of beatbox musicians and a full choir to really explore the depths of the human voice - the most complex instrument of them all.

  • @be3ho7nm
    @be3ho7nm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    So much creativity in all of them on all levels: when composing, when performing, even when creating tasks.

  • @orirune3079
    @orirune3079 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    IMO the Last Days of Pompeii and the cat one really take the cake here!

  • @andy25piano
    @andy25piano 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bet that Mary and Eleanor had a really fun time recording that. I agree with all the composers: harp + soprano is a great combo and it´s way more versatile than one would imagine.

  • @ViewtifulSam
    @ViewtifulSam 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I startled my own cats with my laughter when David had Mary meow.

  • @pianoonparade
    @pianoonparade 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I never knew the harp could have so many different textures! Absolutely loved these

  • @seasideman
    @seasideman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    That was terrific, I really enjoyed all the pieces, and the singer and harpist were both absolutely terrific! I was also pleased that Adam mentioned Alice Coltrane, who did some stunning jazz harp work. So yes please: more music for harp and soprano and if it's jazzy, great! Classical great too.

  • @MiguelAldanotes
    @MiguelAldanotes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Not to sound like a wimp but Ben's made me tear-up

  • @christopherbartlett4285
    @christopherbartlett4285 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These are so much fun. I've had occasion to show them to non-classical music fans as a gateway into more appreciation for the art. And Ben is right, you always seem to have spectacular performers.
    Thanks for this.

  • @deadSalesman_GD
    @deadSalesman_GD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I definitely cried because of Ben’s composition

  • @MzRedDear
    @MzRedDear ปีที่แล้ว +2

    oh my, congratulation on a stunning collection of spellbinding musical collaborations. Lydia is such a timeless love song / lament. A concert including these collaborations would be an absolute joy and treasure .

  • @weslieberman4009
    @weslieberman4009 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My jaw physically dropped when this video appeared on my feed. This is the greatest series!

  • @dabeamer42
    @dabeamer42 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That soprano was soooo good. Bringing all these texts to life.

  • @8varium5
    @8varium5 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yes, the composers... But the performers! It’s such a level... Thank you so much for sharing...

  • @ZachsMind
    @ZachsMind 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Aimee Nolte's contribution was the only one that actually honestly gave me chills even with David Bruce's lavish use of the pentatonic scale. She managed somehow to do more with less. Ben Levin's unresolved ending provided like an absence of chills which can also be rewarding. Like staring into the void and seeing the void wink back at you. Lovely staging of Mary Bevan making two cups of tea. Nice touch. Rarely think of harp and soprano as being a go to when in the mood for music but it may be its own genre in my head now. I'd like to hear Mary Bevan and Eleanor Turner's take on a medley of the Cats' soundtrack. Or just Memory by itself maybe.

  • @jakehendriksen2841
    @jakehendriksen2841 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh, that poem and Ben's piece made me cry. I didn't expect that when I started this video.

  • @ListeningIn
    @ListeningIn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've been waiting to watch this for a while (I really wanted to focus on it, instead of just watching in the background). This was amazing, David and co. Mary and Eleanor are astonishing. This might be my favourite 5 composers to date. Also, why do I always feel harp + voice sounds like Britten!?

  • @jiricevela3822
    @jiricevela3822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    REPETITION REPETITION REPETITION LEGITIMIZES

  • @Boldstrummer
    @Boldstrummer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mary Bevan's voice made me cry . . . just so beautiful.

  • @eugenebraig413
    @eugenebraig413 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Pompeii-poster libretto . . .
    Flippin' hilarious!
    And hey, as a biologist, I appreciate bioluminescence!

  • @carlgreder1422
    @carlgreder1422 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Lovely as always. Your channel is such a font of inspiration:)
    While the composer seemed more interested in the harp (who wouldn't) it was really interesting to hear everyone writing for a singer. The absolute dream would be to have the 5 composers write for a barbershop quartet:) But I'll be eagerly awaiting whatever you choose. Thanks for being brilliant in these non-brilliant times, you've just got yourself a new patreon sub:)

  • @Juanma4033
    @Juanma4033 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    All the songs are beautiful, but the interpretations are HUGE. I really enjoyed to hear this exercise

  • @lRoixl
    @lRoixl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I would love to hear : 5 COMPOSERS 1 CHOIR