Jacob Collier: Moon River - Harmonic Analysis
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- In this episode of 'Listening in', I analyse Jacob Collier's astonishing arrangement of 'Moon River'. I focus on how he moves between the 8 different keys*, or pitch centres, in the arrangement, as well as using transcriptions to highlight certain chords and progressions. This is one of the most complex a cappella arrangements he's ever made, and all done without using a piano.
*In the video, I state that Jacob moves to A4 = 432 from A4 = 440 from the second to the third verse. In actually fact, this is a shift to A4 = 427.47 - down a quarter tone. This was confirmed by an Instagram post by Jacob on 16 June ( pByxwxy3ga...) - he says he shifted the music up a semitone and a half whilst recording the video, making this verse in the original D half sharp major.
▶ Support my channel: / listeningin
▶ Subscribe: bit.ly/2PlVaMS
____________________
▶ Website: www.barnabymartin.com
▶ Twitter: / barnabymartin
FURTHER WATCHING
Jacob Collier - Moon River: • Jacob Collier - Moon R...
Flintstones - Jacob Collier: • Flintstones - Jacob Co...
Georgia On My Mind - Jacob Collier: • Georgia On My Mind - J...
You And I (Audio) - Jacob Collier: • You And I (Audio) - Ja...
MUSIC
Jacob Collier - Ancona (Maida Vale session): • Jacob Collier - Ancona...
#jacobcollier #moonriver #djesse - เพลง
![[TH] VALORANT Champions Seoul - Group Stage Day 6 - EDG vs G2](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vS-fmO6SAjY/mqdefault.jpg)
There are VERY few people I am comfortable using this word for. But Jacob Collier is a genius. His mastery of music is beyond my comprehension, and I am confident he will take his deserved place in history as one of the greatest musical figures to have ever walked this earth.
Well said! Couldn’t agree more
And the lucky part of this, we are alive to live this very moment.
He is for sure a technical genius with more talent in his eyelash than I have. But I find his music leaves me cold, his music is - paraphrasing a quote - about music, not about Life.
@@frankslade33 I hear that his music doesn't move you and that you think it's not about life. With appreciation for your point, I see it differently. I perceive it as about aspects of life that have eluded many or most of us, in which we haven't been able to fully trust the pure joy and miracle of being alive. I feel a deep connection to this essence of living in this guy's music, if not as a fully manifested reality in my life (yet), certainly as a possibility. As if music can be a harbinger, a siren, for us. I feel much more hopeful, actually, about life itself precisely because of this music he is bringing to my ears and heart. My prayer is that the music he conveys in his later years will not only carry more of the richness of life that I hear you hungry for, but also still the joy and celebration of this youthful phase.
@@frankslade33 check his solo performance on piano of Fix You and you may find something new.
I like the video even though I don't understand like 95% of it
I'm in
Most of the concepts relate to basic chord theory, key centers and some arrangement jargon i.e "contrary motion" where one part moves up as another moves down in pitch. The "micro tonality" refers to tuning to a standard frequency or slightly higher or lower. Quarter tones would be pitches halfway between piano keys. There are lots of You Tube instruction for basic music theory that can increase appreciation of music even if you don't play an instrument or sing.
😂 same, it’s very engaging
SAME
The fact that he arranged this song in a single week still blows my mind to this day
Nice job youtube recommendation.
Ikr
for once lol
hey you're not june lee
This is a wonderful analysis, but in the very beginning, there may be some confusion created by your assertion that he makes these recordings "without any technological assistance." It may sound to some like every take he records is perfect, and that he doesn't make any adjustments in Logic Pro. In fact, he does. It's true that he makes those adjustments based on his perfect pitch, and for that he does not use any technology. But to be clear, he does tweak the tuning of notes manually when he's a few cents off. These adjustments can be seen in some in-studio videos that he's made.
Thank you so much for your comment. I completely agree with you - I’ve also seen him do this in live streams. What I meant by my comment was that he doesn’t use auto-tune for the pitch, or quantisation for the rhythm (or anything similar). I did plan on saying this but it ended up making the intro way too long! Thank you for watching.
Barnaby Martin While he might not use automatic quantization, he definitely adjusts the clips of audio in his projects to make sure that they are perfect.
@@grapesurgeon yes he's merely superhuman.
@@grapesurgeon That's correct! He does it both ways. For example, Flintstones was planned out in MIDI. But he also does some where he arranges as he records, without any MIDI (like You and I, and Moon River).
human............
I just love the fact we're witnessing a guy changing completely the musical rules we thought were set to stay like that. We're witnessing a huge part of history in the making. Huge thanks for the analysis. It actually makes the complexity even more enjoyable. Cheers, Man.
Is might be wrong but nothing he does is anything that wasn't already done on contemporary classical music, it's just that no one ever brought these techniques on a popular music context in such a perfect way before.
Not trying to be annoying here, Jacob's talent as a musician is just frightening and otherworldly, I don't think there is anyone in the world who 'speaks music' more fluently than him.
@@unavailavle123 you mean besides the writing and arranging and playing all the instruments and the singing and the recording engineering and the editing and the video (and the editing) and the mixing and the mastering and the marketing and the live streaming and the live performing and the workshops and the interviewing and the.... all done by the same person...?? !! ;-) whew, just thinking about all that makes me tired... ;-) Jacob is the first to say how much he has been influenced by other music throughout his life, and is very open about the music and ideas he has learned from others. But in my mind, part of musical genius is taking pieces of what has been and putting it together in new ways that, in their integration, are profoundly innovative. Or as the OP put it, changing the musical rules. And yes, I appreciate your comment about how he "speaks music." It's quite astonishing, isn't it?
There is nothing new under the sun.
@@vtnatureboy Hmm, I don't recall seeing you say that before.
@@DanielBarberMusic that would make sense as I don't know you. But, as the allusion points out, it is not new. It is a biblical saying - and, if I recall, Shakespeare made reference to it. And, it still holds true for Jacob's work. The elements are not new, just his application of them - which is phenomenal. Mahler's work is unique, but he did not use any notes Beethoven did not use. Jacob does not use any note Bach did not use.
There aren't enough contemporary musicians and composers experimenting with microtonality in the sort of accessible familiar way that Jacob Collier does. He really is the unofficial public ambassador of modern harmonies.
You're right. A lot of composers do play around with microtonality and extremes of harmony, but they just aren't as well know as JC. He really has managed to break down boundaries.
@@ListeningIn Dolores Catherino (@dolomuse) does some really cool stuff with her microtonal synths, if you haven't heard her.
The guy should be selling gold and platinum albums in India! 😄
@@ListeningIn the thing is that, the composers who fuck with microtonality are the ones who are mostly academic based, within the contemporary classical field which is extremely niche on its own. They either just go on and compose with a language that no ordinary audience will find relevance with(spectral), or simply using microtonality as a quirky accent/texture.
No one is playing microtonality today with the fluency of Jacob Collier which ultimately is rooted in tonal harmony, with such sophistication that it impresses even the most snobbish academics yet and so intuitive that it pleases the general public. That is a difficult thing to achieve
Love your notation and narration style. Buttery smooth visuals and commentary mixed seamlessly with the music underneath, A+.
Thank you Steven! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!
Which A though?
@@DamnnialFGZDanialFGZA+ , so it must be 453 ...
I completely loss my mind when I first heard Jacob's Moonriver. But realising now these microtonal changes that he held with (aparently but probably) such ease. Is both amazing and frightening. I'm suscribing, really enjoyed the analysis and hoping to see more!
Thank you so much for subscribing. It is pretty mind-blowing how he does it. Even after spending hours analysing the arrangement, I'm still amazed by his ability to move seamlessly between keys.
This video is amazing. A breathtaking arrangement accompanied with a breathtaking analysis.
Thank you Junha! I wasn't sure from your last comment whether you'd enjoyed it or not!
You’re breathtaking
More than any other person, you've helped me to understand Jacob's music in a deeper way through your highly engaging visual demonstrations. As much as I love and appreciate June Lee's efforts, his analyses command a strong understanding of music theory from the outset (something I don't yet have.) What you're able to do then is, taking some of June's transcriptions, break them down into bite-sized and easy-to-understand lessons focusing on one or two core themes. Your style has proven to be the most effective tool in teaching me music theory that I've yet encountered, all the while offering additional insight into the world of one of my favorite artists. Thank you, Barnaby.
This is a really kind comment. I am so pleased that you find my videos enjoyable - you have summarised by aim better than I ever could have! To make music theory, and analysis, digestible and accessible. I, personally, find it incredibly useful to break it down in this way, so I'm very happy you feel the same way as me. I hope you enjoy my future videos.
I have to agree!! this has helped me immensely, the best analysis I've found! Thank you:)
I couldn’t agree more 👍
Let's be honest here. As Jacob is a genius to you, you are a genius to me. I am literate in music and understand what are you talking about, but being able to transcribe and analyze his music in such depth is above my head. Thank you.
8:04 this part makes me feel like I'm elevating, like I lose the sense of gravity, it just feels like magic!
Finding Jacob and your analysis has been amazing for me, I'm in total awe of you both. Being old, starting with skiffle and ending in free jazz I'm constantly struggling between the simple harmonics of the tune (here Moon River) and the endless possibilities of playing chromatically where all notes, chords and progressions are fare game. One's ear ceases to hear 'wrong' notes and the struggle is between emotional punch and clarity and muddiness. Jacob adds wonderfully subtle colours and playful unexpectedness, not in the least bit muddy, but it's the anchor of the tune in my ear that provides him with the base for his extravaganza. I guess all I'm saying is music is enless and long may it remain so.
Couldn’t have put it better myself. I’m so glad you’ve found both Jacob’s music and my channel.
does have to be said, that even us mortals, when we sing in choirs do some microtonal shifts to "sweeten" those harmonies. It's just that most of us don't know what we are doing, it sort of happens. Same with string players (no "pitch quantisation frets"!!!). This is basically taking that ball, and hitting it so far out of the park, that we just sit and listen in wonder.
That's why we often end a little lower. Choir conductors often demand choirs to sing in equal temperament and to not move in tuning which is a non-sense in a capella singing
Antoine Garnier In my experience keeping pitch or falling in pitch is not caused by use of equal intonation but by factors like mental freshness or exhaustion (e.g. singing after a long workday), or by air pressure. During lows choirs tend to sink in intonation more than during highs.
I just watched jacobs logic session breakdown of this arrangement, and in it he used a program to show visually what I have always been hearing in a capella music. Those powerful super in tune chords that are made by adjusting tuning slightly so that it fits in the harmonic series
Tim, you're certainly right about string quartets achieving just intonation. Consider also barber shop quartets, which achieve a "bloom" on their chords when they're all listening to each other.
shoutout to ross duffin
Wow - I love that arrangement from Jacob (seems beyond genius and creative), but your analysis blows my mind (congrats on making something so complex so clear)
. An interview or collab of somekind w/ you and Jacob would be amazing. thanks!
Thank you Kevin! I'm really pleased you found it clear - that's been my aim from the start. I would love to interview Jacob. Maybe I can try and sort something out...!
Your collab with Jacob Collier would be amazing! How can I find you on FB? I've got my channel there on m.facebook.com/Jazz-Pop-RB-Acid-Alternative-Dubstep-Nargiz-1619363855037995/?rc=p
This is one of the highest quality harmonic analysis videos I've ever seen, if not the highest quality. Amazing. Please continue to share your wisdom.
What I respect more about jacob other than just his musical performance ability is that he is showing that there is so much more you are able to express with sound and music than is taught in typical western music. Music is a language like any other; The better you can speak it the more complex things you can express.
I feel privileged to live in a time where we have such an Artisan among us.. I was there when he had just uploaded his first video, discovering him via a post on Reddit.. I saw him receive his first Emmy.. I said hi to him on a livechat and he responded back. His musical bravery has rubbed off on me and improved my piano playing. All I can do is watch in awe as he develops over the years and all marvel at the auditory works of art he creates.
Great video analysis mate, your channel is going places.
Probably the most amazing breakdown video I have ever seen. Had to go back and listen to the song, which is a journey on its own, makes a grown human feel so many emotions.
Thank you so much Tony!
Wow this video is fantastic! I've never seen an analysis as breathtaking as the piece itself. You caught some things I never would have noticed. Thank you for this
Thank you so much Gabe. I really enjoyed putting it together, so it means a lot that you enjoyed watching it!
8:45 I had to stop for a while because, you know...
My mind bley up !!!
Incredibly clear and insightful analysis. As brilliant as the composition itself. Worthy of deep respect. 1000 bows.
I love this analysis because it helps to frame my astonishment at the modulations. As a musician I receive this piece like a child in the presence of a master magician, and I cannot figure out how he has accomplished his tricks!
I’m a retired piano tuner, and found the subtle shifts in pitch intriguing. And I’m assuming all the major thirds, particularly were perfect. That would especially account for the smoothness.
Many have experimented with temperaments and complex harmonies but only a wizard like Jacob Collier can do that while keeping the music harmonious and not jarringly dissonant such that it alienates the musically uninitiated. I look forward to see what will come out from musicians influenced by Jacob Collier.
Needless to say, I loved this video, thank you!
Seriously underrated channel. Keep it up, loved the video!
Thank you very much - I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
im just as impressed w his ability to manage all those video and audio files and keep them synced and high quality
ice la honk nah man
thats nothing compared to the harmonic shit je doin
Lol. Do you think video and audio files somehow get off sync or lose quality as time goes on?
The arrangement is indeed impressive, but keeping clips synced is easy since they don't move on their own.
@@subscribetobanbasstabs2599 Je?
@@ChrisBandyJazz working w dozens of audio and video files - yes, it doesnt happen without proper planning to record like that, keeping everything tight, in time and of the same quality. i have 4 random phones and a gopro - wouldn't be able to produce this result.
@@crieverytim It definitely requires proper planning. But it doesn't take any effort to "keep" things synced or high-quality. Just drag each clip to the right spot, and it will stay there, without moving or changing quality. Easy.
You don't need 4 phones and a gopro. All you need is one camera and Final Cut, and producing this result is easy. It could take a while, but it is easy.
After first discovering this masterpiece I listened to it so many times picking up on small things that were mind blowing but this analysis was just jaw dropping. Made me rediscover a new love for Jacob Colliers amazing music
I knew he dabbled with microtonalities but good god. Moving from 432Hz to 440Hz in a single chords with dozens of different voices at the same time. Jacob Collier is in another realm of existence.
I know - it's ridiculous. I am still amazing by the arrangement, even after having listened to it for hours on end!
I can't believe this doesn't have more attention. Amazing analysis, keep up the great work!
He is the bach of our generation, experimenting with harmony and exploring its uncharted territories.
Yes, and I tend to think of him as Mozart, mainly in terms of the exuberance and delight in his music.
I now have even more appreciation for this complex, yet beautiful arrangement! Thanks!
This video is AMAZING! Such smooth narration and video editing. The way you're explaining everything seems so natural and smooth. Love this video, great job!
Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it all. Thank you for watching!
Your channel is vastly underrated. Thanks for the analysis!
I really appreciate that! I'm so pleased you enjoy my channel.
Bravo for this essential explication. I share your enthusiasm and sense of wonder
For the quarter-tone modulation, I would have preferred calling it "A-1/2-sharp" rather than A = 453Hz. Because It's exactly 50 cents away from both A natural and B-flat.
Ozzy MGB B flat sharp
Don't you mean A half-sharp?
@@francoomarlopezlopez Yep. I edited it lol
IN TEARS. I've literally watched this video before as well. His genius just gets me every time.
This is both beautiful in its content and in its visual appeal. Congratulations, and thank you so much.
Thank you so much Adrian - I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. It was my pleasure to share it.
This piece always sends shivers down my spine... I love this man. Thanks for the great analysis.
Your ability to break down what he’s doing is absolutely amazing!!
Thank you! That’s very kind!
Incredibly informative and visually appealing. Thank you for your work. I've subbed, looking forward to more from you!
Thanks Josiah! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for subbing. I hope you like my future videos!
This is such a great job. Really well done. Thank you for that. 🙏🏾
Thanks Kevin! My pleasure.
I knew that it would take time for Jacobs music to be properly analyzed.
Keep going. Keep showing the world what he’s doing.
Another mind-expanding analysis.. and excellently narrated and edited.Very well done. I've watched only three of your videos so far, and I am now a subscriber. Keep up the fantastic work.
Insanely good video, not only for the content but for fantastic editing and flow. Subscribed
this is a really high quality video, I assumed you had at least 10,000 subscribers wow
Thank you for such a helpful analysis. The transcriptions of such complex material and the insights into the microtonality was brilliant, so very well done.
Radical stuff Barnaby! Simply massive video done very tastefully and accurately!
Thank you so much Houston!
I love how jacob collier videos always start with people praising this young man about how great and amazing he is
because all is true yet still feels like an understatement of what Jacob is doing
i can not put into words how amazing he is
and thank you for the amazing video! i definitely subscribed and am excited to see more,
now excuse me while i go binge your entire channel...
My pleasure. He really is a genius. And thank you so much for watching - enjoy my other videos!
I didn't even know TH-cam recommended channels below 1k subs, damn. I'm so grateful to the algorithm for presenting me your videos, I can't wait to watch more of what you make.
Me neither - well I’m definitely grateful for the TH-cam algorithm as well! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video, and hope you like the ones I have planned!
I love Jacob's smile in these videos. Watching them in the context of your analysis, his smiles seem to be saying "did you catch what I just did there?" 9:28
I know. His smile is infectious!
Phenomenal work! I look forward to hearing more from you :)
That's really kind - I really hope you enjoy my upcoming videos!
Great work-- right to the point. Nice work Barnaby, keep up the awesome videos!
Thanks very much Liam. I’ll keep putting the videos out - I’m having a huge amount of fun doing them!
Thank you so much. Your analysis is overwhelming! This man is beyond everything, musically speaking. I have no words. Not needed. Only admire!
I think I forgot to breathe while I watched that...so captivating, and it confirms the reason I'm obsessed with Jacob Collier! Thanks for doing this!
I love how simple and yet informational you made this, and doing a very good job on picking up on the things that were snuck in/overlooked. I tip my hat to you, this was not an easy one.
Thank you Chris! It wasn't easy, but it was incredibly enjoyable to put together. Thank you so much for watching.
Nice companion piece to the original video and June Lee's transcription. I could study this one rendition for 5 years and learn something new each and every time. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to future videos.
Incredible analysis! Thanks so much for this!! 🙏🏻
My pleasure! Thank you for watching!
Very well done - both you and Jacob.
Fantastic video. My goodness, your analysis and ear impress me almost as much as Jacob himself. Nicely done.
Thank you very much! That’s very flattering. Although I don’t think I’ll ever get close to how good his ear is...!
Your channel is incredible! Keep it up!
Once again, a superb analysis on this piece!
Thanks Leon!
I think you really have an amazing talent for this sort of music education programming, and look forward to many more of these videos. There are a couple of things I found particularly outstanding: your video editing skills are stellar for your purpose (overlaying the transcription over the performance, with a cue to show where we are at a moment in time is extraordinarily helpful for those of us whose sight-reading skills are, lets say, a wee bit rusty); I also think your voice is a real asset (it puts me in mind of broadcasters of decades ago).
Thank you so much for your comment David. I love that you think my voice sounds like broadcasters from years ago! (that's my received pronunciation for you...). I'm also so pleased that you enjoyed the editing - I spent a very long time on it, so I'm glad that shows! I think there's so much potential to share musical content in a way that's engaging, and has a narrative, but is also engaging and interesting. And that's exactly what I'm trying to do here. Thank you for your support.
Marvellous analysis! Will definitely check out more of your channel!
Thanks Max - hope you like what you see!
Great!! Jacob is making it hard even for music theory connaisseurs to analyze and understand what is going on inside his songs. Much appreciated effort, Barnaby!
You did a wonderful job making this video!
I noticed the 432-440 shift towards the end the first time I listened to this song, but when I saw the A4=453, I instantly had a smile on my face. I learn something new about this arrangement each time I listen to it. Phenomenal analysis and painfully accurate transcription of his music. You eloquently explain pure musical genius in terms most people of the music world can understand. Hats off to you, friend. I better see more in the upcoming Djesse volumes.
That's incredibly kind! I know - the shift to 453 is amazing. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video - I'm sure I'll definitely analyse more JC songs in the future.
awesome video man, keep up the good work, you're going places!
Thanks Conner!
I’ve watched this at least a dozen times. Still not sick of it.
This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Josiah - my pleasure!
This guy is out of this world with his musicality, most people using microtonality don't end up sounding even as good as an average song. He uses it and makes it sound better even than most arrangements of this tune, and that might be an understatement.
Thank you!
I did not know so much about why I love Jacobs Music so much before you explained some parts of it to me.
Great job, thanks for the analysis! It's the first video on this channel that I've come across, but I will definitely check out more.
Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy my other videos.
This video analysis is pure gold...
Your'e subscriber number should be multiplied by a factor of 1.000
Keep up the job!
Thank you so much! That would be nice....500,000. I can only dream.
What an excellent and also very entertaining analysis. ❤
Excellent analysis! I like his word painting (i.e., "crossing" and "river"), mediant modulations, chromatic transformation, use of borrowed chords (also called modal mixture, substituted chord, modal interchange, or mutation), and harmonic "planing" or parallel harmony. Most importantly, Collier's fresh and brilliant approach to age-old compositional techniques (i.e., variations on a theme) gives the listener a sense of nostalgia and keeps them guessing whats coming next.
yess thank you so much, can't wait for more jacob collier vids
Glad to have found your channel!
your editing and concise explanations are insane
Thanks Ben!
Very nice that you have mentioned the tone on his highs and lows (Hz) I never thought about this but this explains a lot💪
I watch this video at least once a month
This video helped me understand a lot of the more subtle microtonality I was hearing in this astonishing arrangement.
Super helpful analysis. Very very nice!
Thank you for this fantastic harmonic analysis!
this is a fantastic explanation!!! thank you sir you are a gift to the world
Wow, great analysis. I'll be able to enjoy this piece in a whole other level now!
Thank you!
i got goosebumps at the A4= 453 part. I noticed something was going on when i first heard it but this is so well done. Congratz!!!!
Thanks! I know - that part is spine-tingling.
Great analysis man! Just keep going, you will have many more subscribers :)
Fantastic video...
Thank you so much! I will definitely keep going - I’m really enjoying it.
Thanks. Unexpected. Jacob's arrangent is even more complex than I thought. Microtonality? Wow!
Great Job man!!!
It helped a lot to understand his music... Moonriver has been my last favorite song (this interpretation) since it came out i got attached to it because of the complexity, and you came to help.... big thx
A video worth reviewing (re-watching)>>> Exactly what I'll do on the next day 😀
Very clear exposition, thanks!
Wow! Great analysis man! Subscribed.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for making this, it’s crazy how many times he changes the microtonality and I would have never noticed it even though it did feel very dark and weird in places and lighter in others.
It is pretty crazy. You’re right - the use of shade (light and dark) is what makes Jacob’s music so interesting for me. He has a huge pallet of colours that he can access.
That's something that we really need! Please, show us more analysis.
Thank you! More will definitely come!
Incredible video and solid work analyzing!
Thanks Jordan!
Thank you for the analysis! It helped me understand Jacob's ways of making me gasp :D
Thank you so much for this marvellous analysis! You've really targeted the important parts of this vastly complex and beautiful arrangement.
Aren't we lucky to live in this era of computers & youtube & internet to share & wonder at this incredibly imaginative human?!
It’s my pleasure! We really are very lucky!
Great content and clear quality, well done.
Thank you Gabriel - much appreciated!