I have Geoff's "Now Gypsy, its your turn." as the alarm reminding me to take my daily medications cause what else can you do but go "yes sir, It'll do that now sir." I have never been so consistent with my meds. XD In the same vein, can you imagine how intimidating it would be to be on the receiving end of Geoff's sharp "What?"
They do use doubles of Geoff's voice sometimes! In fact, they use several clones of Geoff, which can be seen performing in many of his solo videos. There's only one surefire way to tell which Geoff is the original Geoff among the crowd - the real Geoff is allergic to sleeves.
Not true! 😂 The "real Geoff" in his solo videos is always the lead singer, but not necessarily the one/only one without sleeves (e.g. in Folsom Prison Blues, Daryl (as indicated by the number code on his shirt) is wearing a shirt with the sleeves cut off, while Geoff, Jeoph, and Jeff (again, number codes) are all wearing sleeved shirts 😝)
Opening Latin: Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti Beatae Mariae Semper Virgini Beato Michaeli archangelo Sanctis apostolis Omnibus sanctis "I confess to God almighty To the blessed Mary Ever virgin To the blessed archangel Michael To the holy apostles To all the saints" (There's like a blending of the different versions of the Confiteor to make it make sense lyrically) The whole song is a clash of desire versus dogma. You have the normal: cogitatione, verbo, opere et omissione. meaning “In my thoughts, and in my words in what I have done and what I have failed to do.” Split and rerendered as "In my thoughts..." Frollo's thought: "I feel her, I see her The sun caught in her raven hair Is blazing in me out of all control.." --- The ending play with fault and mercy is amazing: It's not my fault! / Mea culpa I'm not to blame! / Mea culpa It is the gypsy girl The witch who sent this flame! / Mea maxima culpa It's not my fault! / Mea culpa If in God's plan / Mea culpa He made the devil so much stronger than a man / Mea maxima culpa Mea culpa Mea culpa Mea maxima culpa "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;" It's a part of the Confiteor we hear at the beginning The contrast of "It's not my fault" / "through my fault" Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy) God have mercy on her... Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy) God have mercy on me... Kyrie Eleison And we leave Latin behind and go straight for Koine Greek. He's hitting hard on the Lust, Envy, or Pride. 21:30 They're singing pyre, as in FUNERAL PYRE, burning her at the stake: [FROLLO & PRIESTS, CHOIR] Hellfire / Hellfire Dark fire / Dark fire Now gypsy, it's your turn Choose me or Choose me or Your pyre / Your pyre Be mine or you will burn!
I recognised and understood the Latin (at least what I could clearly make out), but on my own I wasn't sure what kind of Latin it was. Thanks to you I get it now: it's what I know as "Church Latin", aka Catholic traditional, ranging from 4th-century to at least 11th-century. So yes, thank you. :)
The drop after "Burn it!" is literally better than some groups' entire careers. A couple things: That language is Latin. I believe they are doubling Geoff. And yes, I believe that's either stomps or vocal percussion, but I can't tell either. It's Layne, so I'd be willing to accept he could do that with his voice. Also a thought I had for you: you might try to do what I've seen some reactors and analyzers do before, and listen to it all the way through once, then go back and analyze it.
I've come to realise that I don't in fact prefer that 2 part thing after all. It seemed better to me at first but it ended up getting boring pretty quickly, I found myself clicking off before the analysis part because it became to repetitive and or not watch one of the parts ever again. Ofc Mortius is the very opposite of boring but still I noticed that on one reactor who used both styles, in the long run I liked the all in one much better.
Something that both artists and reactors frequently overlook when Disney material is presented is that not everybody is a Disney fan and knows the songs and their context. I think Layne's inserting the spoken part makes the backdrop of the song more accessible to non-Disney-loving listeners so we can appreciate the song. I'm always surprised when Eli does the speaking voices for characters like the Guard (here) or Santa in Oogie Boogie. He's a really talented voice actor.
It's also just in the song itself though. Like the version on spotify have that dialogue in it. Agreed though that it definitely adds context, so I'm glad they didn't remove it
@@kingle And I'll add that it also shows that his earlier 'prayer' to Mother Mary to be protected was answered by Esmerelda's escape. And instead of seeing it for the respite from temptation, Frollo turns to the final decision to 'burn the witch'. He would never have needed to ever see her again, if he had just let her stay escaped.
I'm gonna be honest, it doesn't add a whole lot of context without the movie. Like other than fleshing out Frollos hypocrisy a bit, it's too vague to add anything proper for people who haven't seen the movie. More than anything, it's just a bridge for the two parts of the song, as the song played without that interlude sounds *really* jarring. Not even from a context standpoint, just a musical one. Im glad they kept it in, regardless, but imo it doesn't provide much for people who don't already know the story.
The DARKEST Disney song ever! Frollo is a truly evil villain because he KNOWS what he's doing is wrong. His subconscious sings in Latin "Mea maxima culpa" (it is my greatest fault) yet he chooses darkness anyway. Fun fact: the original singer, Tony Jay, couldn't hit the final high note and asked composer Alan Menken to take it down. Alan said "NO" and made him take voice lessons until he could hit the note and sustain it. And here's Geoff, belting it and then saying "Nah, I'm going HIGHER!" I will never stop being amazed by his voice. Layne did this dark song justice with his arrangement.
"Choose me or your pyre, be mine or you will burn!" Frollo is such a twisted (but sadly realistic) villain, and VoicePlay definitely did this fantastic song justice. The spoken dialogue is taken directly from the movie, as one of the guards Frollo has sent out to look for Esmeralda returns to tell him she can't be found. So it wasn’t VoicePlay's idea to insert spoken words there. =)
And I kind of like that it brings us back down from the previous crescendo of sound. Not all the way back, but gives us space for Geoff's "She Will Burn" to be separate from Eli's.
Ain't NONE of these guys human! Between Eli's highs and Geoff just hitting the whole dang keyboard I'm shook. Layne's little comment and percussion, and of course, J and Cesar rounding it all out with insane harmonies. I'm pretty sure they hit god level with this one. I KNOW Geoff did on Jack's Lament. And I bet we have a walk off like Kaz did or a slither to the floor. The cloaked man is Tony Walkim--Geoff nominated him to do it.
VoicePlay turned up the fire, and melted Mortius' brain so much that he had to watch the whole video twice in a row 😆❤ Thank you, Mortius, for another great reaction!
I've come to the conclusion that Layne and Geoff are musical geniuses with their arrangements. Plus Eli often does choreography which rocks. These guys are just super amazing!
1) the language of the background vocals that you didn't recognize is Latin. Those were common prayers recited in Catholic worship (I'll have to go back and watch with captions to catch them all, but in any case); they're part of the sound environment of Notre Dame Cathedral. 2) The person playing the guard was Tony Wakim. I think he was credited, I'll have to go back and check.
Background refrain lines translated: Beata Maria = "Blessed Mary" Et tibit pater = "the father trembles" Cogitatione = "in thought" Mea maxima culpa = "it is my greatest fault" Kyrie eleison (Greek) = "Lord, have mercy" So, basically, those lines are Frollo's conscience, that knows the truth, and which Frollo beats into submission. Layne, you're a madman, a wizard, a beast, or all three.
@@shilohauraableYou're welcome. To be honest, the empty spaces were making my brain itch, too. I used to study Latin all through high school, but I haven't touched it in decades, so it was a case of "on the tip of my brain"
I have never seen the movie because I read the book as a teenager and was traumatized!😅 (All of Hugo’s works are sad beyond belief). Have to say, though, this song by VoicePlay is magnificent.
Hooray! Someone else who hears bells and thought of Notre Dame! I have commented on it a few times and nobody else has caught that. 🔔🔔⛪️ 🔔 🔔 Frollo starts out looking tormented, but as soon as Layne says “burn it”, he descends into madness. When he is singing “the fire within my skin” , Geoff seems to be looking at his hands in confusion as if he is wondering what is happening to him. When you go back to listen which I know you will, listen for Geoff’s arpeggios when J is singing…. And for Cesar’s air guitar! This rendition is closer to the original movie because of that spoken section. Right after the guard is when he switches from **his** skin on fire to condemning Esmeralda to burn. It’s her escape that finally pushes him all the way over the edge. And if you listen carefully, in the BGV’s you can hear the words either “she has es-caped” or “gyp-sy es-caped”. (It’s probably more audible on the karaoke track but I didn’t want to get out of this reaction and not be able to find it again😆). Geoff did back to back dual personalities. In Jack’s Lament he plays another tortured soul. It is such an incredible performance that I will probably find myself watching it all year long. But it probably won’t be on a regular playlist because it is clearly seasonal.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting your reaction to this one, and it did not disappoint!!! One tiny thing…it’s “Choose me, or your pyre,” not “prior.” A small thing, but makes the lyrics FAR darker.
I just rewatched your reaction for the third time in less than 24h. 😅 The only other VP R&A of yours I've seen as often are Phantom of the Opera and the Queen medley (and this is partially due to the fact that almost no one else covered these two). And I absolutely agree with you that J.None and Cesar are the best line-up. I also noticed that they bring J back for all the songs that one can anticipate to become a big deal and particularly popular such as Phil Collins, Metallica oder Valhalla. I think that's not a coincidence but a conscious choice. And just like all the returning guests (Rachel, Omar etc.) J isn't nesseccarily always the leading star but just one of the guys in all the arrangements that feature him, just as if he was still a regular member, because he no longer has to be introduced to the audience. As someone who usually gushes endlessly about Eli and Cesar and isn't really on the Geoff obsession bandwagon, this is one of those rare arrangements where I'm all about Geoff and Layne (another one being the Queen medley). I don't even mind that it's mostly a solo for Geoff. Usually I'm not a fan of the (mostly older) arrangements that feature one of them as a lead for most of the song because for me, VP is all about being a group of all equally amazing singers and I want everyone to be featured somewhat equally. (The only real exception is, in fact, Phantom with Tony.) But this one just breaks all the rules for me apparently. 😂
I totally agree with you on this Voiceplay grouping! Layne, Geoff, Eli, Cesar and J.None, SO good!!! I was thrilled J and Cesar have a little duet in this, their voices blend as smooth as silk and satin! And yours is the best reaction I've seen! Breathe, Mortius, breathe!
The guard is Tony. This song is stunning, evil, mesmerizing and utterly unforgettable. All the guys did beautifully, that line by Cesar and J about the sunlight catching her hair is gorgeous, Eli's soaring notes, Layne and everything. And then you have the villain so vile that he would burn the woman he wants so badly if he can't have her. The kyrie eleison (in English means God have mercy) mantra when Geoff is singing God have mercy on her, God have mercy on me and then commits to burning her. Some children's movie, eh? Don't think Disney would do it again. I was fascinated watching you react to this absolutely top tier video.
I call this lineup the Fabulous Five. Since they have yet to replace J. None, having a series of guests instead, and have J. None as often as he can get away, I suspect and hope that they are holding his spot for him. 🤞
This is definitely the best arrangement by Lane to date. I personally like that they kept the speaking part in. Geoff's eyes gave me the collywobbles! Love the fact that Geoff was the lead. Great reaction Mortius
This one is fire, but the song Geoff released LITERALLY THE NEXT DAY after this is S tier. It's been 4 days and i think I've listened to it more that 50 times.
Judge Claude Frollo is most definitely a villain in Hunchback of Notre Dame. What makes him so compelling villain is this song. We see his arrogance, we see him questioning his own morality, we see him rejecting the chance at redemption. This makes him one of the most morally complex Disney villain. Putting Geoff in the lead for this is an outstanding choice; his range truly suits the conflict within Frollo. The set is extremely simple and only serves to put the focus on the lyrics.
The reason this song makes him such a compelling villain, is because it gives him a motivation without redeeming him for it. Instead of Cruela or Maleficent (one of which I really like) giving the villain sympathetic reasoning, this song gives Frolo the opportunity to stop, and he explains why he doesn't. She's gone, his prayer has been answered, but he obsesses.
The whole song gives me chills, but ”burn it” from Layne and that last “she will burn” genuinely just hit different, it’s so goddamn good. It’s so incredible. I was in PIECES the first time I heard this (late to the party I know) and I still am. You have more understanding of music than I, but you hit on a lot of the moments I do when I hear this, great to get better insight on WHY I love this arrangement so much. Hellfire is one that just keeps bringing me back. Entirely secondary, but I also totally want everyone’s outfits from this. Especially whatever J’s wearing. So cool. And the fire in Geoff’s eyes? Ok, ok, ok, I see you, VoicePlay… that’s awesome. It’s the little things sometimes. 😂
Did you miss Cesar's air guitar?? It was so cool. The guy in the hooded robe was Tony (though Eli provided the voice work for that). Great, and super fun, reaction!! ❤
I've had this version of the song stuck in my head for days now, can't seem to get it out. Upon first time listening to it I thought 'I think I still prefer the original'... but I think by now I can't lie to myself about that anymore. Especially since I'm waiting for my favorite reactors to upload their reactions (you being one of those, so yay!) Such an un-Disney-like song, such a creepy song... all brought about by a dude being h**ny. Yet when VoicePlay sing it I don't think many would choose the pyre.
The bass in the beginning while Geoff was singing was Layne, once he started beatboxing it was all Geoff to my knowledge. (but who knows with so many of them being able to sing bass) You have to watch carefully to see it. Four generations of VP baritone's in one video, what a delight! Thanks for the reaction!
I have watched many react videos to this and yours might be my favorite! Most have been by vocal professionals analyzing it but your amazement is much closer to my own reaction ❤
The scream very near the start made me jump out of my skin, thank you Mortius. Truly. Seriously though, your uploads are a highlight to my week, seeing someone nerd out about VoicePlay as much as I do to my friends (to their dismay). Keep up the amazing work!
My husband's comment when he first listened was that when Geoff hit the note on Sin (17:55) he could feel it in his testacles lol (he had surround sound headphones)
According to others, the man in the cloak is Tony from Pattycake Productions who Geoff convinced to do the walk on. Also, that particular set of lines is actually in the original scene in the Hunchback of Notre Dame (slightly adjusted for a live performance.) It prefaces Judge Claude Frollo's hunting spree that culminates in setting parts of the city on fire and also in damage to the cathedral if I remember correctly. I am very glad you enjoyed what is now my second favorite Voice Play video. LOL
I wonder if Mortius knows that JoYo has done a great version of this song as well. Clean when it’s normal Frollo and heavily distorted when the madness shines through the facade of civility
This is the first video I've seen of yours. I was recommended your channel after going down a voiceplay/Geoff rabbithole. LMAO You are so fun to watch. The excitement made me so happy but you also put in a very interesting analysis.
I would just _LOVE_ it if you did a video on Jonathan Young's version of Hellfire. Even if you've already heard that version, an analysis would still be just neat. :)
Just to see you stimming to this exactly like I did, because one has to get out all of the excitement somehow, makes me feel so incredibly happy and seen
This is a video that... when I saw the "notify me" prompt... I KNEW that it was going to just be devastating. And then the next day, Jack's Lament came out, and... I'm 99% certain that they're trying to just destroy people and have the most fun possible as they do. Worse, I'm happily along for the ride >.< So, what does that say about me... heck, about all of us? I'm glad you took the second pass through the song, to check the flow of the spoken part. It really doesn't do badly at all, does it?
Tony Wakim is credited as "Guard" in the Credits section of the VoicePlay description box, in among all of the other production people. VP is finding all kinds of places to stick people's credits where you (well, at least I) don't expect them - Bucky was in an almost identical place in the Drunken Sailor credits (although he was actually listed just above the Credits section). The guard's entrance and interaction is something that's in the original Disney movie. I've watched a couple of other videos/recordings of other people/casts doing the song, and it seems that if it's based on the movie, the scene is there, but if it's a play/musical, they leave it out, so it's not just VoicePlay that is doing it.
To me, the middle part is almost like a coasting point into a build up. Layne does an amazing job with the percussion to keep it from feeling flat, Tony's delivery is actually very rhythmic and fits into the beat like sing-talking, and then Ceasar, Eli, and J's backing vocals start to swell up as Geoff's talking at the end and they kind of float us right back into the thick of things. Layne's beats in particular make me want to tap my fingers or feet along with him, so I still feel connected to the music even when they're talking. I love this one! It's been in my head for a week straight, kudos to the guys for another hit! I also agree these five have made some amazing songs together. I miss Earl, but also I think when he left is when Eli started getting more of the high note parts and he's just been shining in that light!
♓Great, great reaction, Mortius. This cover is amazing. But it seems to me that you didn't notice Cesar "playing" guitar exactly when Eli cries "or let her to be mine an mine alone", just before the entrance of the guard. That was fantastic.
I've been waiting for a Mortius watch of this one! I knew you were gonna have fun with it and I'm cackling to myself while watching, not gonna lie. Thanks for the fun!
I like your reactions. I feel like if you watch it first then go back watch again with reaction would take away your actual reaction because you’d know what to expect. I love hearing the genuine awe and surprise in your reactions. I also love you music theory perspective.
I actually prefer it when reactors listen to a song twice. Usually without pausing first time, but the other way around is fine. I think it helps to avoid the first-time-overwhelm and miss a lot of things. Thanks Mortius.
15:05 I love how you can see Mortius go clearly from "oh I can feel it coming" to "oh wait we're going up?" to "wait NO I'M NOT READY" to "ahhhhh that was so go- wait there's MORE?" to "now we're going down and I'm already mush" 😂
I LOVE how I can relive my emotions through you! I know exactly how you feel in that moment 😂😂😍 And for me it was AWESOME that you did a back-to-back second play. It showed the progression of the song soooo well!
i can't remember if i actually commented on this during the premier or just the chat, but i LOVE how jazzed you are about this rendition! i saw that a lot of fans were somewhat conflicted on their patreon but i am on cloud nine! i was always hoping voiceplay would do a full treatment to a HoND song since it's been my favorite disney movie since i saw it at age 11 in theaters (many times) and i still to this day believe it has the best music of any disney animated movie. i can't get this version out of my head and i am stoked to see this has made a place among your favorites. i'm rewatching your reaction a bunch of times for the smiles! ALSO hard agree that this line up is probably my favorite, some of my most favorite and treasured VP songs are cesar + j none.
Mortius, I LOVE your reactions. When I watched this, I had to take a "brain break" at about 1 minute 10 into their video. If you look on VoicePlay's comments for this song, I mentioned you! I knew you would LOVE this!! ♥
I don’t know why but a lot of reactors don’t talk as much about the second “she will burn at the end” and idk why but it’s literally my favorite part of this song
To me it seems like JNone hasn't really left. This is the best crew of Voiceplay to me as well. I can't wait until you do Geoff's new song Jacks Lament. That is going to blow you away.
Ok you know when you’re itching a dog and you get the itchy spot and there leg starts going…. I feel that is what Geoff does to me with that whole ending bit. 🐕🦺
Will not lie, as soon as I heard this, I have been *waiting* for this reaction - because I know Mortius and I love the same pieces of the guys' voices!! THIS WAS SO GOODDDDDDDDDD
YES. The first time I heard this performed by VoicePlay it sounded so passionate that it made me think it was a totally unsuitable song for a Disney film! Well done the guys for their interpretation! He is the nastiest creepiest of villains.
The word that was being used wasn't 'prior', it was PYRE, which I think is specifically a fire used for either signalling or the disposal of human remains. Whenever he's telling the Gypsy to choose him or her pyre, it's a declaration that if she's not with him, she will be killed. There are repeated references to Esmerelda as a witch, at a time when such were still being condemned to being burned at the stake, so it's implicit that he's threatening her with what was considered the most painful form of execution in use at the time if she refused him. [Remember, it IS a villain's song.]
I knew this was going to be an AMAZING reaction, so I had to wait a few days until I had the time to truly give it my full attention--and holy crap, did you ever deliver! I am always HERE for your Geoff and VP reactions, and this one might be my very favorite--so utterly fantastic I can't even pick out a favorite part! Thank you, Mortius!
The Latin in the Background: et tibi Pater (and you Father) mea maxima culpa (my greatest guilt) both from the catholic Schuldbekenntnis (don't know the translation? guilt avowl?) kyrie eleison (greek: have mercy)
I have Geoff's "Now Gypsy, its your turn." as the alarm reminding me to take my daily medications cause what else can you do but go "yes sir, It'll do that now sir." I have never been so consistent with my meds. XD
In the same vein, can you imagine how intimidating it would be to be on the receiving end of Geoff's sharp "What?"
They do use doubles of Geoff's voice sometimes! In fact, they use several clones of Geoff, which can be seen performing in many of his solo videos. There's only one surefire way to tell which Geoff is the original Geoff among the crowd - the real Geoff is allergic to sleeves.
Not true! 😂
The "real Geoff" in his solo videos is always the lead singer, but not necessarily the one/only one without sleeves (e.g. in Folsom Prison Blues, Daryl (as indicated by the number code on his shirt) is wearing a shirt with the sleeves cut off, while Geoff, Jeoph, and Jeff (again, number codes) are all wearing sleeved shirts 😝)
Oh, my goodness. It's all Geoff and it's all great, all the time!!!❤❤❤
Opening Latin:
Confiteor Deo
Omnipotenti
Beatae Mariae
Semper Virgini
Beato Michaeli archangelo
Sanctis apostolis
Omnibus sanctis
"I confess to God
almighty
To the blessed Mary
Ever virgin
To the blessed archangel Michael
To the holy apostles
To all the saints"
(There's like a blending of the different versions of the Confiteor to make it make sense lyrically)
The whole song is a clash of desire versus dogma. You have the normal:
cogitatione, verbo,
opere et omissione.
meaning “In my thoughts, and in my words
in what I have done and what I have failed to do.”
Split and rerendered as
"In my thoughts..."
Frollo's thought: "I feel her, I see her
The sun caught in her raven hair
Is blazing in me out of all control.."
---
The ending play with fault and mercy is amazing:
It's not my fault! / Mea culpa
I'm not to blame! / Mea culpa
It is the gypsy girl
The witch who sent this flame! / Mea maxima culpa
It's not my fault! / Mea culpa
If in God's plan / Mea culpa
He made the devil so much stronger than a man / Mea maxima culpa
Mea culpa
Mea culpa
Mea maxima culpa
"through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;"
It's a part of the Confiteor we hear at the beginning
The contrast of "It's not my fault" / "through my fault"
Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy)
God have mercy on her...
Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy)
God have mercy on me...
Kyrie Eleison
And we leave Latin behind and go straight for Koine Greek.
He's hitting hard on the Lust, Envy, or Pride.
21:30 They're singing pyre, as in FUNERAL PYRE, burning her at the stake:
[FROLLO & PRIESTS, CHOIR]
Hellfire / Hellfire
Dark fire / Dark fire
Now gypsy, it's your turn
Choose me or Choose me or
Your pyre / Your pyre
Be mine or you will burn!
I recognised and understood the Latin (at least what I could clearly make out), but on my own I wasn't sure what kind of Latin it was. Thanks to you I get it now: it's what I know as "Church Latin", aka Catholic traditional, ranging from 4th-century to at least 11th-century.
So yes, thank you. :)
Today: Mortius is a disaster bisexual and we are here for it
We love Mortius for certain.
A BI-saster one could say...
I'll see myself out.
The drop after "Burn it!" is literally better than some groups' entire careers. A couple things: That language is Latin. I believe they are doubling Geoff. And yes, I believe that's either stomps or vocal percussion, but I can't tell either. It's Layne, so I'd be willing to accept he could do that with his voice. Also a thought I had for you: you might try to do what I've seen some reactors and analyzers do before, and listen to it all the way through once, then go back and analyze it.
I have read that the bass in the beginning is Layne while Geoff is singing his part, so they are acctually not doubling him. 🙂 love from Croatia🇭🇷
I've come to realise that I don't in fact prefer that 2 part thing after all. It seemed better to me at first but it ended up getting boring pretty quickly, I found myself clicking off before the analysis part because it became to repetitive and or not watch one of the parts ever again. Ofc Mortius is the very opposite of boring but still I noticed that on one reactor who used both styles, in the long run I liked the all in one much better.
Something that both artists and reactors frequently overlook when Disney material is presented is that not everybody is a Disney fan and knows the songs and their context. I think Layne's inserting the spoken part makes the backdrop of the song more accessible to non-Disney-loving listeners so we can appreciate the song. I'm always surprised when Eli does the speaking voices for characters like the Guard (here) or Santa in Oogie Boogie. He's a really talented voice actor.
It's also just in the song itself though. Like the version on spotify have that dialogue in it.
Agreed though that it definitely adds context, so I'm glad they didn't remove it
@@kingle And I'll add that it also shows that his earlier 'prayer' to Mother Mary to be protected was answered by Esmerelda's escape. And instead of seeing it for the respite from temptation, Frollo turns to the final decision to 'burn the witch'. He would never have needed to ever see her again, if he had just let her stay escaped.
I'm gonna be honest, it doesn't add a whole lot of context without the movie. Like other than fleshing out Frollos hypocrisy a bit, it's too vague to add anything proper for people who haven't seen the movie. More than anything, it's just a bridge for the two parts of the song, as the song played without that interlude sounds *really* jarring. Not even from a context standpoint, just a musical one. Im glad they kept it in, regardless, but imo it doesn't provide much for people who don't already know the story.
The DARKEST Disney song ever! Frollo is a truly evil villain because he KNOWS what he's doing is wrong. His subconscious sings in Latin "Mea maxima culpa" (it is my greatest fault) yet he chooses darkness anyway.
Fun fact: the original singer, Tony Jay, couldn't hit the final high note and asked composer Alan Menken to take it down. Alan said "NO" and made him take voice lessons until he could hit the note and sustain it. And here's Geoff, belting it and then saying "Nah, I'm going HIGHER!" I will never stop being amazed by his voice. Layne did this dark song justice with his arrangement.
"You don't just call and response Eli and Geoff"
IDK m8, the first time I heard Geoff I had a severe colon response 💀
Mortius: Fight me, Voiceplay: Hold my Hellfire
The hottest ho potato
"Choose me or your pyre,
be mine or you will burn!"
Frollo is such a twisted (but sadly realistic) villain, and VoicePlay definitely did this fantastic song justice.
The spoken dialogue is taken directly from the movie, as one of the guards Frollo has sent out to look for Esmeralda returns to tell him she can't be found. So it wasn’t VoicePlay's idea to insert spoken words there. =)
And I kind of like that it brings us back down from the previous crescendo of sound. Not all the way back, but gives us space for Geoff's "She Will Burn" to be separate from Eli's.
Ain't NONE of these guys human! Between Eli's highs and Geoff just hitting the whole dang keyboard I'm shook. Layne's little comment and percussion, and of course, J and Cesar rounding it all out with insane harmonies. I'm pretty sure they hit god level with this one. I KNOW Geoff did on Jack's Lament. And I bet we have a walk off like Kaz did or a slither to the floor.
The cloaked man is Tony Walkim--Geoff nominated him to do it.
The unidentified walk on to give the news was Tony Wakim
VoicePlay turned up the fire, and melted Mortius' brain so much that he had to watch the whole video twice in a row 😆❤ Thank you, Mortius, for another great reaction!
I've come to the conclusion that Layne and Geoff are musical geniuses with their arrangements. Plus Eli often does choreography which rocks. These guys are just super amazing!
1) the language of the background vocals that you didn't recognize is Latin. Those were common prayers recited in Catholic worship (I'll have to go back and watch with captions to catch them all, but in any case); they're part of the sound environment of Notre Dame Cathedral. 2) The person playing the guard was Tony Wakim. I think he was credited, I'll have to go back and check.
Background refrain lines translated:
Beata Maria = "Blessed Mary"
Et tibit pater = "the father trembles"
Cogitatione = "in thought"
Mea maxima culpa = "it is my greatest fault"
Kyrie eleison (Greek) = "Lord, have mercy"
So, basically, those lines are Frollo's conscience, that knows the truth, and which Frollo beats into submission. Layne, you're a madman, a wizard, a beast, or all three.
@@CapriUniThank you for that translation! I knew a little bit of it, but you've filled in all the spaces. 🤗
@@shilohauraableYou're welcome. To be honest, the empty spaces were making my brain itch, too. I used to study Latin all through high school, but I haven't touched it in decades, so it was a case of "on the tip of my brain"
@CapriUni Layne is all three, to our eternal entertainment joy.
@@tammymoseley1348Indeed!💯
I hope Mortius doesn't hurt himself in response to the amazing performance.
Tony Wakim played the guard but Eli was the voice.
Thanks Mason too.
You missed Caesars guitar part? It was so unexpected, and not even highligted. But awesome!
Geoff, glowering into the camera: "Now g*psy, it's *your* turn"
Mortius: ".... _Moi????_ "
I have never seen the movie because I read the book as a teenager and was traumatized!😅 (All of Hugo’s works are sad beyond belief). Have to say, though, this song by VoicePlay is magnificent.
Hooray! Someone else who hears bells and thought of Notre Dame! I have commented on it a few times and nobody else has caught that. 🔔🔔⛪️ 🔔 🔔
Frollo starts out looking tormented, but as soon as Layne says “burn it”, he descends into madness. When he is singing “the fire within my skin” , Geoff seems to be looking at his hands in confusion as if he is wondering what is happening to him.
When you go back to listen which I know you will, listen for Geoff’s arpeggios when J is singing…. And for Cesar’s air guitar!
This rendition is closer to the original movie because of that spoken section. Right after the guard is when he switches from **his** skin on fire to condemning Esmeralda to burn. It’s her escape that finally pushes him all the way over the edge. And if you listen carefully, in the BGV’s you can hear the words either “she has es-caped” or “gyp-sy es-caped”. (It’s probably more audible on the karaoke track but I didn’t want to get out of this reaction and not be able to find it again😆).
Geoff did back to back dual personalities. In Jack’s Lament he plays another tortured soul. It is such an incredible performance that I will probably find myself watching it all year long. But it probably won’t be on a regular playlist because it is clearly seasonal.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting your reaction to this one, and it did not disappoint!!! One tiny thing…it’s “Choose me, or your pyre,” not “prior.” A small thing, but makes the lyrics FAR darker.
Now you need to see Jacks Lament asap
Absolute fantastic reaction, pure mortius in full overdrive, completely over-stimulated and putting himself into a spin! Thank you
and the spoken part in the middle of the song was part of the original from the film. Frollo is being interrupted by his guard.
I just rewatched your reaction for the third time in less than 24h. 😅 The only other VP R&A of yours I've seen as often are Phantom of the Opera and the Queen medley (and this is partially due to the fact that almost no one else covered these two).
And I absolutely agree with you that J.None and Cesar are the best line-up. I also noticed that they bring J back for all the songs that one can anticipate to become a big deal and particularly popular such as Phil Collins, Metallica oder Valhalla. I think that's not a coincidence but a conscious choice. And just like all the returning guests (Rachel, Omar etc.) J isn't nesseccarily always the leading star but just one of the guys in all the arrangements that feature him, just as if he was still a regular member, because he no longer has to be introduced to the audience.
As someone who usually gushes endlessly about Eli and Cesar and isn't really on the Geoff obsession bandwagon, this is one of those rare arrangements where I'm all about Geoff and Layne (another one being the Queen medley). I don't even mind that it's mostly a solo for Geoff. Usually I'm not a fan of the (mostly older) arrangements that feature one of them as a lead for most of the song because for me, VP is all about being a group of all equally amazing singers and I want everyone to be featured somewhat equally. (The only real exception is, in fact, Phantom with Tony.) But this one just breaks all the rules for me apparently. 😂
I totally agree with you on this Voiceplay grouping! Layne, Geoff, Eli, Cesar and J.None, SO good!!! I was thrilled J and Cesar have a little duet in this, their voices blend as smooth as silk and satin! And yours is the best reaction I've seen! Breathe, Mortius, breathe!
The guard is Tony. This song is stunning, evil, mesmerizing and utterly unforgettable. All the guys did beautifully, that line by Cesar and J about the sunlight catching her hair is gorgeous, Eli's soaring notes, Layne and everything. And then you have the villain so vile that he would burn the woman he wants so badly if he can't have her. The kyrie eleison (in English means God have mercy) mantra when Geoff is singing God have mercy on her, God have mercy on me and then commits to burning her. Some children's movie, eh? Don't think Disney would do it again. I was fascinated watching you react to this absolutely top tier video.
I call this lineup the Fabulous Five. Since they have yet to replace J. None, having a series of guests instead, and have J. None as often as he can get away, I suspect and hope that they are holding his spot for him. 🤞
Finally. Now if Peter barber would just get on it lol
That would break the internet like how hooked on a feeling did
And The Charismatic Voice.
Me waiting on Peter Barber 👁👄👁
@@lisaredwine4857she is Monday but I like Peter better. She skipped over Geoff and VP forever
This is definitely the best arrangement by Lane to date. I personally like that they kept the speaking part in. Geoff's eyes gave me the collywobbles! Love the fact that Geoff was the lead. Great reaction Mortius
Did you notice Ceasars electric guitar in the middle? Love your analysis as always ❤❤
The "burn it" moment 😁 I 100% agree, I was flailing
Oh, i was waiting for this since Voiceplay released this cover
same!
yep. Can't wait for him so see Jack's Lament. @@jenniestarr9015
Yep, that was how I thought he would react to this
This one is fire, but the song Geoff released LITERALLY THE NEXT DAY after this is S tier. It's been 4 days and i think I've listened to it more that 50 times.
Cesar's air guitar was amazing too 🎸😁
Judge Claude Frollo is most definitely a villain in Hunchback of Notre Dame. What makes him so compelling villain is this song. We see his arrogance, we see him questioning his own morality, we see him rejecting the chance at redemption. This makes him one of the most morally complex Disney villain. Putting Geoff in the lead for this is an outstanding choice; his range truly suits the conflict within Frollo. The set is extremely simple and only serves to put the focus on the lyrics.
The reason this song makes him such a compelling villain, is because it gives him a motivation without redeeming him for it. Instead of Cruela or Maleficent (one of which I really like) giving the villain sympathetic reasoning, this song gives Frolo the opportunity to stop, and he explains why he doesn't. She's gone, his prayer has been answered, but he obsesses.
I love watching how you are surprised by their songs and your voice is gorgeous and gives you goosebumps from their songs
Love it when Lane goes down into his bass register
I’m pretty sure the speaking section is in the original as well just so you know. Great reaction!
The whole song gives me chills, but ”burn it” from Layne and that last “she will burn” genuinely just hit different, it’s so goddamn good. It’s so incredible. I was in PIECES the first time I heard this (late to the party I know) and I still am. You have more understanding of music than I, but you hit on a lot of the moments I do when I hear this, great to get better insight on WHY I love this arrangement so much. Hellfire is one that just keeps bringing me back.
Entirely secondary, but I also totally want everyone’s outfits from this. Especially whatever J’s wearing. So cool. And the fire in Geoff’s eyes? Ok, ok, ok, I see you, VoicePlay… that’s awesome. It’s the little things sometimes. 😂
Did you miss Cesar's air guitar?? It was so cool.
The guy in the hooded robe was Tony (though Eli provided the voice work for that).
Great, and super fun, reaction!! ❤
I just saw that for the first time on this watch love it
@@coffeeandtatuaje I didn't catch it until about the 3rd time I watched it. VP videos are always like that for me, lol.
@@Traci2000 I love it. Like a treasure hunt. Or Christmas morning lol
I've had this version of the song stuck in my head for days now, can't seem to get it out.
Upon first time listening to it I thought 'I think I still prefer the original'... but I think by now I can't lie to myself about that anymore. Especially since I'm waiting for my favorite reactors to upload their reactions (you being one of those, so yay!)
Such an un-Disney-like song, such a creepy song... all brought about by a dude being h**ny. Yet when VoicePlay sing it I don't think many would choose the pyre.
The bass in the beginning while Geoff was singing was Layne, once he started beatboxing it was all Geoff to my knowledge. (but who knows with so many of them being able to sing bass) You have to watch carefully to see it. Four generations of VP baritone's in one video, what a delight! Thanks for the reaction!
Layne has a short bass line up until he says “burn it”, then it’s Geoff double-tracked. 😊
Also, Tony is credited as the guard, but is voiced by Eli.
We should probably start calling this month "Aca-tober."
Such a good arrangement, thanks for being you and replaying so much and catching so many details!
I like how you broke down the video first and then listen to it all the way through without stopping the video I hope you do more like this
I have watched many react videos to this and yours might be my favorite! Most have been by vocal professionals analyzing it but your amazement is much closer to my own reaction ❤
The scream very near the start made me jump out of my skin, thank you Mortius. Truly.
Seriously though, your uploads are a highlight to my week, seeing someone nerd out about VoicePlay as much as I do to my friends (to their dismay). Keep up the amazing work!
My husband's comment when he first listened was that when Geoff hit the note on Sin (17:55) he could feel it in his testacles lol (he had surround sound headphones)
According to others, the man in the cloak is Tony from Pattycake Productions who Geoff convinced to do the walk on. Also, that particular set of lines is actually in the original scene in the Hunchback of Notre Dame (slightly adjusted for a live performance.) It prefaces Judge Claude Frollo's hunting spree that culminates in setting parts of the city on fire and also in damage to the cathedral if I remember correctly. I am very glad you enjoyed what is now my second favorite Voice Play video. LOL
I think that listening back to it in a single segment after you’ve made your comments from the first viewing is a good idea.
I wonder if Mortius knows that JoYo has done a great version of this song as well. Clean when it’s normal Frollo and heavily distorted when the madness shines through the facade of civility
Mortius goes mad again. Man, I aleways love his reactions and his analysis.
This is the first video I've seen of yours. I was recommended your channel after going down a voiceplay/Geoff rabbithole. LMAO You are so fun to watch. The excitement made me so happy but you also put in a very interesting analysis.
The guard was Tony! So great to have him show up, though Eli spoke his line, I think I saw it mentioned.
Epic cover by Voiceplay and Geoff Castelucci is epic also.
Can't wait to see you lose it.😂😂😂
Enjoyed your reaction to this latest bit of magic from VoicePlay!
I would just _LOVE_ it if you did a video on Jonathan Young's version of Hellfire. Even if you've already heard that version, an analysis would still be just neat. :)
The figure in the cameo was Tony Wakim, it is said it was Eli providing the character's voice....>^^
Just to see you stimming to this exactly like I did, because one has to get out all of the excitement somehow, makes me feel so incredibly happy and seen
Hellfire, now we just have to wait for Jacks Laments and some Casper Fox
I just love watching you lose your mind... I couldnt see my own reaction, but now I know what it looked like😂😂😂😂
I loved your enthusiastic reaction to the performance.
Since I watched the original voice play video I have been waiting for your reaction video. You most definitely didn't dissapoint
This is a video that... when I saw the "notify me" prompt... I KNEW that it was going to just be devastating. And then the next day, Jack's Lament came out, and... I'm 99% certain that they're trying to just destroy people and have the most fun possible as they do. Worse, I'm happily along for the ride >.< So, what does that say about me... heck, about all of us? I'm glad you took the second pass through the song, to check the flow of the spoken part. It really doesn't do badly at all, does it?
YES! All my favorite reactors in one day!! Can't wait to see your reaction!
im here jumping reaction to reaction but SO excited for mortius reaction
Tony Wakim is credited as "Guard" in the Credits section of the VoicePlay description box, in among all of the other production people. VP is finding all kinds of places to stick people's credits where you (well, at least I) don't expect them - Bucky was in an almost identical place in the Drunken Sailor credits (although he was actually listed just above the Credits section).
The guard's entrance and interaction is something that's in the original Disney movie. I've watched a couple of other videos/recordings of other people/casts doing the song, and it seems that if it's based on the movie, the scene is there, but if it's a play/musical, they leave it out, so it's not just VoicePlay that is doing it.
I think your warm because this is HELL FIRE! Lol!❤
That "Sun caught in her raven hair" line's harmony is STUNNING
To me, the middle part is almost like a coasting point into a build up. Layne does an amazing job with the percussion to keep it from feeling flat, Tony's delivery is actually very rhythmic and fits into the beat like sing-talking, and then Ceasar, Eli, and J's backing vocals start to swell up as Geoff's talking at the end and they kind of float us right back into the thick of things. Layne's beats in particular make me want to tap my fingers or feet along with him, so I still feel connected to the music even when they're talking.
I love this one! It's been in my head for a week straight, kudos to the guys for another hit! I also agree these five have made some amazing songs together. I miss Earl, but also I think when he left is when Eli started getting more of the high note parts and he's just been shining in that light!
Voiceplay at their best and you at yours, apparently! I saw 25 minutes and knew this was going to be a fun one...
Yes! couldn't wait to see your reaction to this one, it's been living in my head since they released the video.
♓Great, great reaction, Mortius. This cover is amazing. But it seems to me that you didn't notice Cesar "playing" guitar exactly when Eli cries "or let her to be mine an mine alone", just before the entrance of the guard. That was fantastic.
I've been waiting for a Mortius watch of this one! I knew you were gonna have fun with it and I'm cackling to myself while watching, not gonna lie. Thanks for the fun!
I've heard it several times now and it gets better every time.
I love how hyped this made you, they definitely went above and beyond in this one 😂💜
I like your reactions. I feel like if you watch it first then go back watch again with reaction would take away your actual reaction because you’d know what to expect. I love hearing the genuine awe and surprise in your reactions. I also love you music theory perspective.
I actually prefer it when reactors listen to a song twice. Usually without pausing first time, but the other way around is fine. I think it helps to avoid the first-time-overwhelm and miss a lot of things. Thanks Mortius.
Agreed!! Plus so many songs have an amazing build up and pacing, which can be missed with the stop and start
15:05 I love how you can see Mortius go clearly from "oh I can feel it coming" to "oh wait we're going up?" to "wait NO I'M NOT READY" to "ahhhhh that was so go- wait there's MORE?" to "now we're going down and I'm already mush" 😂
I LOVE how I can relive my emotions through you! I know exactly how you feel in that moment 😂😂😍
And for me it was AWESOME that you did a back-to-back second play. It showed the progression of the song soooo well!
i can't remember if i actually commented on this during the premier or just the chat, but i LOVE how jazzed you are about this rendition! i saw that a lot of fans were somewhat conflicted on their patreon but i am on cloud nine! i was always hoping voiceplay would do a full treatment to a HoND song since it's been my favorite disney movie since i saw it at age 11 in theaters (many times) and i still to this day believe it has the best music of any disney animated movie. i can't get this version out of my head and i am stoked to see this has made a place among your favorites. i'm rewatching your reaction a bunch of times for the smiles! ALSO hard agree that this line up is probably my favorite, some of my most favorite and treasured VP songs are cesar + j none.
So glad, you finally reacted! I went crazy for this! This is just a masterpiece.
Mortius, I LOVE your reactions. When I watched this, I had to take a "brain break" at about 1 minute 10 into their video. If you look on VoicePlay's comments for this song, I mentioned you! I knew you would LOVE this!! ♥
I don’t know why but a lot of reactors don’t talk as much about the second “she will burn at the end” and idk why but it’s literally my favorite part of this song
I love your reaction to this one❤
Thank you for another great reaction to Voice Play.
The speaking line is part of the song in the movie
To me it seems like JNone hasn't really left. This is the best crew of Voiceplay to me as well. I can't wait until you do Geoff's new song Jacks Lament. That is going to blow you away.
Ok you know when you’re itching a dog and you get the itchy spot and there leg starts going…. I feel that is what Geoff does to me with that whole ending bit. 🐕🦺
Will not lie, as soon as I heard this, I have been *waiting* for this reaction - because I know Mortius and I love the same pieces of the guys' voices!! THIS WAS SO GOODDDDDDDDDD
YES. The first time I heard this performed by VoicePlay it sounded so passionate that it made me think it was a totally unsuitable song for a Disney film! Well done the guys for their interpretation! He is the nastiest creepiest of villains.
I love watching review for this video. JUST to watch everyone basically melt from the music and vocals. It's so much fun.
The word that was being used wasn't 'prior', it was PYRE, which I think is specifically a fire used for either signalling or the disposal of human remains. Whenever he's telling the Gypsy to choose him or her pyre, it's a declaration that if she's not with him, she will be killed. There are repeated references to Esmerelda as a witch, at a time when such were still being condemned to being burned at the stake, so it's implicit that he's threatening her with what was considered the most painful form of execution in use at the time if she refused him. [Remember, it IS a villain's song.]
Am I crazy, or was Tony the guard? That would be really cool to have him pop in. 😂 even if it’s only a speaking role.
I knew this was going to be an AMAZING reaction, so I had to wait a few days until I had the time to truly give it my full attention--and holy crap, did you ever deliver! I am always HERE for your Geoff and VP reactions, and this one might be my very favorite--so utterly fantastic I can't even pick out a favorite part! Thank you, Mortius!
I have been excited to watch your reaction to this one & Geoff's solo! Ain't it great?!? 😲 ❤
Hellfire: aka, the cognitive dissonance song.
The Latin in the Background:
et tibi Pater (and you Father)
mea maxima culpa (my greatest guilt)
both from the catholic Schuldbekenntnis (don't know the translation? guilt avowl?)
kyrie eleison (greek: have mercy)
I missed cogiatione (in my thoughts) in the prayer you would preface that with quia peccavi nimis (for I have sinned)
And...Beata Maria (Blessed Mary)