Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven - A Classical Musician’s First Listen, Reaction, and Study

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  • Опубліковано 12 тра 2024
  • Your recommendations, along with the “No Stairway to Heaven!” unwritten music shop rule, made me choose Stairway to Heaven as my first Led Zeppelin song. What I discovered digging into this piece of art truly fascinates me. So there: you were right: I’m deep in the rabbit hole now!
    Oh, and here’s the link that I promised you for Bolero by Maurice Ravel:
    • Boléro - Maurice Ravel...
    _________________________
    If this is the first time you’re watching one of my videos and you’re curious about who I am and my fields of expertise, follow this link:
    • All about Virgin Rock ...
    Join the classical musician Amy Shafer in her first listen of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and watch her follow-up thoughts and discoveries about this piece of music.
    _________________________
    If you enjoyed this well enough to support my work, here’s a link where you can “buy me a coffee”… or two :)
    ko-fi.com/amyshaferarts
    Special thanks to those who are keeping my ko-fi cup supplied:
    Yakov Rakhamimov, corepuncher, Brian Benny, Doug O’Neill, Roger P, Callum Leggat, Chad from Canada, Jeremy P, Jack, Bounds Cruise, Richard H, Ury Liv, Jason W, eljimi, Riffraff, Michael Ettner, Yuri, Steven, Christoff.
    _________________________
    Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
    _________________________
    Credits: Music written and performed by Led Zeppelin
    This video may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. VirginRock is using this material for educational, critical, research, and commentary purposes in our effort to promote musical literacy and understanding. We believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which provides allowance for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
    If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use”, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
    If your copyrighted material appears on this channel and you disagree with our assessment that it constitutes “fair use”, please contact us.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,9 тис.

  • @keymack2477
    @keymack2477 Рік тому +550

    School is in! Thank you Amy for another fascinating glimpse into how this song has been put together! I always feel much smarter after enjoying one of your music reactions and I look forward to whatever direction you take next! Thank you for your insightful reaction!!

    • @spoonunit03
      @spoonunit03 Рік тому +28

      ...and so say all of us.👍

    • @atomicwedgie8176
      @atomicwedgie8176 Рік тому +8

      In this song, the Pied Piper is Satan. Page, was deep into the occult and Crawley(Satan worshipper). Plant, is telling the listeners that you can lead a bad life, if you choose, "there's still time to change the road you're on".

    • @MsAppassionata
      @MsAppassionata Рік тому +9

      @@atomicwedgie8176 Who told you that the Pied Piper was supposed to represent Satan? I’ve never seen Page mention that anywhere.

    • @atomicwedgie8176
      @atomicwedgie8176 Рік тому +3

      @@MsAppassionata Why would he admit it? Album sales would go way down. Page bought the home of Allister Crowley, which was a church that caught fire and burned down with the congregation still inside! Crowley was called the most evil man whoever lived and Page was a devout follower.

    • @josephwright6154
      @josephwright6154 Рік тому +3

      @@atomicwedgie8176 you mean crowley

  • @user-ch5qd3uz3l
    @user-ch5qd3uz3l Рік тому +1100

    "i'm beginning to realize that a lot of rock songs have this guitar solo moment" is the most precious thing I have ever heard

    • @Plymouth888
      @Plymouth888 Рік тому +17

      Please have a listen to Rainbow - especially the first 3 albums.

    • @arguserhardt8244
      @arguserhardt8244 Рік тому +91

      Isn't it?! It's like someone trying dessert for the first time and saying "I'm beginning to realize that a lot of cupcakes have this frosting part"
      It's like... YES! THAT'S ONE OF THE BEST PARTS! ISN'T IT WONDERFUL!??

    • @SecretSpots
      @SecretSpots Рік тому +24

      What a glorious moment!

    • @riukrobu
      @riukrobu Рік тому +15

      I really loved that!

    • @rubenvalencia7959
      @rubenvalencia7959 Рік тому +20

      yes indeed, my heart melted after hearing that one! Great commentary, on a great musical masterpiece. I'm now a subscriber!

  • @UriahBennett
    @UriahBennett Рік тому +278

    This woman is an absolute treasure she must be protected at all cost.

    • @nigel900
      @nigel900 11 місяців тому +1

      She really should gut out of her protective cocoon and listen to what’s been playing for more than 50 DAMN YEARS! For the love of God… she’s a “music teacher!” Pitiful…

    • @simoneric8183
      @simoneric8183 11 місяців тому +7

      Absolutely.

    • @georgewachsmuth9201
      @georgewachsmuth9201 10 місяців тому +4

      I totally agree!

    • @Davelakful
      @Davelakful 8 місяців тому +1

      Agree

    • @alonenjersey
      @alonenjersey Місяць тому

      You got that right. A damn shame I didn't have someone exactly like her when I suffered through music class in my final year of Jr. High.

  • @palorius
    @palorius Рік тому +97

    "There was no shock of the transition because it happened so smoothly up to that point ... that when it came it belonged, but at the same time it was unexpected. "- What wonderful praise from one professional to another and only another musician could express it so eloquently.

    • @traveltrailer7018
      @traveltrailer7018 4 місяці тому +3

      As some one who has listened to this song since the 70’s, the entry of the electric guitar triggers a nostalgia that I cannot explain.

  • @davidhanson8681
    @davidhanson8681 Рік тому +92

    This is a song most rock fans have overheard to the point of not hearing at all. You brought it to life again for me.

    • @gordonthomas4292
      @gordonthomas4292 5 місяців тому +3

      I too have heard it many, many times. But the 1st few notes of Jimmy Pages' lead riff still put the hairs up on my neck

  • @Brian-wq3qh
    @Brian-wq3qh Рік тому +110

    One thing I've noticed with reaction/analysis of Led Zeppelin music is that very few reviewers mention the drumming of John Bonham. His drumming is used as an actual instrument not just as a means of keeping the rhythm.
    He is, in my humble opinion, the greatest rock drummer of all time if not greatest in any style.

    • @22nola
      @22nola Рік тому +6

      My thoughts as well. Bonham’s drums drive most of their work and adds so much depth and interest.

    • @peterolbrisch8970
      @peterolbrisch8970 Рік тому +3

      Ok, but does that really matter anymore how he is rated.

    • @Trippin369
      @Trippin369 Рік тому +7

      Drummers are almost always unseen. Despite the incredible gifts they are blessed with.

    • @louierivera7512
      @louierivera7512 11 місяців тому +6

      Agreed 100%

    • @annika8207
      @annika8207 10 місяців тому

      @@Trippin369Agree completely! Have since the pandemic starting to listen to the dums more specific! ”Discovered” so far:
      * Michael Shrieve (Santana)
      * Per Lindvall (ABBA, A-ha)
      * Ola Brunkert (ABBA, etc)
      * Jeff Procario (TOTO)
      * Micky Dee (Motörhead)
      * Dennis Byron (BeeGees)
      * John JR Robinson (Lionel Richie, David Lee Roth, Michel Jackson, We are the world
      * John (Bonzo) Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
      * Billy Cobham (jazz)
      * Mel Gaynor (Simple Minds)
      * Buddy Rich (jazz/storband)
      * Eric Carr (Kizz)
      * Albert (Al) Jackson Jr (BookerT MGs, Stax)
      * Larry Mullen (U2)
      * Roger Taylor (Queen)
      * Laust Sonne (D.A.D.)
      * Brian Tichy (Billy Idol, mm)
      * Senri Kawaguchi (young Japaneese)
      And I’m keep looking!😉

  • @00wn
    @00wn Рік тому +535

    OK...that was the best analysis of this song I have ever been lucky enough to witness.
    Two thoughts ~
    #1 - Amy Shafer is the only person on planet Earth, who has permission to pause a guitar solo.
    # 2 - When Virgin Rock hits 10,000 subscribers, Amy Shafer must play Stairway To Heaven on the harp in its entirety.
    Brilliant, Amy...absolutely brilliant!!

    • @richardj9016
      @richardj9016 Рік тому +41

      Oh, number 1 is hard to agree to, but number 2 makes it an overall Yes

    • @VirginRock
      @VirginRock  Рік тому +223

      1. Why thank you for the absolution of my sins! Lol. (But really, I think I’ll eventually get to the point that I can find better places to pause and still be able to express myself, but not cause such pain and agony.)
      2. I’ll think about it!

    • @00wn
      @00wn Рік тому +16

      @@VirginRock 😀

    • @MarcelVolker
      @MarcelVolker Рік тому +27

      I think it's safe to say that 10k subscribers is going to happen very very soon 😊

    • @ssm445
      @ssm445 Рік тому +47

      If Amy goes for "Comfortably numb" and interrupts the solos, I 'd be genuinely angry though 😄

  • @contucker9413
    @contucker9413 Рік тому +118

    How fortunate that these four musical geniuses were not only born as contemporaries but also that they found each other.

    • @midi510
      @midi510 Рік тому +2

      I consider it one of God's gifts to us. I consider music on the whole as a gift of God to me/us. I don't think I would have survived past my teenage years without music.

    • @guzmanbriozzo3178
      @guzmanbriozzo3178 Рік тому +1

      Si, responde a un momento histórico y un entorno que lo fomentó, por eso hoy en día es más difícil que se dé, por lo menos a ese nivel.

    • @musicforge14
      @musicforge14 Рік тому

      Get lost conman Tucker Carlson!

    • @simoneric8183
      @simoneric8183 11 місяців тому +1

      What a better definition of the miraclulous existence of Led Zep music than the one you just gave us !

    • @simoneric8183
      @simoneric8183 10 місяців тому +1

      It makes me feel like wanting to do some research on this topic.

  • @TheEsteban1979
    @TheEsteban1979 9 місяців тому +24

    This woman is magical. I could listen to her for hours. God blessed her with amazing skills.

  • @dondebomm6329
    @dondebomm6329 Рік тому +261

    One can not dismiss the musical influence of John Paul Jones on all Zeppelin's songs.

    • @michaelheller8841
      @michaelheller8841 Рік тому +18

      JPJ and Bonham were the backbone of Led Zep no doubt. There Rhythms put a charge to their music.
      Not to take away anything Plant and Page did, they did a little too lol.

    • @zeppelinfan9360
      @zeppelinfan9360 Рік тому +35

      @@michaelheller8841 Zeppelin doesn't work if you remove "ANY" of the four!
      I hope there's clarification 😁
      🎸☮️💕

    • @michaelheller8841
      @michaelheller8841 Рік тому +13

      @@zeppelinfan9360 I was being sarcastic lol. Most people talk about Plant and Page. In some cases John Bingham being the best drummer. A lot of people don’t talk about JPJ. It is true all 4 made the magic.

    • @michaelheller8841
      @michaelheller8841 Рік тому +5

      Bonham meant, freaking typo

    • @josephlinnell9855
      @josephlinnell9855 Рік тому

      JPJ. THE SILENT ASSASSIN

  • @eatthisvr6
    @eatthisvr6 Рік тому +214

    Page plays guitar like it's a voice talking to you. Robert uses his voice like and instrument. The combination is sublime

    • @PhilPage227
      @PhilPage227 Рік тому +7

      Very well put my friend.

    • @Daniel-Strain
      @Daniel-Strain Рік тому +11

      Yes! I've always thought that the call and response of the two guitars from 12:15 to 12:35 (of this video) sounded like two people having a conversation or debate over the paths of virtue and vice, with each argument being answered by the one trying to convince his friend that "there is still time to change the road you're on".

    • @dianecourtney2724
      @dianecourtney2724 Рік тому +4

      Great comment

  • @robertfmorton
    @robertfmorton 9 місяців тому +31

    Amy. Please! Don't ever change the way you present your analysis videos. As a 75 year old who grew up with the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and the rest, you explain why I was hooked from the start. You always entertain AND inform. I learn SO much. From this retired teacher, you are the best! (P.S., I would love you to look at Pink Floyd's 'Animals' album. My favorite).

  • @charlesblakely1634
    @charlesblakely1634 5 місяців тому +21

    I just discovered Virgin Rock and I'm entranced by Amy's spirit, her intelligence, her passion, and on and on...This is some of the best stuff I've discovered on UA-cam. Keep it up, Amy!

  • @davidcardoso3525
    @davidcardoso3525 Рік тому +295

    My Mother was a Classically trained musician who had little, if any, time in her life for rock music. I talked her into listening to Stairway & her immediate comment was that it had a "wonderful shape".

    • @ruraljuror1734
      @ruraljuror1734 Рік тому +17

      That’s utterly beautiful! 💜

    • @davidellinsworth22
      @davidellinsworth22 Рік тому +12

      I'd have paid good money to see her reaction

    • @blackbob3358
      @blackbob3358 Рік тому +1

      Was she just patronising you, mr Cardoso, or what ? ( or just her way of telling you to shut up ! )

    • @davidellinsworth22
      @davidellinsworth22 Рік тому +17

      @@blackbob3358 any need for that comment?

    • @ryanbotha9775
      @ryanbotha9775 Рік тому

      Poor stunted creature she must have been..

  • @kylben
    @kylben Рік тому +74

    I love the thunder coming through your mic. Even the sky can't help rocking out to Led Zeppelin.

    • @DavidAntrobus
      @DavidAntrobus Рік тому +13

      I like to think that was Bonzo reminding us he existed, as if we need reminding.

  • @Tranderson02
    @Tranderson02 Рік тому +16

    Come for the reaction, stay for the education! You are a gem.

  • @davidsender7479
    @davidsender7479 8 місяців тому +10

    Has anyone else noticed the live thunder outside during this... It's makes it absolutely magical !

  • @infodotwtf
    @infodotwtf Рік тому +58

    This should be a show on PBS. I dig it.

  • @incamoran9532
    @incamoran9532 5 місяців тому +6

    Listening to Stairway to Heaven during a thunderstorm is an old rocker's idea of bliss.

  • @scottanderson7412
    @scottanderson7412 Рік тому +141

    I lost a lady friend in 2001 or so, and I was a truck driver at the time when I got to my truck and started the truck, and made my safety check then got back in the truck, exactly when I shut the door to start driving Stairway to Heaven came on the radio, and I started balling my eyes out because I just found out a few hours prior that she past away, and from that moment on I have dedicated that song to her. Her name was Donna Webb, and she died at 48 to do being a heavy drinker, and smoker, and I really enjoyed listening to you going through and explaining the song in more detail. I'm a new subscriber to you, and this is my 3rd time watching you do a reaction, and you have done all of them very nicely. I'm glad I have come across your channel. Thanks again for doing what you do beautiful one.

    • @steveryan1799
      @steveryan1799 Рік тому +12

      Hey Scott, nice tribute to your friend.

  • @fidobite3798
    @fidobite3798 Рік тому +48

    You really have to wonder what planet this nice lady grew up on! It's fascinating to see and hear her reaction to perhaps the best known rock recording in 50+ years and she seems to have never before heard it!

    • @ItIsRan
      @ItIsRan Рік тому +4

      I suppose she's not a rock fan, i bet she knows it exists and have listened to a glimpse of it before but never listened to it in it's whole

    • @adamw13
      @adamw13 Рік тому +2

      She did say that it's so iconic, even she heard of it, but never listened

    • @bohbro
      @bohbro Рік тому +8

      There is also quite a lot of iconic non rock music that a lot of zep fans have never listened to.

    • @user-nm4eg5te2x
      @user-nm4eg5te2x Рік тому +1

      Wow 😂 musician? Is she? ....

    • @thomascordery7951
      @thomascordery7951 10 місяців тому +1

      ​@@user-nm4eg5te2x Very much so.

  • @katyareads221
    @katyareads221 Рік тому +140

    At the Kennedy Honors this song was done with an orchestra, rock band and full choir....worth the listen.

    • @menaceren
      @menaceren Рік тому +1

      Thank you for that!

    • @GeographRick
      @GeographRick Рік тому +4

      I love that version.

    • @muzik4machines
      @muzik4machines Рік тому +4

      came here to say that, epic performance

    • @rogerthomas169
      @rogerthomas169 Рік тому +6

      Heart did it and it was in front of the three remaining led zeppelin members, one of the top musical moments in tv history

    • @richardpare3538
      @richardpare3538 Рік тому +2

      @@rogerthomas169 You meant the 3 remaining members!

  • @nickmcginley4570
    @nickmcginley4570 Рік тому +86

    I have been listening to this song for about 50 years, and I still listen very carefully every time I hear it, and always discover some new emotional content each time.

    • @realnewswithleeleffingwell9475
      @realnewswithleeleffingwell9475 Рік тому +5

      100%!!!

    • @artistjoh
      @artistjoh Рік тому +2

      I'm with you on that journey. I bought IV the day it hit the stores.

    • @jeffburkholder2148
      @jeffburkholder2148 Рік тому +1

      When the song first came out. As it was played over-and-over on FM radio. I was so bored with it then because it was played so much. Now nearly 50 yrs later I now do love it.

  • @frankolivito9242
    @frankolivito9242 7 місяців тому +9

    this was one of the first rock songs that pyramided slowly steadily to a super crescendo.every band after that was inspired by this song

  • @coot1925
    @coot1925 Рік тому +23

    Thank you Amy. The British voice of Robert Plant is probably responsible for that Celtic feel. The recorders (not flutes) also add to the feel. In the 50 years of being a rock musician I've met a lot of classical musicians and unfortunately most of them are unable to appreciate rock, but you really get it. Music is an art form which is based on feelings and emotions and not necessarily about precision or skill. Whenever I write an instrumental it's always influenced by my surroundings and how I feel at the time. Your rendition on the harp almost made me cry, what a beautiful instrument.

  • @PeterBuwen
    @PeterBuwen Рік тому +129

    Your harp play of Stairway to heaven was very beautiful. I wished you could play a whole harp cover of the song. 🙃

  •  Рік тому +111

    I love when people like you are using the internet right: sharing and transmitting Culture and knowledge. The web is worth it thanks to you!
    One of my favorite compositors is also using repetition to build different tensions, E. Grieg with "In the lair of the mountain king" or "Ase's death" in the Peer Gynt suite.

  • @frankolivito9242
    @frankolivito9242 7 місяців тому +2

    thank you!you picked up on their Celtic and old English feels in their songs ,number 1 rock song of all time!!!

  • @richardventus1875
    @richardventus1875 7 місяців тому +4

    It's so wonderful to see someone really 'in tune' with the beauty and virtuosity of Led Zep's music. I don't believe it has been surpassed ever since it was released.

  • @midkingsteve
    @midkingsteve Рік тому +49

    Yes! Next you must do their song "kashmir". Another epic song but this time in harmonic minor. And featuring both a full symohonic orchestra and a melotron! Very cinematic.

    • @cjwagner1
      @cjwagner1 Рік тому

      If you do "kashmir" you might want to also check out the "live from celebration day" video of it on youtube. It is an excellent live version of it in my humble opition. It is from a tribute concert they did in 2007. They had disbanded in 1980 after their drummer John Bonham died. They got back together for this concert with John's son filling in on drums. ua-cam.com/video/2bZt7-T8oLY/v-deo.html.

    • @JohnSmith-pn1kq
      @JohnSmith-pn1kq Рік тому +2

      With the amount of times she stopped this song, imagine how many times she will stop Caroselambra. Probably every 5 seconds

    • @Zoso352
      @Zoso352 Рік тому

      @@JohnSmith-pn1kq Hah! Brilliant!

  • @anicecupoftea8303
    @anicecupoftea8303 Рік тому +59

    Genesis-Firth of Fifth. The piano intro and guitar solo are highlights of a fantastic song. One of my favourites.

    • @LuisMotrel
      @LuisMotrel Рік тому +5

      Yes please!

    • @nanskate
      @nanskate Рік тому +5

      I agree. One of my favorite progressive Rock songs.
      But don't forget about the flute.

    • @MDElam
      @MDElam Рік тому +5

      Yes: "Firth of Fifth" (or "Cinema Show" or "Supper's Ready")!

    • @AndrewMoore58
      @AndrewMoore58 Рік тому +5

      That is an amazing and very special song. One of Tony Banks best piano compositions. I hope Amy does that song.

    • @ryanwebb6356
      @ryanwebb6356 Рік тому +1

      Jason Becker, 18 years old he could write and play stuff that would shock Paganini with its virtuosity.

  • @klausschneider1045
    @klausschneider1045 11 місяців тому +7

    One of the finest details in this song is the way the intersections between verses each are shifting the mood to higher levels. Great songwriting.

  • @davidsthubbins176
    @davidsthubbins176 Рік тому +6

    "Stairway" sounds BEAUTIFUL on your harp. I'm sure we'd all love to hear you play it in its entirety.

  • @elizabetholiviaclark
    @elizabetholiviaclark Рік тому +56

    I'd never heard rock music critiqued quite like this, and now I have a new way of thinking about Stairway to Heaven. Thank you for the research and preparation.

  • @lashutterbug
    @lashutterbug Рік тому +83

    How remarkable that you mentioned Bolero at 29:45, because Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck played together on a track called "Beck's Bolero" in 1967. That track also included John Entwistle and Keith Moon of the Who. And Page himself would revisit that sound by including a "Bolero" solo in the first part of "How Many More Times" on Led Zeppelin's first album in 1968.

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +8

      Becks Bolero. I forgot about that one, it perfectly illustrates this concept. Good call.

    • @kovie9162
      @kovie9162 Рік тому +6

      When Amy said that it reminded her of a classical piece, I thought of some of Ravel's contemporaries like Debussy and Satie, so I "sort of" had it. 😀

    • @lyndoncmp5751
      @lyndoncmp5751 Рік тому +4

      I believe it was John Paul Jones, not John Entwistle. So half of the future Led Zeppelin. 👍

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +4

      @@lyndoncmp5751 talking about future zeppelin, I listened to a Yardbirds live bootleg that got uploaded yesterday called Live in New York 1968 and there is a song called “White Summer” which is Jimmy Page playing solo and you can hear him go through some future zeppelin stuff. Whole album is great.

    • @philjones6054
      @philjones6054 Рік тому +2

      Very good point you've made.

  • @catsara9114
    @catsara9114 24 дні тому +1

    One of the most beautiful songs ever, and also one of the most epic buildups in a song ever!

  • @HollowGolem
    @HollowGolem Рік тому +6

    I love that "Stairway" is basically "what happens if you sustain a crescendo throughout an entire song." It just keeps building. Sometimes by adding volume (the switch from acoustic to electric, for instance), sometimes by adding parts (vocals and drums have staggered entries throughout the first half of the song) and then once the volume is maxed, we increase tempo, especially in the solo, and then almost crash back down to the recapitulation at the end. "And she's buyin' the stairway..."

  • @zamdrist
    @zamdrist Рік тому +11

    What a gift it is to witness a person experiencing this song for the first time. So cool!

  • @bananapuddingpop3867
    @bananapuddingpop3867 Рік тому +41

    It can't be said enough, this is the greatest rock song ever written. Led Zeppelin, in my opinion, is the greatest band in rock history. (The Beatles are the most important) But Zeppelin is the greatest. They don't have a bad album. They rarely have a weak song on any of their albums. They are the rare band that was always at their peak no matter where they were in their history.
    You'll be getting a list a mile long of what to listen to next from them. The answer is simply yes....listen to any of their songs. But for me you know the true greatness of a song by listening to a cover. Look for Heart playing Stairway at the Kennedy Center Honors where they were honoring Led Zeppelin. And look at the teary eyed reactions of these once rock gods and now old men as they listen to someone masterfully play their greatest song. It's beautiful to watch Plant react to his own music.
    We all learn listening to anything by them, but if you must try Kashmire or Babe I'm Gonna Leave You for sure.

    • @Ninjametal
      @Ninjametal Рік тому +4

      I love Led Zeppelin, and agree for the most part. I suggest the "CODA" album is crap, but I still think Zeppelin is the greatest rock band.

    • @joescott8877
      @joescott8877 Рік тому +2

      From now on, I will adopt your description of Zeppelin = "greatest" (I often also say "best") but recognizing The Beatles as "most important." I think that's inarguable. I used to try to express that by saying Beatles= "greatest," but I think "most important" (or "influential" if you like) is the better choice. I also nominate "Bron-Yr-Aur," "In The Light," and "Achilles last Stand" for examples of Zep's range and structural complexities for this expert to analyze.

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +1

      Ramble on.

    • @rov3r698
      @rov3r698 Рік тому +1

      As she said “masterpiece “

    • @coyote4237
      @coyote4237 Рік тому

      Totally agree with you.

  • @privateislandice
    @privateislandice Рік тому +40

    Her reaction to Plant's voice after the guitar solo was great!

  • @JS-TexanJeff
    @JS-TexanJeff 4 місяці тому +2

    I've been listening to this song since ~1982. Definitely 100's if not 1000's of times. You analyzed and expressed more than I've absorbed in just a couple days listening. Amazing. Thank you.

  • @midkingsteve
    @midkingsteve Рік тому +33

    This was honestly one of the best song reviews I've ever seen. Brava. 👏👏👏👏

    • @grandtheftmanualv945
      @grandtheftmanualv945 Рік тому

      Check out the early videos, luckily there's not many yet, but all of equal quality!

  • @FearlessRefactoring
    @FearlessRefactoring Рік тому +36

    wow. when you first played it on the harp I broke into a huge smile. I could listen to that all day. It sounds fantastic.

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +1

      I hope she plays more harp too.

    • @oscarlinebaugh8930
      @oscarlinebaugh8930 Рік тому +1

      The Harp Twins did this on their harps. It sounds great on the harp.

  • @henryread5301
    @henryread5301 23 дні тому +1

    She's the only one I've heard react to this song and correctly identify the Recorder. Good job girl: 👍

  • @stevedahlberg8680
    @stevedahlberg8680 Рік тому +15

    I'm so blown away by playing those two different lines together and demonstrating how they are related. I'm a composer myself and I love that kind of stuff but for whatever reasons, I never made that connection before in this song. Partly because I encountered it when I was very young and would just crank it and go nuts, laugh. Anyway, that is fantastic.

  • @outsidethewall8488
    @outsidethewall8488 Рік тому +165

    Plant is also a massive Tolkien fan and this comes through in small lyrical references throughout his career . In this piece some read the line about the lady thinking all that glitters is gold as a shakespeare reference but I read it as a Tolkien reference (all that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost etc.)
    Then in the Battle of Evermore he refers to the ringwraiths riding in black and in Ramble On he mentions Gollum and the darkest depths of Mordor- plus the name of the song Misty Mountain Hop is an obvious ode to The Hobbit. Just thought i'd add this on the off chance you or anyone else here is also a Tolkien fan :)
    *Edited to correct minor errors pointed out in my replies - thank you to those people*

    • @szeleddie
      @szeleddie Рік тому +9

      What do mean he "was" a Tolkien fan??? He still is!!! Once you are fan of Tolkien you always be!!!

    • @johnfarley4492
      @johnfarley4492 Рік тому +8

      One ring to rule them all...(Clerks)

    • @julianavery963
      @julianavery963 Рік тому +4

      He is from Middle Earth, of course!!

    • @mrjules1982
      @mrjules1982 Рік тому +14

      "There's a feeling I get, when I look to the West, and my spirit is crying for leaving" Always felt to me as a reference to Valinor.

    • @jrwalker591
      @jrwalker591 Рік тому +6

      "Ramble On" he mentions Gollum and Mordor... :)

  • @tubewayarmy2
    @tubewayarmy2 Рік тому +38

    Your musical ear is far more intricate than most people, which makes your 'reactions' much more interesting as each song is a musical book of analysis. You are my favorite 'reaction video' author.

    • @joef5708
      @joef5708 Рік тому

      There is something to be said for formal education too.

    • @nathandougherty7058
      @nathandougherty7058 Рік тому +1

      The difference is that this UA-camr has such a detailed understanding of her subject, that a first listen awakens many ideas within her that she can share with us.. bridges to other concepts that an average, enthusiast might not quite grasp.
      Much more compelling than most reaction videos. I'm learning so much about so many great pieces of music from her.
      Addictive!

  • @BP7BlackPearl
    @BP7BlackPearl 7 місяців тому +2

    What she is missing is the shifting is done with the drums, Bonzo, a genuis on the drums. He took an instrument, the drums, that is usually accredited to being pounding, loud, driving, but he uses them to make transistions in a way you dont notice at first.

  • @smeltzmeow
    @smeltzmeow 4 місяці тому +1

    Can’t imagine a better way to first listen to this masterpiece than during a thunderstorm.

  • @decodynamo
    @decodynamo Рік тому +98

    Pleasantly startling and assumption-defying that there's someone like you in the Western world who had never heard this song! Watching your reactions as it proceeded was vicariously gratifying and helped me rediscover it for myself, in a way, having likely heard it hundreds? of times. Since I want to round out my musical appreciation and expand my boundaries, your eloquent analysis has filled my sails with a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Amy!

    • @paulburke9198
      @paulburke9198 Рік тому +8

      have to agree Dynamo arts , I've heard this so often ,woudn't have mattered
      if I never heard it again but this little music lesson has "refreshed" the experience
      so now I'm no longer "sick of hearing" what is indeed a little bit of rock brilliance
      so thanks for that Amy Shafer , 🎼🎶💖.

    • @zebratroopfan6695
      @zebratroopfan6695 Рік тому +2

      It is amazing how must of us live in self created bubbles. I recently met a guy who had never heard of the Eagles. I thought he was joking but he had never heard of them. He lived and worked in a world that just didn’t listen to this type of music. His bubble of church, work, and friends just didn’t listen to it. He was equally shocked I wasn’t familiar with Frankie Beverly or Lakeside. These bands although not as popular to the general public were very popular in his world.

    • @kelvincook4246
      @kelvincook4246 Рік тому +3

      @@zebratroopfan6695 I love Led Zeppelin's music, but talking about the bubbles that people exist in, I've been surprised by the number of people who don't know that Zeppelin was inspired by blues musicians like Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon. Who probably also inspired groups like Lakeside.

    • @JohnProph
      @JohnProph Рік тому +2

      forget Led Zep....she said she never heard any Beatles songs!!! lol

    • @kelvincook4246
      @kelvincook4246 Рік тому +2

      @@JohnProph About 30 years ago or so, I was standing in a check out line in front of two teen girls. They were looking at a People magazine that had Paul McCartney on the cover. And one of the girls said to the other, "... you know he was in a band before Wings."
      Niether of them seemed to actually know about the Beatles. After I picked my jaw off the floor, I asked what planet they were from. They laughed at me. Felt old then, and I'm really old now.

  • @eatthisvr6
    @eatthisvr6 Рік тому +24

    The thing with zeppelin is that all 4 members are equally amazing musicians, there is no stand out member!!

  • @rodolfito5555
    @rodolfito5555 26 днів тому +1

    Life is divided into two parts, one before and one after having heard this song for the first time.

  • @AAnaCCarol
    @AAnaCCarol 16 днів тому

    Plant and Page ARE GENIUS.
    Yeah, girl!!!

  • @joeb4142
    @joeb4142 Рік тому +46

    Ooooh Amy you are such a gift to the UA-cam reaction/analysis community! Thank you so much for all the time you spend making these videos as well as your knowledge, experience and wonderful teaching ability. ❤️

  • @richardb6260
    @richardb6260 Рік тому +26

    The surviving members of Led Zeppelin were honored at the Kennedy Center in 2012. Nancy Wilson of the rock group Heart performed a spectacular version of Stairway to Heaven that's well worth seeing.

    • @Hundhammer
      @Hundhammer Рік тому +2

      yes, I suggested that to her (and the Zappa version...) in the comments to he announcing video... well worth!

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison Рік тому +1

      Like Dominik, I also mentioned this performance in the announcement video. I hope Amy will be able to view this for her own enjoyment. It will allow her to see a more recent interpretation by Anne and Nancy Wilson, along with band, orchestra, and choir. I have watched this performance many times, and I always have an emotional response to it. Particularly with the surviving members clearly enjoying the performance as they watch. It is outstanding!

    • @lyndoncmp5751
      @lyndoncmp5751 Рік тому

      They needed the population of a small country to pull that off. Zeppelin just had three musicians and a singer.

  • @nicoletto22
    @nicoletto22 8 місяців тому +1

    You don't stop Jimmy solo. Never. One can regret it all the life 🙂

  • @brutusl2786
    @brutusl2786 Рік тому +7

    Boy you got me to listen to Stairway again and wow. This song can’t really be analyzed because it somehow tickles a part of like the back of your brain like something - you can’t really describe it, some kind of cerebral resonance that really can’t be explained. But you have to listen to it loud to let it really get through, and then bliss.

  • @AndrewLakeUK
    @AndrewLakeUK Рік тому +10

    I've listened to this song for most of my life. It has moved from tedious rock song to great monuments music. "He sounds so lonely" is a new take but so true.

  • @toniyoung5131
    @toniyoung5131 Рік тому +8

    I clicked on this so quickly I stubbed my finger ;). I'd be fascinated to hear what you think of Kashmir, or The Rain Song.

  • @ptdoria88
    @ptdoria88 2 місяці тому +2

    oh my god NEVER NEVER NEVER STOPS GUITAR SOLO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

  • @danexhoax2884
    @danexhoax2884 9 місяців тому +1

    Most of all I'm so glad you're making a point of how modern music is similar to classical music, because so many classical musicians I've met have this high-brow attitude and don't consider pop and rock as "music" at all.

  • @MartinMcMartin
    @MartinMcMartin Рік тому +48

    These break downs amaze me, simple elements which I have heard, but not recognized the significance. Loving this channel and not at all surprised how quickly it is growing.

  • @ostflut
    @ostflut Рік тому +13

    I honestly love the way Amy Shafer is deep diving into the songs she's reacting to. For someone like me, who started composing as hobby during the pandemic and never had the chance to study music, it's a marvelous way to learn how songs I love were written.

  • @KHallesy
    @KHallesy Рік тому +4

    Your reactions are wonderful! These are my favorite songs from high school in the 70's!

  • @ManicQuantummechanic
    @ManicQuantummechanic Рік тому +2

    Its beauty is in its simplistic elegance that delivers a journey of a soft gentle song transitioning into an epic Rock song that climbs the stairway to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame immortality.

  • @george93308
    @george93308 Рік тому +55

    Probably the most iconic guitar solo of all time. At least for us old folks. Watching young people listen to songs we've known for decades is a bit surreal. Hope you enjoy our generation's music.

  • @chrisdavies3049
    @chrisdavies3049 Рік тому +5

    What a wonderful reaction. My mother was a classically trained pianist and music teacher. She was 91 when she passed. When I spoke at her funeral, I stated that my mother had taught me to have an interest in all types of music. Nothing should be out of bounds. It's nice to see you doing the same.

  • @KS6DAY
    @KS6DAY Рік тому

    I enjoyed that immensely. Anticipating your reaction to certain portions of the song was hugely entertaining. Thank you for doing this.

  • @jamesplant5280
    @jamesplant5280 Рік тому

    What a wonderful musical journey to witness. Thank you for your insightful and through analysis of this work of art.

  • @sourisvoleur4854
    @sourisvoleur4854 Рік тому +43

    This is the apotheosis of what a music reaction channel can do. Beyond "I really like it," you have actually given us new ideas and tools for enjoying the song. Thank you!

  • @Gary_M
    @Gary_M Рік тому +26

    If you want to hear the "build" of this song intensified in an amazing way, you must check out the cover by the band Heart when they honored LZ at the Kennedy Center. Choirs, orchestra, it's awesome.

  • @Pete-in3fq
    @Pete-in3fq Рік тому

    I feel so enlightened every time I experience one of your reactions. Thank you!

  • @tokunagaster
    @tokunagaster Рік тому

    Love what your analysis offers us viewers in such a professional way plus pure affection of music.

  • @rogeremmerson
    @rogeremmerson Рік тому +36

    Your Ravel 'Bolero' connection is fascinating in that Page recorded a version of it with Jeff Beck entitled 'Beck's Bolero'. Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful and thought-provoking analysis.

    • @KabobHope
      @KabobHope Рік тому +2

      The "Bolero" connection is interesting. "Kashmir" is even more "Bolero"-inspired with its building toward climax. She really makes me really see the song with fresh ears.

    • @boki1693
      @boki1693 Рік тому +2

      I literally just stumbled upon this as I watched this. I knew about the Beck song but had no idea Page and Jones played on it.

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому

      @@boki1693 I think Moon is on drums too.

    • @vangrod8510
      @vangrod8510 Рік тому +1

      "Beck's Bolero" is based on Ravel's rhythm but is otherwise original, and the landmark recording session that produced the track was the first step towards formation of Led Zeppelin, famously named in sarcasm concerning the group's future by Keith Moon, who did the drumming.

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +1

      @@vangrod8510 you’re right, it is Becks Bolero not Ravels Bolero. What a fantastic riff

  • @standandeliver8376
    @standandeliver8376 Рік тому +4

    "I'm beginning to notice that a lot of rock songs have this sort of guitar solo moment". Yep, we live and die for the guitar solo moments! 😁

  • @TheRock-xj7hs
    @TheRock-xj7hs Рік тому

    You are a genius, musical master! So happy I found this channel. I’m learning so much

  • @MJEvermore853
    @MJEvermore853 7 місяців тому +1

    The best part of this entire song is the beautiful flow of that guitar with its continual building up.
    End of story.

  • @gsparkman
    @gsparkman Рік тому +42

    In music reactions, the left arrow button is the reactor's best friend. Each tap of the key will "rewind" the music back exactly 10 seconds. Using it creates an overlap of the original stopping point, providing a continuity of the song's progression. Comes in especially helpful when the song is abruptly stopped in the middle a word the singer happens to be singing at the time.

    • @Greg-om2hb
      @Greg-om2hb Рік тому +2

      Yes, indeed

    • @BenC460
      @BenC460 Рік тому +4

      It's actually 5 seconds but yes it does help the music to flow better when pausing.

    • @hadz8671
      @hadz8671 Рік тому +4

      @@BenC460 - Interesting. Only now do I notice that left-arrow goes back 5s whereas J goes back 10s.

    • @muratomar6502
      @muratomar6502 Рік тому +2

      Wow, useful information!

    • @anthonyv6962
      @anthonyv6962 Рік тому +2

      I would have to agree.

  • @r1p2m32
    @r1p2m32 Рік тому +6

    Good heavens, thank you! Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin... Is there a limit to your bravery? Please continue!

  • @hammer44time27
    @hammer44time27 Рік тому

    I'm always amazed when I stumble across channel's like yours, and absolutely fall in love with your gifts...Thank You. I love watching you discover these songs and artists that I have been listening to for the last 44 years.

  • @roxelbr
    @roxelbr Місяць тому

    😮 when you play it with the harp seems it was written like five thousand years ago… 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 eternal and universal work of art.

  • @lbh002
    @lbh002 Рік тому +7

    I am not sure if our hostess and teacher Amy is ready for Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, but I look forward to her reaction and study of that bit of fun chaos.

  • @sanzalure6091
    @sanzalure6091 Рік тому +7

    I first clicked to view your reaction to Pink Floyd's « Hey you ». Which led me to this reaction to Led Zeppelin's « Stairway to Heaven ». You have a new subscriber. I have watched a lot of reaction videos by many musicians but very few of them give the lyrics as much attention as you do. And what you say makes sense to me. Thank you!
    My generation, we did not write many books, or movies. But we did write a lot of songs. That's where our message is shared.

  • @cjo2012
    @cjo2012 Рік тому +8

    I can only merely attempt to share with you what you just made me re-experience.
    I tell you with, not trying to sound poetic, but with sincerity from my very heart and soul, that after over 45 years of this song being etched into the deepest fiber of my being, through you, gentle and perceptive teacher, I actually experieced all it's emotions as if for the very first time today. I'm 58, loving it since I was 12 or so.
    Through you I heard it afresh and wept THREE times. As a kid I called it 'The Sacred Song', but I really had no idea why. I knew nothing about Celtic music or mysticism or even metaphor, only how it made me FEEL.
    Over the decades I became a rock guitarist and singer. I currently am the singer in an occassionally performing Led Zeppelin 'tribute' band. I, unlike Plant, never tire of it. But I understand because I HEARD it hundreds of times, not performed it hundreds of times.
    I gleaned insights into it over YEARS and years. YOU did in DAYS. The only insight I know is my own is the materialism vs. timeless spirituality one. And again, I had been loving it for over 20 years when I realized that. The fact that it has LAYERED multi-meaning only hit me, again, much later.
    And things like the gradual overall tempo increase required Page himself to reveal. And not until this very DAY, 2/18/23, did I realize, through you, that there's this incidental CHRONOLOGICAL progression from Medieval to Modern, or from the Classical to Modern time era through the instrumentation.
    But on the spiritual and emotional side, I have long since been enduring a bit of identity crisis and some depression. By hearing dear Stairway as though for the first time all over again by watching your reaction, and your comments in your listening section about the bare honesty of emotion in the vocal (the FIRST time I teared up) downstream to the 'haunting, lonely vocal', I, in some mysterious way, am reminded of WHO AND WHAT I AM. ...And I have you to thank for it. I'm not a lost loser, I'm a musician and a spiritual seeker.
    I take things Zeppelin personally, so your beautiful compliments as to the tenderness of the vocal for instance, made me smile deep down inside and made me wish Robert were sitting beside me so I can elbow him in the ribs.☺️
    You are a credit to music in general and I can't thank you enough for this in particular. Bless your heart. The forest again, echoes with laughter.🙏😌🙏

    • @urimaginarystar
      @urimaginarystar Рік тому

      Very well said. I’m 56 and was probably a preteen when I first heard Stairway to Heaven. I never get sick of it, and each time I listen, I discover new depths and meaning in the song.

  • @danballou2202
    @danballou2202 9 місяців тому

    I enjoy your insight enormously. So glad I found your videos!

  • @neccron9956
    @neccron9956 Рік тому +9

    At the time of this song, Plant was into Celtic Mysticism, so that is why this song has a strong Celtic tone to it.

  • @GeoffGummer
    @GeoffGummer Рік тому +11

    You, dear lady, are wonderful. You bring such light to music that we've loved since the day it was released, and cause us to love it again anew, in a different way. Thank you.

  • @deadpolevault
    @deadpolevault Рік тому

    I love to watch these videos. The break downs really help me try to create unique music using these concepts.

  • @Kaizen--_--
    @Kaizen--_-- 11 місяців тому

    Loved your insightful analysis. Thanks. Very cool to see you enjoy this masterpiece for the first time.

  • @jamescooper2618
    @jamescooper2618 Рік тому +24

    One of my favorite things about this song is the way it builds throughout the song and then quickly diminishes to nothing.

  • @verify231
    @verify231 Місяць тому +1

    This is a wonderful wonderful video! You've made my years long dream of hearing Stairway to Heaven played on a harp come true. As a lover of Celtic music my mind has always recognised the guitar intro to be harp and I'm so happy you’re a harpist too :) Thank you for all the details you have provided.

  • @ogrebattle22763
    @ogrebattle22763 Рік тому +1

    She's wonderful I am so glad I found her channel....

  • @sixslinger9951
    @sixslinger9951 Рік тому +25

    Page's guitar solo is the best solo in the history of rock music, IMO. As a guitar player, this solo is not exactly easy because of Page's unique phrasing. It took me a long time to get it ALMOST right. I still come back to it and work on it from time to time.

    • @Cosmo-Kramer
      @Cosmo-Kramer Рік тому +1

      You should check out Rockloe's cover of the solo. She's adorable, too.

  • @Davey-Boyd
    @Davey-Boyd Рік тому +47

    Amy, that was incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on these masterpieces, while also teaching us some musical wisdom along the way. I really can't wait to see where you go next with this! And you are right, 'Stairway' fits the harp perfectly!

    • @Hartlor_Tayley
      @Hartlor_Tayley Рік тому +1

      If Amy was around when Zeppelin made this album they would have her playing on this song.

  • @blues2oo
    @blues2oo Рік тому

    I love this kind of reaction/analysis. They are great music lessons.

  • @semajzarrello
    @semajzarrello Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your musical insights and expertise. It was extremely thoughtful.

  • @davidcurtiswatts2378
    @davidcurtiswatts2378 Рік тому +6

    What a beautiful and refreshing change to the kind of material I usually watch on UA-cam. You made a subscriber out of me.

  • @simonsaunders8147
    @simonsaunders8147 Рік тому +8

    'Stairway To Heaven' is one of the top two "rock" songs ever written. It shares the top two spot with Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. That has to be a must do for you as it is a mix of rock and classical music both of which Freddie Mercury absolutely loved. Top work, m'dear!

  • @richardkelleher1711
    @richardkelleher1711 Рік тому

    Thank you very much for this video. Of the ones (of your videos) that I have watched thus far, this is the one that I felt provided the most in depth analysis of the song in question. I have been listening to this particular song for about 50 years (not constantly of course) and I got so much more understanding about the song out of your work in this video, more than I did from all of the previous times I have listed to the song. The playing on the harp and piano to demonstrate various aspects of the music added a great deal. Many thanks.

  • @bobmcculley4785
    @bobmcculley4785 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for your wonderful exploration of one of my most favorite songs. I found your first listen bringing a tear.