All about Virgin Rock Channel
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- 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., she holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching. She has been teaching for almost two decades, has taught both in the US and in Europe, and is active as a soloist and collaborative performer.
Her students have gone on to pursue music studies on scholarship at Oberlin and Eastman. She frequently presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, teaching at workshops and music camps in Chicago, Indianapolis, and throughout Tennessee, and has been on faculty at National Summer Harp Academy since 2008.
Amy maintains an active teaching, coaching, and performing schedule. She is passionate about making high-caliber music-learning opportunities available to all, regardless of the limits that geographical location or financial resources can impose, and pours a lot of love into teaching elementary and preparatory students in rural middle Tennessee. In addition, she teaches remote and long-distance students online. One of her specialties is helping musicians recover from and prevent performance injuries. She is certified in multiple restorative movement modalities and applies this work with her students to ensure optimum performance in all areas.
“I love challenges, and I love to learn. It’s always healthy to step outside of one’s comfort zone, and this channel documents just one such journey for me, as I step into a world of music that is very foreign to me. Rock music is not young and new anymore, and we can begin to say that it is holding up to the “test of time.” And if there is any significant value to it, then it deserves more attention than mere casual listening.
I believe that we should not dismiss something simply because we don’t instantly “like” it. In fact, many times, the things which are not instantly relatable are the ones which have the deepest meaning and value, offering far more enrichment than something which is instantly accessible on the surface. And so with Rock music, we should take time and put effort into understanding it, and look deeply to see what it has to give us. So, I have determined to give it just such attention.
While many of my projects which I undertake to challenge myself stay private and are known only to myself or those closest to me, I’ve chosen to make this one public, and I hope that others will enjoy seeing - maybe even participating in - my experience and perhaps be inspired to try something new for themselves, too!” - Amy
i feel a bit odd saying this- but, i dearly hope you wont take anyones future rude comments to heart- im not sure how experienced you are with the internet- after watching your introductory video of your channel, i get the sense your somehow perhaps new to all of this?- if you are please be ready for all manner of horrendous and off color mean, petty, and spiteful things that jerks can and will say online- please ignore awful people like that and whatever you do- dont bother replying to anything they say- it only encourages them further- and for the love of everything good, dont ever give out or have anything that could give away any personal info you dont want out in the public in your videos hun- just focus on being you and continue your journey- the majority of people on youtube will undoubtably support and love you for it- okay thats enough of me being a worry wort lol- take care
I really appreciate your care! It means a lot! The truth is that I am not experienced at all and I was afraid of these types of comments, but my friend who is helping me out encouraged me pointing my attention to the thousands which will enjoy and since I am myself a teacher, I would go to a long extend only to pass on to others the pearls in my life! More than that, after 7 days with this channel and hundreds of comments, I have to say that I was so surprised: only ONE was kinda rude. But my friend also told me at the beginning of this journey that a lot of Rock Music consumers are high educated, very interesting people, not the kind that would throw trash at people. I guess he was right...
@@VirginRock i see- im happy to hear you at least have someone to sort of help you along the way it seems lol- the only thing i might be able to think of with that regard is be sure that you are the one in control of and the recipient of your youtube channels income revenue. i have heard of many horror stories of friends starting a youtube channel and then they eventually get big with one person taking and keeping all the income away from the person actually doing all the work / talent- i suspect your channel will very likely get big if you keep it up- i just would like to make sure you have such affairs and precautions set up in advance.
It’s sad, but your are right.
My advice is for her not to worry too much about the dark and mean comments, and focus on those of us who are grateful that she shares this journey with all of us.
Yes this occurs to me also, you seem a lovely lady, I think and I hope you'll likely be okay all-in-all. The culture of UA-cam comments has changed dramatically for the better in the last few years. You may need to look very carefully and the TITLE of your channel. Remember you'll be stuck with this forever, if you continue your journey. There's no changing it.
@@VirginRock there is no shortage of unsavory and close minded rock fans who will show up as your audience reach grows, although I'm sure they exist in the classical fandom too, but the people who really pay attention will just be glad to engage with you about their love for rock and other music
There is this great band from Finland called Nightwish. Their music is style called Symphonic Metal. And their keyboardist and main songwriter, Metal Mozart Mozart Tuomas Holopainen has also a great touch what comes to playing piano. He also composes songs that touch you soul. Song "Ghost Love Score, live at Wacken 2013" is a great start but you could also start with songs like "Sleeping Sun", "Shoemaker", "How´s the heart" etc. Their albums features the participation of London's The Metro Voices choir group, London's Young Musicians Children's Choir, and the Orchestre De Grandeur, led by the esteemed orchestral arranger Pip Williams, who teaches music and music technology at the London College of Music. So, the musical style is Symphonic Metal. They will surprise you.
I concur, Nightwish may fill a metal/symphony niche. Ghost Love Score Waken 2013 is a great live version.
The most unique channel I've encountered. Amy, I hope you're being rewarded well for this. You're providing us novices university level stuff while being a most trusting and gentle soul. Thank you.
Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here LP.
One thing I wish were on youtube also is similar to this kind of channel but explaining classical music from a perspective of someone really familiar with it, just like you are. In one of your videos you have mentioned how hard to relate to some alien music to yourself, unfamiliar music, when you soul and brain don't know where and how to start to process it. I know it to myself, many years ago I studied classical guitar, then I began to come to philharmonic on the guitar evenings at first, then on organ music evenings (absolutely love organs), then on some other, more general, broader types of concerts. And on every of that levels I really struggled for quite a time, because it was so alien to me, I didn't understand those kind of forms, harmonies, melodies, structures, messages and so on. And being not a really frequent classical music listener to this day, I would love finding some guide so to speak to the world of classical music. I wrote all that because I saw a you can easily understand what I'm saying, because you described somewhat similar confusion regarding your journey into rock. Well, just thinking out loud
Instead of saying, "I can't believe you haven't heard..." I'm definitely on board with what actor/comedian Patton Oswalt says in a situation like this: I'm so jealous that you're going to be able to experience this music for the first time!
I agree :)
Hello Amy, I hope you feel embraced and appreciated here online. Please ignore anything else. We're all glad you're doing this.
Led Zeppelin has a wide range of styles both hard and soft. I believe you will find some of their compositions interesting. They have some very beautiful acoustic pieces like Thank You, That's The Way, Battle of Evermore, Going to California, and The Rain Song which utilitizes alot of string sounds. Plenty of harder pieces to choose from which are excellent. They literally don't have many mediocre songs. I'm looking forward to your reviews. Good luck with your new channel.
Thank you for the suggestions - I’ll put those on my list!
@@VirginRock fool in the rain is a Led Zeppelin you might have fun with. It isn't traditional Zeppelin, not that there is such thing but this one really really defies classification. There is a lot of afro caribbean influence. Heavy percussion, weird guitars, excellent vocals. Another exotic song of theirs is Kashmir. When I listen to that one I think of camels bobbing along in the desert.
Hi Amy, thanks for the interesting personal introduction. Eventually, I suspect your journey into rock music will bring you to "progressive rock". This being the genre of rock music that most directly emulates classical music (effects at least) , using electronic instrumentation. My favorites in this genre are Yes and King Crimson. Pink Floyd is also often characterized as a progressive rock band. My favorite is Yes, though their lyrical extravagance often reaches absurdity, their instrumentation is very interesting.
It's interesting that you took up the harp. I'm very interested in the harp as used in traditional Irish music. I am fascinated by the tradition of the blind Irish harpers from the medieval period and their voluminous compositions which were never transcribed and are lost. Good luck! Michael..
I was thinking the same thing. I was listening to "A Firth of Fifth", an early Genesis number the other day, it'd be interesting to hear her take on that, but also "Yours is no Disgrace", or others for sure. Love Steve Howe.
Hello and good luck on your musical journey! You seem to be taking a very unique perspective on this channel that has rarely been done so far.
Given your musical expertise, I would highly recommend delving into the progressive rock/metal genre sooner than later. Bands like Rush, Yes, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd Genesis, Kansas, and Moody Blues, to name a few. You will feel right at home here, and attract a devout fan base with an unquenchable thirst for music appreciation at the same time. I guarantee there are songs by all of the bands listed above that will end up on your favorite playlist.
Thanks again for sharing your journey with us!
You might not believe it but reading all the comments so far I came up with a long list of names and yours are there already!
The UA-cam-algorithm just brought me here. AND I AM FASCINATED! Fascinated by this project and by Amy Shafer. I'm about to discover my own music (I'm a Queen-, Dire Straits-, Doors- and Pink Floyd-afficionado, and I absolutely love Freddie Mercury) through Amy's eyes, who is an absolute music insider and at the same time a rock music novice: a most fascinating journey. I experience "my" music in a new way. I'm captivated by the facial expressions, gesturing and deep musical knowledge of Amy. She is so beautifully enthusiastic and open-minded. I will spend many hours beside the fire, earphones on, listening to music and let Amy explain me what I've missed so far.
You must react to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. I think it will be a great reaction video
I agree. Bohemian Rhapsody would be great.
I am an uneducated brute. But I'm so glad that extraordinary persons like you exist. I'm grateful because people like you make me understand art easier. Thank You very much!
You will have an incredibly unique reaction to this music being so unaware of it. It is hard to imagine living on this planet and being so unaware of Rock music. Whether we agree or disagree it will be fun.
I don't think it's a matter of agreement; it's more like getting new perspectives and horizons.
I've always wanted so bad to know what Mozart, Beethoven and all of the great genius of music would think of some classic rock songs I love, and I think this experiment is the closest from it I can have. I'm genuinely loving your reacts and I barely can wait for more of them
Looking forward to it! Love the way you talk about your life experiences.❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!
UA-cam is such a treasure trove of interesting people.
I find this very interesting, as a 60 year old truck driver from oregon. I just found your channel today and I haven't stopped watching in a couple hours .I particularly like what you have to say , but your facial expressions are great and how you can read your own story into the song before you hear it all. Songs I think mean something alittle different to everyone that hear them and when they hear them
Very enjoyable. Thank you
Amy, I am so glad you are doing this. At 72, I have had a lot of time to explore the world, including music.
I know you already have a lot on your plate, but I hope that you expand into Jazz at some point. Duke Ellington, whose band I heard in 1968, also has classical influence as a composer, might be an entry point, but there could be many. I look forward to you taking us along on your journey.
Interesting: just a few hours ago I was talking with my friend about going into Jazz as well. Thank you for your suggestion!
@@VirginRock Steely Dan would be one good bridge between them both.
This is fantastic! I am person who has always been obsessed with "classic rock" and some other forms of popular and folk music, but was classically trained in percussion, theory, and audio engineering. I am the friend who is in rock bands but goes "surely though you have heard at least.. Beethoven's 9th, or Handel's Messiah, or parts of Chopin's Nocturn, right? No?! Well let's listen!" So this is a very fun idea for me because it is sort of the opposite in getting to watch you explore contemporary composition, which although it can often be far simpler on the whole, will surely surprise you with it's depth and complexity often. I'm very excited to see what aspects and what songs you come away enjoying more and enjoying less. Great idea!
I grew up in the south of the US in South Carolina, and a bit like you was surrounded by music. We were a working class family but loved music. My father sang in church, a beautiful baritone with perfect pitch, rich timbre, and the best natural vibrato. My oldest sister took piano lessons as well as my middle sister, and then me. My oldest received her BA from Winthrop University in music theory and classical piano. My middle sister fizzled out. I became fairly accomplished from just a piano teacher playing “easy listening” type music. My first recital was in 1970 at the college music hall (Winthrop) along with about 20 other students from our area and we were given 10 minutes maximum and my teacher Mrs. Beam had given me the “heads up” that we would be playing on a concert grand piano. I had only played on uprights. (This was before the digital era) I was 15 then with 5 years of lessons and my teacher had suggested a year in advance the piece she wanted me to do. So, I had almost a full year to prepare to do Beethoven’s Sonata #8, the 2nd movement, the Adagio cantabile. I was prepared but for one thing. You know how when you sit down and adjust the bench after assessing the pedals and your happy spot... I freaked out. I didn’t know it then but found out days after (again, no internet, pre didgital). The piano was a Bosendorfer 225. It had too many keys, and they were black. I’m off kilter, need to be further left. No happy spot. But I started and gained confidence but kept glimpsing over away from the music and getting distracted. The first episode is in F minor and obviously 2 keys below A0 would have to be.... Long story getting longer, Not great but close enough for 15. But a moment that still make me feel uneasy. Followed my sisters track and 2 years into my BA, I was offered a job to play organ for a traveling rock and roll band. Traveled for 3 years, had a ball, opened for some really big stars and got to see America. Got married, had kids, and still love the four “Bs” Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and the Beatles, Listen to some music by Yes. Rick Wakeman’s a master of keyboards. They are a 70’s progressive rock group. They always open their live shows with Firebird Suite.
Amy tells us in this video she is about to start a journey of learning about rock music. Be prepared to have your musical mind expanded way beyond your expectations. After several videos we find out that while Amy is learning, she is actually teaching us old rockers about our music.
An amazing music channel.
I was just referred to you by my 70 y.o. partner, Gary. I am 53. I really enjoyed this video. You are delightful. I hope to be able to understand music architecture better because of you. Some music Gary just loves, really, I cannot stand. But maybe, because of you, I will be able to at least understand why he likes it. You seem like you would be a fabulous teacher. I'm excited about this channel, @Virgin Rock! I cannot believe you scored such an amazing channel name, being so new here. It was your destiny, it seems. Great introduction video. Cheers hon!
I love this woman ❤❤ bless your heart
Oh my god. I found your channel yesterday, because I'm studying Brothers in arms on the piano. I liked what I saw. So I came to watch this 1st one. And now I'm so shocked that you didn't know who Freddy was that I'll need to binge watch ALL your videos.
Regards from Brazil.
Good luck with your piano practice!
I gotta say, youre really lucky to have had the life experience that has sheltered you from this music and with your education and life's work leading you to be able to really understand the music and create this channel is simply amazing. This is a refreshing and fantastic idea for a UA-cam channel. I will certainly be following along from here on out.
Can't wait to go on this journey with you! I'd be so happy to hear you get into Progressive Rock one day (also adjacent to "Art Rock", "Symphonic Rock", etc.). Pink Floyd is close to that. Queen is sometimes said to be on the fringes of Progressive Rock. But some of my favorite bands are under the "Progressive Rock" umbrella (Marillion, Yes, Genesis, ELP, Transatlantic). It's always hard to define a genre, but it is often comprised of long-form, intricate songs that have a lot of roots in classical--sometimes symphonic--structure. Often with varying sections with changing time signatures, virtuosic playing, counterpoint, etc.). I studied music composition in college and was always fascinated with the callouts to classical music found in Progressive Rock. As with most styles, there are far too many examples of bands creating complexity just for complexity's sake, but the ones who do it well offer a truly uplifting experience.
I very much welcome your approach to an interesting experiment. I hope you find it very rewarding and fulfilling.
Suggestions? Hmm, as you have a background in piano, I would suggest Keith Emerson, for his composing and for his playing. His group Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP) were a progressive rock band from the early 1970's who brought classic jazz and classical music to the instruments of their time, with some interesting compositions. Keith Emerson really was a music man through and through and it would be a pleasure to hear your perspective on one of their songs/compositions, like Tarkus, Take a pebble, Karn evil 9 (1st, 2nd and 3rd impressions together as one) or Trilogy.
ELP is already on my list!
As a heavy metal fan I think your characterization of rock and metal as "factory music" is interesting because in a lot of ways it is. Two of the heavy hitters in metal, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest have directly spoken about hearing factory sounds in their home town (both Birmingham). That doesn't mean there isn't an artistic quality to their music, but it certainly strongly influenced the sort of driving percussive sound they are known for. Enjoy your journey and thanks for sharing it!
I just discovered your channel today. The algorithm placed your "first listen to Neil Peart drum solo" on my page. At first, I was going to watch it and move along. But something struck me and I paused 1 minute in, to explore your channel a little further. I am so glad that I did. I am starting from the beginning and taking this journey with you. And, my first comment is, the moment you said, "Who is Freddie Mercury?" I became so excited for you. I just love when a friend hasn't heard of a song, or a band, or a movie, that most people consider iconic. I envy them. And I get very excited for them, because they get to experience something for the very first time that most of us have come to take for granted. I am very much looking forward to seeing you react to these experiences. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Very intriguing to hear of someone just becoming aware of the genre of music that has been at the core of my relatively long life. Enjoy your journey and listen to as much of it as you can. Good hunting !
Well, this channel should be a lot of fun! Lots of great suggestions here for bands to listen to. Yes, Genesis (pre-1977), King Crimson, ELP, etc. Don't forget about Rush, too. And if you like things with a Southern flavor, The Dixie Dregs are a must listen, along with the Allman Brothers Band.
As others have mentioned, there are quite a few artists in the rock genre that are classically trained. Keith Emerson being one, and Rick Wakeman is another.
Since you are a harpist, you should check out some of Andreas Vollenweider's material from the late 70s to mid-80s as well. His music is very unique.
It's so nice to find a genuine and interesting channel like this. I really like how you're being so thoughtful and constructive over each piece. Although you've already looked at Brothers in Arms, I'd love you to consider 'Tunnel Of Love' by Dire Straits - where I feel there's such imagery and beautiful classical overtones, particularly towards the end. I think I hear Bach but I've never really been sure why.
Dont worry about pausing. For me I want to hear your thoughts and comments. I'm enjoying your analysis. You obviously put a great deal of effort into your videos! Well done. I'll be following your journey ...
Amy, I am greatly enjoying watching this journey you're on. If I may suggest: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes", by Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Hi. I have watched a few of your videos and enjoyed them. i am going back to catch up with ones i have missed and ok ok i will start watching the part 2s.
Greetings, and HELLO, Amy Shaffer! 🙂
I'm REALLY enjoying your channel, as well as your careful, thoughtful & STUDIOUS analysis/approach to various rock/metal songs. It's really VERY informative, and QUITE refreshing!
I've seen a LOT of excellent suggestions for you to explore here. I'm not sure if it's been mentioned anywhere, but DEFINITELY look into the (defunct) Canadian progressive rock/progressive metal band, Rush. They went through various musical changes throughout their 50-year career, spanning from 1968-2018 (with a total of 19 studio albums). Their 2nd drummer (the late Neil Peart, who joined them in 1974) is considered one of rock's best drummers ever, and Peart also wrote MOST of the band's EXCELLENT and QUITE intelligent lyrics (which I think you'd also enjoy, VERY MUCH). Most people consider Rush "musician's music".
Keep up the EXCELLENT work on your channel! ALL THE BEST, Ken 🙂
Ah, NICE! I see that you've already done a video on Neil Peart! I'll DEFINITELY check this out soon! Thanks, Amy! 🙂
Neil Peart, Drum Solo, Live 2004 - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
I just subscribed to your journey. Some of the greatest living composers are out there writing for genres you wouldn't expect. I can't wait to see where your viewers take you.
I already have such a long list handed to me by the viewers!
Just found this channel and it is so rewarding both in helping me understand the music I've always listened to and seeing Amy's facial expressions while she is listening. Wonderful stuff, really.
So does classical include neoclassical? What about the borders of the traditional like Cage, Zorn, Riley, Glass, Xenakis, Varese etc? Because there’s an entire other side of “popular” music that is much more influenced by that end of things. Bands like Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs, Dog Fashion Disco, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Hasidic New Wave, solo artists like Brian Eno, Ikue Mori, JG Thirlwell, Frank Zappa, Bill Laswell etc.
I’m very intrigued by the many directions this could be going in future. Good luck and happy listening!
This sounds like an interesting idea! I look forward to your content. I'm coming from the opposite end from you. I was exposed to rock music as a child growing up in the 1960s. I didn't become interested in classical music until I was in my 30s. I don't have any musical training or ability to speak of, I just enjoy listening to music. The technical aspects totally escape me.
I think it's best to look at rock music and pop music generally as folk music within modernity, and now post modernity. A lot of it is disposable and transitory. Some of it can reach the level of art. Though I don't think any rock music has reached the level that the American Songbook has in popular American music for instance. With the coming of the internet and the fracturing of music audiences, there has been a loss of a unified popular music audience that was very identifiable in the entirety of the 20th century. So, it seems to me the popular music artist of today has a much harder job and it's very difficult to even speak of a truly popular music today. Anyway, I'm looking forward to your future contributions to the channel.
Thank you for your feedback!
I will be so fascinated to watch your journey. I am beyond jealous that you get to listen to these pieces genuinely 'for the first time'. I love how you do the reaction bit first, then go research! Someone tell Rick Beato about this channel!!! Now that would be a glorious conversation to have the priviledge of listening to. Wishing you all success :)
I strongly suggest Yes - Turn of the Century or Yes - Awaken (featuring some harp). Truly beautiful progressive rock masterpieces.
How I didn't discover you sooner I'll never know but here we are. So glad I found you, I just love your channel and your insight is profoundly interesting. Please never stop making these videos, thank you Amy!
I don't know how i found your channel but I love it!
Your approach is so refreshingly different. I love your enthusiasm, analysis and insight. Thank you
Hi Amy
Love your analysis and your insights.
Your point of Stairway to Heaven slowly building as Bolero does, but with a different purpose, was spot on.
The LZ song Kashmir is considered by the band and many musicians to be their greatest work.
The “D” section of Kasmir, goes back and forth over Gm and A with an exotic scale being emphasized by the strings/keyboard. The ascending figure uses D harmonic minor but in the 4th mode so the note G serves as the basis. This scale has a big jump between Bb and C# creating an exotic, Eastern sound. Toward the end of the song, the ascending figure morphs into a run that goes from G dorian to G lydian (G-A-Bb-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C#).
You might want to give it a quick listen as they use strings/piano extensively.
Please continue and have fun with your journey.
Your insights are quite informative and fun.
Thank you Amy
I was 12 years old when Elvis died in 1977. I had never heard of him, so I asked my mom who he was. She was shocked, because as a teenager in the 50s, she was a huge Elvis fan. She got out her collection of old 54's (those funny small records with large holes where you had to use a special adapter to play them), and for the rest of the day gave me a crash course in 50s Rock and Roll, including how to dance to it.
Just subscribed. Your classical nature shows through each time you say "piece" instead of "song." With that think, you MUST investigate progressive rock. Try these two, both by Yes: "Close to the Edge," and "Awaken."
Hello dear Amy. Interesting channel, found it by accident. I did study classical music and was working as a cellist in a German Opera Orchestra and some years ago I quit Cello to play drums and only Rock music. My whole life is very strange and had a lot of hard changes. As a child I was forced to learn cello, because my grandpa was a violin maker. I learned cello, did study it at 2 different Universities of music and performing arts (Stuttgart and Frankfurt) and even worked in an Opera Orchestra. My dream as a child was always to play drums, but I was never allowed to do that, when I was 14 I wanted to quit cello and learn drums, again I was not allowed to do that. Now I am 51, with age of 45 I started to learn drums, quite late but it is fun. I quit cello because I want to focus on drums and Rock music. I made classical music for decades and I think I need to do something else, to start a new chapter. I did that and I like it. For my opinion life is too boring to do the same thing the whole life through. Sometimes we need to start something new to get excited again, at least for me. I just made the experience that it is not a good idea to force a child to learn/do what you want it to do. The child must decide by itself whether it wants to learn a classical instrument or a Rock instrument. In my case I was successful in classical music but there was something missing. All the best for you.
👍for maintaining your adventurous spirit
@@janetf23 yes thanks a lot.
Kudos to you - I’m a classical musician who has also ‘seen the light’ and I now write and play pop and rock but on my instrument (the flute). I admire what you’ve done and what you say but I really feel you can play and enjoy both classical and rock music - music is music and there is too much made of the distinctions between them. Wishing you well on your new found path!
@@ClaireHoldich hello Claire. Thank you and nice to hear from you. Yes you are right, music is music. I like both, classical and rock music, great to hear that you like both too. I still go to classical concerts. I wish you all the best and have a great time. Best regards from Germany, Joerg.
Good surprise. What a lovely channel! Congratulations. Best regards from Brazil 🙂
I’m excited to have found your channel. I love when music lovers step out of their comfort zones to examine new genres. Growing up in a home that really only focused on public radio and classical music - I took the long road to learn about new eras and genres and the variety of skills that different people bring to each. I hope you’ll consider straying to other musical places, like folk or country or various ethnic styles. I enjoy a fresh analysis of something I have heard several times. You only get to experience a thing as new once - but witnessing someone else experience it brings some of that back. Good luck on this journey. I look forward to more!
I look forward to your reaction to Rush songs. Any of them, since there are a lot of them to choose from. Limelight, Working Man, or Tom Sawyer are good ones to start with, and YYZ (studio version) or La Villa Strangiato are great follow ups. Enjoy your channel and the music and the adventure of it all, and ignore anything that gets in the way of having fun with it. =)
I just came here from your reaction to Metallica’s …And Justice For All. It’s classic thrash metal. Honestly kind of impressive that you sat through it, being so new to this kind of music.
I’m interested to see how you might react to Gojira. They’re a metal band from France, and my personal favorite band. Flying Whales is the song most people know them for if you wanted to check that out. Although my favorite song from them is Esoteric Surgery, so I would make that as my own personal recommendation.
Always excited to see a newcomer to rock and heavy metal. And I’m interested in seeing more reactions from you.
This is awesome! I can't wait to make it through all your videos to see what you think. I've got a classical background but also rock. Many classical people are high-brow and look down on rock as dumb. Some of it is dumb. But there is so much that is so worthy of appreciation and enjoyment. It's merely different in texture, rules, form, and, well, volume. At the end of the day no matter the genre, music is a human expression that is worthy of listen and analysis.
I would be interested to know if you've heard of Joanna Newsom, she is a singer, harp player and a very good one. Her album "Ys" is a masterpiece, wildly eccentric and very moving music.
I was going to suggest Joanna too! I love her and even though her singing voice and style is not for everyone, her harp playing is so beautiful and moving. (Personally, I can't listen to her first album bc of the singing style, but I love her voice from Ys onwards as she seems to have had a bit of training after struggling with voice problems). Ys is one of my favourite albums and I never fail to sob like a baby through half of it. Her lyrics are a big part of it too; they're a cut above what you hear in most popular music, some even believe on the level of Dylan.
I also hope she tries to listen to Joanna - although my harp teachers in college were very critical of her, probably because she came from the folk harp tradition and not the concert harp tradition.
I forgot to mention that once you've gotten your feet wet, if you want to take a trip to an alternate reality you need to listen to some Frank Zappa. But don't start with his material. You have to work up to it.
😊
Definitely true of Zappa's unique sound world, not something to dive into unprepared. For a classical musician like Amy, it should sufficiently pique her interest to know that Frank's musical heroes were Stravinsky, Varese & Webern.
Love your honesty and style, trust me , you will soon be touching the Million viewers. I have just subbed.👌
Stumbled on this … your so sweet, educated , beautiful and gracious.. I can’t stop watching you.. soothing voice and so fun to watch you innocently discover the sound tracks of my life … thank you
I second your thought's. Additionally, I may be in love.
What a pleasure to find a channel featuring an intelligent, eloquent person.
I would very much like to hear your assessment of the English band 'Yes'; perhaps one of their early pieces like 'Heart Of The Sunrise'.
Or their guitarist, Steve Howe, and Annie Haslam's version of their song 'Turn Of The Century'.
Just found this channel. Thank you Amy for such a beautiful journey. I’m all in. Someday take a listen to the collaboration concert between Metallica and the San Fransisco Symphony titled S&M. I think you’ll find the renditions of their songs, many of which you have or will review, mixed with an orchestra is something special. And yes please keep being awesome.
Hello Amy, I've subscribed and as a fan of Queen for over 50 years, am looking forward to your future Queen reactions. I will be very surprised if you have not heard either "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen or "Barcelona" by Freddie Mercury & Monserrat Caballè................Thank you.
I might have, but if so it happened without my knowledge. They are on my list anyway!
Please put Rush's YYZ on your short list. The studio version off The Moving Pictures album. You'll love it!
starting at 5:01 “And quite possibly some genuine musical value in there somewhere”?! Spoken like a true classical musician I like her!
2112 Overture by the band Rush, or there instrumental YYZ! Please listen, a very technical band. I promise you that you will enjoy, appreciate the masterful work they (RUSH) put into composing music. thank you for your videos!
I'd love to see your reaction (and analysis) of "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas. An amazing band and song, recorded in the mid 70's but so sonically clean, well-produced and current, you'd think it was much more recent...
I had a classmate in high school who was a very talented pianist, he didn't listen to much rock music but he did like Queen!
I am not sure how many others, besides myself, would welcome a side project discussing facets of 'classical' music. Perhaps an opposite of 'Who's Freddy Mercury' would be 'Who's ____' from the classical realm. It might give many of us a little window into which to explore this fabulous genre of music which most of us are rather ignorant.
Two rock numbers for your consideration: A Whiter Shade of Pale; Fires Which Burn Brightly. Both are by Procol Harum. Try the original studio versions.
I am so glad that you have started to see the legitimacy of rock music. There are hundreds of serious geniuses in rock music. Genuine composers that came from classical music just like you. You'll see! Maybe you will pick up an electric guitar someday and be the next rocking sensation.
A caution is when you started talking about technicality and precision etc...an essential part of rock and roll is it's loosey goosey ness. It's rock and roll and some of it is intentionally sloppy. If it helps to compare it to visual art...say there's a guy sitting in front of three artists. There's the painter who can create a photorealistic portrait...we usually agree he is a technical master but creatively speaking he is just copying what he sees, very well but with little imagination. Then there is another that uses clean lines and spare strokes to paint the person, but looks more like a math graph than a portrait. There's a lot missing but there's room to think about what it means and you may get some conversation. Then there is a 4year old who delivers a stick figure with stringy hair and a huge inverted rainbow smile and surrounded by big splotches of color, throws in 2 ovals with four stick legs, a tail and some horns and informs you it's a cow even though the model he is drawing is not with a cow. Because that is his skill set and wants you to know he can draw a cow. Technically he has a lot to learn but the emotion!! They are all artists. It's all art. And they are all correct.
I love! that so much of rock music is that toddler showing us he can draw a cow.
Music is different like that too. Even in classical music you note the differences. Bach and Stravinsky are wildly different right? If you compare them to each other neither is any good. Rock takes a lot of emotional cues from Stravinsky. It's not all pretty, it's not all even planned. So much of rock and roll, even the best of it, is more about expression, rebellion, emotion...and the audience is very very important.
Starting to really love this channel.
I suggest Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006. You will like it. Danish national orchestra gets involved.
Or...
Perhaps one of the greatest songs of the 20th century. "Hand in glove" by the Smiths. But that one is a VERY complex song that Im certain you will get instrumentaly - but Im less sure you will really understand its meaning. HINT: it helps t be British. It also helps if you understand class and confused sexuality struggles. Morrissey is immortal...
Ah! The best way to start into rock music is with Freddy Mercury. Barcelona, such a great collaboration from two singers that loved each other’s work. Those two became instant friends, two divas, you see, and they were friends until Freddy’s untimely demise.
All the best in your journey, and I can’t wait for your reactions from your unique point of view. And hope sometime you get to Mike Oldfield (Tubular Bells, Omadawn, Crises, Incantations…)
From a big Mike Oldfield fan I agree.
I’m sub 206, happy to be on this journey with you. Love your airport story. You’re so funny and enjoyable to listen to. Thank you for this.
Thank you fro your feedback!
After watching Metallica's song analysis, I was asking my self is she living under a rock? Doesn't she listen to the radio? :D Now this video have answered so many questions, but I am still in disbelieve... If this is for real, then thank god you on a journey of exploring different music, good luck and have fun on this journey! :)
This should be an interesting experiment.
i came across your channel by the accident of the Google algorithm and at first i thought "here's another classical musician jumping on the reaction video bandwagon", but after watching you listening to Black Sabbath (and one or two others), i realised that here is someone who is genuinely interested in understanding non-classical music. my dad turned me on to Pink Floyd with i was about 10, and i've been an ardent fan of most of their work ever since. one of my great pleasures in life is being with someone who's listening to something i might have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of times (i've probably listened to Wish You Were Here at least a thousand times since it's release date in 1975, and it never gets old). i've listened to it on almost every type of audio device ever designed, and each time i hear something new (about 45 of my 55 years in all) - the genius of PF's sound design is astounding in its depth. sharing it with someone listening for the first time makes me feel like i'm hearing it for the first time, and nothing is sweeter than that.
i've played guitar in a few bands over the years, and we always used to laugh at our classically trained friends who would join us from time to time and sort of stomp through the music as though they had a very loud metronome playing in their heads... it was so hard for them to relax into a rhythm that was not as demanding as what they'd been taught. i did a few years of piano at school and absolutely hated it, so rock'n'roll for for a lot of a a sort of rebellion against the staid nature of classical music. i wish it were not so, because i find a lot of it very beautiful - Chopin's Prelude in E minor being a case in point - i would have loved to be have been able to play that, as well.
anyway, my point is that it's fascinating to see someone who until recently had never even heard of Freddie Mercury (you did what now?!), on this journey of discovery - it means that there is hope for us all... ;)
The UA-cam algorithm finally introduced you to me yesterday (5/13/2023), and I am hooked! After watching your Deep Purple Concerto (I never knew about this and have listened to DP for 40 yrs!) and Pink Floyd Young Lust videos, I decided to Subscribe and go back to the beginning of your channel. I look forward to watching your journey and am excited to see how your thoughts on Rock music develop over time. It is amazingly deep and complex music and has filled a large part of my life since I was 9 or 10 years old. I also love just about every other kind of music, including classical music (I have season's tickets to my local orchestra), and I have played drums, violin and guitar at various times in my life. Thanks for sharing your expertise and being open to discovering something new! Cheers!
found her while watching @RickBeato on the best Van Halen tune.
If you're going to do a music reaction / review / analysis / appreciation channel where you cover rock music it is MANDATORY for you to do Rush! 😁 I think every music reaction channel has done multiple Rush videos.
They are (were) a Canadian trio that did "progressive rock". They had one of the greatest rock drummers who ever played. (RIP Neil Peart). "Tom Sawyer" is one of their classics. I'd recommend it as a first exposure.
Glad to have found your channel. Enjoyed what I've watched so far. Looking forward to more.
My jaw is still on the floor to know there's someone who never heard The Beatles before.
Good luck with your channel.
Good for you! It's always good to expand your horizons and try new things.
It may seem off-putting at first to listen to things that are so different from.what you're used to, but familiarity breeds appreciation. Just like different forms of art, the more you familiarize yourself with it, the more you understand and appreciate it.
Here are my three songs that I think you should listen to, and why:
The Beatles - In My Life
The most famous rock band of all time also wrote some of the most beautiful melodies and chord progressions. I don't know how much theory they knew, but they were big fans of modal interchange, as am I. Also, the lyrics will make you want to hug a loved one.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
It's long, it's complex, it's expertly-performed, and is one of the most dynamically diverse rock songs of all time.
The Ramones - Sheena Is A Punk Rocker
It's loud, it's fast, and it's just pure, innocent fun. It is one of the simplest songs you will hear, but it never fails to put a smile on my face. It's not performed well at all, but that's part of the charm of punk rock. It's the musical equivalent of McDonald's fries.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say in future videos!
I am beyond excited to have found your channel!!! I don't know of any other person in the world that could possibly be in the conditions to do this unique experiment. New subscriber for sure!
Would love to see The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin. :) It's another evolution from Stairway to Heaven and Kashmir
Amy, while RnR music has colored my life, I also was exposed to Classical music at about the age of 12. Found an old 4 lp set of CM, and was taken by Grieg, Chopin, Brahms and Lizt. While everyone talked about that Amadeus guy, I followed the Romantics. Epiphanal it was too.
Then, I also found jazz. Miles, Coltrane, Baker, Peterson, et al.
But always came back to the Romantic composers.
Used to travel early to work and would listen to Peter Van Der Graff
Play deep cuts. At 430 AM, this was a good start to the day.
Now I've found your channel.
Thank You.
Oh please do Opeth....Ghost of Perdition will definitely be a challenge.
Very excited about this channel. I love all kinds of music from Classical to modern metal and have played the guitar and piano for more than 20 years. There are more than enough channels on here that focus on just the vocal aspects of certain artists and bands. I look forward to a channel more focused on the MUSIC.
I enjoy your channel very much Amy. A very fresh look into classical pop- and rocksongs. I am so curious what you would think of singer, songwriter, producer, Steven Wilson's song Drive home. He is the founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Porcupine Tree, as well as being a member of several other bands, including Blackfield, Storm Corrosion and No-Man. He is also a solo artist, having released 6 solo albums since his solo debut Insurgentes in 2008. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Wilson has made music prolifically and earned critical acclaim.[4] His honours include six nominations for Grammy Awards: twice with Porcupine Tree, once with his collaborative band Storm Corrosion and three times as a solo artist. In 2017 The Daily Telegraph described him as "a resolutely independent artist" and "probably the most successful British artist you've never heard of".
I am delighted to have found your channel - I will be following avidly.
I admire and respect what you do. I’m not, by temperament, a classical musician. But I love the fact that you come across as being genuine and I commend you for that. Keep doing it!
It’s wonderful to see a classically trained and highly educated person like yourself try to analyze, understand, and appreciate this kind of music rather than just dismiss and reject it like so many others. I really think you will have to try to develop a new sensibility to the electric and electronic instruments used in this kind of music in order to really appreciate it, so that it no longer sounds like “factory noises” to you. I look forward to following your journey.
I would love to see you react to the Moody Blues music. Nights In White Satin would be a great start. I love your channel and as a 70yr old I love all genre of music and believe music crosses all barriers.
Hello Amy, thank you for your precise and respectful analysis of all those rock masterpieces ! I really enjoy your approach and moreover, it makes me work my English ! Cheers from France😘🙏
I always wanted to play the harp. The sounds are magical / angelic.
Discovered your channel yesterday. Wonderful. Today hearing your story of Barcelona….was fabulous. That is one of my favourite songs. Have you thought of a video for it. I love the warmth and respect shown between the two,artists.
This is an awesome experiment. While I wasn't as insulated from popular music as you describe, I can relate to that general ignorance of popular music and discovering some of it in later life to be quite enjoyable. I look forward to your videos and wish you the best in the rough-and-tumble world of UA-cam self publishing!
I've just found this channel by chance. And you know what? I have these 248 wonderful videos ahead of me! (Yeah, looked through some of them, this should be such a fun!) Envy me :) Amy, thank you for all this!!!
I think it is a really unique experience to meet someone who, having huge background in classical music, doesn't know a bit of rock music, but at the same time is willing to learn and discover it. So I'm really glad I found your channel and I will certainly watch it with great interest.
Until now I watched two of your videos, about "Hey You" and "She's Leaving Home" and I'm most interested in your reactions at first listening. The follow-through analysis is not so interesting for me (but I'm certain it may be very interesting for many other people, so keep it that way!), so I did not watch the videos in full - as I said, first listening impressions are what interests me the most, especially because you seem to be a very nice and genuine person.
Rock is the music I really love, so I can assure you that there is a fascinating adventure before you, of course if you choose the right pieces to listen. I wish you good luck! Myself, I would encourage you to explore the genre called progressive rock (or art rock). Some people understand this genre quite narrowly, taking into account mostly bands from 70's like Genesis, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Procol Harum etc., but there is also a wider understanding of art rock/prog rock that includes for example Pink Floyd, Queen (you already listened to some pieces of both performers), even some pieces by The Beatles (they are basically pioneers of almost all styles of rock; listening to them I can't find a style that they haven't at least tried) and my favourite artist of all: Kate Bush. If I could recommend only one artist to you, it would be her. She's definitely a genius and most unique artist in the entire rock music. She's so unique that even for "rockheads" her music is often something totally new and not similar to what they are used to. However, I can't recommend one particular piece by Kate Bush as each one is different. You can try for example "The Dreaming" or "Night of the Swallow", or "Houdini", all tracks are from the album "The Dreaming", which in my opinion is her best.
I think you should also understand one thing, which you may or may not already know. With the prog rock/art rock genre, you usually have to listen to the whole album. Many of them are so called "concept albums", which tell a story through multiple songs, and have to be listened in full. Often the songs on such albums aren't even clearly separated, but they transition smoothly from one to the other. That is for example the case of "The Wall", from which you took one piece from somewhere around the middle. Yes, one does have to start from something, but I think it's better to start with listening to the whole album and then selecting one piece that you want to make a video about. I definitely recommend doing it that way :).
Finally, let me share with you one observation that - from my point of view - makes a big distinction between classical music and rock music. If music is sound, then classical music has one big problem. The final work of the composer isn't actually music, because it does not have the form of actual sound; it has a form of musical score. You need instrumentalists to turn this into actual music, actual sound. And there may be different performances of the same piece, by different musicians, at different occasions - there is no "canonical" version.
A great advantage of rock music is - for me - the fact that the final work here has the form of an actual sound recording. As a consequence, every piece has its "canonical", "reference" form. The same artist may perform the piece at concerts and it will sound differently any time, even other artists may perform the same piece, but there always be one and only one "canonical" version, which you can point at and say "this is the original". And that's great for me. Of ourse you may view it differently. :)
Wish you all the best on your adventure. Good luck! :)
This Experiment is the plot of an award-winning yet-to-be-made film. Better secure the film rights! Meanwhile, I'm going to make popcorn and watch your analysis of Kashmir again.
I just happened upon your channel yesterday and I must say I'm quite surprised and impressed. I love your style and in-depth analysis of the music I grew up with and still enjoy to this day. I am amazed at the fact that a lot of people have never been exposed to 'classic' rock, especially the younger generations. I more often than not find, once exposed to the genre, how surprised they are that they really enjoy this 'old' music. There was an era (late 60's to early 80's) that was very special and timeless. It's amazing that I can sit with my son and grandson and we all three can enjoy this music together. Keep up the good work. I plan on watching you regularly now that I've discovered your channel. 😃
Alright this is going to be fun, lets see how far we an push this, maybe post rock or even groove metal. Rock is so varied, there's such cool stuff in it. Maybe we can loop all the way to Igorrr after a year.
I am very curious to see where will this take me.
I completely enjoyed your in depth analysis of VH's Mean Street. I'm a very long time fan of the group and you've made me look at their music much deeper than I've ever done before. The analysis of the song's mood and the comparisons you made to Bartok have inspired me to look into Bartok's work. I love classical music but know very little about him. PLEASE review more of Van Halen's work. Ice Cream Man will blow your mind!!! It's a simple, happy tune but is a perfect example of their versatility and instrumental virtuosity. TY & keep up the great work!
This is a wonderful channel, thank you!