Queen, Lily Of The Valley- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2023
- #queen #freddiemercury #brianmay #johndeacon #rogertaylor
An utter delight to hear, this song achieved what very few songs do - TOOK MY BREATH AWAY!
Here’s the link to the original song by Queen:
• Queen - Lily Of The Va...
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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.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Queen
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I would like to point out that what you called strings in your review is an arrangement of electric guitars. Brian May used his guitar analogously to string and woodwind instruments in an orchestra. Congratulation. Great content!
Here I stand (Here I stand)
Look around, around, around, around, around...
But you won't see me
@@stargzer_nzm2239 Is that a Dear Prudence reference? If not, maybe it should be ;)
Please don't let "Nevermore" from Queen II pass you by. It's one of the prettiest pieces of music I've ever heard, and it's only 1m08s long
Sadly she passed on so many great songs. My fairy king and march of the black queen should be analyzed!
The whole BLACK side of Queen 2 and NEVERMORE is a beautiful piece in the middle of absolute genius competitions!
And yes March of the Black Queen, needs her analysis POST HASTE!
I treat Queen II as a concept album and should be listened to a whole side at a time
I'm from Russia and I've loved this album since the 70's. And yes, I think Putin is an ogre.
Freddie Mercury is the best. Amen
Freddie would have LOVED your analysis and comments and especially your appreciation of him.
You Take My Breath Away - Queen
Listening to the music of the band Queen, it's like seeing Michelangelo's paintings from the Sistine Chapel or listening to Beethoven's symphonies.
The diversity of songwriting in this band never ceases to amaze me. This song is on the same album in which they invent Speed Metal: "Stone Cold Crazy"
If you think this is beautiful, you'll have a field day with "You take my Breath away"
Lily of the Valley is quite a quintessential Queen song. It has all the hallmarks of what makes the Queen outstanding artists, their unique talent. It is their tenderness of vocal expression , complexity of the melody, and mastery of the musical substance, and impeccable taste. Brian May says „We are the Champions“ is the utter Queen, but surely, you can appreciate it only knowing that this group has been capable of making „Lily of the Valley“. Not to diminish entire body of their work, but certainly what made them unique and defined their contribution to rock music is this high musical art they could accomplish like no other group could
I think it was a big part of their appeal and success that you have 4 very good musicians
but 4 very different people with distinctive styles of composition and lyrics every album feels very diverse
their harmonies are beautiful
but it's only Freddies vocals on this one you just know before nowing this is a Freddie song! their personalities come through the songs
he had a few songs that he did all the vocals
We Are The Champions is actually a very complex song. It might sound simply or easy to digest, but it is really not simple at all. We are the champions have 21 different cords, with key changes and modal mixture. Just like Lily Of The Valley the song's composition is really masterful. There is a great analysis of We Are The Champions. Check out the video, "Analysing The Perfect The Perfect Chords from "We Are The Champions" from the channel Signals Music Studio.
There’s a certain aura of Grandeur about Freddie Mercury’s songs that reflects his flamboyant personality.
OMG! You gotta do Faerie Feller's Masterstroke/Nevermore from Queen II! Oooh and Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon - Night at the Opera.
OMGoodness, Amy, I feel like I'm back in my college Music Appreciation class in the 1970s. Excellent review of one of my favorite Queen songs. You brought magic and insight into every note and nuance of such a lovely, short, and meaningful song.
The one word I always use to describe Freddie's singing is PASSIONATE. His singing always comes from his heart and soul. He never goes through the motions, even when he was sick and had to perform or record. If you ever have a chance to watch a live performance of Queen, not only will you hear the passion in Freddie's voice, but you will see the passion he has for his listeners.
IMO, Freddie was a genius when it came to creating songs...both the music and the lyrics. Since I'm not a musician, and you so eloquently described "Lily of the Valley," I'd like to add a few things on the lyrics. Why does Freddie call on Neptune, who was the Roman god of fresh water and the seas, and who controlled the wind and storms. If indeed this song was written for or about Freddie's relationship with Mary Austin, I'm sure that Freddie felt buffeted by his feeling towards Mary and his gay partners as if in a terrible storm. Also, fresh water is like a baptism into a new life...a new life for Freddie. When Freddie sings about the "Messenger from the Seven Seas has flown...".... Mercury was the most clever of the Roman Olympian gods and served as "messenger" for all the other gods. Is Freddie the "Messenger" in "Lily of the Valley?" I don't know? And, why call the song "Lily of the Valley?" Interestingly, Lily of the Valley was Queen Elizabeth's favorite flower! Lily of the Valley in the Victorian era symbolized purity, joy, love, sincerity, and a return to happiness...a happiness to another life style for Freddie? And Freddie was totally obsessed with Victorian life, even decorating his Kensington home, Garden Lodge, with Victorian antique furniture and art. Lily of the Valley is mentioned several times in the Bible, including in the great love story book of the Bible, "Song of Solomon."
Something you didn't mention whilst listening to "Lily of the Valley" was Freddie's voice, which I find quite remarkable. It has a lovely quality that goes from different octaves and utilizes his great falsetto talent. You astutely picked up on Freddie's ability and talent to emphasize words when singing. He had a great genius for that, and he knew it. Brilliantly, Freddie plays the piano and does ALL vocals on the song, probably with overdubbing?
As far as a true rock band goes, I'm not sure that Queen falls into that box. Queen is my favorite band since 1974 because they were always willing to step out of the box and experiment with new genres and sounds. You didn't always know what style of music you would hear, but it was always well composed, sung, and performed. It was always a banquet of talent from John, Brian, Freddie, and Roger.
Amy, I think Freddie would be extremely pleased at your analysis of his songs. He said that he never wanted his songs to be boring, and you have made them come more alive to your listeners, and this older rocker chick is so thankful for that. Thank you, Amy. ♥
I still remember the first time i heard this, Thank God i have been listening for 50 years. I am sad for the people that have never, or will never hear all this man did.
That “Hidden melody” at the beginning is resolved by Brian May’s multi tracked guitar part at the very end. It is also used again in the Flash Gordon soundtrack with “The Kiss” - another beautiful piece by Freddie..
Freddie was a sensitive man having a very complex personality, his music was just as diverse as he himself. Thank you Amy for this very detailed analysis.
Freddie had an amazing, beautiful, voice.
So glad you're here❤ Freddie Forever❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Freddie left most of his possessions and wealth to Mary Austin. That shows how much he did love her.
Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack are the my favorite Queen albums. They are very cohesive works. Both just flow from start to finish. Amazing versatility!
At the end of Queen II you hear them singing “I like to be beside the seaside”. At the beginning of Sheer Heart-attack Album the amusement sounds of Brighton Rock, someone is whistling the seas side tune before the guitar comes in.
Absolutely agree on those two albums.
I'd love for you to do a listen to Flick of the Wrist.
My favourite Queen albums are Queen II and a night at the opera.
I go bk & forth tween ll & SHA !
The albums; A night at the opera, A day at the races are meant to be listen to i one hole piece. Not one song at the time! The songs complete each other in such a lovely way!
If you want to see Freddie's stage presence and how much interaction he has with a crowd, you need to watch the full 20 minutes of Queen's set at Live Aid.
There's another song that belongs to the Rhye series: My Fairy King from the first album. 😀
It's such a good song! She should hear it
Brian May stuff and the voice harmonies of the three of them are also amazing.
Queen was a great combination of people.
Yes but it only Freddie vocals on this
Sheer Heart Attack is a wonderful starting point for many a Queen fan looking for more depth than just the singles. Queen were after all, much more of an album band.
I was lucky to begin my Queen listening starting with Queen I QueenII ect..That was over 40 yrs ago and it was a time where albums were a suite of songs all belonging together even in the ordering. Queen and The Beatles really understood this more than any other bands I think.
The 'start' of this is the 'end' of the previous song - Flick Of The Wrist. You should consider Lily Of The Valley as starting from when the piano takes over.
Amy you are doing such an amazing job on reacting to these early Queen masterpieces I have only one question for you: What do we need to do to get you to turn this into the Queen 100 project??????????? Name your price!!
Probably best not to call it a "reaction". Reaction video's tend to be self centered click searching nobodies. What we have here is an educated analysis of a piece of music for the sake of the music not the host.
I’d adore hearing Amy cover every Queen song with Freddie Mercury singing. Heaven. I’m amazed at how brilliant her ear is picking up things I didn’t notice before. I’m in!😂❤
wow you appreciated the HELL out of this one!!! 40 min review of a 2 minute song, and i was hooked throughout! great stuff, plus i appreciate that youve gone back to listening to it straight through 1st, thats probably made the 1st impression more powerful!!! BRAVO
It's amazing how much development Freddie was able to pack into this tiny song. ❤
It’s not a popular opinion, but I think Sheer Heart Attack is Queens best album.
Well, I don't agreed with you. It's a very popular opinion
Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack are my favorites
Nick that is stone cold crazy dont ya know :p
I've no idea whether it's a popular one but it's my opinion too.
Night at the Opera, but I have overeaten it 😁
My dear, you certainly have to listen to the studio version of " You take my breathe away" it's beautifull.....
Yes, I have to agree. One of the most beautiful and passionate love songs ever written!
@@ulrikealtmann4655
“I will find you, anywhere you go. Right until the end of the earth.
I’ll get no sleep till I find you,
to tell you, when I’ve found you:
I love you.”
@@johanedberg5423
"Look into my eyes
and you'll see I'm the only one........"
Yes, this is passionate love, even if a "bit" threatening.
Queen songs have a build up in them of emotions. Even a short little ballad like Lily of the valley you go up in emotion as the song plays . Freddie’s vocals are far and away the best in history! And the sound produced by the band is the most recognizable on the planet . You know you are in for a great few minutes in your soul
I've always loved this song.
My very first Queen album brought for me in 1974 was ' Sheer Heart Attack' I played it so much, that when I started work a few years later I had to buy it again, as I had worn out my original copy & I still listen to it today.
It was mine too and same year 👍🏻
I do hope you do You Take My Breath Away. Another Freddie masterpiece.
Next, just must... March of the Black Queen... please 😁
thank you very much for your explanations und much more for your harp interpretations. once again I was very near on crying to your appreciation on Queen's music. It means so much for me.
Did not hear old Queens stuff very often the last time, and it is also a journey for me to my youth, when I was such a huge Queen fan.
thanks thanks thanks.
greetings from Germany
I think all the members of Queen including Freddie would adore hearing this reaction. Amy points out how brilliant they all were to create this gorgeous song. Roger the drummer was quite good at gently drumming when needed and pounding on other kinds of songs. John Deacon the bass player was also great at creating the bass rhythm to perfectly blend. Brian May could do things with his guitar that were amazing. Freddie Mercury was a genius with such an impressive ear and so talented. They all were also great songwriters. Though I adore Freddie Mercury as the charismatic lead singer and director of their music. They make your heart swell with joy. Every piece.
Watching your video brought to mind an extended metaphor. I inherit a piece of jewellery, friends and family repeatedly tell me it's glass- but I'm convinced it's a diamond. I take the jewellery to a Christies valuer who uses multiple lenses, lights and techniques on it; - he then tells me not only is it a diamond, it is a flawless diamond- he then adds that it's a blue diamond. Well Amy, for Lily of the Valley you have been my Christie's valuer! My heartfelt thanks.
Love your comment
Amy, you do realize that we're compiling a list for the Queen 50 Series, part two, lol?!
Your analysis brought me to tears. Freddie was one of a kind, RIP.
I've never heard this before. Beautiful.
Lily of the Valley is best listened to in combination with "Tenement Funster" and "Flick of the Wrist". These three songs are combined on the album.
I'm 63 years old and have been listening to Queen for 50 of those years... I always regarded Lily of the Valley as a filler between the rock, which it kinda was... but on reflection and with your wonderful analysis you realise the true beauty of the song. Freddie, you were a genius! ❤
"Nevermore" from Queen II. It's a Wonderfull piece... The most shoert piece of Queen, i think...
That bit at the beginning of this song is the end of another song called ‘Flick of the Wrist’, which is very different in a lot of ways, which may be why they fit so well together. It’s definitely worth listening to the two of them together as they appear on the album. Anyway, another great video! I haven’t listened to this song since my mid teens (a looooong time ago), when I just thought it was a pleasant song to listen to on this album. I never realized the complexity of it the way you did, as you broke it down practically measure by measure showing how it all fit together as one complete song. It’s so much more than just another ballad to me now. I bet Freddie would have really liked your analysis, especially after just one listen.
When this came out in 1974 my brother bought it for me for Christmas. It was all I could do not to buy my own copy in between the release date of 8th November and December 25th.
I played the album non-stop for about a week and then went out and bought Queen I and II ( I wasn't sure about them beforehand, how wrong I was!!
We need more Queen II and also Liar and My Fairy King from the first album.
The dynamics here are way better than your average rock band. And it's very effective for what the song is getting at. That big crescendo feels like an ocean wave, consistent with the Neptune thing.
What’s mind-blowing is that the same band that did Lily of the Valley also did the song Sheer Heart Attack, which prophesied punk rock but was not released till three years later. Amy, if you liked Lily so much, please do not bypass “My Fairy King” from their debut album.
I really love this song. Decon's bass lines are so sensitive in the upper register for the instrument. It was unusual for it's time that few bands even thought about. The integrity of the band was really great producing wonderful results. Thank-u for this analysis and reaction video.❤
Thank you Amy for yet another spectacular reactionary analysis of another short and sweet Freddie composition... well done, with such precision, unfortunately, this song is one of their most underrated pieces... amazing how their music seems to be so timeless and appropriate for the day. It seems so simple and entertaining, yet such a masterful intricate composition.... maybe that is one reason I have so thoroughly enjoyed Queen music over and over again for so many years, it seems I never tire of listening... and your explanations are phenomenal, thank you so much... looking forward to your next one... blessings.
If you liked this then you will also enjoy “You Take my Breath Away” studio version. But you need to listen to the very very end... 👑
And Bijou…
Equally impressive as the great songwriting is the band's restraint and respect in adding just those little touches that complement and elevate the arrangement even further. It's a beautifully crafted miniature.
As someone with virtually no musical training, your discussion of chord change was wonderful. Many reactors/reviewers talk about them without really explaining. Your explanation was very informative to this musically illiterate music lover.
I am really happy to see how much you thoroughly enjoyed this one and continue to enjoy and appreciate Queen. Such a beautiful song. I love how much detail you were able to find in such a short song. Nice demonstration and explanation of modulation. Such a great reaction, analysis, and demonstration of the musical elements through your singing and harp.
This is a beautiful song😂❤❤
Freddie is looking down at you from Heaven smiling.
I think he will be in amazement! Although Freddie is a genius, I don't think he thought his music this much over... it came naturally❤
This was my first exposure to Queen, a Christmas present when I was in the ninth grade in 1974. I was hearing all of these intricate musical and lyrical tricks. Not sure of any of the meaning of the song, but absolutely enchanted with the composition and skills. It brings me such joy and satisfaction to see that decades later other people appreciate the depth and talent and originality.
Your channel is great! I am in my seventies and ahuge music fan and thought i knew it all, but ive learned such a lot from you.Thank you 😅
Love your comment✌🏼
If this song takes your breath away, you should listen to “You Take My Breath Away”, which is equally as beautiful.
I love your in depth reactions, by the way. Keep them coming! ❤️
Agree. The live version from Hyde Park is incredible
I've played that a lot on piano as it has been my fav Queen song since 1976. Has a very Chopin feel that you hear in quite a few pop songs of the era. Some lovely diminished chords.. would really like to analyse the opening... some beautiful stacked harmonies going on from Freddie..
Yes, the first 3 albums have SO many brilliant musical snippets, lyrical color etc….of course as do the rest.
Brilliant as always. I am a musician but I no longer play for money. I have been listening to these songs since they were released and I know I like them but I could never put it as eloquently as you have. I always liked Lily of the Valley.
There are loads of Queen's songs I feel the same about and I have actually seen them play quite a lot of them live many times. Sadly, that can't happen anymore
I grew up studying classical, but also a fan of Queen during their discovery, for the reason of bringing in classical components into rock. It such a pleasure to watch your analysis of their music. There are so many songs that you will enjoy. New subscriber.
Your comments on the Modulation in this song mirror the meaning behind the song so well. He started off in one place, in love, married, "home" as it were. Then he realized his preferences went elsewhere. He needed a new "home". Freddy put his very self into his phraseology, piano playing, his voice, and everything else he did. No matter when I hear this song I immediately hear the first chords of Now I'm Here which follows this song. Each song on this album just fits exactly where it was placed.
It is an absolute joy and very enlightening to hear such an engaged analysis of every detail in this short tune. I have always wondered what it was about 'Lily of the Valley' and 'Nevermore' that intrigued me so much. I am not a musician, and I have always felt I was missing a way to express what makes those songs so fascinating.
It must require an immense attention to detail as well as an enourmous amount of - well - passion to create such a rich composition that doesn't simply resemble something you've heard many times before.
Brian May said that Freddie's compositions were by far the most demanding. He often found that he had to move his fingers in the strangest ways on his guitar(s) to contribute to Freddie's vast musical ideas. Roger mentioned being completely baffled, when he first heard Freddie pitch "The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke" to the band.
Funfact: Lily of the Valley in Dutch is lelietje van dalen. Dal means valley. The Vandalen were also a East German tribe who conquered big parts of Europe from the 4th until the 6th century.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals
There's also a children's story written by the famous Annie M.G. Schmidt called Het beest met de achternaam (The beast with the surname)
There 's a very dangerous monster called The Beast with the Surname. He's as big as an elephant and has brown hair all over, enormous sharp claws, a head with three hornes and a big mouth with sharp teeth. His surname is Van Dalen. The one who can catch him gets half of the kingdom and may marry the princess.
Several heroic young man try, but The Beast with the Surname (Van Dalen) throws them 30 metres away.
Then there is a litte girl called Pietepeut who walks through the forest when coming home from school and she decides to eat her sandwich while sitting on a stone. She hears a voice: "Hey, don't spill all the bread crumbs on my head" The girl looks and wonders where the voice comes from. "Here, down below". The girl sees a small plant talking.
She apologises and asks if the plant had seen The Beast with the Surname. "Off course, he is my family. He's called Van Dalen, just like me. I'm the Lelietje van Dalen I know him very well"
"Oh, off course" the girl replies. "Do you know how I can catch him".
"When you sing a very sad song he calmes down, lies before you on the ground and you can do with him whatever you want"
And thus Pietepeut catches The Beast with the Surename, who is called Van Dalen, just like the Lily of the Valley,
The prophet's song is really awesome if you like classical music. Also, it's their longest song.
This song starts the way it does because it continues from the previous track on the album, "Flick of the Wrist"
I think that deserves a 'd'oh'.....!!!
One of the most beautiful songs ever 🥰 I have read Freddie wrote it sang it. Played the piano and did all the voices on it. I hope I’ll find out if this is true here because You are digging into these works of art. Thank you Amy 🌹
0. Yeah 0.02
1. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon 1:07
2. Dear Friends 1:09
3. Seven Seas Of Rhye 1:10
4. Procession 1:13
5. God Save The Queen 1:16
6. Nevermore 1:19
7. Lily Of The Valley 1:43
As you can see it is the 7th shortest actually, not second.
yeah is literally one word! it doesn't count!
you've included 3 instrumentals
take them away and it's 4th !
she's just starting I think we can forgive her a small mistake !
@@bluebell3720 it's just a correction don't get me wrong. I also didn't include some of the songs of the album Flash. And of course I didn't put Yeah as first literally because of that.
Hi Amy, just subscribed to your Ko-Fi account. A tiny bit more background on this song: You mentioned when you listened to Killer Queen that Brian May had a sickness during the recording of this album. He was actually near death with hepatitis, and did had thought the band would move on without him, replacing him on guitar. The three other band members would have none of that, and supported him during his recovery. After his recovery "Now I'm Here" was the first song he wrote, and it was to tell the band that he was well now and not going anywhere. Such charm in this band!
Soo happy to follow along with you on your Queen journey. I love what you've done so far, but I had really hoped that you would take a look at My Fairy King. It's astonishing that this early composition of Freddie's found its way onto what was really kind of a heavy rock album. I feel just as emotional about that as you do about Lily of the Valley.
A beautiful piece of art and wonderful sensitivity to analyze the Queen's music
Congratalutions!! You are a Queen fan already. It´s amazing the contribution of Queen and Freddie for All the wrold
Seems like you REALLY enjoyed this beautiful tune :)
#RockOnAmy
The Sheer Heart Attack album was a conceptual album. You had listen to it front to back. The segues are part of the experience. They were outsiders singing to outsiders. Made them legends. Long live Queen!
Freddie and his sister Kash created an imaginary world called Rhye as children. He was paying homage to her when he wrote these fantastical songs. Trying to draw us into their world. So beautiful.
WOW, what a reaction. I just loved how you swooned over this song. It is also one of my favorites. If you do learn to play it on the harp, would definitely watch and listen to that. The hits are the hits, and for a reason, they are great. But these "little" album songs are (in my opinion anyway) what makes Queen above and beyond.
Queen songs playing on a harpe sounds so amazing. I love it. ❤❤❤❤
You should hear Nevermore. Along with Love Of My Life, Lilly Of The Valley in my opinion form a unit thematically, stylistically and, aesthetically.
Also even if you don't make reaction videos, for your own benefit and pleasure you should go through the Queen II album. It just celebrated its 50th release anniversary. A master piece.
Complementi Maestra !
Amy on classical music stretching into the 2nd hour "Too many notes!"
R&R is the modulation pushback on Mozart's endless keyboard riffs.
(Don't mind me, I spend too much time out in the sun)
I appreciated that first you listened the entire song and only afterwards you listened stopping and commenting
Absolutely fascinating comment on this pearl of Queen. It's hard to explore the wealth of nuances, especially in the first run, but one of the precious things of this song is the subtle control of the rhythm which, although structured, will never neatly fits into the dry metronome beat.
I pray and cross my fingers that one day we will hear your commentary on "You Take My Breath Away".
And thanks again for the intense pleasure of your input on the Lily.
Thanks, my Girl!... he was amazing.. I hope you do some more LIVE reactions... he was incredible... I am "old" - and was privileged to see Queen several times with Freddie between ages 17-19... absolutely unforgettable... but not to forget the rest of the band... every single one of them wrote a #1 hit.. and each of them were amazing musicians on their own... appreciate your analysis... (p.s. Brian May was the "Love of my Life" as a teen... I still love geriatric Brian... he is amazing... lol)
my favorite Queen album Sheer heart attack!,i like to listen to "Tenement funster."Flick of the wrist"and "Liliy of the valley "together they are a package on the album ...i Love Freddy! hes the ultimate performer!
The "orchestration" of this piece is also brilliant. Orchestration is not a term often used in a rock context but I think it fits here. The little flourishes and crescendos are essential to the overall impact of the piece. There are some other examples of live performances of rock music with orchestral accompaniment that you really should check out. Elton John does a timeless version of the song Burn Down the Mission at the Royal Opera House in England that has an orchestral arrangement by Paul Buckmaster. And there is a version of Nights In White Satin performed with the Royal Danish Symphony.
Amy, the guitar note that ends so abruptly in the beginning, is a backwards played tape. This is a sound effect much used in the late sixties, and started by The Beatles (or if they weren't the first to use it, they made it popular).
In 1980 Queen used backward tapes for the piano in Another One Bites the Dust.
I have loved this song since the first time I've heard it ❤
Another amazing analysis! I am glad that it brought you some enjoyment, it sounds as if you might have a good voice. It is songs such as these that brings out the ethereal beauty of Freddie's voice, a lot of opera "stars" these days, could only dream of singing with such exquisite legato as Freddie displays here. Lily Of The Valley is part of Freddie's fantasy series, which also includes other songs such as the Great King Rat, My Fairy King, Seven Seas Of Rhye and March Of The black Queen. I hope Any will do these songs as well. I don't think this song has anything to do with Mary Austin. I respect Brian's judgement he is a great musician, but he and Freddie were very much opposites, they were often fighting because of their different thoughts and ideas, I am not sure he always understood how Freddie's mind worked. But it also doesn't matter that much, since Freddie did not not mind how people interpreted his music.
March Of The lack Queen?
@@YourBeingParanoid lol oops!
I have never heard Brian's explanation before.
But when I heard the song for the first time, I instantly thought of Mary Austin. Because a very old name for the flower is "Mary's tears". My german grandmother told me this as a young child. And I was fascinated, because this is such a lovely and at the same time sad name for this beautiful flower. And she also said, it's a symbol for shyness, purity and innocence in Christian mythology.
So, I always can see Freddie's inner struggle how to tell Mary about his true inner feelings. You know "the lily of the valley doesn't know"....... yet.
But this is only my opinion. Like Freddie said, when you can see it, then it's there. So Brian's explanation makes sense for me.
I also want to say, I always appreciate your knowledge about Queen and music.
@@ulrikealtmann4655 Thank you, that is very interesting, I have never heard of that name before. What you say does make a lot of sense. I guess you learn something new every day.
Yes, makes lot of sense.
Have you ever heard about the Queen Insurance Building in Liverpool?
A hardcore Queen fan told me about this a couple of days ago. If you don't know it, look it up. It's a very old building, long before Queen was in the making so to say, and Freddie lived there in his Ibex days for a year. Look at the top of the building in detail. For me it was like a punch in the face.
I'm interested in what you think about it. As I said before, for me it was unbelievable. Some say, this is how Freddie came up with the idea for the name and crest for Queen. Look it up and you'll know what I mean.
I am a Queen fan and I love this series. Amy's analysis provides insights that bring me a whole new layer of pleasure in listening to these songs.
The guitar part you mention at the beginning was the last note of the previous song, and was recorded backwards. The technique was used by many artists, but my first real awareness of it was "Castles Made of Sand" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and "Tomorrow Never Knows" by the Beatles. If you would like to experience a real bit of studio magic, check out "The Prophet Song" from A Night at the Opera. 😊
One of my favorites. I'm thrilled that you love it as much as I do. Please post you performing this on the harp in its entirety. I would love to see it. I see you have written: "TOOK MY BREATH AWAY!" You should soon check out Queen's You Take My Breath Away---is also very similar.
You know the sting section is Brian Mays Guitar
Utterly beautiful. You said it, you're utterly right.
Brilliant reaction to and explanation of this gem of a song. I don't think anyone else hearing it for the first time could react to it better, and I'm sure that Freddie would have been quite pleased by your unpacking of it.
For me "Lilly of the Valley" is a jewel from a "touched by god" trilogy that also includes " Nevermore" and " Dear Friends". I could'nt say wich one is more beautiful. Nice review.
You nailed it. Those three are perfection
virgin rock and queen are match made in heaven
You must do March of the black Queen
Thank you for showing us what the real passion for music is all about, explaining this with words is really very difficult, you are blessed, and thanks to Vlad for discovering your talent to comunicate all this with us!
If you want to see Freddy at his best as a performer, I cannot recommend too strongly you find a video of Queen's Live Aid set. It's Freddy at his absolute best, and you'll see how he can bring an audience. He absolutely had a hugexaudience in the palm of his hand. It's considered one of the finest rock performances ever.
It's a long way from this wonderful piece of "chamber Pop" to the stadion rock of Live Aid. Live Aid is great! But Queen is so much more. In my opinion there is more happening musically in the 2 minutes of "Lily Of The Valley", as in the whole Live Aid.
Honestly Queen did many performances that were far better then Live Aid. Their early shows live at the Rainbow would be more appropriate for where Amy is on her journey.
@@bernhardfbuttner5694 Amy made a comment about performance and Live Aid is about performance and the way he can get an audience on side and that was my point rather than the musical sophistication or otherwise of the music chosen on that day. In fact their choice of what to play was also a good demonstration of their understanding of choosing appropriate material for a specific occasion. A high level of sophistication was not appropriate for that occasion and their choice of material was spot on for the occasion.
@@ZENOBlAmusic That's as may be. Queen were well known as a superb live band but still many reckon Live Aid was one of their finest. Others that I've seen don't show their skill as perforners as well asive Aid imo.
@@TootlinGeoff Everything is fine! - But I want to see Amy do more Queen-Songs, than the 50 that will come ... After that, I'll be happy with Live Aid ;-)
So happy you have this wonderful channel. This perfect song has “ just as many notes as necessary your Majesty” … I’m thinking of Mozart’s statement to the Emperor in Vienna ( love the play Amadeus … his rival Salieri thought Mozart didn’t have enough notes in his compositions ) 😂 I think of Freddie’s spare compositions and how powerful and beautiful they are. As much as I love Freddie’s singing and showmanship and the fact he was a great musician … for me his most outstanding talent was that he was a fabulous composer and it’s heartbreaking when I think of the music he would have written if he was still here. You will end up loving him 😊
I'll never listen to Lily of the Valley the same way again. Brilliant analysis.