Queen, The Millionaire Waltz - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
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- čas přidán 17. 11. 2023
- #queen #greddiemercury #johndeacon #rogertaylor #brianmay
I’ve been so eager to hear this song for quite awhile, and my anticipation was not disappointed! Queen’s versatility and virtuosity is on full display here, showing off every single member’s strengths. And now… I feel like a millionaire!
Here’s the link to the original song by Queen:
• Queen - The Millionair...
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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 don't know what to say Amy... your insight and intelligence is overwhelming. Allthough I know this song almost all of my life, looking you hearing it for the first time is emotional to me. More amazing is that you show me what I never heard...
The perfect bass line. John Deacon is a genius.
A genius and a half. Deeply missed. Great composer, accomplished bassist, loyal friend.
"My melancholy Blues" is a must.
At last, "The Millionaire Waltz"! When I listened to this masterpiece, I was 15 years old. Now I am 55 and this song still amazes me. Thank you Amy for your wonderful reaction.
Yes I was about 7 or 8 and I'm also 55 in a few weeks... Sheer Heart Attack and Day at the Races are my favourite Queen albums. This track has always been a favourite of mine...
Sheer Heart Attack and Day at the Races - good choice!@@neilloughran4437
Same for me, except I’m 59
But this is rubbish
Ok, this is your personal opinion@@Potato_salad345
Please, make a reaction to March of the Black Queen too!
John's playing is just sublime on this one. Such an underrated musician.
51:31 that is exactly what Queen is all about! Complex, intelligent but for everybody to enjoy. And let's face it, that is what they still do... it is amazing!
Freddie's impersonation of Marlene Dietrich is so good.
John Deacon’s bass on this is amazing
The bass guitar parts on this song are just great. John Deacon was really good.
It’s a perfect example of why his playing was so important in Queen songs. Always able to find his own space in the music, he never got in the way of
Brian’s guitar and Freddie’s voice.
During life some bands come and go. What I enjoyed 3 years ago, bores me now.. But Queens Music is a life-long love
My teenage kid and her friends love queen also
Me too, I can't kick my life long Queen obsession. I'm over most other bands.
The musical relationship Freddie and Deaky ( John) had was so wonderful . Deaky didn’t sing and he said in an interview that Freddie was his voice… when he wrote music it was Freddie’s voice he heard in his head. I sometimes feel Freddie’s piano/voice and Deaky’s bass guitar harmonized and sang together inside many songs. My face felt like it was going to crack by the end of your video Amy… couldn’t stop smiling. Thank you for all the happiness you give me 🌷
I love how Amy’s journey has changed HOW she listens to music. Originally she would stay perfectly still except for some facial micro-expressions. Now she moves with the beat, even nodding her head in time, like a baby headbanger. 😅
"a baby headbanger" - Hahahahaha!
You are absolutely right. Rock, well, at least good rock, frequently has that physicality. In a way it is still dance music, even if sometimes it's the mind that's "dancing". Amy is now much more at ease with the rock sounds and her expressions changed accordingly. It's very interesting to watch.
Beneath the pomp , showmanship, and bombast it must be remembered what a fantastic , clever and inventive musician Freddie was.Amy's dissection is brilliant and added so much to a piece I have listened to since I was 15...Im 62 now!
THEY ALL WERE. Not just freddie
Pure genius ❤
I agree. There will never be another Freddie Mercury. His talent wasn’t recognized though it was appreciated. I don’t think people realized his genius until years after his death. He and Brian, John, and Roger made truly eclectic and compelling music. We Are lucky they were able to create as much music as they did.
Freddie Mercury is a genius. Awesome analysis. Thank you.
Queen was the best band EVER. Brilliant. They could do any style, and Freddie was a magical being.
The guitar solo is actually a rendition of 'Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree' from 1966, but also Strauss' Voices of Spring Waltz. Brilliant pastiche I would say, and incredible piece of music overall.
czcams.com/video/rOcqxfszREs/video.html. That realization was quite mind-blowing, actually
Yes! I didn’t see your comment before I wrote mine.
Very funny...
This could be one of Amy's favourites but then there are so many.
At some point you also need to listen to the whole album in one sitting, it's not just a collection of songs, they also form a complete experience together, and quite some attention was put into the order of the songs.
It’s one of the things I love best about Queen, the transitions from simplicity to excess with very natural dramatics thrown in.
Definitely the antidote to grey days.
Finally!!! I vividly remember when I heard Queen for the first time ever. And it was The Millionaire Waltz on BBC Russian Service, behind the Iron Curtain, in USSR. I was a classically trained 14 year old kid, not really used to Rock music at all and not really interested in it. But that experience changed everything for me.
Thank you!
On the "My Fine Friend" part, Freddie is emulating Marlene Dietrich's vocal style...
I did not know that. Thank you for the education.
Wonderful! You make me understand now, as an older man and a philosophy professor, why I connected with such a unique, brilliantly composed piece of music as a much younger ... metal head! I was illiterate, a high school drop out--a drummer--playing in clubs. Songs like this, from Queen, opened me up to something I couldn't process and yet felt so irresistably drawn to. I drove the guys in the band crazy, telling them: Listen to this genius!!!! Anyway, many thanks for the ride!
This song makes me think of the “Waltz of the Flowers”
Queen is the Best.
This song strikes me as an exercise in going from the most simple, bare, sounds to the most full and lush sounds possible
Yes !😂
Bass is brilliant here. And as always Fred’s voice and the Red Special do wonderful things together, they have always been a great combination.
In this one Freddie is comprehensively messing with us. No surprise there. 😃
Don't think to underestimate the mighty fine Bass Playing of John Deacon ? My Fave Queen Album .
This is one of the Greatest 👑
Thank you Amy. I'm 63 now. First heard this in 1976 as a 15 year old. Your dissections and reactions take the brilliance and flamboyance of Freddie and the team to an even higher, classier level ❤
I'm also 63.. my BFF and I were obsessed with Queen in HS... and mocked for it. but we didn't care.. lol
I’m in my 50’s and adored Queen. I think they would have been appreciated more if they hadn’t been creating their music during the decades in which people were spoiled for choice. Still they managed to create music that is considered unique and is admired and recognized by people of all ages all over the world. Young people are amazed when introduced to them even now. Quite an accomplishment -geniuses all.
excellent analysis of an utterly brilliant piece of art by Queen.
Please react to the "Queen II" album. There are some truly amazing songs in there.
I have to think you really enjoyed this one Amy. I hope that I'm not wrong!
Beautiful analysis of TMW. Please do one for "The Prophet's Song" by Queen.
Been waiting so long for this - classic musician meets Queens classical waltz - I know this reaction is going to be epic!
Magnificent song and magnificent explanation. Very difficult to sing. Thank you.
YES! I've been hoping for this one. A great example of Freddie's genius. This one is very classically inspired and goes all over the place. I love it, and I'm sure you did as well, Amy.
I can’t wait for this one. I must say I really enjoy your videos. You teach me about a side to their music I never thought of. I have queen tattoos, i know their music like my name and surname and I am always waiting fir your reactions. Thank you so much for your honest reaction, your clever input and your opinion. Enjoy Queen
I knew Amy would love this tune .. what's not to love :)
#rockOnAmy
John Reid was(is) a very succesful and rich person whose lifestyle (millionaire) had a huge impact on Freddie's own lifestyle (when the money started to come in). They were great friends and had a lot of common friends, too.
This music is not a Viennese waltz, but a Queen style waltz. 🙂 Thank you Amy.
A Freddie style waltz!
The song is about David Mimms, Freddie's first boyfriend. It has nothing to do with John Reid.
@@brianmayshair No, you're wrong...
@@konradtomala3580 OK. I'm happy to be proved otherwise so find me a direct quote or an attributable source which states it's about John Reid. Yes. I know Wiki says it is and other sources but they are all non-attributable. It is clearly a love song and Freddie was in love with David Mimms at the time.
@@brianmayshair His name was Minns, and I didn't read that information on Wiki. Anyway, the song is great.
One of their best songs!!!
For me this is Freddie at glee with his new found fame and fortune and an ode to John Read who enabled it after the Trident exit.
Freddie Mercury (to John Reid): And what can you do for us?
John Reid: Why I'm going to make you a millionaire darling.
Great video! I love your explanations and deductions based on the song. I really NEED you to analyse The March of the Black Queen, by Queen! for me is the most ambitious and the greatest Queen song, and I know you'll love it. Keep up with the good work!
This, along with, 'You Take My Breath Away', were instantly recognised as the style of song that was anticipated as being those which would appeal to your sense of musicianship, no doubt. Queen loved to go in all different directions with their music, often in the same pieces, in order to, initially subvert your expectations, but then, getting to know how they operate, you _almost_ try to second-guess what they're going to do next, but _still_ end up being surprised due to them keeping the listener on their toes, throughout. It's true to say that they did become a little more predictable in later years, but then they wouldn't be Queen if they didn't stick at least, a little to what they knew worked well. And, they did.
As for this particular song, it's got Freddie all over it. The flamboyance, romantic intonations and the back and forth from hardly a whisper to full-on rock style singing and orchestration. The others within the band doing their pieces with equal proficiency to create one of a number of masterpieces on this one album. I hope there's going to be an opportunity for you to react to the other playful song on this album, namely, 'Good Old-Fashioned Loverboy', which is another one that oozes Freddie-ness in bucket fulls.
We just knew you were going to love it. The anticipation on our part was delicious. Its so great to see how happy you are, sinking your teeth, into such a huge musical steak. We learn so much, about how all of the different elements are interwoven together , and shift and move. Your easily my favourite youtuber , and I warn all the music lovers i know, about how addictive you are. You and Brian and Roger really do need to chat , that would be fandabydozy , to quote Wee Jimmy Krankie.
Glad you listened to this one - Vlad has great taste - my favourite Queen song! I remember the first time I heard it, so rich and blew me away.
You can always tell when Fred was in love, and tipsy
Yes 🥰😂
He does a little Marlene Dietrich Take me wiz you forever. So much fun he must have had writing it in his head. John Reid gave them the freedom and the money to make the best album they could to help them get out of financial trouble because of the problems they had with their prior management. This album was a great success.
One of my favorite Queen tunes… when I first heard it I was kicking myself for not having heard it sooner!
I think you’ll enjoy “The Prophet Song” when the time comes… a bit darker, Brian May’s opus from a dream, Queen’s longest track. The vocal play is quite a remarkable work, especially when you hear about how they achieved it in the studio.
You should react to "my melancholy blues" too.
Melancholy Blues, Dreamers Ball ,
& You Take My Breath Away. And ' Thank God It's Christmas ' & 'Jesus.' All wonderful & sadly under appreciated .❤
Freddie was a big fan of Cabaret with Liza Minelli.
The German accent was a definite influence
That part reminds me of Marlene Dietrich, as does Freddies famous Bohemian Rhapsody picture pose. It definitely does have a bit of a Cabaret feel though. It's always hard to tell with Freddie!
I’ve always thought that his line “My fine friend, take me wiz you und love me, forever…” was a direct tip of the hat to another of Freddie’s idols, Marlene Dietrich. And really, what better song in which to include this…? 🙂❤️
I don't think Brian's guitar solo is a rendition of any one specific piece of classical music, but I would say its style is highly reminiscent of Strauss. In particular, the Blue Danube and Künstlerleben come to mind! Just further proof that Queen was the perfect rock band... not only were they all first rate instrumentalists, but also phenomenal songwriters whose own individual tastes and influences complemented each other so well and allowed them to elevate each other's music to a level I don't think any of them would have been able to reach in any other group.
It is actually a rendition of Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree from 1966, but also Strauss' Voices of Spring Waltz. Brilliant pastiche I would say, and incredible piece of music.
As @chopin1995 suggests, the resemblance to Little Black Rain Cloud (from Winnie the Pooh) is unmistakable. czcams.com/video/aYqA58N3sEE/video.html
The one I've been waiting for since the beginning of this series. And just under an hour to review it. I expected no less.
"Nevermore" from the album Queen II. It´s just Freddie and is piano! Very beautifull;)
Excellent analysis as always. I am a rabid Queen fan- especially of their early work
This piece reminds me lyrically of the intoxicating , opulent world sketched by Keats. Content is quite different but the poetic style is equally sumptuous:
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells."
I think the best representation of Brian's orchestration guitars are Procession and God Save The Queen!
The day has finally finally finally arrived you mean
That was amazing. Fun journey through a brilliant song.
Thank you, "The Millionaire's Waltz" is brilliant. Actually, I listen to the "Day At The Races" album more than "Opera", I find it more introspective.
of course it is... i've ever suppose it too
From a quick read of the comments here about John Deacon's marvelous bass, I have not seen mention of how he uses his bass harmonics. They are gorgeous and so well placed, I adore how Mr. Deacon uses his harmonics in this song.
Thank you very much Amy, it is not only the surprising musical education that you give us, but also the joy that you transmit in your videos.
Amy, Amy, Yes , this is the one ! I knew you were going to like this song _ Isn't it great? How could you compose such a masterpiece if you weren't a great musician.. think the Brian may solo is his own take on the familiar classical music we all have in our heads. Very emotional watching this.. Fantastic! Thank You 😅❤
This was my very first Queen album and has always remained my favorite and there are many reasons why but this song is definitely one of them.
I am. Huge Queen fan since 1975. I know all the lyrics to almost every song they have ever recorded.
Thank you for doing this.
Thank you! This was a very enjoyable reaction, and I didn't want it to end. Early on in this Queen journey, it occurred to me that the "Millionaire Waltz" would be a fantastic selection for you to delve into, and I'm so glad you didn't skip over it. I was amused to find out that Vlad was anticipating this one as well. He has impeccable taste. I am loving this chronological trip through Queen's catalogue, and though I know there must be tragic omissions, I do hope you will eventually get to go back and revisit some of their early albums and pick out more of the gems within. I personally would love to see you explore "My Fairy King", "In The Lap Of The Gods", and "The Prophet's Song", among others.
For my sensibilities, this is Freddie's Magnum Opus. I've looked forward to hearing your take on this.
I hope you have time to evaluate Brian's Teo Torriate from side two.
I was fortunate to meet John Reid several times in the late 1970's, including dinner at his beautiful home on Doheny above the Sunset Strip. I remember him being very gracious, relatively quiet among those he called friends and an admired personality in the music industry.
😄 that was great fun (as with other of Queens humorous numbers), btw one of those I did not know.
Great playing in all instruments.
Perhaps the guitar solo-melody sounds familiar simply because of the style. There must be hundreds of songs from
1900-1939 similar used for theater, film or as stand-alone songs.
The rock-interlude doubles up on the bass-drum like what later became common in heavy metal,
Queen had it all first! 😆
Oh how I love Freddie 🥰 and let’s face it this song wouldn’t exist were it not for Freddie Spicy waltz and yes so much humor… who wants a romantic waltz without a little humor. Thank you Amy you make everything even better than it was.
John's bass line is absolutely fantastic in this song. I secretly consider him as Chopin on bass.
And Amy, had watched a couple of your videos, I'm totally blown away by how much and how quickly you can break down a song. Thank you for the insightful analysis. A lot of details you mentioned I wouldn't had noticed even I listen to the songs a thousand more times!
Yay! Oh this is awesome! I’m so glad you covered this! I knew you’d hear all kinds of things with your amazing ears. Thanks so much for doing this!!❤
A masterpiece of the Rock
Thanks! such a fun song.. I really enjoy your educated reactions...
THANK YOU..😘
You mentioned the Sound of Music. I remember several years ago when Freddie was talking about this he said something to the effect of, "Bring out the charge of the love brigade... That's so Julie Andrews" 😊
Charming!
When Freddie start singing in that French accent, does anyone else think of Édith Piaf?
My favorite Queen song!
The March of the black Queen....
This one goes so well with “lazing on a Sunday afternoon” preceding it, almost sounds like one piece of music
Great stuff! Since there is discussion here on transitions and meter changes, and being pioneers in bringing this into rock music, I feel that the story is not complete without March of the Black Queen from the second album. Which is of course also significant for being the predecessor to Bohemian Rhapsody, together with My Fairy King from the first album (where Freddie also got his new last name Mercury!). I sure hope we are not going to miss out on those 🙂
Happy day! One of my all time favorite Queen songs. It is such a nice piece of musical art. As usual your breakdown was amazing. A big thank you to you both!
Your reaction to and analysis of this song was just a joy to watch and listen to Amy! Thank you so much for doing this one!
Perla rara
Great reaction, it's great to see you smile and laugh during Queen reactions. Your description of the song sounded like you were describing Freddie himself. Elegant, sophisticated, but hey just a regular guy. Also loved the breakdown of different waltz styles.
Very english sounding song ❤
In what sense
@@bluebell3720in every sense.
Thanks for another wonderful classic Queen reaction! I know what you mean about Brian May's waltz-time guitar solo (immediately after the "rock" section) sounding familiar. The first few notes remind me of "Oom-Pah-Pah" from the musical "Oliver!" by Lionel Bart. Looking forward to the "Somebody To Love" reaction!
Maybe a quarter of the way into this one. So good so good
Amy, you need to get Vlad to tell you about the Deacy Amp which features heavily in here and elsewhere in Queen's music and is much responsible for that unique sound. You can even buy them now but the original was made by John Deacon and the guitars often use it. I think Misfire was the first song to have it on
First song to feature it was Procession and some other tracks on Queen II
I think that this is the one song where all 4 members of the band shine at 100%. Also the best bassline in Queen catalogue.
very good job Amy -- you did them justice, plus you're teaching us stuff along the way. enjoyed it.
This is a great review. Did you know that Brian May uses a British Sex Pence coin for a pick in stead of the conventional platic picks? He uses 30 Vox Amplifiers with Tubes in stead of the most used one, Marshall. He also plays through a Deaky amp built by John Deacon to produce his unique sound. The guitar he uses was built by him and his father.
Oh my Goddess!!! You did this one!!! Can't wait!!!
I just love your analysis of the music. Queen was joyful to be out from under the thumb of Trident studio, A Night at The Opera was a huge success, so this really expresses pure joy. Long live Queen music ❤️
Great React! ❤
the last of this kind, you can find in the 'Newsof the World' album;1977. It's call 'My melancoly blues'. It's a soft, well arranged duet between Freddie's voice and Freddie's piano. I think you could barely hear the other band components (of course they are there) but it is a very special song. First of all because that album is the last one where you can hear the band sound-mark before they begin to experiment new sounds, and also the first one where you can hear the changing mood of the band, that went on till 1982.. that's the album of 'we will rock you' and 'we are the champions', and it rappresent their answer to the borning Punk style, thatthey really heated at the time. Recorded between London and L.A., they have had the inconvenience to find themselfs near the 'SexPistols' record studios and it's history the 'noble and friendly' speech between the two voice leaders remarking their respective love between each other.. Well, i hope you can have fun about this song one day.. bye bye
Yes I adore My Melancholy Blues! It’s genius.
When you see the artists that we had and the funny ones that we have today who shine brightly but who are for the most part empty shells, we can say that it is the titanic of the musical industry today fortunately, some people save their honor
41:49 I found out that a very similar theme is present in Winnie the Pooh; the piece is called 'Little Black Rain Cloud.' It could be the inspiration for that solo by Brian May.