Nightwish uses backing tracks with real orchestral instruments and full choirs. LUCA is our "Last Universal Common Ancestor". The first life form. Your expertise is something that has been absent in the reactor world. The song features short excerpts from Minuet in G major by Christian Petzold, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 by Johann Sebastian Bach and Enter Sandman by Metallica which are probably references to the evolution of music and arts as part of evolution of the human race. Tuomas wrote the symphony (Orchestre de Grandeur) & choir parts (Metro Voices) with arrangement help from Pip Williams at Angel Recording Studios in London. The last part is part of the song. This song is actually longer on the recording. Great job my friend. Loved the musical analysis and detailed explanation. Peace.😊🎶🎶🎶🙏✌
Also, everyone keeps misunderstanding the random crashing sounds at the beginning. It is CLEARLY the LHB (Late Heavy Bombardment), a period of intense asteroid impacks, right around the time life started. And LUCA WAS NOT THE FIRST LIFE FORM! Also the song gets it backwards, by announcing the appearance of life AFTER introducing LUCA.
@Hans Evers No they have not done that yet. However, Tuomas has stated that it will happen in the future. I hope they do a special one time show with the full orchestra and choir. Also hope they will capture it on film for everyone to enjoy.
Every time I hear this song, the words “we were here” bring a tear to my eye. All human endeavor, everything from writing our name on a bathroom stall, to the tallest skyscrapers, the greatest works of art, to planting a flag on the moon, is all about us screaming into the uncaring void that we were here.
@hardanheavy i dunno, i think its left to our own imaginations on that front, coming straight after a section of lyrics that states things like "hunting for shiny rocks, for great big mushroom clouds" "enter ratkind" its very easy to get the idea of "we were here" being the only goddamn reason we did all this fucked up shit, just to tell future civilizations "we WERE here" but when you get to the section after where it is told that most people wont die because they wont ever have the chance to live, and that the chances that we ended up as ourselves being very slim, would imply to me that theres a hope in thoose slights of luck, but in the end of the day, its entirely down to our perspective relative to time of listening, theres also the 3rd everso slightly optimistic nihalist (a contradiction in terms but nobody ever said everything makes logical sense) option of "we were here, shit happened in the past, it will happen in the future, so just enjoy the now"
@hardanheavy I agree! I also find it sad that we are such a destructive species who have finally woken up(too late?)to the enormous damage we are inflicting on our planet and it's ecosystems.How many more plant and animal species will we destroy before we self-destruct?
I have to be well hydrated when I listen to this song. I can't help crying and get emotional. I'm biologist, metalhead and I love science. Thanks for the video.
Creationists can cry all they want but the evidence points to the direction evolution. There is evidence for both micro- and macro-evolution. Also my university professors allow me to disagree with them and it is not as bad as your prophet Jordan Peterson has point out. They are usually open minded and they don't care if students hold religious beliefs.
Well, for me this isn't just "good". This is an absolute masterpiece. And I don't need an explanation of why is it. I do enjoy a lot these reactions, from a musical point of view, and also bc is nice to see someone else hearing for the first time such incredible songs. But by no means art needs to be "explained" in order to be appreciated.
here is this Masterpiece in plain english. Lyrics are in " " Part 1: 4.6 "Archaean horizon, The first sunrise" Earth's history is divided into four principal Eons: the Hadean, the Archean, Proterozoic, and the Phanerozoic. The Hadean is the Eon during which the Earth and Moon formed; in the Archaean, primordial life appeared. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Earth) "On a pristine gaea" Gaia is the primordial Greek goddess of the Earth. More recently, the Gaia hypothesis is a recognition of the living and nonliving Earth systems which form an interdependent whole. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "Opus perfectum, Somewhere there, us sleeping" Pristine perfection (of silence, of a blank page, of the very point from which the big bang itself sprung) implies a rich creative potential. Here Earth is painted in the same powerful way. Diversity awaits; unborn beings are sleeping the same sleep to which they will return at death. This interpretation is thematically linked with the album's opening track, "Shudder before the Beautiful," which includes the lyrics, "The music of this awe, Deep silence between the notes, Deafens me with endless love." Or as the furious hobbit screamed at the novice trumpeter, "An artist respects the silence, it serves as the foundation of creativity." (youtu.be/…) [Part 2: Life] "The cosmic law of gravity Pulled the newborns around a fire, A careless cold infinity in every vast direction. Lonely farer in the Goldilocks zone" Gravity pulls the Earth and its inhabitants around the energizing Sun in an otherwise inhospitable universe. Earth is the only planet in our solar system's circumstellar habitable zone, orbiting at the "just right, not too hot, not too cold" distance from the Sun. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "She has a tale to tell, From the stellar nursery into a carbon feast, Enter LUCA" In astronomy, stellar nurseries are the birthplaces of stars: they nurse stars (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). Poetically, our solar system is another "stellar nursery," in which a star is the nurse, caring for and warming a planet of 'newborns,' early carbon-based life. "Feast" evokes the incorporation of plentiful chemical building blocks into rudimentary life forms. "LUCA" stands for "Last universal common ancestor," the one single organism from which all other presently existing life on Earth descended. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "The tapestry of chemistry is a writing in the garden, Leading us to the mother of all" The periodic table of elements does look like a sort of patchwork tapestry, but this can go further. The historical function of tapestries was as "nomadic murals," pictographical histories which moving people could pack up and revisit wherever they went. The "writing in the garden," in nature, is not only the stone murals left by dead animals in the form of fossils, but is also this chemical writing that encodes the relatively nomadic DNA molecule with the instructions for life. The scientific investigation of this information leads us back to LUCA, and further. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "We are one, We are a universe," This is the natural conclusion to draw from the fact that life shares common origin, that all life is built with the same blocks, and that all life on Earth is interdependent (gaia hypothesis). The multiplicity of beings on Earth are one, just as the cells in a body are one. "Forebears of what will be Scions of the Devonian sea." The Devonian geologic time period marked the first significant, rapid diversification of life (and the more well-known Cambrian explosion is another of these 'adaptive radiation' events). It was during the Devonian that the 'higher plants' appeared and blanketed the continents with forests. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). The word "scion" refers to a shoot of a plant cut for grafting, and is also used to denote a descendent of a notable family. Both meanings apply. "Aeons pass, Writing the tale of us all. A day-to-day new opening For the greatest show on Earth" Evolutionary adaptation is written in the DNA and as fossils in the rocks, and is ongoing. Species die, diversifiy and delineate. Every day is different, every day something changes. "Ion channels welcoming the outside world To the stuff of stars" Ion channels are found in the membranes of all cells, controlling the flow of energy through the cells. The stuff of stars is all the physical matter we're made of. So it's the ion channels, guiding enery, which allow living bodies to interact with the rest of the world by exchanging energy with it. "Stuff of stars" is surely a Sagan reference: "The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff." (For fun: youtu.be/…) "Bedding the tree of a biological holy, Enter life" The bed of a tree is the nutrient-rich soil from which it grows, a soil made of dead things. The "tree of a biological holy" is probably the tree of life (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). This line refers to the "holy" legendary tree of everlasting life but also means the conceptual, branching family tree of all life, whose bed consists of all deceased beings (in a more literal sense), or all extinct ancestral species (in a more abstract sense). This is thematically linked with the song "Alpenglow." "We are here to care for the garden, The wonder of birth Of every form most beautiful" "We" could be human beings tasked with acting as nature's stewards, garden of eden style, but that's not chronological -- human beings haven't quite appeared in the song yet. "We" could instead be all of life itself, in a gaia-philosophy sense, which posits that life creates environments ever more hospitable to more life. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) Or maybe it's a combination of these two thoughts: life eventually creates an environment suitable for the development of consiously acting, thinking human stewards. [Part 3: The Toolmaker] "After a billion years, The show is still here. Not a single one of your fathers died young." Every single one of a given person's ancestors, male and female, lived past puberty at least. But "fathers" evokes "forefathers," which has a nicer storytelling ring to it than "parents." "The handy travelers Out of Africa Little Lucy of the Afar" Handymen are good with tools; travelers posessing hands rather than forefeet walk upright. Hominids originated in Africa and spread to the rest of the world from there. Lucy is a particular specimen of the Australopithecus, one of many "missing links" between modern humans and nonhuman ancestors. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "Gave birth to fantasy, To idolatry, To self-destructive weaponry. Enter the God of gaps Deep within the past. Atavistic dread of the hunted!" The brain grows, consciousness and creativity along with it. Atavism is the tendency to revert to ancestral type, an evolutionary throwback. Fight-or-flight instincts that helped human ancestors survive have now been creatively projected onto the world to both explain it (origins, meaning, suffering) and gain security in it (bargaining through sacrifice). These are the roots of theism. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "Enter Ionia, the cradle of thought, The architecture of understanding. The human lust to feel so exceptional, To rule the Earth" Nomadic people develop agriculture and settle down into civilizations. The word "architecture" is at once both literal and figurative. The efficiency of civilization graces people with free time to do more than just feed themselves. They develop rich cultural traditions, arts and philosophies, much of which are deeply influenced by how different humans now are from all the rest of life. "Hunger for shiny rocks, For giant mushroom clouds, The will to do as you'd be done by." Shiny rocks are wealth: gold, precious stones, jewels, and later uranium which leads to the nuclear arms race. The golden rule -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" -- is a coin with a dark side: "an eye for an eye," revenge. This ensures the "MAD"ness of mutually assured destruction. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) "Enter history, the grand finale. Enter ratkind." "Ratkind" comes from Richard Dawkins' book "The Ancestor's Tale." Dawkins imagines a post-apocalyptic world in which rodents feast on the remnants of humanity (and humanity's garbage). The rat population explodes, and then as they exhaust these resources they turn on one another for food. As a consequence of natural selection, the rats diverge into new carnivorous and herbivorous species, and perhaps, eventually, a specices of rodent whose intelligence rivals that of humans. This is "ratkind." (iberianature.com/wildworld/tag/ratkind/) "Man, he took his time in the sun, Had a dream to understand A single grain of sand." From William Blake: "To see a World in a Grain of Sand, And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour." ...And the story of the planet in 24 minutes. Not bad. "He gave birth to poetry, But one day'll cease to be. Greet the last light of the library" A bittersweet redundancy: poetry with library, the last light with ceasing to be. Reminiscent of Elan: "Be the first to greet the morn [...] Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral." "We were here!"
Thank you for your interpretation, it is really great! I have a slightly different take on the part: "We are here to care for the garden, The wonder of birth Of every form most beautiful". With "we" just being live in general and "garden" our genes or as you said our DNA. That would make a lot of sense in the perspective of Dawkins "Selfish Gene". We as lifeforms are here to care for our genes so we can ensure their survival through the wonder of birth. In a sense we, the "most beautiful" forms, are temporary vessels for our genes, which are the true players in the game of evolution, and have been playing for way longer than we as individual forms have been around.
Their sound engineers are the best in the world, not only are they the sound techs on tour but also in the studio.. They have one of the best and most talented stage crew there is. Most have been with them since the beginning.
The piece that Dawkins narrated is actually the closing argument of Charles Darwin’s eternal work “On the Origin of Spieces”. For many, one of the most consequential scientific works in history.
@Digital Axiom PRO whether you agree with his views or not, Mr Dawkins is a well established and respected SCIENTIST with a huge body of work in his field. Calling an Oxford tenured professor as an atheist godfather because you dont agree with his views or beliefs is juvenile and ignorant at best.
@L' Enchanted I honestly think: Who would not be. The situation is anything but usual for him. ( I think any big happening - e.g. seminar, lecture, thesis defence - in university etc academic settings would be just a tiny piece of cake for him compared to this) And. It was a big WOW (honor) he came there - irl- and read those lines to all of us.
@Caligo Well it's different standing in front of thousands metalheads who are there for the band and not realy for him :) Bet lots of them didn't even know he exists before the album. I think I've read somewhere that he said he doesn't realy listen to anything but clasicall music. That night must have been lifechanging for him too.
To me the "We were here" part is the most profound and meaningful. Because I see it in two ways - no, basically in three ways. One way is the obvious band (and audience) singing "We were here" on that stage, at that moment in this location. The other way is the collective "We were here" of all those who came before us. Who were here on Earth before we came into existence. And the third (and most heartchurning one) is the collective last outcry "We were here" before mankind blows itself up - as the firework at 26:12 in your video alludes to.
You will be glad to know this piece was through-composed to the last note, the outro and the words all part of the song. R. Dawkins, being himself, added a few lines to the Darwin quote at the end - but managed to make it in time. :) This was an honour for the band, having the man at the Wembley show, but also, I imagine, for the scientist - communicating to probably the largest audience he'd ever had! I also truly enjoyed you being able to pick out most of the "Easter eggs" within the song, representing the Humanity's musical evolution - J. S. BACH to METALLICA. Usually people, depending on their background, miss one or the other! :) Thereis suposedly also the Medieval plainchant and a bit of Mozart in there, but my ear is not equipped enough to pick 'em out. :) Maestro Tuomas Holopainen included all of that into his musical tapestry that made The Greatest Show on Earth - which is Life.
In my opinion metal and classical music are 2 sides of the same coin, a yin & yang so to speak. This is why they go so well together, and no one does this better than Nightwish! Another fantastic reaction! 😁
Listen to Vivaldi's four seasons and you can definitely hear the influence classical music had on metal. :) Especially symphonic metal. Heck, you could even say that those classical music composers were kind of like the rock stars of their time.
This version has the ending with Dawkins himself in person, The Tampere version has great intro (and outro) with fireworks. While I do appreciate the version with Dawkins more, you might enjoy the fireworks in sync with music, it is pretty cool as well. The last bit is part of the song, it is quote from Darwins' On the Origin of Species
I just wanted to add that the greatest show on earth is a book about evolution by richard dawkins. This whole song is about evolutions... possibly from start to finish in the song?
I definitely like the change of pace. Most people reacting to music are either laymen or vocal coaches. It's nice to have the focus on the music for once, instead of "this sounds awesome!" or "listen to this thing the singer is doing!"
Troy Donockley is one of the most underrated multi-instrumentalists active today. The uilleann pipes have given Nightwish this interesting Celtic metal sound to some of their more recent work that I've not heard much outside of Enter the Haggis. But as with practically any bagpipes, the drones limit their flexibility in most settings.
Troy is playing the opening cello part on his guitar with an E-bow (electronic bow). But Tuomas makes great use of the London Symphony Orchestra and choir for his backing. In terms of the modulations, I promise Tuomas doesn't have to concern himself making it simple with this bunch of musicians. They are at the top of their game.
I was immensely fortunate to be at this concert. I was close to the front, about 10 people back in front of Marco. Without doubt it was the best concert I've ever been to. They played 2.5 hours of pure awesomeness. However the most amazing part I feel is hard to express in words, but I'll try. The feeling we had in our hearts and minds and atmosphere right at the end when Richard Dawkins came out. You could hear and feel the gasps of pure amazement from my fellow audience members when we realised what we had just experience and what we were then seeing. A true once in a lifetime spectacle. An early Christmas present of sorts as it was early December. The cool air from the air conditioning had just been put back on and so the air became fresh, chilling, but also so uplifting. Enlightening. Once it was finally over we are now able to keep replaying it in our hearts and minds for evermore and reliving the wonder. Unforgettable :)
@Roy Kliffen You're right from that POV, but there really isn't any point reacting to this song without understanding the back story. I first heard the track about 13 years ago and no idea what it was all about until a few weeks ago. Now it all makes sense.
knowing the back story didnt help me enjoy the song one bit - i actually understood the metaphors and agony of the tale just fine without it - i got the letter from mother just fine, i got the tortured artist theme just fine. It only really matters to fans that is about Tuomas
@John Lanham True, but knowing the back story does help explain the composition and why it goes one way instead of another. Sometimes the difference in music between happiness and and sadness is very small.
@Ju Yifan Just to point it out. He uploaded his video on that one and decided to take a look at the lyrics and background. He clearly didn´t regret it, so I guess he doesn´t agree with you
The best reaction I have seen so far about this song. Nonetheless, the best live version is this one, from the Wembley show. Good job as usual, Mr. Doug 👍🤟
The first time they sang the line, "We Were Here", I cried. What a crushingly beautiful and significant song. To think we are here now on this planet, against all the odds, what a miracle.
@William Reeves It's just the general theme of all their songs as the years go by really. In the beginning, while Tuomas didn't write much religion into his songs there were still hints of it here and there. Then around the time of their album "Century Child" you notice some songs that seem to be a bit more resentful towards religion. During "Dark Passion Play" he turns more towards fantasy and dreams instead. And after that I believe he said himself in an interview (though can't find it atm) that he started reading one of Dawkins' books, opening his eyes to science and evolution. Which is evident in songs like "Endless forms most Beautiful" and "The greatest show on earth". Also, while I am an atheist I'm not resentful. :P I live in the Netherlands, a fairly secular country compared to places like the US for example. While I was raised with Christianity by my mom, my dad was actually an atheist too. And when I realized I never really believed and lost whatever little faith I had around age 15, there were no troubles. Mom just accepted it as long as we didn't try discussing religion with her, and she kept her religion to herself as well. My younger brother followed suit and became atheist a year or two later. Most of my friends are atheist too, and most religious people I meet (like 90%~95%) aren't openly religious or hateful towards atheists here.
@Sanquinity I find this idea interesting. However, I wonder if it is just the wishful thinking of someone who is also a resentful atheist. Could you give me a set list of the songs you are talking about that document his journey, in your mind? I'm not saying you are wrong, just curious if I will interpret it the same way.
What I find most interesting is the story being told throughout all of Nightwish's albums. Where Tuomas started out religious. But later on he started to doubt his beliefs. After a while he even grew kind of resentful towards religion. Then he read one of Dawkins' books, resulting in Tuomas rejecting religion and starting to embrace the beauty of evolution and science. Dawkins being a guest for this song is because of this. If you go through Nightwish's albums in chronological order there's clear signs of his journey. I feel like "The greatest show on earth" is Tuomas' Magnum Opus. The culmination of his journey from being a religious person, to finding the path of science. And realizing the beauty and complexity of the scientific world far surpasses what god could offer him.
It's a wonderful celebration of our continued existence. The main versions for TGSOE are from Tampere 2015 and this, and in Tampere they were on an outdoor venue where they could do some things that were impossible to implement in this kind of indoor setting such as Wembley. This composition definitely can handle quite a bit of relistening, so you should check out the Tampere version someday for sure. You picked up many details, like LUCA, Bach, and Enter Sandman, but will you believe me if I say that through most of this "song" you have references to various things occurring basically every few seconds? They take place on various levels, too, not just with the lyrics. If you listen to it again you can pick up a few more details, and then a few more on every subsequent listen. LUCA is short for Last Universal Common Ancestor, btw. A lot of the references in this one are from biology or history, I guess Enter Sandman qualifies as a part of the history of music. Naturally doing that much research alone is a daunting task, that's why reaction videos to Nightwish are so popular. So many people from various backgrounds have analyzed this and everyone seems to be able to point out something different. I can't remember ever hearing anyone else go into any great detail regarding the chord structures and progressions, so it was interesting to hear some of that. Since so many other details from the melodies and lyrics are quite meticulously thought out I'd be most surprised if the chord progressions were just thrown around randomly (or on a basis of "man this sounds cool"). You asked about the symphonic stuff and that's prerecorded and then played back. The making of -documentary series about the album that this song is on ("Endless Forms Most Beautiful") has a virtually spoiler-free short episode about this process, you can find it here: kzclip.org/video/r0ivbQz3IGI/бейне.html and some additional behind-the-scenes shots from the same session: kzclip.org/video/HcxjKlUcjXo/бейне.html For future Nightwish reactions, I have two recommendations. First is Shoemaker from their new album, and that's because you seemed to enjoy this type of science-meets-symphonic-metal mixture and that song is about Eugene Shoemaker, who was one of the pioneers of Astrogeology and the only human buried in the moon. There was a Shakespeare quote inscribed in the capsule with his ashes - The quote is recited in the song. There's an operatic part to it that's particularly interesting. Shoemaker is only available as a lyrics video currently, since the 2020 album hasn't had any live performances because of covid 19 reasons. Official video: kzclip.org/video/Rjp_DfvJimg/бейне.html Another recommendation would be Storytime from the Wacken 2013 concert, the same concert from where you picked Ghost Love Score for your previous reaction. They made very good quality recordings from that concert, so it's a favorite source for many people who do Nightwish reactions. Storytime itself is one of my favorites from all of Nightwish' extensive catalogue, but I'm especially interested in hearing what you can say about the chord progression sequence towards the end of it. I've always thought of it as one of the most brilliant chord sequences I've ever heard so continuing the theme of chord analysis you've done so far I'd be curious to hear if you think it's great or just m'eh. Storytime live from Wacken 2013: kzclip.org/video/pvkYwOJZONU/бейне.html I could recommend about 20 more songs right here, but perhaps it could all be summed up by saying that Nightwish doesn't really do "bad" music. Their early stuff from late 90s can sometimes be a bit simplistic compared to the modern stuff, and then there's some very ... lets say surprising (or "interesting") stuff like Elvenjig, but Tuomas has always composed with ideas and a vision in mind so all of their music feels like it has a degree of gravity to it. Even Elvenpath and Elvenjig. In that regard it doesn't _really_ matter what song you pick if you want to do more Nightwish reactions. There's one thing though that matters a great deal to the fandom and it needs some additional explaining. Some things to note if you want to continue with Nightwish. They have basically 3 different eras that are marked by different lead female vocalists. The 1st era went from 1996 to 2005 after the End of an Era concert when Tarja Turunen was fired from the band because of reasons. The song Poet and the Pendulum was written by Tuomas to highlight some of his chaotic mindscape from this time, and perhaps you might want to check the open letters between the band and Tarja before listening to it. The Finnish media painted Tuomas as the antagonist in this conflict, and they basically crucifixed him in the local yellow papers for quite a while. The songs "Bye Bye Beautiful" and "Master Passion Greed" also tell about this event. The 2nd era went from 2007 to 2012 when Anette Olzon was the lead vocalist. The 3rd era went from 2013 to present day as Floor Jansen has been the lead vocalist. Just a couple weeks ago the bassist and secondary vocalist (dude with the beard), Marco, resigned from the band citing personal reasons. He's been such an important part of their work for such a long time that it's possible that this either marks the start of a 4th era or could even signal the eventual disbanding of the band itself. Though honestly the band was extremely close to disbanding in 2005 when Tarja left, so I hope they can pull through this one as well. The result from this colorful history is that you have fans who have jumped aboard at varying parts of the process. Many of their songs were originally composed for a different vocalist than the one who performs it now. They have released 9 studio albums: 5 with Tarja, and 2 both with Anette and Floor. Some of the fans of the older stuff might not always be super happy about how things turned out, though almost every Tarjaholic has given up this argument by now. The arguments used to be _very_ toxic. Currently the loudest noises come from Floorfans who will fiercely thumb down any reaction video you do if it's an old song performed by the original vocalist that Floor has "fixed" later on. For example some reaction videos about Ghost Love Score pick the original version with Tarja Turunen performing the vocals and they get absolutely flooded with comments like "wrong version duh" and thumbed down. If you're really interested in the band then you might want to listen to these different versions anyway, I actually still prefer Tarja's GLS but it's very close. If you want to do comparison videos though... Tarja and the band had a messy breakup and a lot of fans are still unhappy with this. Anette's exit was more inevitable but you will find people who want to defend her and are rightfully offended when she's being put down by others.These types of comparison videos will remind the old fans about their scars and they also will make the Floor era fans extremely defensive, perhaps a sort of confirmation bias or whatever. I personally hate these comparison videos, or more precisely I hate reading the comment sections from them. I also hate watching those videos, even when the content itself is great, because I can already imagine what the comment section is like. If you ask the comment section they will tell you the previous lead vocalists are just trash who can't sing. You also got some comments in this one saying more or less "wrong version duh", and that's because there are unwritten rules regarding Nightwish reaction videos that every reactor should just somehow know before they start reacting to Nightwish (the logic here eludes me as well). Anyway the rules for maximizing the happiness of the various sections of the fanbase goes roughly like this: 1. Live versions only, and this can only be negotiated in a few special cases. Otherwise no exceptions period. The reason is that the fanbase has a concensus that the band performs better live than on albums. 1a. Music videos can sometimes be interesting to react to, since the band puts a lot of care in their visuals as well. This can be used as a way to spice up your Nightwish reaction career. Comparison videos with the live version and music video can be successful, this has been done with Storytime for example. 1b. Any song from the latest album Human :||: Nature can use the official lyrics videos (which are the album versions), since the pandemic cancelled all opportunities to perform these live. The only live recording for now is an acoustic version of the song "How's the Heart" where Floor and Troy did a special version of it for a radio station. 2. The live version should be chosen with the following formula: Wacken 2013 > Tampere 2015 > Wembley 2015 > Buenos Aires 2018 > all the rest. Note that Floor Jansen is the lead vocalist in all of these live shows, because any song with Tarja or Anette performing will draw countless defensive fans commenting about it being the wrong version. The last rule can be a bit tricky since for example the "official live version" of Ghost Love Score is from Buenos Aires 2012 and it was a great show and a great version, but if you react to it you'll get a billion comments saying "wrong version duh" anyway. If you don't particularly care whether some people get their panties in a bunch then these rules can be ignored to whatever degree you're comfortable with. There are even people who mainly react to Nightwish songs with Tarja, and the Floorfans do eventually learn to give up.
It sure will pay off to look for the lyrics of every song from Njghtwish as you give your reaction. They always have a special meaning. Greetings from the 🇳🇱
Music Reactions has been such an oversaturated YT genre. I am SO happy to watch some content that brings a new technical perspectives to this, and not just because I have some music theory under my belt. Seeing someone get into music the way you do is really refreshing.
Woah, I just stumbled upon your channel and I am STUNNED by your Nightwish reactions! I love how you start with a little background research all the time, and how on point your conclusions of the meanings are from just listening to composition and tiny bits of lyrics. Please, please consider reacting to the entire latest album HVMAN. || NATVRE. I'd absolute love to hear your analysis on all of these tracks. Especially for the orchestral only 2nd disc piece "All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World". IF you end up doing this particular reaction series, make sure to listen to the album in the right order, starting off with "Music" (of which you're gonna LOVE the theme ;D), and listen to said orchestral piece in one go for it is a whole song that just got split up for the disc release. There also is a beautiful fanmade and band-approved MV which I can highly recommend for your reaction. Now I'm gonna use my next days to catch up with your other Nightwish reactions and look forward to more! (Subscribed obviously!!)
I really enjoyed your analysis. Hope you'll continue the Nightwish journey, you'll discover a lot of diamond and pearls :) Each of their songs is different, you'll see.
Gabriel, The Lame Dad here, KEEP the requests to Doug up! EVERYONE NEEDS to experience NW!! You guys CONVERTED me and now I AM on a mission to spread the NW Love! I'm shocked NO one is telling him DO the Tampere show! lol, first thing I was told! lol We ALSO NEED to get Keyz of Geebz and Dean Wolfe into doing NW Reacts! Well NW AND Floor reacts! lol
They most definitely have a midi click track that everything is sync’d with (lights, visuals, pyro/cryo, etc). Lots of the orchestral is on the track and lots is played on key synth; just depends on each individual song.
Yeah, I saw a behind the scenes vid on youtube with their guitar / drum techs etc: they have a pro tools laptop off to the side of the stage, all the songs for the evening are queued up with all their multiple tracks, and each member has a click track via their in-ear monitors. Every time they play a song, it's always the same tempo etc, across many years. All the lighting and pyro can be triggered from this too? The strings and horns and stuff is all recorded by true players and instruments, the same tracks as from the studio albums, London orchestra and choirs.
Nightwish has been recording their orchestral and choir parts with arranger/director Pip Williams and the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Metro Voices since their album Once (2004). They use these as backing tracks for their live performances, cued together with a click track. It's slightly re-arranged for the live setting, so that composer Tuomas Holopainen can recreate many of the parts with keyboard pads.
As someone with a little musical knowledge, but not enough to make sense of how Nightwish’s compositions work, I really appreciated your commentary. There are things here that I will try to incorporate into my own music making. Thank you!
If you want to see this again, then check out the other version of this song, recorded live at Tampere (Finland) - there's even a version that has the lyrics shown. It's AWESOME.
From the several times I've seen them (including this concert at Wembley), Tuomas (on the keys) composes most of the songs, then from about album 4 or 5, orchestral arrangements are made based off his songs. Sometimes he'll outline all the orchestral parts, and I'm fairly sure for a few tracks the arrangements might be done by others. Then, for live performances, most of the orchestral parts will be pre-recorded, and Tuomas will be on piano/keyboards. I believe he'll do synth strings, especially for the earlier albums when all of the symphonic stuff was him on a keyboard, but at the very least, they'll make sure that he's always playing something, so even if there isn't a specific piano line, he'll be playing synth chords or something. Never seen him not playing something, at least.
Great reaction man. It's really cool to hear your personal opinion and musical insights. I've seen many reactions to Nightwish but most focus just on Floor's singing and I think it's amazing that you also point out the actual composition and instrumentals.
I was there for this (yes we WERE here)! One of the best moments of my life . I only wish I had the genius to write something so profound and beautiful
this performance of "the greatest show on earth" is great but the best is that from the concert in tampere, also in 2015, think about reacting to that too 😉
@Akvav1tix Agree - the low tin-whistle is nice but the I personally liked the E-Bow/guitar better - maybe because I've never heard of it before this and it's very melodious.
@Akvav1tix This is why true fans should listen to and appreciate both. Troy on the tin whistle and Troy on the electric guitar with E-Bow are both magnificent ways of achieving the desired result and each needs to be appreciated in order to fully recognize the amazing compositional work behind this, possibly NW's greatest achievement.
Yeah as others have said, I actually far prefer Wembley's version. The recording was better, the atmosphere on stage was great and Troy's guitar work is magnificent. Tampere has the fireworks but this has everything else, imo. :)
The Classical arrangements are written by Tuomas, the Keyboard player (The Main composer of the band), but the actual recording is done by the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the albums, and played as a back-track during live performances (unless Tuoumas uses some samples with the keyboard when not a lot is needed). Yes, that last part is also part of the album song. That last movement is part of the Song The Greatest Show On Earth", wich is the last song of the Album of the same name.
@Marko Dimic And the phrase "endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful" is from the end of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin from year 1859.
@James Cann Composing is done by Tuomas. There's a whole 30 minute orchestral suite on the new album and there's no writing credit to Pip. You know composing.
I'm so happy you discovered Nightwish! Your background gives a lot of new insight into the music. I agree with others; you should for sure check out Poet and the Pendulum live at Wembley. A very brief background on the song: it was written in 2007 and it details the Tuomas' (keyboards, composer) pain, depression, and self-reflection after the band had a falling out with and fired their first singer, who was his childhood friend. There's a lot more details and mess behind the split but that's the briefest synopsis.
I didn’t expect you to react to this one. Just about everyone listens to the Tampere performance, and the orchestra hits in the beginning are paired with live fireworks above the stadium. I definitely recommend listening to the Tampere performance sometime; it also features folk instruments played live by Troy, who played guitar in the introduction in this performance.
You'll hardly find a band who always looks like there's no place they'd rather be than on stage like Nightwish. Every show. Big show or small. Always having fun, goofing around with each other, with the audience, etc. Few bands put on a show quite like they do.
I really enjoy your technical comments on what's happening. It brings me back to school days with music theory where we analyzed classical pieces. It's SO COOL to have this applied to modern music. BTW - they recorded the original with a full choir & orchestra. Those are the backing tracks
When you say that it sounds like a movie type score, that is a very astute observation because Nighwish's songwriter, keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen says he imagines every song he writes as a film.
first, it's never to late to jump on the nightwish train Second, you bring very interesting details and technical explanations in your reactions. Very much apreciated !
Now you have to see the Tampere version, it is even more powerful than this one, it's incredible! Great detection of Bach and Enter Sandman, it was the tribute to mankind's musical journey :) Love the reaction! I don't know if you are going to continue with Nightwish but at least you have to do The Poet and the Pendulum live from this same concert at Wembley. Tuomas, the keyboard guy, who is composer and mastermind behind the band, had a rough time after they had to fire the original singer Tarja, he was in depression so song is about his metaphorical suicide which he committed in the song
This is a very cool version as well. I personally prefer the Tampere version, where the "bangs" at the beginning are accompanied by real firework explosions timed with the song. In case you're going to listen to the song again, you might then choose the Tampere version.
I’m always thrilled when someone else discovers Nightwish. I know they’re in for some seriously jaw dropping amazement. It’s also a great pleasure to see it from someone who understands music and shares with those of us who just have no musical sense at all. Thanks 👍🏻. The Greatest Show on Earth is US. The rise of man and our accomplishments and evolution. 💙💙💙 All Hail Floor 💙💙💙 P.S. 06:06 that’s called "straight line singing?" Educate me please.... 20:17. Valkyrie Goddess..... 😏 25:25 much earlier the lyrics were “A careless cold infinity in ever vast direction." That’s us, here alone on our world. This "we were here" is our frustration and fury toward the cold carelessness. We are here. We have made/left our mark.
@Richard Linder correct. I must have stated that poorly if there is confusion on that. By "us, here alone on our world" I didn’t mean the people’s physical or social distance from other humans. I meant our world alone in our known universe as inhabited. Clearly I didn’t speak well enough. You’re correct. 👍🏻
I think “A careless cold infinity in ever vast direction." refers to the vast, infinite, empty coldness of space. (Between all the starts and planets, and even galaxies.)
Supremely enjoyed this video! This was the first time that I've seen this particular performance of this song and it's taking the top spot for it. I won't lie, at the beginning I was slightly concerned but that melted away quickly. Being honest, hearing your musical knowledge is a treat. I'll keep on watching your upcoming Nightwish reactions and I'll check out your other videos as well. :)
I was at this show and this song was an experience i'll never forget. The hairs on the back of my neck were stood up for the songs entirety and several times during the performance of this song i actually went "Wow!" which i've not done before or since
The Devonian Sea which is mention in the song is where the fish moved from the water to land, so the very first steps of evolution all started at the Devonian Sea. Still one of my favorite Nightwish songs. My favorite song is Amaranth.
As I said in the other video thanks you so much for these reactions, it makes me appreciate the music on a whole different level. Suggestion: Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down
@John Lanham and: a double helix dress. I liked the symbolism of starting with a simple flute, progressing to more complex instruments later on. It’s yet another layer of evolution if you like.
Now watch the version from Tampere and tell me how in the name of Jehosephat’s left nostril they choreographed the fireworks. Absolute musical genius 😎
There have been concerts where this number was timed with large scale fireworks. I can't imagine how it was live with how impressive it is watching a video of it.
many thanks for your reaction! Absolutly loved it. Loved to hear someone who actually knows what he's talking about. Love to see you react to more off there stuff. Like poet and the pendulem, and I think you will appreciate their new album Human Nature.
Your reactions and responses from a composer's point of view are spectacular! Can't wait for more nightwish reactions. I would love to hear your viewpoint on one of their older songs called "creek mary's blood". There is some controversy with the ending poem read in a native american language (which language in particular is escaping my memory) but I don't care the music is still haunting and beautiful and it's with the first singer Tarja. My other recommendation/request is the last ride of the day 😊🤘
Welcome to the world of Nightwish, I was lucky enough to see two Nightwish shows from the Endless Forms Most Beautiful tour, (San Jose,, San Francisco) they played the full version of The greatest show on earth in one of those shows, and carrying my daughter in one arm, holding the other up in the air while singing "We were here" (both of us) was beautiful ,wonderful
Thanks for this reaction video ☺️ I always love watching people discovering nightwish 😁 May I humbly suggest "The poet and the pendulum" at this point? It requires a little bit of research tho, to fully understand the background of this song, but I really recommend having a look at it. You will not regret it I promise. Have a good one. Greetings from Germany 🤗
I use a lot of minor third modulations in my own music as well! I'm a musical theatre composer and I've found it's a very exciting way to modulate because it allows you to repeat your theme while breathing new life into it. In other words, it's very theatrical! I've noticed that a lot of other musical theatre composers use it as well. Specifically, Richard Rodgers uses it in Geraniums in the Winder from CAROUSEL as well as in a few other spots.
in their latest album they made some sort of suite divided in different tracks. It's completely instrumental and probably with the objective of sounding like a classical piece
For me, THIS is the epitomy of an epic symphonic metal song... I don't delve into the tinythings, twists, slips and thirds you mention.. fair enough, that is your 'job'... to me, it is all about the emotional impact of the song. First time I heard it, I wept at the grandeur of it all...
That section starts before the 2 Bach quotes. There are voices for the beginning of Western music, a quote of Dies Irae, now the most well known Gregorian Chant melody, one used by many classical composers.
Thank you very much Doug for going through this song with your audience. I love this song. it's one of my favourite Nightwish songs. I am an unashamed older Nightwish fan. Great band. Get hold of their music on CD or from Itunes or on Spotify. Listen. You will, I hope, find this wonderful Finnish Symphonic heavy metal band uplifting, moving, inspiring. Above all, enjoy the musical journey.
I love how Doug goes into INTJ music dissecting mode, but when the hard parts come on, he shuts up and starts head-banging like a true head banger! Perfect example at 10:41. And again at 23:47. 😁 And he picked up the Enter Sandman easter egg riff.
Master piece...Tuomas genious composer..Welcome Nightwish World is magic..Floor Jansen the metal Queen, the best and most versatility singer on the planet..all band is.amazing great musicians...We are Nightwish Army Latinoamerica presente🔥🤘
Tuomas tries to play as much as he can on the keyboards live, but there are some backing tracks used, as others have mentioned, recorded by the London Philharmonic.
This is by far the best reaction/analysis I’ve seen of TGSOE. Lots of theorical explanations about this amazing composition by Thomas. Plus, everyone chooses the performance in Tampere but I’m glad you chose this one, I particularly like Floor’s first verses in this performance better. (And of course, having Dawkins at the end of the show is just magical).
First time I saw Nightwish live was the day when the tsunami happened in 2004. I was 14 years old. Already had long hair back then ;) Doug, I would thing that you would LOVE to see some "behind the scenes" and "making-of" documents about the album creation process they have here on KZclip, mostly the ones that focus on the orchestration and recording of orchestral pieces! Most recent albums have had those. I myself am more towards the metal so the earliest production of Nightwish is closest to my heart but I still love what they do these days aswell. For some reason I cannot explain (and it is so illogical!) I prefer simple, cheap and cheesy synth sounds in metal. Even though I LOVE orchestral music and movies soundtracks... anyways.. I was about to recommend some old songs but I just can't. So much there!
Superb reaction, very informativ, impressive how much you pick up, like the homage to classical pieces, Enter Sandman etc. Greetings from Denmark and looking forward to the next one.
Floor is a very versatile singer. She can sing many more genres: Pop, rock, opera (by example, O mio babino Caro), musical (Phantom of the opera), classical 'Ave Maria and many others.
Great reaction Doug. I heard you talk about how they kind of cut and paste bits in their songs. That's pretty normal for a Rock band. They're not as much a "classical" group, but a Metal band that adds a classical element. I dig the marriage of the two, and I think they do a killer job. Love these guys
As many others have said, at some point I hope you take some time to watch the live from Tampere version. This version has its own charms, and I enjoy it equally, but the Tampere version might be more... epic? Tuomas writes really good shit. ;-)
I'd lie if I said i follow all your thoughts about chords, shifts and keys etc. Howevere it's fun to see you appreciate the musicality and thoughtfulness of this great band. It's quite an experience hearing many of their songs for the first time (at least it was for me). What makes them extra fun is that all theirs songs are so distinct. They always suprise me. The Human::Nature album from 2020 is once again proof of that. Hope you'll be covering more Nightwish. For their absolute masterpieces I'd personally recommend (-the live performance with Floor versions of-) Dead boy's poem Song of myself The Poet and the Pendulum Seven days to the wolves Yours is an empty hope
If you really like the longer stuff, the whole All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World suite off of the latest album is a 30 minute, fully instrumental, orchestral masterpiece that seems to be getting overlooked a bit by the Nightwish fans. It is just simply some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard and likely the culmination of Tuomas' compositional evolution thus far. Even without the rest of the band, and even though it isn't at all metal, it fits right into the bands discography beautifully. More people should hear it in my opinion. There's no live performances of it (orchestras are expensive to tour with... and the whole pandemic thing kind of made it impossible to tour at all), but there is a really nice fan made slideshow style music video that members of the band have seemed to endorse.
You're the best, Doug! Your reaction was the best one I've seen. Very insightful and educational. Wish I'd had you as a music teacher when I was learning. Hope to see more!
Tuomas is amazing musicwriter. He has another remarkable project- Music Inspired By The Life And Times Of Scrooge. It is his solo project and it is really beautiful...
Finally, someone who comments on the musical structure of the songs! If you liked Nightwish and the blending of orchestral with metal music, do check out Therion. Here's the link to a live show of theirs with an actual live orchestra and choir (which I think is a good entry point). Part 1, Metal covers of classical compositions: kzclip.org/video/y_Hwb26adXw/бейне.html Part 2, their own songs with the live orchestra: kzclip.org/video/AS9r-SPVGQQ/бейне.html They both have timestamps to each track. Really hoping you'll do an analysis on one of their songs!
@Andrej Baldovský That song was definitely a highlight. Vovin, Lemuria and Sirius B are also among my favourite albums. Johnsson is amazing. And to think he didn't have classical music training on top of that! To me Therion are like a more "serious" version of Nightwish
Christofer Johnsson from Therion is one of the best metal composer I know. At least one of their songs deserves a reaction video :-). For example this kzclip.org/video/5dCLnGCcya4/бейне.html or whole album Sitra Ahra :-)
![Los Gemelos De Sinaloa - Me Vas A Llorar [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3FHjHkI8BHw/mqdefault.jpg)
Nightwish uses backing tracks with real orchestral instruments and full choirs. LUCA is our "Last Universal Common Ancestor". The first life form. Your expertise is something that has been absent in the reactor world. The song features short excerpts from Minuet in G major by Christian Petzold, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 by Johann Sebastian Bach and Enter Sandman by Metallica which are probably references to the evolution of music and arts as part of evolution of the human race. Tuomas wrote the symphony (Orchestre de Grandeur) & choir parts (Metro Voices) with arrangement help from Pip Williams at Angel Recording Studios in London. The last part is part of the song. This song is actually longer on the recording. Great job my friend. Loved the musical analysis and detailed explanation. Peace.😊🎶🎶🎶🙏✌
Also, everyone keeps misunderstanding the random crashing sounds at the beginning. It is CLEARLY the LHB (Late Heavy Bombardment), a period of intense asteroid impacks, right around the time life started. And LUCA WAS NOT THE FIRST LIFE FORM! Also the song gets it backwards, by announcing the appearance of life AFTER introducing LUCA.
I just noticed the Metallica on my second run through, I thought I was hearing splices of other songs. Damn this song is amazing!
@Green-Lyon You and me both! Epic!
@Thorgrim I will pre-order that show on day 1!!! :D
@Hans Evers No they have not done that yet. However, Tuomas has stated that it will happen in the future. I hope they do a special one time show with the full orchestra and choir. Also hope they will capture it on film for everyone to enjoy.
Every time I hear this song, the words “we were here” bring a tear to my eye. All human endeavor, everything from writing our name on a bathroom stall, to the tallest skyscrapers, the greatest works of art, to planting a flag on the moon, is all about us screaming into the uncaring void that we were here.
That, and Richard Dawkins' End piece.
@hardanheavy i dunno, i think its left to our own imaginations on that front, coming straight after a section of lyrics that states things like "hunting for shiny rocks, for great big mushroom clouds" "enter ratkind" its very easy to get the idea of "we were here" being the only goddamn reason we did all this fucked up shit, just to tell future civilizations "we WERE here" but when you get to the section after where it is told that most people wont die because they wont ever have the chance to live, and that the chances that we ended up as ourselves being very slim, would imply to me that theres a hope in thoose slights of luck, but in the end of the day, its entirely down to our perspective relative to time of listening, theres also the 3rd everso slightly optimistic nihalist (a contradiction in terms but nobody ever said everything makes logical sense) option of "we were here, shit happened in the past, it will happen in the future, so just enjoy the now"
@hardanheavy I agree! I also find it sad that we are such a destructive species who have finally woken up(too late?)to the enormous damage we are inflicting on our planet and it's ecosystems.How many more plant and animal species will we destroy before we self-destruct?
This. This song goes right down to the bedrock of our existence. It doesn't get much deeper than that.
Ah man it got me again🥲
I have to be well hydrated when I listen to this song. I can't help crying and get emotional. I'm biologist, metalhead and I love science. Thanks for the video.
Where others reach their limits,Nightwish begins to warm up.
The title "The Greatest show on Earth" actually doesn't refer to the song itself, but to life on earth and it's evolution.
Yup, it's a reference to the works of Mr. Dawkins. :-D
Yeah, Endless Forms Most Beautiful and Human :||: Nature are both about the entirety of our universe scientifically and human evolution.
A 30 min song finally ends.
Doug: "That's it?!?"
*dies*
It's because he's used to Dream Theater songs 😅😅
the song isnt 30 minutes long. but i get your idea of it
What I have heard is that there (might be (urban legend)) is 89min version.
That is the time ISS orbit earth.
@Sarah Richards Graba The only band in the world that can warp time itself while performing a song that spans 100s of millions of years.
Finally?!
Still give me chills when a stadium of metal heads suddenly guess silent for a evolutionary scientist. Such respect.
Creationists can cry all they want but the evidence points to the direction evolution. There is evidence for both micro- and macro-evolution. Also my university professors allow me to disagree with them and it is not as bad as your prophet Jordan Peterson has point out. They are usually open minded and they don't care if students hold religious beliefs.
@Caligo Just wait ! The truht will be releaved to you in the near future.
Great analysis. There's a world of difference between saying “this is good” and explaining WHY it's good.
Well, for me this isn't just "good". This is an absolute masterpiece.
And I don't need an explanation of why is it. I do enjoy a lot these reactions, from a musical point of view, and also bc is nice to see someone else hearing for the first time such incredible songs. But by no means art needs to be "explained" in order to be appreciated.
Yes everything is part of the song. I strongly recommend hearing this song at night, lights out, headphones on and eyes closed... such and experience
here is this Masterpiece in plain english. Lyrics are in " "
Part 1: 4.6
"Archaean horizon, The first sunrise"
Earth's history is divided into four principal Eons: the Hadean, the Archean, Proterozoic, and the Phanerozoic. The Hadean is the Eon during which the Earth and Moon formed; in the Archaean, primordial life appeared. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Earth)
"On a pristine gaea"
Gaia is the primordial Greek goddess of the Earth. More recently, the Gaia hypothesis is a recognition of the living and nonliving Earth systems which form an interdependent whole. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"Opus perfectum, Somewhere there, us sleeping" Pristine perfection (of silence, of a blank page, of the very point from which the big bang itself sprung) implies a rich creative potential. Here Earth is painted in the same powerful way. Diversity awaits; unborn beings are sleeping the same sleep to which they will return at death. This interpretation is thematically linked with the album's opening track, "Shudder before the Beautiful," which includes the lyrics, "The music of this awe, Deep silence between the notes, Deafens me with endless love." Or as the furious hobbit screamed at the novice trumpeter, "An artist respects the silence, it serves as the foundation of creativity." (youtu.be/…)
[Part 2: Life]
"The cosmic law of gravity Pulled the newborns around a fire, A careless cold infinity in every vast direction. Lonely farer in the Goldilocks zone"
Gravity pulls the Earth and its inhabitants around the energizing Sun in an otherwise inhospitable universe. Earth is the only planet in our solar system's circumstellar habitable zone, orbiting at the "just right, not too hot, not too cold" distance from the Sun. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"She has a tale to tell, From the stellar nursery into a carbon feast, Enter LUCA"
In astronomy, stellar nurseries are the birthplaces of stars: they nurse stars (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). Poetically, our solar system is another "stellar nursery," in which a star is the nurse, caring for and warming a planet of 'newborns,' early carbon-based life. "Feast" evokes the incorporation of plentiful chemical building blocks into rudimentary life forms. "LUCA" stands for "Last universal common ancestor," the one single organism from which all other presently existing life on Earth descended. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"The tapestry of chemistry is a writing in the garden, Leading us to the mother of all"
The periodic table of elements does look like a sort of patchwork tapestry, but this can go further. The historical function of tapestries was as "nomadic murals," pictographical histories which moving people could pack up and revisit wherever they went. The "writing in the garden," in nature, is not only the stone murals left by dead animals in the form of fossils, but is also this chemical writing that encodes the relatively nomadic DNA molecule with the instructions for life. The scientific investigation of this information leads us back to LUCA, and further. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"We are one, We are a universe,"
This is the natural conclusion to draw from the fact that life shares common origin, that all life is built with the same blocks, and that all life on Earth is interdependent (gaia hypothesis). The multiplicity of beings on Earth are one, just as the cells in a body are one.
"Forebears of what will be Scions of the Devonian sea."
The Devonian geologic time period marked the first significant, rapid diversification of life (and the more well-known Cambrian explosion is another of these 'adaptive radiation' events). It was during the Devonian that the 'higher plants' appeared and blanketed the continents with forests. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). The word "scion" refers to a shoot of a plant cut for grafting, and is also used to denote a descendent of a notable family. Both meanings apply.
"Aeons pass, Writing the tale of us all. A day-to-day new opening For the greatest show on Earth"
Evolutionary adaptation is written in the DNA and as fossils in the rocks, and is ongoing. Species die, diversifiy and delineate. Every day is different, every day something changes.
"Ion channels welcoming the outside world To the stuff of stars"
Ion channels are found in the membranes of all cells, controlling the flow of energy through the cells. The stuff of stars is all the physical matter we're made of. So it's the ion channels, guiding enery, which allow living bodies to interact with the rest of the world by exchanging energy with it. "Stuff of stars" is surely a Sagan reference: "The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff." (For fun: youtu.be/…)
"Bedding the tree of a biological holy, Enter life"
The bed of a tree is the nutrient-rich soil from which it grows, a soil made of dead things. The "tree of a biological holy" is probably the tree of life (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…). This line refers to the "holy" legendary tree of everlasting life but also means the conceptual, branching family tree of all life, whose bed consists of all deceased beings (in a more literal sense), or all extinct ancestral species (in a more abstract sense). This is thematically linked with the song "Alpenglow."
"We are here to care for the garden, The wonder of birth Of every form most beautiful"
"We" could be human beings tasked with acting as nature's stewards, garden of eden style, but that's not chronological -- human beings haven't quite appeared in the song yet. "We" could instead be all of life itself, in a gaia-philosophy sense, which posits that life creates environments ever more hospitable to more life. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…) Or maybe it's a combination of these two thoughts: life eventually creates an environment suitable for the development of consiously acting, thinking human stewards.
[Part 3: The Toolmaker]
"After a billion years, The show is still here. Not a single one of your fathers died young."
Every single one of a given person's ancestors, male and female, lived past puberty at least. But "fathers" evokes "forefathers," which has a nicer storytelling ring to it than "parents."
"The handy travelers Out of Africa Little Lucy of the Afar"
Handymen are good with tools; travelers posessing hands rather than forefeet walk upright. Hominids originated in Africa and spread to the rest of the world from there. Lucy is a particular specimen of the Australopithecus, one of many "missing links" between modern humans and nonhuman ancestors. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"Gave birth to fantasy, To idolatry, To self-destructive weaponry. Enter the God of gaps Deep within the past. Atavistic dread of the hunted!"
The brain grows, consciousness and creativity along with it. Atavism is the tendency to revert to ancestral type, an evolutionary throwback. Fight-or-flight instincts that helped human ancestors survive have now been creatively projected onto the world to both explain it (origins, meaning, suffering) and gain security in it (bargaining through sacrifice). These are the roots of theism. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"Enter Ionia, the cradle of thought, The architecture of understanding. The human lust to feel so exceptional, To rule the Earth"
Nomadic people develop agriculture and settle down into civilizations. The word "architecture" is at once both literal and figurative. The efficiency of civilization graces people with free time to do more than just feed themselves. They develop rich cultural traditions, arts and philosophies, much of which are deeply influenced by how different humans now are from all the rest of life.
"Hunger for shiny rocks, For giant mushroom clouds, The will to do as you'd be done by."
Shiny rocks are wealth: gold, precious stones, jewels, and later uranium which leads to the nuclear arms race. The golden rule -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" -- is a coin with a dark side: "an eye for an eye," revenge. This ensures the "MAD"ness of mutually assured destruction. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…)
"Enter history, the grand finale. Enter ratkind."
"Ratkind" comes from Richard Dawkins' book "The Ancestor's Tale." Dawkins imagines a post-apocalyptic world in which rodents feast on the remnants of humanity (and humanity's garbage). The rat population explodes, and then as they exhaust these resources they turn on one another for food. As a consequence of natural selection, the rats diverge into new carnivorous and herbivorous species, and perhaps, eventually, a specices of rodent whose intelligence rivals that of humans. This is "ratkind." (iberianature.com/wildworld/tag/ratkind/)
"Man, he took his time in the sun, Had a dream to understand A single grain of sand."
From William Blake: "To see a World in a Grain of Sand, And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour." ...And the story of the planet in 24 minutes. Not bad.
"He gave birth to poetry, But one day'll cease to be. Greet the last light of the library"
A bittersweet redundancy: poetry with library, the last light with ceasing to be. Reminiscent of Elan: "Be the first to greet the morn [...] Travel with great élan, dance a jig at the funeral."
"We were here!"
You are AMAXING. I thought I was the only one who researched and delved in but WOW! Great job and ty
Thank you for your interpretation, it is really great!
I have a slightly different take on the part: "We are here to care for the garden, The wonder of birth Of every form most beautiful".
With "we" just being live in general and "garden" our genes or as you said our DNA. That would make a lot of sense in the perspective of Dawkins "Selfish Gene". We as lifeforms are here to care for our genes so we can ensure their survival through the wonder of birth. In a sense we, the "most beautiful" forms, are temporary vessels for our genes, which are the true players in the game of evolution, and have been playing for way longer than we as individual forms have been around.
Thank you for the explanation and the genius of this song becomes clear.
Thank you for your work👍👍👍👍
Thanks for this.... The best comment and analysis of this song I ever saw under a react to TGSoE. This is special. Thank you!
Their sound engineers are the best in the world, not only are they the sound techs on tour but also in the studio.. They have one of the best and most talented stage crew there is. Most have been with them since the beginning.
The piece that Dawkins narrated is actually the closing argument of Charles Darwin’s eternal work “On the Origin of Spieces”. For many, one of the most consequential scientific works in history.
@tumtuaresagitur 2
@Digital Axiom PRO Atheists were here long before godfathers :p And Dawkins certainly is a well established scientist.
@Digital Axiom PRO whether you agree with his views or not, Mr Dawkins is a well established and respected SCIENTIST with a huge body of work in his field. Calling an Oxford tenured professor as an atheist godfather because you dont agree with his views or beliefs is juvenile and ignorant at best.
tumtuaresagitur Darwin is a real scientist, dawking is just an atheist godfather
Hmmm...Darwin's vs. Dawkins -- difference of only one letter? ; )
Just so you understand why the crowd was cheering at the end. "Endless forms most beautiful" is the name of the Nightwish's album that song is on.
@L' Enchanted I honestly think: Who would not be. The situation is anything but usual for him. ( I think any big happening - e.g. seminar, lecture, thesis defence - in university etc academic settings would be just a tiny piece of cake for him compared to this) And. It was a big WOW (honor) he came there - irl- and read those lines to all of us.
And the quote that Dawkins reads (not the prior recording of his voice) is from Darwin's "On the Origin of Species".
I think you underestimate the geekiness of most metalheads.
@Caligo Well it's different standing in front of thousands metalheads who are there for the band and not realy for him :) Bet lots of them didn't even know he exists before the album. I think I've read somewhere that he said he doesn't realy listen to anything but clasicall music. That night must have been lifechanging for him too.
@L' Enchanted yeah, he was soo nervous. As a professor and regular host of events, you would think it would have been easier for him.
To me the "We were here" part is the most profound and meaningful. Because I see it in two ways - no, basically in three ways.
One way is the obvious band (and audience) singing "We were here" on that stage, at that moment in this location.
The other way is the collective "We were here" of all those who came before us. Who were here on Earth before we came into existence.
And the third (and most heartchurning one) is the collective last outcry "We were here" before mankind blows itself up - as the firework at 26:12 in your video alludes to.
You will be glad to know this piece was through-composed to the last note, the outro and the words all part of the song. R. Dawkins, being himself, added a few lines to the Darwin quote at the end - but managed to make it in time. :) This was an honour for the band, having the man at the Wembley show, but also, I imagine, for the scientist - communicating to probably the largest audience he'd ever had!
I also truly enjoyed you being able to pick out most of the "Easter eggs" within the song, representing the Humanity's musical evolution - J. S. BACH to METALLICA. Usually people, depending on their background, miss one or the other! :) Thereis suposedly also the Medieval plainchant and a bit of Mozart in there, but my ear is not equipped enough to pick 'em out. :) Maestro Tuomas Holopainen included all of that into his musical tapestry that made The Greatest Show on Earth - which is Life.
Having listened to at least 120,000 CD's, wanted at least 50,000 videos, this is the very best song I've heard in probably a good 20 years.
In my opinion metal and classical music are 2 sides of the same coin, a yin & yang so to speak. This is why they go so well together, and no one does this better than Nightwish! Another fantastic reaction! 😁
Listen to Vivaldi's four seasons and you can definitely hear the influence classical music had on metal. :) Especially symphonic metal. Heck, you could even say that those classical music composers were kind of like the rock stars of their time.
This version has the ending with Dawkins himself in person, The Tampere version has great intro (and outro) with fireworks. While I do appreciate the version with Dawkins more, you might enjoy the fireworks in sync with music, it is pretty cool as well. The last bit is part of the song, it is quote from Darwins' On the Origin of Species
Backing track; London Philharmonic Orchestra . That orchestra has been doing co-oparation with Nightwish for two decades.
What an honor for the London Philharmionic Orchestra to perform background for the Valkry Goddess !
I just wanted to add that the greatest show on earth is a book about evolution by richard dawkins. This whole song is about evolutions... possibly from start to finish in the song?
I use EastWest. But even Vienna doesn't come close enough to a true recording of strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion.
@Sami Kunnila Last Universal Common Ancestor Symphony Orchestra
LUCA = Last universal common ancestor
From a musicians perspective, I love the way you react to these videos explaining the musical key changes and construct of the songs. Well done Doug!
I definitely like the change of pace. Most people reacting to music are either laymen or vocal coaches. It's nice to have the focus on the music for once, instead of "this sounds awesome!" or "listen to this thing the singer is doing!"
Troy Donockley is one of the most underrated multi-instrumentalists active today. The uilleann pipes have given Nightwish this interesting Celtic metal sound to some of their more recent work that I've not heard much outside of Enter the Haggis. But as with practically any bagpipes, the drones limit their flexibility in most settings.
He also has great voice and know how to sing.
Troy is playing the opening cello part on his guitar with an E-bow (electronic bow). But Tuomas makes great use of the London Symphony Orchestra and choir for his backing. In terms of the modulations, I promise Tuomas doesn't have to concern himself making it simple with this bunch of musicians. They are at the top of their game.
I was immensely fortunate to be at this concert. I was close to the front, about 10 people back in front of Marco. Without doubt it was the best concert I've ever been to. They played 2.5 hours of pure awesomeness. However the most amazing part I feel is hard to express in words, but I'll try. The feeling we had in our hearts and minds and atmosphere right at the end when Richard Dawkins came out. You could hear and feel the gasps of pure amazement from my fellow audience members when we realised what we had just experience and what we were then seeing. A true once in a lifetime spectacle. An early Christmas present of sorts as it was early December. The cool air from the air conditioning had just been put back on and so the air became fresh, chilling, but also so uplifting. Enlightening. Once it was finally over we are now able to keep replaying it in our hearts and minds for evermore and reliving the wonder. Unforgettable :)
Human Nature, their newest album, and the second cd on one sitting, you won’t regret it.
When you react to "The Poet and the Pendulum", you need to research the history of the song and play it with the lyrics, very important
Poet and the pendulum. Next please.
@Roy Kliffen You're right from that POV, but there really isn't any point reacting to this song without understanding the back story. I first heard the track about 13 years ago and no idea what it was all about until a few weeks ago. Now it all makes sense.
knowing the back story didnt help me enjoy the song one bit - i actually understood the metaphors and agony of the tale just fine without it - i got the letter from mother just fine, i got the tortured artist theme just fine. It only really matters to fans that is about Tuomas
@John Lanham True, but knowing the back story does help explain the composition and why it goes one way instead of another. Sometimes the difference in music between happiness and and sadness is very small.
@Ju Yifan Just to point it out. He uploaded his video on that one and decided to take a look at the lyrics and background. He clearly didn´t regret it, so I guess he doesn´t agree with you
I so enjoy seeing professionals explain why their music is so exceptionally good. The more I learn, the more impressive it is.
The best reaction I have seen so far about this song. Nonetheless, the best live version is this one, from the Wembley show. Good job as usual, Mr. Doug 👍🤟
The first time they sang the line, "We Were Here", I cried. What a crushingly beautiful and significant song. To think we are here now on this planet, against all the odds, what a miracle.
@William Reeves It's just the general theme of all their songs as the years go by really. In the beginning, while Tuomas didn't write much religion into his songs there were still hints of it here and there. Then around the time of their album "Century Child" you notice some songs that seem to be a bit more resentful towards religion. During "Dark Passion Play" he turns more towards fantasy and dreams instead. And after that I believe he said himself in an interview (though can't find it atm) that he started reading one of Dawkins' books, opening his eyes to science and evolution. Which is evident in songs like "Endless forms most Beautiful" and "The greatest show on earth".
Also, while I am an atheist I'm not resentful. :P I live in the Netherlands, a fairly secular country compared to places like the US for example. While I was raised with Christianity by my mom, my dad was actually an atheist too. And when I realized I never really believed and lost whatever little faith I had around age 15, there were no troubles. Mom just accepted it as long as we didn't try discussing religion with her, and she kept her religion to herself as well. My younger brother followed suit and became atheist a year or two later. Most of my friends are atheist too, and most religious people I meet (like 90%~95%) aren't openly religious or hateful towards atheists here.
@Sanquinity I find this idea interesting. However, I wonder if it is just the wishful thinking of someone who is also a resentful atheist. Could you give me a set list of the songs you are talking about that document his journey, in your mind? I'm not saying you are wrong, just curious if I will interpret it the same way.
What I find most interesting is the story being told throughout all of Nightwish's albums. Where Tuomas started out religious. But later on he started to doubt his beliefs. After a while he even grew kind of resentful towards religion. Then he read one of Dawkins' books, resulting in Tuomas rejecting religion and starting to embrace the beauty of evolution and science. Dawkins being a guest for this song is because of this. If you go through Nightwish's albums in chronological order there's clear signs of his journey.
I feel like "The greatest show on earth" is Tuomas' Magnum Opus. The culmination of his journey from being a religious person, to finding the path of science. And realizing the beauty and complexity of the scientific world far surpasses what god could offer him.
It's a wonderful celebration of our continued existence. The main versions for TGSOE are from Tampere 2015 and this, and in Tampere they were on an outdoor venue where they could do some things that were impossible to implement in this kind of indoor setting such as Wembley. This composition definitely can handle quite a bit of relistening, so you should check out the Tampere version someday for sure. You picked up many details, like LUCA, Bach, and Enter Sandman, but will you believe me if I say that through most of this "song" you have references to various things occurring basically every few seconds? They take place on various levels, too, not just with the lyrics. If you listen to it again you can pick up a few more details, and then a few more on every subsequent listen. LUCA is short for Last Universal Common Ancestor, btw. A lot of the references in this one are from biology or history, I guess Enter Sandman qualifies as a part of the history of music.
Naturally doing that much research alone is a daunting task, that's why reaction videos to Nightwish are so popular. So many people from various backgrounds have analyzed this and everyone seems to be able to point out something different. I can't remember ever hearing anyone else go into any great detail regarding the chord structures and progressions, so it was interesting to hear some of that. Since so many other details from the melodies and lyrics are quite meticulously thought out I'd be most surprised if the chord progressions were just thrown around randomly (or on a basis of "man this sounds cool").
You asked about the symphonic stuff and that's prerecorded and then played back. The making of -documentary series about the album that this song is on ("Endless Forms Most Beautiful") has a virtually spoiler-free short episode about this process, you can find it here: kzclip.org/video/r0ivbQz3IGI/бейне.html and some additional behind-the-scenes shots from the same session: kzclip.org/video/HcxjKlUcjXo/бейне.html
For future Nightwish reactions, I have two recommendations. First is Shoemaker from their new album, and that's because you seemed to enjoy this type of science-meets-symphonic-metal mixture and that song is about Eugene Shoemaker, who was one of the pioneers of Astrogeology and the only human buried in the moon. There was a Shakespeare quote inscribed in the capsule with his ashes - The quote is recited in the song. There's an operatic part to it that's particularly interesting. Shoemaker is only available as a lyrics video currently, since the 2020 album hasn't had any live performances because of covid 19 reasons. Official video: kzclip.org/video/Rjp_DfvJimg/бейне.html
Another recommendation would be Storytime from the Wacken 2013 concert, the same concert from where you picked Ghost Love Score for your previous reaction. They made very good quality recordings from that concert, so it's a favorite source for many people who do Nightwish reactions. Storytime itself is one of my favorites from all of Nightwish' extensive catalogue, but I'm especially interested in hearing what you can say about the chord progression sequence towards the end of it. I've always thought of it as one of the most brilliant chord sequences I've ever heard so continuing the theme of chord analysis you've done so far I'd be curious to hear if you think it's great or just m'eh. Storytime live from Wacken 2013: kzclip.org/video/pvkYwOJZONU/бейне.html
I could recommend about 20 more songs right here, but perhaps it could all be summed up by saying that Nightwish doesn't really do "bad" music. Their early stuff from late 90s can sometimes be a bit simplistic compared to the modern stuff, and then there's some very ... lets say surprising (or "interesting") stuff like Elvenjig, but Tuomas has always composed with ideas and a vision in mind so all of their music feels like it has a degree of gravity to it. Even Elvenpath and Elvenjig. In that regard it doesn't _really_ matter what song you pick if you want to do more Nightwish reactions. There's one thing though that matters a great deal to the fandom and it needs some additional explaining.
Some things to note if you want to continue with Nightwish. They have basically 3 different eras that are marked by different lead female vocalists. The 1st era went from 1996 to 2005 after the End of an Era concert when Tarja Turunen was fired from the band because of reasons. The song Poet and the Pendulum was written by Tuomas to highlight some of his chaotic mindscape from this time, and perhaps you might want to check the open letters between the band and Tarja before listening to it. The Finnish media painted Tuomas as the antagonist in this conflict, and they basically crucifixed him in the local yellow papers for quite a while. The songs "Bye Bye Beautiful" and "Master Passion Greed" also tell about this event. The 2nd era went from 2007 to 2012 when Anette Olzon was the lead vocalist. The 3rd era went from 2013 to present day as Floor Jansen has been the lead vocalist. Just a couple weeks ago the bassist and secondary vocalist (dude with the beard), Marco, resigned from the band citing personal reasons. He's been such an important part of their work for such a long time that it's possible that this either marks the start of a 4th era or could even signal the eventual disbanding of the band itself. Though honestly the band was extremely close to disbanding in 2005 when Tarja left, so I hope they can pull through this one as well.
The result from this colorful history is that you have fans who have jumped aboard at varying parts of the process. Many of their songs were originally composed for a different vocalist than the one who performs it now. They have released 9 studio albums: 5 with Tarja, and 2 both with Anette and Floor. Some of the fans of the older stuff might not always be super happy about how things turned out, though almost every Tarjaholic has given up this argument by now. The arguments used to be _very_ toxic. Currently the loudest noises come from Floorfans who will fiercely thumb down any reaction video you do if it's an old song performed by the original vocalist that Floor has "fixed" later on. For example some reaction videos about Ghost Love Score pick the original version with Tarja Turunen performing the vocals and they get absolutely flooded with comments like "wrong version duh" and thumbed down. If you're really interested in the band then you might want to listen to these different versions anyway, I actually still prefer Tarja's GLS but it's very close. If you want to do comparison videos though... Tarja and the band had a messy breakup and a lot of fans are still unhappy with this. Anette's exit was more inevitable but you will find people who want to defend her and are rightfully offended when she's being put down by others.These types of comparison videos will remind the old fans about their scars and they also will make the Floor era fans extremely defensive, perhaps a sort of confirmation bias or whatever. I personally hate these comparison videos, or more precisely I hate reading the comment sections from them. I also hate watching those videos, even when the content itself is great, because I can already imagine what the comment section is like. If you ask the comment section they will tell you the previous lead vocalists are just trash who can't sing.
You also got some comments in this one saying more or less "wrong version duh", and that's because there are unwritten rules regarding Nightwish reaction videos that every reactor should just somehow know before they start reacting to Nightwish (the logic here eludes me as well). Anyway the rules for maximizing the happiness of the various sections of the fanbase goes roughly like this:
1. Live versions only, and this can only be negotiated in a few special cases. Otherwise no exceptions period. The reason is that the fanbase has a concensus that the band performs better live than on albums.
1a. Music videos can sometimes be interesting to react to, since the band puts a lot of care in their visuals as well. This can be used as a way to spice up your Nightwish reaction career. Comparison videos with the live version and music video can be successful, this has been done with Storytime for example.
1b. Any song from the latest album Human :||: Nature can use the official lyrics videos (which are the album versions), since the pandemic cancelled all opportunities to perform these live. The only live recording for now is an acoustic version of the song "How's the Heart" where Floor and Troy did a special version of it for a radio station.
2. The live version should be chosen with the following formula: Wacken 2013 > Tampere 2015 > Wembley 2015 > Buenos Aires 2018 > all the rest. Note that Floor Jansen is the lead vocalist in all of these live shows, because any song with Tarja or Anette performing will draw countless defensive fans commenting about it being the wrong version.
The last rule can be a bit tricky since for example the "official live version" of Ghost Love Score is from Buenos Aires 2012 and it was a great show and a great version, but if you react to it you'll get a billion comments saying "wrong version duh" anyway. If you don't particularly care whether some people get their panties in a bunch then these rules can be ignored to whatever degree you're comfortable with. There are even people who mainly react to Nightwish songs with Tarja, and the Floorfans do eventually learn to give up.
Another Awesome reaction video. It is great to have you explain how music works together and why it effects us. Nightwish are truly Epic🤘😎🤘
The Tampere version doesn't have live Dawkins but it has live fireworks timed with the music
@Derpster Late heavy asteroid bombardment period - hence the multiple impacts.
The fireworks in the beginnig is the big bang.
And less white noise. I also think Floor sang better that time by a significant margin.
They should have a best of all preformance mix
and Troy's pipe which I think really accents it perfectly!
I'm ugly bawling at their bow every time... EVERY time ❤️
It sure will pay off to look for the lyrics of every song from Njghtwish as you give your reaction. They always have a special meaning. Greetings from the 🇳🇱
Music Reactions has been such an oversaturated YT genre. I am SO happy to watch some content that brings a new technical perspectives to this, and not just because I have some music theory under my belt. Seeing someone get into music the way you do is really refreshing.
Woah, I just stumbled upon your channel and I am STUNNED by your Nightwish reactions!
I love how you start with a little background research all the time, and how on point your conclusions of the meanings are from just listening to composition and tiny bits of lyrics.
Please, please consider reacting to the entire latest album HVMAN. || NATVRE.
I'd absolute love to hear your analysis on all of these tracks. Especially for the orchestral only 2nd disc piece "All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World". IF you end up doing this particular reaction series, make sure to listen to the album in the right order, starting off with "Music" (of which you're gonna LOVE the theme ;D), and listen to said orchestral piece in one go for it is a whole song that just got split up for the disc release. There also is a beautiful fanmade and band-approved MV which I can highly recommend for your reaction.
Now I'm gonna use my next days to catch up with your other Nightwish reactions and look forward to more! (Subscribed obviously!!)
I really enjoyed your analysis. Hope you'll continue the Nightwish journey, you'll discover a lot of diamond and pearls :) Each of their songs is different, you'll see.
Gabriel, The Lame Dad here, KEEP the requests to Doug up! EVERYONE NEEDS to experience NW!! You guys CONVERTED me and now I AM on a mission to spread the NW Love! I'm shocked NO one is telling him DO the Tampere show! lol, first thing I was told! lol
We ALSO NEED to get Keyz of Geebz and Dean Wolfe into doing NW Reacts! Well NW AND Floor reacts! lol
They most definitely have a midi click track that everything is sync’d with (lights, visuals, pyro/cryo, etc). Lots of the orchestral is on the track and lots is played on key synth; just depends on each individual song.
Yeah, I saw a behind the scenes vid on youtube with their guitar / drum techs etc: they have a pro tools laptop off to the side of the stage, all the songs for the evening are queued up with all their multiple tracks, and each member has a click track via their in-ear monitors. Every time they play a song, it's always the same tempo etc, across many years. All the lighting and pyro can be triggered from this too?
The strings and horns and stuff is all recorded by true players and instruments, the same tracks as from the studio albums, London orchestra and choirs.
Notice the love and compassion in the band members. Have you ever seen anything like it?
Nightwish has been recording their orchestral and choir parts with arranger/director Pip Williams and the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Metro Voices since their album Once (2004). They use these as backing tracks for their live performances, cued together with a click track. It's slightly re-arranged for the live setting, so that composer Tuomas Holopainen can recreate many of the parts with keyboard pads.
As someone with a little musical knowledge, but not enough to make sense of how Nightwish’s compositions work, I really appreciated your commentary. There are things here that I will try to incorporate into my own music making. Thank you!
I love that you actually go into depth about the theory behind all these songs when you do reactions! I'm such a nerd and I love that you are too!
If you want to see this again, then check out the other version of this song, recorded live at Tampere (Finland) - there's even a version that has the lyrics shown. It's AWESOME.
From the several times I've seen them (including this concert at Wembley), Tuomas (on the keys) composes most of the songs, then from about album 4 or 5, orchestral arrangements are made based off his songs. Sometimes he'll outline all the orchestral parts, and I'm fairly sure for a few tracks the arrangements might be done by others. Then, for live performances, most of the orchestral parts will be pre-recorded, and Tuomas will be on piano/keyboards. I believe he'll do synth strings, especially for the earlier albums when all of the symphonic stuff was him on a keyboard, but at the very least, they'll make sure that he's always playing something, so even if there isn't a specific piano line, he'll be playing synth chords or something. Never seen him not playing something, at least.
Great reaction man. It's really cool to hear your personal opinion and musical insights. I've seen many reactions to Nightwish but most focus just on Floor's singing and I think it's amazing that you also point out the actual composition and instrumentals.
I was there for this (yes we WERE here)! One of the best moments of my life . I only wish I had the genius to write something so profound and beautiful
this performance of "the greatest show on earth" is great but the best is that from the concert in tampere, also in 2015, think about reacting to that too 😉
@Akvav1tix Agree - the low tin-whistle is nice but the I personally liked the E-Bow/guitar better - maybe because I've never heard of it before this and it's very melodious.
@Akvav1tix This is why true fans should listen to and appreciate both. Troy on the tin whistle and Troy on the electric guitar with E-Bow are both magnificent ways of achieving the desired result and each needs to be appreciated in order to fully recognize the amazing compositional work behind this, possibly NW's greatest achievement.
Yeah as others have said, I actually far prefer Wembley's version. The recording was better, the atmosphere on stage was great and Troy's guitar work is magnificent. Tampere has the fireworks but this has everything else, imo. :)
@R Olsen Dunno, I like Wembley version much more than Tampere's. Less pipes, more guitars. Sounds more metal to me
I actually prefer this one, it seems. Less flashy fireworks but musically I like it.
Floor’s voice gives me chills each time I hear this song which truly is a masterpiece !
Please keep doing more....... They are endlessly creative and unpredictable in their songs. In the same vein as this try Poet and the Pendulum.
The Classical arrangements are written by Tuomas, the Keyboard player (The Main composer of the band), but the actual recording is done by the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the albums, and played as a back-track during live performances (unless Tuoumas uses some samples with the keyboard when not a lot is needed).
Yes, that last part is also part of the album song. That last movement is part of the Song The Greatest Show On Earth", wich is the last song of the Album of the same name.
@James Cann Thanks for the link to Pip Williams interview. I hadn't seen that one previously.
@Marko Dimic And the phrase "endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful" is from the end of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin from year 1859.
@James Cann Also Tuomas' solo album is 60 minute complitely orchestral music and it's fully Tuomas composing.
@James Cann Composing is done by Tuomas. There's a whole 30 minute orchestral suite on the new album and there's no writing credit to Pip. You know composing.
I'm so happy you discovered Nightwish! Your background gives a lot of new insight into the music. I agree with others; you should for sure check out Poet and the Pendulum live at Wembley. A very brief background on the song: it was written in 2007 and it details the Tuomas' (keyboards, composer) pain, depression, and self-reflection after the band had a falling out with and fired their first singer, who was his childhood friend. There's a lot more details and mess behind the split but that's the briefest synopsis.
she has a voice of an angel... brings tears to my eyes .. she is a pleasure to listen to,,, the entire band is UNREAL!!!!!
I didn’t expect you to react to this one. Just about everyone listens to the Tampere performance, and the orchestra hits in the beginning are paired with live fireworks above the stadium. I definitely recommend listening to the Tampere performance sometime; it also features folk instruments played live by Troy, who played guitar in the introduction in this performance.
You'll hardly find a band who always looks like there's no place they'd rather be than on stage like Nightwish. Every show. Big show or small. Always having fun, goofing around with each other, with the audience, etc. Few bands put on a show quite like they do.
Tuomas is The Metal Mozart. His mind is incredible.
Nightwish always plays to a click. Makes sense with all the orchestral intermezzos and such. Also useful for automatic pyro triggering.
I really enjoy your technical comments on what's happening. It brings me back to school days with music theory where we analyzed classical pieces. It's SO COOL to have this applied to modern music.
BTW - they recorded the original with a full choir & orchestra. Those are the backing tracks
When you say that it sounds like a movie type score, that is a very astute observation because Nighwish's songwriter, keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen says he imagines every song he writes as a film.
first, it's never to late to jump on the nightwish train
Second, you bring very interesting details and technical explanations in your reactions. Very much apreciated !
Now you have to see the Tampere version, it is even more powerful than this one, it's incredible! Great detection of Bach and Enter Sandman, it was the tribute to mankind's musical journey :) Love the reaction! I don't know if you are going to continue with Nightwish but at least you have to do The Poet and the Pendulum live from this same concert at Wembley. Tuomas, the keyboard guy, who is composer and mastermind behind the band, had a rough time after they had to fire the original singer Tarja, he was in depression so song is about his metaphorical suicide which he committed in the song
This is a very cool version as well. I personally prefer the Tampere version, where the "bangs" at the beginning are accompanied by real firework explosions timed with the song.
In case you're going to listen to the song again, you might then choose the Tampere version.
I’m always thrilled when someone else discovers Nightwish. I know they’re in for some seriously jaw dropping amazement. It’s also a great pleasure to see it from someone who understands music and shares with those of us who just have no musical sense at all. Thanks 👍🏻. The Greatest Show on Earth is US. The rise of man and our accomplishments and evolution.
💙💙💙 All Hail Floor 💙💙💙
P.S. 06:06 that’s called "straight line singing?" Educate me please....
20:17. Valkyrie Goddess..... 😏
25:25 much earlier the lyrics were “A careless cold infinity in ever vast direction." That’s us, here alone on our world. This "we were here" is our frustration and fury toward the cold carelessness. We are here. We have made/left our mark.
@John Lanham Cool.
@Richard Linder correct. I must have stated that poorly if there is confusion on that. By "us, here alone on our world" I didn’t mean the people’s physical or social distance from other humans. I meant our world alone in our known universe as inhabited. Clearly I didn’t speak well enough. You’re correct. 👍🏻
I think “A careless cold infinity in ever vast direction." refers to the vast, infinite, empty coldness of space. (Between all the starts and planets, and even galaxies.)
Supremely enjoyed this video! This was the first time that I've seen this particular performance of this song and it's taking the top spot for it. I won't lie, at the beginning I was slightly concerned but that melted away quickly.
Being honest, hearing your musical knowledge is a treat. I'll keep on watching your upcoming Nightwish reactions and I'll check out your other videos as well. :)
I saw many Nightwish reacts, but I really like the theorical analisys that you make in that! Thank you!!
I was at this show and this song was an experience i'll never forget. The hairs on the back of my neck were stood up for the songs entirety and several times during the performance of this song i actually went "Wow!" which i've not done before or since
The Devonian Sea which is mention in the song is where the fish moved from the water to land, so the very first steps of evolution all started at the Devonian Sea. Still one of my favorite Nightwish songs. My favorite song is Amaranth.
As I said in the other video thanks you so much for these reactions, it makes me appreciate the music on a whole different level. Suggestion: Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down
My favourite rendtion of this is the 2015 Tampere concert. Check that one out when you relisten, you wont regret it!
@John Lanham and: a double helix dress.
I liked the symbolism of starting with a simple flute, progressing to more complex instruments later on. It’s yet another layer of evolution if you like.
This was my intro to Nightwish and the phenomenon that is Floor Jansen. Tampere opened my eyes
Mine his too , the Tampere version
Yea, the flute of the Tampere version is much better.
And Troy’s guitar play at the beginning is bad ass.
Now watch the version from Tampere and tell me how in the name of Jehosephat’s left nostril they choreographed the fireworks. Absolute musical genius 😎
There have been concerts where this number was timed with large scale fireworks. I can't imagine how it was live with how impressive it is watching a video of it.
many thanks for your reaction! Absolutly loved it. Loved to hear someone who actually knows what he's talking about. Love to see you react to more off there stuff. Like poet and the pendulem, and I think you will appreciate their new album Human Nature.
Your reactions and responses from a composer's point of view are spectacular! Can't wait for more nightwish reactions. I would love to hear your viewpoint on one of their older songs called "creek mary's blood". There is some controversy with the ending poem read in a native american language (which language in particular is escaping my memory) but I don't care the music is still haunting and beautiful and it's with the first singer Tarja. My other recommendation/request is the last ride of the day 😊🤘
Never heard of Nightwish before this. Excellent analysis on one fantastic song and performance.
Welcome to the world of Nightwish, I was lucky enough to see two Nightwish shows from the Endless Forms Most Beautiful tour, (San Jose,, San Francisco) they played the full version of The greatest
show on earth in one of those shows, and
carrying my daughter in one arm, holding the other up in the air while singing "We were here" (both of us) was beautiful ,wonderful
Thanks for this reaction video ☺️ I always love watching people discovering nightwish 😁
May I humbly suggest "The poet and the pendulum" at this point?
It requires a little bit of research tho, to fully understand the background of this song, but I really recommend having a look at it. You will not regret it I promise.
Have a good one.
Greetings from Germany 🤗
I use a lot of minor third modulations in my own music as well! I'm a musical theatre composer and I've found it's a very exciting way to modulate because it allows you to repeat your theme while breathing new life into it. In other words, it's very theatrical! I've noticed that a lot of other musical theatre composers use it as well. Specifically, Richard Rodgers uses it in Geraniums in the Winder from CAROUSEL as well as in a few other spots.
in their latest album they made some sort of suite divided in different tracks. It's completely instrumental and probably with the objective of sounding like a classical piece
I love that you're one of the few people that actually get the point of the song reacting to it. "So we're conjuring creation?" Yep, right on point!
For me, THIS is the epitomy of an epic symphonic metal song... I don't delve into the tinythings, twists, slips and thirds you mention.. fair enough, that is your 'job'... to me, it is all about the emotional impact of the song. First time I heard it, I wept at the grandeur of it all...
The section that starts with Bach and ends with Enter the Sandman is a stripped down version of the history of music.
And I think this is the first reaction where both Bach and Metallica are recognized, usually it's one or the other. Of those I've seen.
That section starts before the 2 Bach quotes. There are voices for the beginning of Western music, a quote of Dies Irae, now the most well known Gregorian Chant melody, one used by many classical composers.
Yes and there is some tribal drum before Bach and after some banjo piece, it's easier to pick out in the studio version
After the Sandman there is a beat that apparently is a reference to techno..
Thank you very much Doug for going through this song with your audience. I love this song. it's one of my favourite Nightwish songs. I am an unashamed older Nightwish fan. Great band. Get hold of their music on CD or from Itunes or on Spotify. Listen. You will, I hope, find this wonderful Finnish Symphonic heavy metal band uplifting, moving, inspiring. Above all, enjoy the musical journey.
I love how Doug goes into INTJ music dissecting mode, but when the hard parts come on, he shuts up and starts head-banging like a true head banger! Perfect example at 10:41. And again at 23:47. 😁 And he picked up the Enter Sandman easter egg riff.
Master piece...Tuomas genious composer..Welcome Nightwish World is magic..Floor Jansen the metal Queen, the best and most versatility singer on the planet..all band is.amazing great musicians...We are Nightwish Army Latinoamerica presente🔥🤘
I’ve seen this song live twice! Really great experience!
Tuomas tries to play as much as he can on the keyboards live, but there are some backing tracks used, as others have mentioned, recorded by the London Philharmonic.
after the ending there is always a feeling of emptiness inside. as an understanding that no one else will write more beautiful music. Tuomas genius
This is by far the best reaction/analysis I’ve seen of TGSOE. Lots of theorical explanations about this amazing composition by Thomas. Plus, everyone chooses the performance in Tampere but I’m glad you chose this one, I particularly like Floor’s first verses in this performance better. (And of course, having Dawkins at the end of the show is just magical).
First time I saw Nightwish live was the day when the tsunami happened in 2004. I was 14 years old. Already had long hair back then ;)
Doug, I would thing that you would LOVE to see some "behind the scenes" and "making-of" documents about the album creation process they have here on KZclip, mostly the ones that focus on the orchestration and recording of orchestral pieces! Most recent albums have had those.
I myself am more towards the metal so the earliest production of Nightwish is closest to my heart but I still love what they do these days aswell. For some reason I cannot explain (and it is so illogical!) I prefer simple, cheap and cheesy synth sounds in metal. Even though I LOVE orchestral music and movies soundtracks... anyways..
I was about to recommend some old songs but I just can't. So much there!
Superb reaction, very informativ, impressive how much you pick up, like the homage to classical pieces, Enter Sandman etc. Greetings from Denmark and looking forward to the next one.
Floor is a very versatile singer. She can sing many more genres: Pop, rock, opera (by example, O mio babino Caro), musical (Phantom of the opera), classical 'Ave Maria and many others.
Great reaction Doug. I heard you talk about how they kind of cut and paste bits in their songs. That's pretty normal for a Rock band. They're not as much a "classical" group, but a Metal band that adds a classical element. I dig the marriage of the two, and I think they do a killer job. Love these guys
As many others have said, at some point I hope you take some time to watch the live from Tampere version. This version has its own charms, and I enjoy it equally, but the Tampere version might be more... epic? Tuomas writes really good shit. ;-)
I'm one of the lucky ones. I got to see Nightwish play this live in March 2018 at the tiny Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Outstanding.
Thank you for this reaction. I enjoyed it. So great to hear from a composers point of view.
I'd lie if I said i follow all your thoughts about chords, shifts and keys etc. Howevere it's fun to see you appreciate the musicality and thoughtfulness of this great band. It's quite an experience hearing many of their songs for the first time (at least it was for me). What makes them extra fun is that all theirs songs are so distinct. They always suprise me. The Human::Nature album from 2020 is once again proof of that.
Hope you'll be covering more Nightwish. For their absolute masterpieces I'd personally recommend (-the live performance with Floor versions of-)
Dead boy's poem
Song of myself
The Poet and the Pendulum
Seven days to the wolves
Yours is an empty hope
I've been a Nightwish fan since their first album! I loved the analysis and critique!
If you really like the longer stuff, the whole All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World suite off of the latest album is a 30 minute, fully instrumental, orchestral masterpiece that seems to be getting overlooked a bit by the Nightwish fans. It is just simply some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard and likely the culmination of Tuomas' compositional evolution thus far. Even without the rest of the band, and even though it isn't at all metal, it fits right into the bands discography beautifully. More people should hear it in my opinion.
There's no live performances of it (orchestras are expensive to tour with... and the whole pandemic thing kind of made it impossible to tour at all), but there is a really nice fan made slideshow style music video that members of the band have seemed to endorse.
You're the best, Doug! Your reaction was the best one I've seen. Very insightful and educational. Wish I'd had you as a music teacher when I was learning. Hope to see more!
In this show, Floor could barely speak, she had a very bad cold and yet she was magnificent
Tuomas is amazing musicwriter. He has another remarkable project- Music Inspired By The Life And Times Of Scrooge. It is his solo project and it is really beautiful...
Finally, someone who comments on the musical structure of the songs!
If you liked Nightwish and the blending of orchestral with metal music, do check out Therion.
Here's the link to a live show of theirs with an actual live orchestra and choir (which I think is a good entry point).
Part 1, Metal covers of classical compositions: kzclip.org/video/y_Hwb26adXw/бейне.html
Part 2, their own songs with the live orchestra: kzclip.org/video/AS9r-SPVGQQ/бейне.html
They both have timestamps to each track. Really hoping you'll do an analysis on one of their songs!
@Andrej Baldovský That song was definitely a highlight. Vovin, Lemuria and Sirius B are also among my favourite albums. Johnsson is amazing. And to think he didn't have classical music training on top of that! To me Therion are like a more "serious" version of Nightwish
Christofer Johnsson from Therion is one of the best metal composer I know. At least one of their songs deserves a reaction video :-). For example this kzclip.org/video/5dCLnGCcya4/бейне.html or whole album Sitra Ahra :-)