Analyzing Pentatonix: Band Teacher's Take on Pure Imagination/Christmas Time is Here

Analyzing Pentatonix: Band Teacher's Take on Pure Imagination/Christmas Time is Here
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[@bobcieslinski]

Charlie Brown, Willy Wonka and Pentatonix oh my! What did you think of this arrangement? Buy Pentatonix Music Here: apple.co/3zqKZi2 Merch Store: bobcieslinski.myspreadshop.com/ Donations: www.buymeacoffee.com/BobCiesl... Highfidelity ear protection for concerts and everyday life: bit.ly/highfidelityearplugs Join Channel Membership: bit.ly/BobCieslinskimembership Buy Apple Music Subscription Here: apple.co/3xl0Ey6 Ekster wallets, Bags and Cases: ekster.com?sca_ref=4171993.L0f4OQQsAl Click here to buy Music Gear:bit.ly/SweetwaterMusicStore Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/bobciesli...

[@denisehaukkala9742]

Mitch just slapping everyone with a whimsy look on his face. I love song blends like this. Brilliant

[@bobcieslinski]

This one was brilliant!

[@honeybun4817]

I so hope you react to their LIVE performance video of “Kiss from a Rose” recorded in the VEVO studio. It is mind blowing!

[@bobcieslinski]

I’ll have to check it out I love that Seal song.

[@Gwennedd]

@@bobcieslinski , please do. What they do with it is completely insane!

[@sandwitch4300]

@@bobcieslinski hurry! 😊💞

[@patbrewer4205]

It’s stunningly beautiful

[@debbiea4786]

Agreed! It's a must ❤

[@ShinyElfriend]

They performed this last night. On their new album they did this mashup as well as a cover of Little Toy Trains. In the concert they did all three at once with Kirstin singing Little Toy Trains while Mitch did Christmas Time is Here and Scott did Pure Imagination. It was gorgeous!

[@mrflipvideodude]

Wow!! I'd love to hear that!!

[@bobcieslinski]

Sounds awesome!

[@lauriedaiken4426]

I was wondering who sings lead on Little Toy Trains. I can usually tell the difference between Mitch and Kirstin, but I’ve listened to that song several times and couldn’t figure it out.

[@ShinyElfriend]

@@lauriedaiken4426 Mitch was lead on the song on the album, but Kirstie sang it in the live show in order to combine it with the Christmas Time is Here/Pure Imagination mashup. I love how they can combine their voices so indistinguishably sometimes while each having such uniquely personal timbres. Since you said you weren’t sure, I doubted myself and just went to listen to it again. I could hear Kirstin’s lovely high harmonies backing Mitch’s lead, but listening to the lead and imagining it was Kirstie definitely threw me a little. Like you, I can usually tell the difference, but I was doubting my ears, lol.

[@lauriedaiken4426]

@ShinyElfriend thank you!!

[@sparkers70]

I'm also an old-schooler who grew up with the original versions of Wonka and Charlie Brown... and I never dreamed that these two songs could be woven together. Pentatonix does it, not just well, but perfectly! I too fully appreciate the softness they brought. Simply stunning.

[@lizziefrances]

I think perhaps that last lovely high run is Kevin's magic, but also likely multi tracked Mitch. They share a lightness in their falsetto. Thanks for sharing your appreciation!

[@kimc.6919]

I was thinking that was Kevin, too!

[@terrimoore7082]

I agree..I believe that was Kevin hitting that high note at the end

[@lauriedaiken4426]

No one does a mash-up better than Pentatonix - their arrangements always defy expectation and blow me away! Thank you for the great and informative reaction.

[@bobcieslinski]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks!

[@geriatricptxer2362]

Their transitions between both singers and songs is seamless. The way one swells out, and the next singer in is so beautiful.

[@shelbychesnut99]

Their 5 part harmony cannot be beat. This just sends me over the clouds. I will be seeing them in concert (for the 5th time) later this month. Can't wait.

[@bobcieslinski]

Wow their harmonies are incredible. Thats awesome that you have seen them that much.

[@chrispavlich9656]

I’m jealous!

[@bonnieflynn4798]

Have fun.

[@rita.---]

I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this song..... Amazing! Magical! Simply gorgeous! Out of this world beautiful!

[@bobcieslinski]

You summed it up well Rita.

[@My2ndnephew]

I think it was Kevin with the high note above Mitch's at the end. Kevin is amazing.

[@alicemagaha3780]

I was going to say the same thing. Kevin was the high voice then Mitch did his lower run at the end. Love it!!!

[@My2ndnephew]

Now that I've seen the live version of this song, I think it was Scott with those high notes. Kevin can sing that high, though. @@alicemagaha3780

[@shelleyo]

I have so missed your reactions and commentary of Pentatonix! I definitely agree with the recommendation for their live in vevo studios performance of Kiss from a Rose. Hope to see ptx again soon!

[@bobcieslinski]

I’ve got another Christmas one I recorded Shelley.

[@shelleyo]

@@bobcieslinski yay! I’ll be watching for it…always enjoy your teachable moments🎄

[@bobcieslinski]

@@shelleyo thanks

[@terriepurkey708]

I love the transition from Mitch's part to Kirstie - it's just so smooth and their voices are similar enough that it's actually barely noticeable. Beautiful! What a lovely, quiet, airy, calming combination of two songs that I never would have thought to put together. Great reaction to a great song.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much Terrie! Those are two amazing songs and they did a fantastic job.

[@kellywoodruff6363]

I just don’t understand how 5 individuals are so perfect and how they all found each other with a God giving talent they are perfection always

[@bobcieslinski]

You’re right Kelly. Most of them went to school together too.

[@melissacoviello2886]

Kiss from a rose (the live vevo version) will absolutely blow you away!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Melissa I’ll have to check it out. Nice hearing from you again.

[@Heatsauce70506]

I think that last high note is from Keven

[@carolcraig9008]

Fantastic reaction. Love Pentatonix ❤️ Beautiful music.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Carol! I loved this one.

[@pjb3583]

I’m going to add my encouragement for you to listen to the live VEVO session of Kiss From a Rose. It’s spectacular, and it’s about as different from this one as possible. There has been talk of a PTX album of lullabies (mostly coming from fans, to be honest) since two of them now have children, and this would fit right in there. Lovely, lovely rendition, and a lovely reaction as well. Peace …

[@celiachristman104]

I always enjoy your PTX reactions. Keep em coming!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Celia! I’ve got one more Christmas one from them coming soon.

[@thechomiji]

No, that skyscraping note at the end was Kevin! Mitch comes in on the supersweet murmur after that. You may already know this: in addition to the group, their arrangements are Ben Bram. He has been there since the beginning, and knows them almost as well as they know themselves, as musicians. I don't know if you have watched the brief documentary The Recording of Evergreen, but it was recorded for 2 Christmas albums ago, when the holiday album was called Evergreen. As a pro, I think you will be fasscinated. Bram was acting as both the arranger and the recording engineer for that album, so you wil see a lot of him working with the group - and also how they take the reins of the arrangements themselves.

[@shelbychesnut99]

I heard that in concert, Kirstie adds Little Toy Trains to the medley at the end.

[@bobcieslinski]

Nice sounds awesome Shelby.

[@catherinelopresti7121]

I am interested to see your take on their cover Kiss Rom A Rose from their current holiday album. Glad you finally did this.

[@joannesmith7042]

Absolutely incredible… PTX the only group worth listening to all year around. 🎉

[@lorriredmon8212]

I loved your reaction. I do believe that the high finish was Kevin and not Mitch. Kevin's tenor range is obscene! If you react to their "Kiss From a Rose" there's a great sampling of Kevin's voice. Thank you

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks!

[@JanSkaggs]

I loved your reaction. I did not know “Christmas Time Is Here” was from Charlie Brown. That makes the song even more special. 🥰

[@shilohauraable]

This is so very dreamy! ❤ And Kevin's really high ooooos at the end - WOW! 💕 I think you're attributing Kevin's highs to Mitch, but the really high noted at the end were Kevin's!

[@pattis2641]

It was actually Kevin who hit that last high note. You can hear the difference because Kevin is not on camera when he does the high note. But Mitch is finishing the song with that beautiful angelic voice he has. Kevin is really coming into his voice, and I can now hear him thru the others, whereas in earlier years, he didn't sing very often. His tenor is so sweet and pure. Mitch is just not human, and Kirstie carried that beautiful humming behind all the bum, bum, bums.

[@ellybargmusic]

I love how clearly engaged you are with every song you react to, it's awesome to see that passion come to life and the way you unpack things makes this channel a great source of inspiration for other musicians. Kudos from England ♥

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much Elly! I appreciate it!

[@chrisabel1833]

Did Mitch and Kirstie sound like 6-8 year olds to anyone else? Their whispery, airy, tones took me right back to the vocals in the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Then Scott comes in with the adult part from Willie Wonka. As others have said, who knew these two would fit together this well? My guess. Scott. Vocal execution by the group was superb, as always.

[@jamesjudge3891]

Mitch Grassi is a force of nature musically. He's a rare true countertenor, and has been perfect with this band.

[@bobcieslinski]

Hey James. His voice is a one of a kind voice. He’s amazing.

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

They are so soooo goodd at arranging. Also, that last background note I'm 95% sure is actually Scott. I think I've seen him do it in tour videos at least and it sounds very similar to some of Scotts high notes in his solo work. All of them have RANGE.

[@ellenhulslander2897]

Or Kevin.

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

@@ellenhulslander2897 Yeah, seems like that kinda in the video. But to me it sounds more like Scott and I'm almost sure I saw a clip of Scott doing it from tour

[@ellenhulslander2897]

No need to qualify their ability by "accapella groups". Their arrangements, with the help of Ben Brahm, are equal to, and maybe better than, any group or type of group out there. That is shown by how they have upgraded most of the songs they cover. This is so beautiful.

[@Matriarch456]

i do believe the last high note in the background is actually Kevin and not Mitch. I love this mash up.

[@edsartistry]

Love this combo ! PTX is THE best at bringing two or more unlikely songs together and making their own EPIC song . I really think they are breaking new ground in music by doing a lot of new and different things, such as mashups of many songs, the way they arrange songs, the way they conduct business, the way they put their team together and so many other aspects of their jobs. They seem to through out the rule book and or the "standards'" by which other bands or groups do business and music, and just do what feels right to them and for them. I think this is one reason they are at the top of the music industry and why they got there so quickly. Their "stardom" seemed to come on in only a matter of a couple years. And I am SO glad for them ! God Bless them and help them keep going and bringing great music and feelings to ALL the world !! Thank you Bob for your breakdown and appreciation of their song . Merry Christmas !

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much and Nerry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@denisehaukkala9742]

Maybe this should have been in the new wonka movie 😅

[@bobcieslinski]

It should have for sure Denise.

[@mertynmarshall8894]

They are the best period!!!!

[@vmcgriff]

This is one of my favorite of their new releases this year! Love both songs and they managed to weave them together seamlessly!! And it’s just so beautiful!!! The new release of Kiss from a Rose is powerful and full of surprises! So good as well! Love your analysis and reactions! ❤

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks!

[@Badger77722]

Just a beautiful combination of two songs that no one but Pentatonix ever thought to put together! Really magic!

[@JimKlus-jc4dw]

I seen them live last night and it was AWESOME!

[@bobcieslinski]

Nice

[@audreywalker9025]

They never run out of new ways to send us to music nirvana

[@elainedavis9053]

Thanks for such an awesome reaction!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Elaine!

[@melissacoviello2886]

They are magical!

[@sandwitch4300]

So beautiful!, ethereal! and I'm floating off in my imagination 😊

[@lynharkins9670]

Loved your reaction! More PTX, please! Merry Christmas!

[@bobcieslinski]

Merry Christmas Lyn!

[@tammyree6200]

Grammy?? Mitch's breathy soft voice, Kirstie's pureness, Scotts restraint and supporting bell tones and high notes from Kevin in the harmony? Kevin Matt sound like a gorgeous cello. This is quickly becomeing my favorite!Masterful!

[@bobcieslinski]

It’s an amazing and awesome arrangement Tammy!

[@Bonofox1]

🌟👉I'm going on record and saying that PENTATONIX is the GREATEST A capella group E.V.E.R!!!

[@bobcieslinski]

They sure are amazing!

[@bonnieflynn4798]

Hi please check out their new live version of Kiss from a Rose. It’s so so good

[@BethVargas-uw6qq]

Brilliant arrangement! These guys...they are masters of mash-ups. Great notes and observations, Bob. New sub here

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks for the sub Beth and the kind words!

[@susangander9668]

That was so good🔥🔥🔥 Great reaction! I’d love more PTX🎄

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Susan!

[@ruth2141]

Pentatonix has released a Christmas EP or album every year since 2012, but some years it's been a re-release or compilation with a few new tracks. This year it’s a compilation, "Pentatonix - The Greatest Christmas Hits", with 23 previously-released tracks and 8 new songs. The only new original song is, "Please Santa Please". The other 7 new songs are covers and so far two of those have official videos. The other five only have KZbin audios though one or more may get an official video before Christmas. The previously-released tracks may have official videos, audios, live versions, etc. The 8 new songs are - PTX original - “Please, Santa, Please” -- has official video Darlene Love's "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" (not a Christmas song but it mentions snow 🙂) -- has official video (VEVO live) Roger Miller's "Little Toy Trains", previously done by Glen Campbell and Randy Travis A mashup of "Christmas Time is Here" (from the Peanuts Christmas) and “Pure Imagination” (from Willy Wonka) -- has official video 19th century Christmas standard -- “O Holy Night"; a new version, not their 2012 arrangement Traditional African-American song, but with updated lyrics -- "Children Go Where I Send Thee" A "collaboration" using Elvis's voice from his recording of "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

[@laureltaylor4535]

This is Brilliant

[@TheJmario35]

Great video!

[@bobcieslinski]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@neishann1]

Pretty sure that last really high note was Kevin.

[@petraljungberg]

Interesting to listen to as I havn’t heard this 🙂 And I really recommend you to give The Real Group a try. Also acapella but different style of singing and harmonising I think.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Petra! I’ll have to give them a listen. These two songs take me back to when I was a boy growing up. Great memories.

[@petraljungberg]

⁠@@bobcieslinskiPlease do 🙂 The Christmas songs I put under Guy’s comment are great I think! However if doing a reaction I’ll give you links to live performances (and not only souldtracks as the Christmas songs are). I have two in mind. One is a Count Basie Medley, the other one a Louis Armstrong song. Maybe a good match you being a band leader?! 🙂 Also - great singing by Pentatonix! I do have heard Christmas time is here! But not the one from Willy Wonka. What a high voice he has Mitch 😮 And really liked them blending the two songs in the end as well as the deep, rich sound on the end note 😌 Thanks for your reaction and I understand why it’s extra special for you with the memories 😊

[@marablemorgan8292]

The new Torch Song singers!

[@barbk2324]

Please react to O Holy Night. I can’t describe how incredible it is! Their best yet…and that’s saying a lot!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Barb!

[@lexymich3647]

Most of the reactors that know about music call those belltones and what you called a crescendo is isially called a swell. Not saying either one is right or wrong but you will hear both very frequently in their music. Loved your reaction.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks and yes I know about both of those but most people don’t so I try to keep it simple. Thanks!

[@mdudley52]

Might have been Kevin hitting that high note at the end

[@renee176]

I will always see Gene Wilder singing this song. It's one of my favorite movies.😊

[@bobcieslinski]

I see the same thing Renee. It’s a great one alright.

[@SusanneRoberts-pb7eb]

That fella with the moustache?looks like a Freddy Mercury take off😢.Never actually listened to this group b4.I have now

[@bobcieslinski]

I never tied in the Freddie Mercury look but you are right.

[@df5199]

Recommend their new original video of Please Santa Please.

[@bobcieslinski]

Coming this week

[@jillfield3102]

👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@marablemorgan8292]

⚡⚡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⚡⚡

[@jenchem42]

Musical question - Did these two songs originally have two different time signatures? The technicality of Pentatonix arrangements continues to astound me.

[@bobcieslinski]

Pure was 4/4 and Christmas was 3/4. PTX arranged to create one masterful piece.

[@guygourley2411]

Although I know of both shows, I'm not familiar with either of the songs, so in that respect I can't really comment. I thought at first there was a Freddy Mercury impression, lol. So I have my good and kind of not. I'm not an acapella follower, so most if not all of these groups I've never listened to. First time to hear Pentatonix, and from the musical side, I will say the arrangement, vocals and harmonies were excellent, and it was kind of a floating melody. However, and this is just me, I can't really see any time I would want to just play this because although musically great, for a metal guy it's just way too slow, lol. So I'm kind of half and half. Not having kids, and not a fan of Gene Wilder, that imagination and wonder from the originals isn't there, so that could be part of it. But with that being said, I certainly enjoyed the composition and trueness of the vocal qualities!

[@bobcieslinski]

I really love how you are willing to listen to anything and have great insights into the music. It might not be for you but you can look at it objectively and make comments. That is an awesome way to be Guy! You are a great guy man! So glad to have you on the channel and contributing.

[@guygourley2411]

@@bobcieslinski Music is kind of a fickle thing, as just something minor, like the tone in a voice, may make the music to an individual less pleasant. I figure virtually all music starts from the classical side with exceptions for tribal and Asian music. I have a pretty broad spectrum but some music is more a one or two time listen, while others are hundreds of times. I can't remember the number of times I've listened to Hotel California and I still just love that song. Then I might listen to, but not really enjoy, gospel music, but So Hyang then breaks into a gospel like section and I love it, mostly for her due to the huge emotional effort she puts in and you feel. But there are quite a few reactions you have done that also point out the musical side, not just "I like this" or "I don't like this". Every music requires musicians with some level of talent, and one needs to appreciate that talent, creativity, willingness to record and be heard, and a level of instrument mastery. There is one young violin player, Karolina Protsenko, who has quite a few YT videos out. She's definitely talented, but for some reason her body and facial movements just do not mesh well for me, so I don't watch her videos. Doesn't mean I don't recognize the talent, but we don't have to like every piece of music out there. I have enjoyed the nuances you often pick out, it allows a more thorough enjoyment of a particular piece.

[@petraljungberg]

Can’t agree more with both of you! 😊 (And for you ”metal Guy” 😉 I guess my suggestions with The Real Group are too slow then, but you might still enjoy something in the songs 🙂)

[@guygourley2411]

@@petraljungberg Don't worry, slower songs might not make my car playlist, but I still enjoy them :). I've actually gone back to listen to some new acappela songs, and some of my favorite older rock songs are ballads, like Still Loving You by the Scorpions or Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison. These newer groups are all new to me, and I think I have mentioned before a group like Home Free reminds me a lot of the band Alabama for the harmonies. So we're good!! :)

[@petraljungberg]

@@guygourley2411 That’s a relief! 😊😉 I think we all have genres we prefer and now and then songs from those we rarely listen to catch our interest because of something special in them. A voice, the arrangement, some harmonies, a beautiful melody, a cool riff, the lyrics or whatever it might be. And then also knowing the amount of music out there you’ve never heard..! It is quite amazing I think 🙂 Thinking about it - here is an example of music I rarely listen to, or are exposed to, but this one song caught my attention and I listened to it a lot! Music from Pakistan - Bol Hu with Soch the band feat Hadiya Hashmi (and she is something special!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ6oo6eEiNhol80si=MatSKRJEjcS1XUt_

[@lesaahrenstein6360]

ptx is the master of mash ups. Who sings/performs better than PTX? PTX does. For another could bmashn up i can guess you can call it is lost on you with scott and mario Jose (he was in superfruit Rise). They use L;P. lyrics on a Hans Zimmer piece "Time" from Inception. great reaction

[@Perfect_Blend]

If you would like to listen to a new artist, try Harriet, a young English singer/songwriter who sounds much like Karen Carpenter. Try her Christmas cover of Harriet-Grown Up Christmas List.

[@LWM521]

I am not positive, but t I think that single pure high note is Kevin.

[@kristipierce4735]

PTX is the best.

[@baskervillebee6097]

I wish Gene Wilder could have heard this.

[@bobcieslinski]

Me too