Angry Young Man Prelude by Billy Joel explained

[@ZicajosProductions]

For those looking to try this, keep in mind that at a certain speed, the piano action might not be able to keep up. Some upright pianos have notoriously slower actions than grands and baby grands, so don’t be discouraged if you’re whacking the note really fast and it’s not rebounding fast enough.

[@crisbowman]

My weighted keyboard can't keep up :(

[@thearchbishopofcanterbury7951]

I am so envious of people who can read music like I read a book. For me, it's a line by line, note by freaking note torture session to learn a new piece.

[@MaxLevan]

The Archbishop of Canterbury I play by ear. I taught myself.

[@kristarhodes131]

Keep at it! You'll get better, I promise.

[@itsjustbree9267]

It's the same for me. One note at a time, one line at a time, one hand at a time. (I think this is in part due to my LD though.) I try to remind myself to be patient. I find that if I just keep at it, do short practice sessions, and be sure to stop whenever I get tired, I will eventually get there. It may take longer than for most people, but I find that once it is in my muscle memory, I don't need to look at the music much anymore and then I can start doing the fun parts like getting it up to tempo. It's worth it once you've learned the piece and you can look back on all your hard work and see what you accomplished. (For me anyway.)

[@gen81465]

@@MaxLevan I tried playing by ear, but I kept getting a concussion.

[@magicmulder]

I can sight read very well but I'm not as technically proficient as I'd like to be. Also it helps for the rhythm if I've heard the piece before.

[@danielluera3583]

Oh and plus. After I won the talent show they gave me the nickname piano man and still my friends from over 40 something years still call me that and it’s still on my Facebook page. And some of my friends said I was their inspiration to help them with their own careers or talents they were to scared to do. And became something of themselves. I was shocked I made that kind of impression on my old friends. At my 20 year reunion they were so happy to see me and they even brought a baby grand piano for me to entertain them I wasn’t expecting that at all. Omg the memories are flooding back now giving me chills. That you for the memories. God bless you and never ever stop doing what you love.

[@PinkLaffs]

I spent my senior year in high school (90-91) perfecting this and tried to determine which finger to use on the left hand for the machine-gun middle C opening. 20-some years later, you made it look so easy. Thank you for making me smile!

[@MRCPIANOCOACH]

I never learned to play this when I should have! Thank you for showing how to do the magic trick! Which opens up the possibility of the awesome rest of the prelude. Anyone who shows how to do something awesome deserves credit. THANKS!

[@greatestgoalie25]

This is the first vid of yours I am watching...blown away :) Can't believe I found this almost exactly a decade later!!

[@beckylarson6274]

Piano Lady!! This is really great. Camera work is perfect to see what you are doing. Thank you for sharing this!!!!

[@martyncivil45]

You've just explained what Ive been searching for for 20 yrs!.....absolutely awesome!..thankyou! ....love it ..respect x

[@musiclady777]

+Martyn Civil You are SO welcome! I just noticed comments on this video I had not replied to. My husband is a huge Billy Joel fan and loves to play this one as well.

[@martyncivil45]

Piano Lady your'e so talented.....I didnt have the opportunity to play an instrument when I was younger. Im soooo envious! thanks for the reply tho.x

[@noirjacques3274]

Crazy to see the proper closeup of this iconic song intro- brava! ❤

[@hull5768]

Excellent!!! One of the best tutorials I've ever seen! Did not know he only hitting middle c.

[@Paul_Stillo]

I just came across your video. Loved your playing...but even more impressed by how you changed pages and made that book stay on your desired page!! Lol

[@beachem1]

Wow. Every now and then I think playing guitar is hard. Fabulous job!!!

[@westrokker]

Dang nice, wish i could play it! Love your technique

[@musiclady777]

+westrokker Thank you!

[@studentoftheword6115]

1:37. I love how you roll the chords !!!! 2:40. Back to the beginning and the ROLL 4:00

[@faked_photo]

This explanation is amazing. Thank you!!!

[@thelogicjunkie11]

You just made my day with this video. I really love this song. Great explanation.

[@anyasmith3114]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I've been trying to figure out how to play the beginning for a long time, and now I know how to - this was so helpful!

[@musiclady777]

+Anya Smith Awesome!! So glad! With apologies for the late reply, 3 months oh my gosh.

[@MaxwellLeVan]

+Piano Lady Thanks so much! I've almost mastered it!

[@musiclady777]

+Maxwell LeVan Fantastic!!

[@MaxwellLeVan]

Yes! I'm only 13, but I listen to Billy Joel all the time! I have his Russia CD.

[@anyasmith3114]

+Maxwell LeVan I'm 13 too - and Billy Joel's my favorite singer. I just got the Russia CD for my birthday ^.^

[@enzosmith5371]

And not only talented but adorable as well.

[@acomegna]

Awesome!

[@acomegna]

I’d marry you!

[@robertoetojo5861]

doesn't matter how many years I'll learn your videos

[@kaylakaayyy]

Why does this talented woman only have 811 subscribers?

[@JimmyLeeHook]

So, I’m a piano player, and I play a lot of Billy Joel music. What’s most impressive about what you’re doing is not the opening speed part. That typically doesn’t give me any trouble. It’s straightahead quickness and speed. But, what comes immediately after that speed part, all those fast changing chord progressions, those are tough to navigate as quickly as he changes them. And you make it look easy. Really impressive. I’m also amazed at how fast you can flip those pages, and still stay on track.

[@marymayer4875]

I have this book! Maybe I should try again!

[@pcallas66]

According to Billy he got the meter for it from Wipeout by The Surfaris. When he was in school he'd be banging the drum pattern of Wipeout on the desk and would get yelled at by the teacher.

[@williamlarson2759]

This is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@Redhand1949]

You really bring verve to your musical explanation of this piece. Very enjoyable to look and listen!

[@elliotthopkinson2214]

Would love to hear you play the full version.

[@rowell2457]

Me too.😊👍

[@pete9737]

One word...........Brilliant !

[@northernpianomusic]

Love it. Thank you!

[@bryancleveland339]

Awesome, love it

[@enmisanojuicio3318]

wow grettings from Chile

[@mlr080965]

you are endowed with more than the average person... thank you for sharing! I wish I could wiggle my fingers like that. I just dont think I could get hold of it all at once......But I can dream big!

[@musiclady777]

+mlr080965 It is totally playable! What level do you play at currently?

[@mlr080965]

I played in highschool 30 some years ago and I have just recently tried to pick it back up but it seems to be a futile fight!...frustrating to say the least I would have to say I play at a frustrated beginner level

[@musiclady777]

+mlr080965 I am looking at doing tutorial videos. Are there any topics that would be of immediate interest to you?

[@davebenz8271]

You are very talented.

[@tomasdellamorte]

You are amazing!!!!!!

[@stevet9579]

Hey that sounds pretty good can you do summer Highland Falls?

[@BRIANZ969]

Thank You-I wish I could find the whole thing . Someone showed me the trick to doing the intro to Genesis - The Lamb Lies down on Broadway- I hope it can work on my Korg counterbalanced piano !!! Piano lady

[@MrDrummerpaul]

Thanks for posting. I've always considered this song to be beyond my skills. It now feels a little less so. Thank you.

[@davidseagalmusic]

Billy has talked about the first part, the "ostinato" part. He likens it to playing bongos, i.e., keys being a percussion instrument. Of course he didn't invent "ostinato" playing and can be found in things like Gershwin's Rhapsodie in Blue and there's other pieces of course. Oh, at around 4:30 the music is not correct, see Steve Lungrin's tutorial too. But you did a wonderful job Piano Lady. Bravo!

[@danieljakubovic2294]

That was great !

[@jessebuchanan5874]

4:24 my favorite

[@chody5840]

Walkin that bass.

[@WakaWaka2468]

This probably works perfectly for Billy because he has no bone in his left thumb

[@commandernoodles2367]

Hey! You’re inspiring me!

[@studentoftheword6115]

AWSOME !111

[@howtodoitdude1662]

This is a simple arrangement but it is difficult to play because of the speed and accuracy needed. Billy is actually hitting 2 notes at a time on his right hand.

[@garethharrison5797]

What she plays is exactly what Billy Joel plays.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

@@garethharrison5797Not as fast.

[@garethharrison5797]

@@howtodoitdude1662 So first you commented that what she plays isn't the same as the record and now you focus on the speed? Maybe you aren't the best authority on this subject. I have been playing this since I was about 14. I'm 47. What she plays is identical to that played by Billy Joel on the record. I am not debating with you, I am telling you. If you could not recognise this, either you don't play or you have no ear. Both suggest that you are probably not qualified to comment on a video by someone who very obviously can play, and play well. Prelude/Angry Young Man is actually very easy to play. The speed is not especially important, although it can be harder when you play it faster, if you are tense. She is playing it at a similar speed to Billy Joel. Maybe not quite as fast but not a million miles away. Either way, it is easy to play. It doesn't really require technique as such, just rhythm and slow practise. It is an elaborate illusion. Root Beer Rag is genuinely hard to play. The fact that you are arguing with me about this 5 years after the fact would suggest that you probably can't play this. If, after five years, you can't play a very simple piece that is very easy, why do you persist in commenting on videos by people who can and do?

[@robertoetojo5861]

but Brilliant Billy Joel you are amazing

[@scottsparks4392]

Where did you get the billy joel songbook?

[@20gravedigger11]

Sheet Music Plus is where I ordered both Volume 1 and Volume 2. Some of the same songs are present in each Volume, but there are definitely differences too. Volume 1: www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/billy-joel-complete-sheet-music/2930795 Volume 2: www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/billy-joel-complete-sheet-music/2930805

[@20gravedigger11]

Nice work!

[@danielluera3583]

Your great. But you have the advantage of reading music. I had to learn by ear. It took me 6 months to perfect that song. Piano man was my very first song I learned. Then the rest of Billy’s songs. You made a few mistakes but your still great. Not many people know how to do the intro. With the two fingers on C. I had to stand up to play that intro. Couldn’t do it sitting down. 😂 like his song the entertainer I played for my high school talent show and the piano man. I won 1st place. It was the best day of my life on stage. Then I got to see him in Oakland California in 85 got to meet him and Christie Brinkley. But that was my best day ever. Billy Joel was my inspiration and also Elton John. Learned everything by ear. Never took a lesson in my life. We had a very talented family. We had a band ourselves. But my father was the band leader my older sister played the drums and my other sister played the bass. We stayed together for a while till my sisters got pregnant and married. And that kinda stopped the band. But I still remember how to play. I haven’t played in a few years now because of taking care of family during the covid times and my mom getting sick and losing the house. So I had to sell my baby grand piano which I miss so much. And yeah I knew how to play baby grand. I was a singer and impersonator. So I was able to sing Billy and Ray Charles at the same time playing baby grand. I always stole my dads shows. They wanted me more than my old man. 😂😂😂 but we had fun while it lasted.

[@MaxLevan]

like number 100

[@DanillaDaniela]

That page flip tho

[@jamestierney2531]

Yes, Porto. I caught that too. She did it, seemingly, without missing a beat. Beyond the capabilities of most mortals, I think. Cheers to you…JT

[@jamestierney2531]

Awesome playing. And the best part may be…making that page turn without missing a beat. (I’m only half kidding!) 😊. Cheers to all. JT

[@Tobingtons]

Where is the sheet music?

[@mobsterduck8315]

I can now play this but just the base notes, just gotta put some flare in it

[@itsjustbree9267]

Is this the original sheet music as arranged by Billy Joel himself? That's really neat, I didn't know you could get that! Nice explanation too, thank you. :)

[@studentoftheword6115]

Give us the link where we can buy this book.. I found it on Amazon.

[@guillembg9535]

Can i but the book online?

[@joelbeck6600]

Show me the way !!

[@cjcurcio]

You are so right: Billy is an excellent player. The most lovely thing is that he DOES NOT consider himself a very good piano player. His modesty helps illuminate how good is actually is! This piano composition/arrangement is masterful! (Oh yeah, and he's also a FANTASTIC singer ( we all know how much he dislikes his voice) and songwriter/story teller!

[@garethharrison5797]

Billy Joel knows how good a piano player he is. The reason he does not consider himself a very good piano player is because he compares himself to people that he does consider to be very good. He isn't being modest, he is thinking like a musician. If you can find it, there is an interview on BBC radio from the 80s where he is interviewed with his half brother who is a concert pianist. It is quite illuminating. By any normal standards BJ is a fantastic piano player - he knows this perfectly well. In comparison to a top player in Classical or Jazz, he recognises and understands his limitations.

[@Tunz909]

I've now seen "3" distinct fingerings. I'm trying to figure out which ones I want to use. Yours seem the most logical. Another instructor suggests, left and right hand index finger to beat the "c" and hitting the grace notes with the "3rd" and 5th" fingers. I'll settle on one very soon. Problem is, I know hard hard it is to "break" finger patterns if you've allowed muscle memory to cement it. It's a shame with all the interviews and college lectures tour's Billy has done...no one has flat out asked him what fingering he is using!!! Does that Billy Joel Song Book suggest the fingering you are using? Or you figured out the one you are using works best? Thanks for posting!!! Great Job!!!

[@jamesbannon2328]

I've looked at some of Billy's live performances (and slowed them down) and he definitely uses his thumb on RH and index finger on LH for middle C and I think 3rd & 4th on RH for grace notes.

[@commandernoodles2367]

I never thought it was doable!

[@malberri]

WOW !!! That was really great.

[@andrewlaw2420]

I have no idea where the frick frack you got the sheet music! Never seen it before!

[@AwesomeRobot15]

Billy Joel: Complete (Volume 1) There are 2 big books of sheet music for every BJ song

[@nickphillips3799]

Wish I could play that. Admittedly I’ve actually never tried…but still….

[@reksubbn3961]

But my piano keys dont seem to want to bounce back fast enough!

[@escommentss]

An upright piano action as designed doesn't allow for the hammers to return to striking position unless the keys are fully reset in the up position. On a grand piano, the action is designed differently where this is possible.

[@kristarhodes131]

A grand, or even a keyboard!

[@bensdadfrank]

You’re hands were quite blurry too beautiful. This comes from a musician with 57 years of experience. Very well done.

[@trublue807]

fyi, actually he uses both index fingers to play the c notes

[@jamiemurphy5632]

Billy Joel was a child prodigy a musical genisus. Piano man steve on here does it better..

[@jarretgrathwol4849]

Great point. Proven by the fact he hasn't written a rock album since 1993. I mean the dude upped and wrote a classical piece that was well received by the Classical Music Intelligentsia.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

I’m a follower of Steve, but how can it be better than the original? Preferred over the original maybe, but original is incomparable.

[@jedgar28]

I fell in love. I know who I'm going to marry. 😍

[@finsterbaby1996]

Hi Piano Lady! First of all, you're an amazing pianist, no question. And to be able to play this particular song (although not as fast in this video as the composer himself), was EXTREMELY impressive. I just downloaded that very book while watching a number of Billy's live performances of this song, but if I had another ten years left of my life, I could never master the middle C section you pointed out, especially since I don't have a keyboard with weighted keys (it would never work). However, your pedal work during the chord parts sounded really muddy. When the chords are changing that quickly, your foot needs to keep up with your hands. But my only nit-picking criticism is your mispronunciation of the term "prelude." In fact, I had to play the first few seconds of this video a few times to make sure I was hearing you incorrectly. I don't know if it's a regional accent thing with you, but the word is pronounced "pray-lude," not "pree-lude." As I said, I'm nit-picking, and it may be a regional accent thing. But, a teriffic musician like you should pronounce such a common musical term correctly when sharing with the world. Just saying. Otherwise, thanks for the informative video, and for the opportunity to see and hear someone play so well. Very inspiring. All the best to you.

[@danielmarra1555]

“That’s all he’s doing..” ? It’s easy to play it at your speed.

[@kellykoch9012]

Which Billy Joel book is this from?

[@Bodyknock]

Kelly Koch I’m not sure which book she has but I know it’s in “Billy Joel - Complete - Volume 1” on my shelf. (Listed as just Prelude before Angry Young Man.) ISBN 0-88188-775-7

[@kristarhodes131]

@@Bodyknock That's the one!

[@robertoetojo5861]

thanks so much but more chords after that

[@KFHesson]

Piano Lady!!!

[@TheBenChronicles]

Great job. Just take off the noisy ring. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewbrown6209]

I almost liked it, but the rattle of the rings lost me....

[@JackT702]

It's not that easy. I can play it but it's really hard.

[@musiclady777]

+The Piano Man It's not easy by a long shot, but easier than it looks with the flying hands!

[@JackT702]

+Piano Lady ok yea

[@JackT702]

+The Piano Man I get what you mean. I thought you meant it was easy

[@sonykroket]

Youre playing it too slow and not accurate.

[@AHABNZ]

If you're brave enough to keep this comment.. You're playing is quite clunky compared to the original..Play one after the other you will see. Sorry to tell it as it is.

[@FunkyMarcel]

nice try