Bear McCreary - Prelude to War - Solo Piano

[@cracksi001]

Still listening 2023..still a genius.. 🙏😊

[@py_a_thon]

Happy2024

[@vetterburns1048]

@@py_a_thon Battlestar Galactica is Bear! Bear is Galactica! Bear made me ashamed after the Black Sails Theme Song!

[@py_a_thon]

@@vetterburns1048 He studied under Bernstein iirc, when he left music school. He basically helped an OG composer transcribe a ton of music. That is one helluva an apprenticeship lol. That is a knowledge level that cannot be bought.

[@py_a_thon]

@@vetterburns1048 I still consider his Passacaglia for that show to be the best passacaglia I have ever heard.

[@vetterburns1048]

@@py_a_thon Thx. AND it SHOWS! (uh er, SOUNDS that way!) I'm one of those guys, I ALWAYS watch the CREDITS! My ears hear stuff, and I rewind, then I drop into the Rabbit-Hole! (BSG was really good about SPACE!) I digress, but Then The Expanse happened! The change in Gravity was in the music/moods. All AMAZING!

[@CoolKidHalter]

I like how the camera man employed some BSG-esque shaky camera moments

[@bastienlemaitre685]

That's make it even better

[@bearmccreary]

@enrohde You called it. For me, I have to memorize something like this because it takes too much energy to play to have to glance back and forth at the sheet music while you're trying to do it. I've found that I tend to memorize music after I've rehearsed it enough. It's like I can picture the sheet music in my mind without looking at it, so I'm still sort of "reading" it. but, this piece really was a bitch to learn. Took me a solid month of playing an hour or two a day.

[@kevinobill4818]

Hi, my name's Kevin and I would like to ask you a question. How do you feel when making the soundtrack of Mothra and Godzilla?

[@joec.babyyyy5634]

Bear McCreary Will Ever Post The Mercy Of The Living Footage? That Piece Is Just Perfection!

[@jtcconquer9532]

You are by far one of my favorite modern composers. I am a guitarist who just picked up piano a little while back. i want to learn this but it looks so ridiculously hard. I love the dynamics. This song is an example of everything i love about music. Just like all of your music is.

[@Kossi.]

Bear McCreary when do you release some of your special The Walking Dead Tracks? Like "My Hearts still beating"...they never released but SO MANY Fans want the Tracks,so PLEASE release them!

[@kookiespace]

Do you sell the sheet music for this piece somewhere?

[@hammer326]

I can't say I play myself but my life just got serious after figuring out BEAR MCCREARY has a KZbin CHANNEL. THANK YOU, LORDS OF KOBOL.

[@whette_fahrtz]

I'M GETTING MY MEN

[@DrMerciless]

Jim Lahey lollolololol Jim Lahey always gets his men

[@HUHG1]

BATTELSTAR GALACTİCA AND BATTELSTAR GALACTİCA ONLİNE BEST MUSİC

[@kevinnl9637]

8 minuts and 30 seconds of Bear McCreary behind a piano and not a single second of my life was wasted. * hits the replay button *

[@syntheticXstasy]

I like how even the video of Bear McCreary playing piano has the signature Battlestar Galactica action-zoom shots

[@JarOfRats]

I completely agree with other comments- BSG would be a shadow of itself without McCreary's music.

[@son_go_ma]

I wouldn't go that far. Many things in BSG, from writing to directing to acting to CGI, and indeed passing by the score, is absolutely stunning, stellar, so much above everything else that had been done to date. It's just a near-perfect blend on incredibly high-level quality in all respects. But I'd agree that Bear's music is so great that it easily outgrew the show itself, and became a regular part of my playlists.

[@efetherman]

I think i t would have been great with Bear's mentor doing it, guy did the first ep music. Maybe even more intense. Having said that, I can't imagine it without bear taking it as far as he did. I can't do music.

[@Dhari1]

Battlestar Galactica is a space opera. What is an opera without music? Bear McCreary created something not from this world.

[@pu171103]

Man, I gotta say. Thank god that Ron D Moore and co decided to go back on their initial decision to have a minimal score and really give you free reign. Your score is such a huge part of what made BSG perhaps the greatest television series ever created. The raw emotional impact that comes from the fusion of the incredible storytelling of the show and your brilliant score really is beyond words. I am so glad you got to share your music with us all :)

[@vetterburns1048]

Ron D Moore 's work is AMAZING! EVERYTIME! 🎶🎹🎹🎹 🎶

[@Carpetf]

as someone who's listened to the BSG soundtracks dozens of times, how has it taken me 11 years to discover this video exists?!

[@iceomistar4302]

Well better late than never, Bear's at the height of his career right now, one of the best composers in the business.

[@uberjens]

The Pegasus episode is pure art.The episode is probably the best episode ever made. It was brilliant acting, had a fantastic musical score, genius filming, and an intense story. It was without a doubt a master piece.

[@HolySwordsman1]

"I'm getting my men back" 0:54

[@MrsMakley]

Mako Materia one of the best BSG episodes ever. I think that was the episode where I finally decided that Cmdr Adama was my favorite character. I love them all but he reminds me so much of my dad in that moment when he said "I'm getting my men back." His character always does the right thing, even if it's difficult. I'm totally addicted to this show.. I'm watching it for a 3rd time this year at the moment. My boyfriend thinks I need help LOL

[@HolySwordsman1]

no what you need is something just as good or better. I got to BSG through a google search "things to watch after watching LOST". there was BSG, Dexter, Breaking Bad. If you like the whole one question leads to another mystery, action/drama(battlestar) then id watch LOST if you havent already. If you're into the mind blowing plot twists and character development, also LOST. if you can get into anime id give full metal alchemist brotherhood a try(that, LOST, and BSG my 3 favorite stories of all time)

[@dogfriendGamingTV]

SO SAY WE ALL

[@KasaresStern]

+darkphoenixjgr I would go for Black Sails then... Very absorbent story, well designed characters (And deep as the ocean), and a soundtrack that echoes in your brain during the whole day (Bear McCreary's work, of course)... And as the other person pointed, if you can get into anime/manga, go for Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood... It could become a great discovery for you, believe me.

[@IntangiblyEpic]

"no description available" Damn right.

[@Mordiuz]

this dude is a "fraking" genius!

[@MrsMakley]

Musical genius. Bear will go down in history as one of the single greatest composers of our time. Many times watching BSG, I was brought to tears by the music alone. There is a difference between good music and great music. Good music is simply pretty and can be appreciated as such. Great music captures feelings, emotions, and touches you in places that words can't reach. For me, Bear is #1. Thank you for feeding our musical souls with your brilliance.

[@CrimsonCrux]

What most fail to notice is he's so bad ass, he's playing without the music notes open in front of him.

[@bearmccreary]

@tehoken Funny you'd mention Black Market. I've often wondered why I didn't arrange it for the piano book. Somehow it just slipped my mind. Maybe if I do a second volume? One of these days. I've got too much on my plate right now to think about it at the moment though.

[@solace001]

Edward James Olmos and Bear McCreary, the two names I always think of when I remember Battlestar Galactica.

[@DrWallabyOG]

Bear McCreary, you are one of the best composers of our time. In one hundred years, people will be likening you to Beethoven. Thank you so much for your amazing talent and what you bring to the music world. So say we all!

[@kcdodger]

You know what the nicest touch here is? The camera work is incredibly evocative of BSG's camerawork.

[@DominicLondon]

This is an awesome piece of music by an outstanding composer. So say we all.

[@DKPaladinX]

+Dominic London ... So say we all. (-.-) !

[@saraharrison2504]

Dominic London .....So Say We ALL !

[@nimajneb02]

Honestly, as good as this show was, the musical score was the epicenter of it's brilliance for me. Without a score by Bear...who knows how it would have been different.

[@TheH3dgie]

I don't think Bear did the mini-series score. The music in that isn't really noticeable, which is definitely a bad thing when you see what the music did to the series.

[@MrVaastis]

A whole central plot of the series turned around a piece of music work from Bear so i agree with you

[@darthmaul208]

+TheH3dgie I disagree, it is noticeable. The Galactica floating in the clouds to Ragnar Anchorage? The Storm and the Dead? The Are you alive opening? Six' s theme? The End? The music started from the groundwork Gibbs laid. bear expanded some of it, but there are ties in there. Check out his blog for more information.

[@DavidLemmo]

So say we all

[@MellxDragonPrincess]

one of my fave composers!

[@Brenderous]

Please Please Please make an entire album of these. In fact, I'd buy an entire album for each season.

[@looneyburgmusic]

If only I could get just an afternoon in a room full of instruments, with yourself, and Vangelis, my life would be complete. Your work on BSG was amazing, it raised the show from being just another TV series, to blockbuster feature film level - just extended out for several years.

[@py_a_thon]

The remake of BSG is the greatest space opera ever made. After that show, I saw star wars as an action adventure film, not a space opera. The show was like a soap opera, yet the best form of one ever made to my knowledge.

[@seheyt]

Let's take a moment to appreciate the registration of the sound on this grand piano. Recording piano sounds is /hard/ and having it come across on KZbin is a real challenge. This is right up there with the best studio technicians. If you can do this with a... "characterful vintage Schiedmayer" then, well, you know your stuff. Much underrated art (and more than half the charm of this vid, IMO)

[@ivapad4176]

BSG score is one of the best ever produced. Thank you Bear McCreary for producing such a beautiful, mesmerizing and rich music.

[@bsg75husker]

totaly agree. No human of this world who is sane can dislike Bear's music he made for Battlestar Galactica. This show(50%) and his music(50%) are just immortal. Watch all people. first the show, or start her with Bear. The genius. I love him. Without this music BSG would't be as epic and Immortal as it is. Thumbs up.

[@ProYada]

every time i hear Bear's music i want to rewatch Galactica. every time. I already saw the whole series 6 times ..

[@tjkii24]

Bear is the Mozart of our time and his work on BSG is perfection

[@valalongtooth1]

HOLY FRAK!

[@vavoo4971]

This is the hidden gem from the entire soundtrack

[@Cerytes]

14 years since BSG came out, 7 since this was published and i'll probably be listening to this piece in particular for another 50. You were probably the first composer that made me really put time and effort into realising how amazing sound tracks for films and TV really is. Thanks Bear McCreary. Truly.

[@Cerytes]

I was going to reply to this and be like "yeah, i really feel this comment".... its my own comment from 5 years ago.

[@Pigganon]

I unliked this just so I could like it again. Wonderful piece.

[@nikkitytom]

I like that comment so much I have to find an excuse to use it.

[@theversatileartist6446]

+nikkitytom Agree, a fine comment indeed! it hits you with a twist.

[@bsg75husker]

+John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt lol great reaction..

[@AYYEPIC]

This video has been liked before, this video will be liked again.

[@Parker8752]

This piece sums up Battlestar Galactica in a nutshell. Easily my favourite piece from the series - including the much quoted "all along the watchtower".

[@Textra1]

A lot of what made the new BSG series great was McCreary's compositions. It set the tone of the show so well. It is a masterpiece from back to front.

[@LightLiberty]

Bear McCreary not only is one of the most talented modern composers, he also is a proficient piano player! Keep up the magnificent work!

[@LegPegGreg]

Your music is possibly the ONLY music that has ever moved me in such a way that i have been brought to tears sometimes.

[@cianhoyne5374]

i started learning piano because of Bear and this is the second song I'm learning of his. i ve been playing for a little over 6 months and I have only 1/8 of this song down :p

[@voynich7825]

Hard starting piece you picked yourself there...xD

[@vetterburns1048]

I just re-watched the Snowpiercer Series. Bear just makes it 'happen'! Thx for ALL you do! Gonna re-watch those Cylons AGAIN! Thx, Bear!

[@solstargalaxy]

This is great. Bear's name on the credits of any film mean quality music and a film (or TV show) that is a Must See. I don't think he knows how to do less than great work!!!

[@brunskies92]

Most important part of any show, but in this case it rings particularly true. Bear please get your BSG soundtracks released on vinyl... I've been clamoring for this for literally half my life believe it or not

[@robhall9346]

He has a plush Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender on the shelf, and just became even more of a legend!

[@tyronfoston7123]

NAILED IT

[@wakkaround]

Bear McCreary, You are one skilled individual. Infact your talents, help promote and envoke strong emotional responses from your listeners, at a level that can not be measured. The Music, made Galactica what it is. Thank you for all your efforts!!

[@vordo7610]

My favourite song currently. 10/10 song. 5:34 - 6:01 - 11/10 part of the song.

[@BryanHo]

Battlestar Galactica is hands down my favorite soundtrack for any series and this one of my favorite parts from it!

[@Usmcspartan420]

Jesus for 8 years I neglected to be nosy and pay attention to the fact the you gave us insight into the methodologies and habits of your madness! Excuse me Bear, YOUR GENIUS. What a generous offering! Of course only some kind of monster would not want other people to grow in there musical efficacy... but a guy also has to protect himself, especially in this day and age. So I just think that was so bold of you.also very kind. I don’t have to tell you how much it’s appreciated(so so many being effected)and for years I even forgot what the hell this piece even belonged too. Of coarse it would be something great, but little did I know it was to a most cherished memory-the great battle of titans! Galactica and Pegasus about to go into full force contestation! And right at the brink... AI pops up... the toasters had come! A message we should remember, they were forced to unify. Just like we have been and will be again. There’s a lesson there. Anyway, Battlestar Galactica was such a success and everyone involved all came together to create a masterpiece... and Bear, I never took the time to stop and say, none of that brilliant story could have worked without you brother and I for one must thank you from the deepest places... the wondrous power of your music made me a better person, and how you effected that work Battlestar is something that made everyone involved absolutely shine! Thank you sir for sharing your madness/genius with the world and with me. I will always be grateful. Good luck going forward... Knock em dead brother

[@danielvilllareal9726]

I binge on the show and music, stop for a bit then keep coming back. God... Great stuff

[@chrismarshall8855]

What I appreciate about this is that it's the composer, Bear McCreary playing the music. So...in my opinion this is the closest version that we can hear of the composer's idea. Makes me feel like I am right there when you wrote it. As a fan of the show....that is a big deal to me.

[@retr0ist696]

8:20 of pure epicness performed completely from memory without a single frakin' flaw? McCreary you continue to be an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.

[@smallpebble]

No book open or need to read notes, he just plays this from out his head, he a real genius.. I thank you everywhere i can. your music is in my head for ever. very cool to put it on youtube just played on piano. thx a thousand times. l love you bear..

[@bsg75husker]

Just one thing more. Bear will always be remembered and connected with this show, wich time(i think) is yet to come. Best performances in acting/ storytelling/ musical sphere ever shown on screen. better than every movie ever made. Ok, i am prejudged because i am a huge admirerer of the 2003 show. Still believe the whole show and everything around it is still to much underrated. More souls can be opened with this show. So go and watch Battlestar Galactica if you haven't. Give it a try.

[@kerrym5424]

You are my FAVORITE composer!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@seymenozcan]

All hail Bear McCreary! One of the bests of his job.

[@charlesMC343]

Absolutely insane natural talent! This piece has become my “bucket list” goal as a pianist.

[@Viscid]

Love how the video has the BSG camera direction going on.

[@angeldevlin5546]

I taught myself moonlight sonata in 1996 in 6 days, never played piano again, until now, I aim to learn this one!

[@VinceHolz]

One of my favorite songs from the series performed brilliantly by one of my favorite composers. Amazing stuff :)

[@macross25]

If I ever make a movie there's only person i would turn to for my OST and that is you Mr. McCreary, absolutely the most talented composer out there.

[@Carnology]

This is amazing, one of my favourite pieces played by the composer himself! Bear McCreary is easily my favourite composer.

[@Ludooohhh]

@bearmccreary and you remember it "phrase" by "phrase". If I mess up at some stage, I can't just stop and start again. Sometimes I have to go way back in the track to start reading it (in my head) again. Talking about energy, reminds me that I can't for the life of me speak (or sing) and play at the same time. Takes too much energy as well! Never mind reading and turning the pages... Really good piece, thank you for that.

[@macross25]

It would be foolish not to have Bear do the score!! He is Brilliant.

[@darkstrife421]

Now, this has regressed me right back to that show. Your soundtrack was one of the standout things throughout it. WE HAVE WORK TO DO!

[@kathic6402]

I have to remember to stop watching this because every time I do I need to see the scene again. Brilliant work.

[@skatinglientje]

Bear, I have always adored Prelude to War, in all its renditions (Hagen's ballet version, BSG orchestra version, Tenerife's version), but the CD version was always my favourite. I was a bit fearfull about the solo piano version, but this has definitly put my fears to rest. I LOVE IT. Thank you so much :-)

[@Tayvin4042]

Never, ever get tired of listening to this music... Bear, this is your finest piece...

[@SlightReturn84]

You made such superb music for this show and this piece might be my favorite - thank you Bear !!

[@jonathanradney3022]

Bear you are a living legend. My concert band played this last spring and it was so much fun! I played Trombone in it btw, and now i love playing this on the piano. I wish i could see you in real life playing this

[@enrohde]

Actually for the more complex piano pieces memorization is pretty much absolutely necessary. And usually by the time you do master a piece like this you already have it memorized anyway. I only use the sheet music now when the piece is so simple that I DON'T have to memorize it. That, and he is AWESOME.

[@Mr.McWatson]

This was a great piece of music in the show.

[@shirleyjhoff9052]

While I never saw the show (was busy balancing a FT job with a toddler & infant at the time) --- somehow the feed found me. Betting? Intersection: love of instrumental with love of sci-fi. Gorgeous eight & a half minutes, thank you.

[@kuatiall]

Amazing transcription of your original composition. I find myself listening to it over and over. Well done, sir!

[@Highland804]

What a wonderful piece of music. He's playing from memory? Wow. And, might I add...gorgeous piano. (I want that t-shirt, too.)

[@Damo2690]

+Highland804 Well he did write it himself XD

[@Highland804]

+Damo2690 True, but he's very prolific. How can he remember every piece he's ever written? This one sounds pretty complex.

[@Damo2690]

Highland804 Good musicians are miracles incarnate

[@Highland804]

+Damo2690 Totally agree.

[@bsg75husker]

+Highland804 indeed he plays this from scratch, out of his head. a living legend, this soundtrack will live forever ..

[@sailtheplains]

With a name like Bear, you can only be awesome.

[@CharmianLee]

my new favourite composer, have been following all of your work ever since early this year.

[@JamesHaney]

I remember hearing this on your website--the video for "Prelude..." was incredible with full orchestra. Didn't think that it could sound even more so on the ivories. Thanks for proving me wrong!

[@bsg75husker]

I have to say, when i get a reaction on a comment i made, i can't always stay and hear this music. The Battlestar Galactica hypnotic vibes attracks me so much when i hear this, it no show without this music, and there can't be just this music if you 'got 'this show in your head.. Too much emotion today after a hard days work... BUT.... it's a good thing. emotions that touch you so deep must come from a bright soul. And that's what you must be Bear. Good night. ...for now :)

[@Starfox371]

The most powerful and enthralling theme in all of history, and I do not exaggerate.

[@95TurboSol]

Popped up in my recommened videos again, was glad to click on it! 2:38 best part

[@ministermundain]

You have a gift. It makes me EXTREMELY happy to see you aren't letting it go to waste.

[@ryanstewartmusic]

Bear McCreary, I met you at a Composer's Expo back in 2008 and have been a fan of your music ever since. I think it's FRACKIN' cool that you did a piano transcription of Prelude To War. What a powerful composition! I'm assuming that you composed the orchestral version first and then adapted it for piano? In any case, I absolutely love both versions. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@nohandlenotme]

Thank you Bear this how I want to go out when then end is near.

[@RogerBueno]

Just saw this for my first time. Stunning! My heart is still racing. Love your work.

[@JediNg135]

@Atowntrekkie Because you have to watch him play everything - the from the subtle melodies to the blaring taikos, all with his fingers on piano! It is, I dare say, breathtaking.

[@dragonsborne92]

man i wish i could play like that, but all i can do is favorite this video in appreciation of Bear McCreary.

[@PaulGrantDesigns]

Effortless perfection. He's beyond just playing the piano masterfully, he's emotionally connected to the keys.

[@MrDarthT]

Prelude to War is probably my favourite song, not only by this composer, but in the universe.

[@TheREALSisko]

One of my all time favourite composers. Amazing talent.

[@samdavid9668]

This is the kind of composition that needs to live on. Play it.

[@marshabass7792]

I love his work in Outlander so many incredible and moving pieces!

[@Mobi666]

BSG was great. Actually the first time I found a remake of a series to be better than the original... and part of that was because of the music that fitted so well. Well done Bear! Sad that the series ended after 4 years. I still listen to the BSG music a lot, I can remember all those scenes by just listening to your music.

[@WolfsterMedia]

Absolutely love this.. have been listening to it for years, and just keep coming back. Such an amazing piece.

[@95TurboSol]

Nice playing Bear!

[@stealahb]

2018. once again, i've felt the call of BSG. started with Gaeta's Lament and continued. Prelude to War was/is/will always be one of my absolute favourites and your BSG score will always be up there towering above a sea of soundtracks! [so to speak] i thank you so much, good sir. you brought my emotions to the surface and you've helped in so many ways. thank you Bear.

[@Biomirth]

I really like the way Bear you carry themes through, particularly rhythm. Sometimes development gets sequestered in exchange for continuing other themes and I think this really suit some applications (like BSG!) perfectly.

[@ThePancakeChef]

I have seen BSG 2 times now, Im watching it for the 3rd time now. After seeing these videos from Bear I bought the piano scorebook online and the piano cd. So far I mastered Battlestar Sonatica, learned a good part of Prelude to War, Wander my friends and Passacaglia. I just love this serie/music too much :P

[@Mathewmatic]

Bear, I love your oh-so-subtle advertisement for your book of BSG sheet music, which I really appreciate by the way, it made me sit down at a piano for the first time in years.

[@veryWild5]

Wow. Really, really interesting to hear a piano version of this. I think this song is brilliant. It sends shivers down my spine. It succeeds in being both big and sutle. As a dancer I look for standout music that's different to dance to and I've yet to find anything as unique as this. Love this guy's music.

[@paulaking7617]

what fantastic talent. I'm always amazed, the more I hear and watch him create.

[@CrazyHarrow]

By far one of my favorites songs ever. Dont know mych about music but every time I hear this piece I'm moved beyond words.