Bear McCreary - Prelude to War - Solo Piano

[@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?

[@JarOfRats]

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

[@phil.4688]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 *

[@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! 🎶🎹🎹🎹 🎶

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@Mordiuz]

this dude is a "fraking" genius!

[@IntangiblyEpic]

"no description available" Damn right.

[@syntheticXstasy]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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)

[@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.

[@Lee78072]

Commander. Why are you launching Vipers?

[@JimKirk1]

Please arrange for Mr. Tyrol and Mr. Agathon to be handed over to my Marines upon their arrival.

[@Lee78072]

Ethan Wang Galactica. Kat. Request Weapons free..

[@TheWTFworks]

I dont take orders from you! -.-

[@snegyrys9149]

Call it whatever you like. i'm getting my men.

[@gaterzoom]

+Юрий Снегур You are making such a mistake...

[@kcdodger]

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

[@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".

[@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.

[@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!

[@MellxDragonPrincess]

one of my fave composers!

[@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.

[@ivapad4176]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ProYada]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@solace001]

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

[@robhall9346]

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

[@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!

[@danielvilllareal9726]

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

[@keldf81]

Why does the pages of that BSG book only have four corners.... It just seems wrong.

[@xXLocketteXx]

Yeah I know right! How many trees could we save if we cut corners like BSG! lol JK

[@andrewm6244]

Ok I actually laughed

[@auspiciousman]

Someone should make phones with screens like bsg paper

[@RogerBueno]

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

[@vordo7610]

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

[@WolfsterMedia]

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

[@SlightReturn84]

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

[@vavoo4971]

This is the hidden gem from the entire soundtrack

[@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!

[@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..

[@Carnology]

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

[@tjkii24]

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

[@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!!

[@paulaking7617]

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

[@CharmianLee]

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

[@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 ..

[@Tayvin4042]

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

[@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.

[@charlesMC343]

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

[@TheREALSisko]

One of my all time favourite composers. Amazing talent.

[@WolfsterMedia]

Absolutely gorgeous piece of music.

[@kathic6402]

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

[@kerrym5424]

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

[@gaucholibertario]

Thankyou for tou hard work and dediction! "SO SAY WE ALL!!"

[@VinceHolz]

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

[@kuatiall]

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

[@dangerfield3574]

A great piece and remarkable playing also. Just an incredible talent.

[@BryanHo]

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

[@gadgeteer57]

This is art....pure and simple.Thank's for sharing.

[@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.

[@PaulGrantDesigns]

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

[@Palemaster13]

i can listen to your music for days... you are a frakking genious!!!

[@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.

[@angeldevlin5546]

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

[@ministermundain]

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

[@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.

[@1crookedvulture]

God this is beautiful. One of my favorite pieces of all time. I have the piano collection from Battlestar and it is how I get through commuter traffic...puts me at ease...wakes me up....helps me engage.

[@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.

[@deltasquared7777]

Fantastic music !! Fantastic performance !!

[@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.

[@bradleylinemihler]

Outstanding. I'm lost for words. What chops

[@robdel3860]

bear ur the man , but im getting my men

[@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

[@ShadowFang2]

This is one of the best pieces of music from a tv show or film, that i have ever heard. Great work Bear, its good to see great music is still being made.

[@marshabass7792]

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

[@MrMartechi]

awesome! this music....I can't stop listening to it

[@Brenderous]

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

[@Botryoidal_Bracteole]

I was geeking out so much to this! Bear is a god amongst men.

[@seymenozcan]

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

[@StuartTheGamerNerd]

and I hope to hear more from this guy has he continues to do awesome soundtrack compositions for other great sci-fi shows!

[@Walkingcedar2006]

I know you hear this all the time. Bear, you make such beautiful music. I fell in love with your stuff on BSG. Really, that is one of the only places I go to hear your music. Thank you so much.

[@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!

[@tyronfoston7123]

NAILED IT

[@adventureswithkieran7760]

Love you're music Bear, such a wonderful piece of music to listen to i'm a hug Fan of Battlestar Galactica as well.

[@SidMajors]

Love Bear's sound!

[@Perry064]

Truly, a great and powerful work of art by a master! Listening to sound tracks for movies and television all my life, I have loved finding those songs that stick with you and mean more and more to you with each listen. Bear McCreary, your work is engaging, expressive, and instantly soulful. No matter how many times I listen to any song, I still feel every emotion I felt the first time. Bravo sir, bravo!

[@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!

[@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!

[@Viscid]

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

[@lj60ful]

i love, we love ! we need u ! thanks for this song Sir

[@MidniteLiquid]

Fantastic Mr McCreary! Absolutley fantastic!! Thank you for uploading this.

[@Aaro4LM]

Fraking beautiful!

[@Dubeau2008]

Genius at work. Love that piece and the performer.

[@Kammie69]

Thanks for creating the channel. Awesome idea, and I love the way you keep in touch with your public. Time to start practicing!

[@nohandlenotme]

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

[@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.