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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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!

[@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! 🎶🎹🎹🎹 🎶

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@IntangiblyEpic]

"no description available" Damn right.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@ProYada]

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

[@Brenderous]

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

[@solace001]

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

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@ivapad4176]

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

[@MellxDragonPrincess]

one of my fave composers!

[@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.

[@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!

[@CrimsonCrux]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@BryanHo]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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 :-)

[@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!!!

[@VinceHolz]

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

[@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.

[@vavoo4971]

This is the hidden gem from the entire soundtrack

[@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.

[@danielvilllareal9726]

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

[@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".

[@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

[@kuatiall]

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

[@kerrym5424]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.

[@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!

[@tjkii24]

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

[@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.

[@SlightReturn84]

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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@Carnology]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Tayvin4042]

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

[@WolfsterMedia]

Absolutely gorgeous piece of music.

[@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

[@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

[@bradleylinemihler]

Outstanding. I'm lost for words. What chops

[@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 :)

[@thecodewerks]

Thank you for all your great work! It has inspired me to start playing the piano again after 20 years of not.

[@kathic6402]

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

[@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 ..

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@RogerBueno]

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

[@95TurboSol]

Nice playing Bear!

[@seymenozcan]

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

[@Palemaster13]

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

[@95TurboSol]

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

[@gordonrothbard4910]

Awesome piece and nicely played by the man behind Battlestar Galactica's music. Rock on Gordon

[@Botryoidal_Bracteole]

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

[@wolfslipper]

I'm a big fan. It is as though everything you compose is what I like to hear. I love the fusional and dynamic character of the “BSG” OST and “Dark Void”, as well as the unsettling mystery of the “Walking Dead”. "Prelude to War" sends shivers down my spine every time I listen to it, and “Sonatica” is a sublime, deliciously twisted nod to Beethoven. You show immense talent at a very young age; most of my favorite composers are in their 50's.

[@iceomistar4302]

Beethoven would have loved this piece in my opinion, imagine if it were played on a harpsichord?

[@TheGaselli37]

Sir, you inspire me. I've been wanting to teach myself how tot play the piano for a few years, and I haven't really had the courage to try until I started listening to some of the music for Battlestar Galactica. Thank you for being as brilliant as you are.

[@MrMartechi]

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

[@gadgeteer57]

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

[@smstockton]

Bear, how you didn't win multiple awards, for your compositions from BSG I will never understand!! Then again, how the whole show and cast didn't win I will never understand either!! Thank you! Your music was 'instrumental' in the whole BSG experience and made it spectacular!

[@PaulGrantDesigns]

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

[@ainotenshiko]

I got the songbook for my birthday. My piano skills are rusty, but I open the book every day and try to learn a new song! Bear, this is pure awesome! Thank you for making these solo piano sheets! Bestest birthday present ever :)

[@StuartTheGamerNerd]

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

[@atomhammer5578]

Blimey! I really love the soundtrack to the show - its what makes it so epic and emotive compared to any other show. My fave composer of the moment. Ive tried playing this and its just too tough for me so kudos anyone who can play this. Ill just happilly sit here and listen ever onward.

[@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.

[@macross25]

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

[@WolfsterMedia]

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

[@lj60ful]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nutricast1]

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

[@MidniteLiquid]

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

[@marshabass7792]

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