LM 38.1 [REACTION] NIGHTWISH - Beauty of the Beast

[@bigg2988]

I will be there!

[@GuylainPrince]

I mentionned you, Big G in this video : one of the fans of the Tarja era! :-)

[@bigg2988]

@@GuylainPrince It is easiest to be a fan of all eras, really. :)) When the times got rough for NIGHTWISH, the songs got better still. So they kept my attention almost constantly. Of course, the coming of Floor was a revelation and started the whole "second wave" of NIGHTWISH fandom - which the band, with such strong back catalogue, was well placed to support. Surely, not getting to see Wacken 2013, or any of their "Imaginaerum" tour Live, meant I was late to register the awed whispers about Floor. I knew of her, but AFTER FOREVER nor REVAMP still do not impact me on that emotional level as NIGHTWISH with Floor does, so I classified her as "great pipes" but was not close to the level of admiration that I have now. I guess NIGHTWISH songs, especially those of difficult times: the last albums with Tarja (we've just entered their realm), and the "Anette albums", just matched perfectly to Floor's ability to probe that emotional depth and her singing actress talent. Most of us did not have a clue what we were getting! High expectations, but this..! 8@ And yet you are right, I came to this band - and style - for Tarja, and because of her. The opera mixed with (at least some) rock long had been my "sweet spot". :))) I still think the first 3 albums in the more youthful Power metal vein "work" better with Tarja's vocals, while the more musically introspective later songs (lyrically, they are all pretty introspective :)), is where Floor just takes over... Exceptions exist both ways, no question. I'd say by "Century Child" album Tarja, too, was developing enough vocal flexibility to adjust and thrive in the new repertoire. Her more subdued "Gothic" style is used to great effect on "Beauty of the Beast", and you, kind Friar, noticed that right away. Well this was supposed to be a short reply!

[@marek3707]

@@bigg2988 Well said - I totally agree! And don't worry - I also always promise myself - today I will write briefly. And then it is as it is again ... :-)

[@guimich2478]

@@bigg2988 I enjoy reading the listening roads and bumps that people had with this band across the past decades. My unorthodox relationship with this band feels like a bit of an outsider. Like from the album Century Child to EFMB mt presence was like a shadow that did not even knew what was going on. I learned that Tarja left the band but I did not pay that much attention. Its a bit awkward but my listening time was in another dimension with different styles and with much more aggressive tempos. I always loved Oceanborn and Wishmaster but my mind was stuck in a abyss with grittier moments. It takes many things to make a world. When I talked about Nightwish it was only in the past. The concert I have seen back in 2000 was the epitomy. I always defended Nightwish in certain circles of the Metal scene that downplayed their impact on music. Century Child feels somewhat of a new friend for me. Ok I was missing out! I know better late than sorry. Do you really think I knew about Floor Jansen before I saw the Storytime video. Hell No!! The genre was alien to me and it still is for most parts. In a sense my perspective is very different because I was not there when the rough times and the drama took place. I find it hard to choose which of the albums after Wishmaster i like the most because like you said Tuomas and the band were caught in whirlwinds that projected different kinds of emotions. The band can go now in many directions and I have a big enthousiasm for what they will bring to the table. The band's endeavor is now in a different era and I only (Night)wish all the best. See you later!

[@hernanzamora1943]

This is one of the most underrated songs by them! It should be as valued as Ghost Love Score and other "long songs" by the band in my opinion.

[@GuylainPrince]

Totally agree. And my analysis will convince you of that even more!

[@Kartsukko]

So underrated song!

[@GuylainPrince]

To me, it is a new song. But in my mind, I can't see how one could underrate this marvel! Ah, do you mean that it is overlooked by actual fans of NW?

[@metalka_]

Oh God, how I waited for that day! 🙏🏽❤️ My second favorite Nightwish song.

[@nightwisher751]

I agree Catia, Just a wonderful song, in my top three of Nightwish

[@GuylainPrince]

And I agree aslo, even if I prefer the studio version to the live version.

[@nightwisher751]

@@GuylainPrince Hi looking forward to the reaction video. I think with the live versions we have no Pro shot versions, only the Munchen and Amsterdam venues, I prefered the Amsterdam 2002 video slightly more, but noticed an advert in the crescendo ending part, Last time i played it sadly. Glad you enjoyed the studio version,

[@GuylainPrince]

Loved it? I wholeheartedly loved it!

[@r.e.4640]

Tarja's beautiful voice is TRULY ONE OF A KIND!!!😀👍

[@GuylainPrince]

Isn't she something? She is GREAT!

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

On "Century Child", Tuomas introduced the Joensuu City Orchestra and a 35 member choir. For "Beauty of the Beast", Tuomas said he wanted to create a song that nobody could do bigger. There were 140 - 150 tracks to be mixed. Maybe this is why it was difficult to re-create live.

[@GuylainPrince]

Excellent info! I think that, like Abba songs, any live version is bound to be a pale version of it!

[@MetalFranz]

Tarja is a rare jewel. And Jukka a hell of a drummer

[@GuylainPrince]

I can't agree more!

[@ελευθεριοςγεωργιαδης]

Τarja , the voice of angels . Thanks!

[@GuylainPrince]

She is exceptional. I agree.

[@gaiavenus]

Love the sound of the original Nightwish, I still keep going back to, it's just special for me. There is so many songs of Nightwish that people haven't even heard of, that are hidden gems still to be discovered and you won't hear them now on new Nightwish. Love your reaction :) your the best.

[@GuylainPrince]

Thanks, Gaia! to be frank : when I hear a song like this, time is no object. It is not relevant. This is timeless material. And not being know by actual fans of the band, I can only say : that is their loss!

[@gaiavenus]

@@GuylainPrince Just love your channel and your thoughts, even if it wasn't Nightwish or music, you knowledge is educational to me overall, and I am always interested in learning what ones perspective is on things, specially meaningful ones :) keep up the good work.

[@GuylainPrince]

Thanks to you!

[@evertonsaulo]

I loved the French class and the song. What a piece! Quelle Piece! merci Guylain

[@marek3707]

For me, this song is one of Tuomas' best compositions in the band's history. He created a beautiful melody, which is at the same time so rich, complex, I would say multithreaded - but at the same time very coherent, there is no feeling of overloading with different effects, everything blends perfectly together. And that's what made me love this piece - it drew me in, interested me, didn't let me break away from it, because my curiosity about what I was going to hear in a moment was great. This song kept me from getting bored as a listener. As I said before the premiere of this movie, I was curious about the Munich version, because so far no live version has captivated me like the studio version. It has not changed - still the studio version is the best for me. It is such a beautiful composition musically that I want to clearly hear all the sounds and elements that Tuomas contained in it - the studio version gives me that, the live version - unfortunately not. And who says it - someone who almost always claims that Nightwish presents their songs live in a revised, expanded and more spectacular version? But for me - not this time. Listening to this song, it occurred to me that if Tuomas had decided to release this composition as just an instrumental version, it would nevertheless have achieved a similar success with the audience to what it had as a song. Of course, Tarja and Marco's vocals are beautiful and combined with the music they create an amazing whole. And that's it - Marco's vocal - the only advantage of the live version we heard was Marco's much clearer and present voice - I liked that, I have to admit! So I'm waiting for an analysis - it will happen, because in the context of everything we've already talked about on this channel about other songs, the lyrics seem strangely familiar - isn't it? Another Wednesday spent in good company, with great music - I like it!

[@stasa-X]

All we perfectly agree that the studio version is absolutely amazing, close your eyes and let the music drive you into the beauty,ten minutes of epicness. All is fantastic in this song, the music the chorus ,Tarja's vocals and Marco's back vocals also. But the lyrics making you to find the answer, it's a personal song,as i believe? Or just a love story who Tuomas inspired. I like the live just wasn't the best for this song but if i was there i will had a great time. I found more powerful the chorus from both but Marco's voice came more later in my ear, maybe because was only one camera and very back of stage. We can't judge the live because bad recorded. So we have in front of us a strong lyrical song and the analysis will be very very interesting as we both understand. Have a nice days till then. Be safe!!!!

[@GuylainPrince]

This song, in terms or lyrics, is at the level of the music. The analysis has been a fascinating experience. Come back Friday or Saturday!

[@stasa-X]

@@GuylainPrince We will do Quylain ,always do. See you next!!

[@diogonavarro3145]

Another masterpiece. I tell you, this song is very different from the beauty and the beast. 😉 So glad you did this one 😊

[@GuylainPrince]

So glad I did BOTH! They explain each other so well!

[@dorisdereani8111]

holy moly this is some old stuff...i remeber listen to this in like 20043-2004 , when i became a nightwish fan

[@GuylainPrince]

Yes, it is ! But great songs don't get old. I still listen to a lot of "Very old stuff", with great joy!

[@phillip2863]

Good to see this one up, I've been waiting for it. One of my favorite songs.

[@GuylainPrince]

You might appreciate the analysis even more. Maybe one of my best and satisfying analysis until now.

[@reeilona]

In my opinion this song belongs as a fourth member in Nightwish`s grand big three. Majestic, awesome song

[@GuylainPrince]

I agree. Awesome song! In fact, the whole album, I appreciate a lot!

[@repso00]

This is precisely my opinion also!!!

[@reeilona]

@@GuylainPrince Century Child is my FIRST album, cd, that I bought in my life. I was 18 years old back then :)

[@GuylainPrince]

Well, dear friends, you began your rock journey with a great album! I love it!

[@JayTor2112]

Tarja used a lot more of that different style on the Once album as well. "Century Child" is the first album where they recorded a live orchestra, which might explain the different level of production value. There's no really good quality live video of this song, because they played it so rarely, I think Amsterdam is a bit better than this one though. All we have are a couple web-stream videos, in 2002 quality, with roughly mixed audio, and one with a drunk cameraman. If they had recorded this live with a proper production I'm sure it would have been amazing. I don't know why they played this song live so few times, and only on that one tour. it should be one of the centerpieces of their live show on every tour, like GLS.

[@GuylainPrince]

We totally agree! Yup! It should!

[@Thegreb666]

This is my favorite song from Nightwish and it's the only one with deadboy's poem that I love the studio version more than the live one. I actually would love to see them do it live with Floor.

[@markwilliams6652]

I couldn't agree more. Possibly the greatest song I have ever heard. I wish they would revive this song and use it in their sets

[@ianthompson5746]

@@markwilliams6652 I'll 2nd that Mark !

[@GuylainPrince]

Well, I would be the third, then!

[@markwilliams6652]

@@GuylainPrince It is so nice to see a fellow Christian who likes Nightwish!

[@GuylainPrince]

There are always two ways to look at things : what the people don't have (and than criticize) or try to see what they do have. Their unique contribution in this world. NW brings something remarkable. Do I agree with everything? Do I think that everything is coherent with my Xian faith? No. But like Paul said : let's sort out what is good and what is bad. Take the good and leave the rest. As a metal lover, there are many songs that I don't listen. Today, it is so easy to "skip a song" !

[@fjnw]

This is what Nightwish became famous for: bombastic, symphonic, operatic and virtuose compositions and performances. Although I agree that in this case the studio version is much better than live. I never listened much to this song but that's gonna change from now. I am curious how it would have sounded had it been part of the Decades setlist. Perhaps something to hope for in the future?

[@GuylainPrince]

Here is my interperetation : il is long, but it still represents TOO much of Tuomas's past! When you build a set-list, you have to think of an equilibrium. This chunk would have been quite a bullet! Dark in the lyrics and in the music. It is draining!

[@maggaw9869]

Kiitos.

[@GuylainPrince]

De rien, ami finlandais!

[@one42chrisp]

This has been one of my all time favourite songs, not just Nightwish songs, ever since I first heard it many years ago. I really wish they would put it back on the set list for future concerts.

[@GuylainPrince]

I would vote for that! Such a great song!

[@wolfgang2401]

Thank you so much for the reaction to this song!! "Beauty of the beast" is the song who made me in 2006 to a nightwish fan. Unfortunately this song is a kind of forgotten masterpiece of nightwish. Last time they played it live was in 2002 and almost nobody react to this wonderful song. Now you do it. Thank you for this and I agree, the studion version is better than the live version. As you see the song has 3 parts I. "Long Lost Love" II. "One More Night to Live" III. "Christabel" Tuomas wrote all the lyrics and part II and III but Part One was composed from Marco. I dream about, that nightwish will play again "Beauty of the beast" in their next tour and I can hear Floors version.

[@GuylainPrince]

Well, we share the same dream, dear wolfgang! This song is timeless!

[@pascalsaint-onge9994]

Wow Merci pour cette belle reaction.. ..je ne sais pas encore quoi dire d'inteligent 😀

[@GuylainPrince]

J'étais sous le choc, cher ami. Trois jours plus tard, je le suis encore. Je viens de terminer l'enregistrement de l'analyse. Époustoufflant! Bouche-bée. Souffle coupé. Oui, ainsi je me trouve, t'écrivant.

[@johannessilver8653]

Unfortunately I can not find a good sound quality live of this great song. But yes...I also "wowed" when I first time heard this after release of Century Child album. How strong lyrics and balanced song with all the instruments plus extras and singing not to forget Marco who did great backing vocals there. Part in 11:00 hits heavy.

[@GuylainPrince]

YUP! I am WOWed by Century Child. For two weeks, it is the album playing constantly in my car. Enjoying every minutes of it.

[@meetwar]

Absolute agree, absolute agree! And as always it's a real pleasure watch your reactions. And give us exactly what we are waiting for: YOUR REAL OPINION! And I love it. Now I 'll be waitin for the analysis video. I'm sure it's goint to be fantastic.

[@GuylainPrince]

My own opinion on my own analysis that I recorded tonight? One of my bests! This song is fascinating and it shows in my analysis!

[@gattaccia3533]

Couldn't wait for our journey to arrive here! I like this song so much, it really has a legittimate place amongst the "Big Ones", and I hope you can finally understand why when Beauty AND the Beast was selected and this song wasn't so many of us were heartbroken. You awe was my own something like 15 years ago. I've never heard it before live, though, today was my first time; Marko sounds so good, this duet with Floor would rock so bad. See you in a few days for our analysis

[@GuylainPrince]

My dear friend, read me well : I was in shock after the studio version. And I am still in that state since 3 days ago... Just recorded the analysis. Don't miss it. Even me find it interesting!

[@nathaliecazenave8677]

Merci pour ce live tellement rare de pouvoir être présente, j’avais totalement oublié cette chanson La version studio est la meilleure version.

[@GuylainPrince]

De rien, Nathalie. Oui, c'est agréable de réagir ensemble, par chat. De faire l'expérience, ensemble, de l'écoute d'une telle chanson.

[@laurentyvangurewitch3940]

Merci d'avoir réagi aux trois chanteurs: c'était un contraste éclairant. Floor Jansen est une pièce unique de la tapisserie de Nightwish. Elle et le groupe se conduisent vers des sommets plus élevés ...

[@GuylainPrince]

D'accord avec vous. Si cette pandémie n'était pas arrivée, je pense qu'ils auraient enfin percé le marché nord-américain. Ils ont atteint la 2e place, pendant un mois, au Canada; ce qu'aucun band de métal n'avait réussi avant. J'espère qu'ils pourront rattraper "la balle au bond", après la pandémie!

[@Johycita7]

Que tiene que ver Floor aquí 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@droiduser9633]

Great song! So much I could go on about! Especially the reference, once again, to the "Dead Boy"! My tired mind cutting short while I can still make sense of my own typing! Good day/night! Off to bed for me!

[@GuylainPrince]

I hope that you found rest!

[@tarmotyyri6733]

Just to let you know that the song's title does not start with the article "the", i.e. the song is just "Beauty Of The Beast".

[@GuylainPrince]

Already corrected. Thanks! It is too late for the PPT of the analysis, but it is corrected on the title of this video.

[@daktlas9064]

OUIIIIIIIII merci beaucoup ! J'étais impatient !

[@GuylainPrince]

:-)

[@pontuslundin2150]

À vrai dire, c’est malheureux qu’ils ne jouent pas cette pièce il y a longtemps, je l’aime bien beaucoup ! Pour moi, ça va au-delà des limites d’une « simple chanson », tel que le font Ghost Love Score, Poet and the Pendulum et The Greatest Show on Earth! Ce sont des vraies compositions, des chef-d’œuvres, à mon avis :) comme toujours, Guylain, très belle réaction, je vous en remercie !

[@GuylainPrince]

De rien, Pontus! Je tiens cette chanson en très haute estime!

[@thierryriondel5900]

Ces changements de rythmes dans le même morceau est la marque de fabrique de Nightwish. Tellement bien exécuté. Entièrement d’accord avec toi concernant l’avant goût de Human Nature. Je vais être franc en te disant que je ne connaissais pas ce morceau. On peut voir les progrès de Marco au niveau chant depuis. Je ne sais pas s’il y’a une version avec Floor, ( ça serait intéressant ) J’ai eu la même impression sur la préférence de la version studio au live . Comme je t’ai déjà dit dans un de mes commentaires, j’écoute ta réaction avant d’écouter le morceau,et sur celui-ci, je suis tout à fait d’accord avec toi sur tous les points. Encore un bon moment passé avec toi. Merci

[@GuylainPrince]

Merci Thierry! Et ne manque pas l'analyse. À mon avis, l'un de mes meilleures, quoique longue : 38 minutes. Mais ça valait la peine, à mon avis. Au plaisir d'échanger sur ces super chansons!

[@davidcoyne7291]

Thanks once again Guylain for a very interesting discussion. My opinion is not going to be popular here looking at the comments below but i played the Century child album a lot this year just because its a NW album that i never taken to in the past. My problem with this song is that it has some fine elements but they never add up to a completely satisfying experience. Some sort of expected climax is missing and the end just drags out to nowhere in particular. The flat production doesn't help much either. Nothing rises above anything else in the mix and Tarja's voice has changed. It has lost its sweetness and become harsh and slightly bitter. I don't know if that was intentional or her voice had aged in some way. It might be telling that the band never included this as part of the Decades set list. On the other hand i prefer the live version here which sounds a lot more powerful despite the poor quality of the video. On the positive side you can see that the band have changed direction somewhat and are taking the first steps towards a grander more ambitious musical direction. Not that the previous albums were not superb, they were, but from here on in the orchestra would be more integrated with the band and the following albums would be much richer and the production more dynamic.

[@GuylainPrince]

I think that you feell exactly what you should. And it has that meaning exactly. Come to the analysis (it is a long one : 38 minutes) and I will convince your that this is their greatest song until now. And should be there.

[@mynanaleo]

Nightwish's live version with Tony Kakko and Tarja singing (Live at Pakkahuone) is a so much better and different choice for a live performance of this song. But good reaction

[@stasa-X]

I believe that it was the beauty and the beast in pakkahuone. They sung with Tony Kakko the beauty and the beast in wishes to eternity DVD. This is the beauty of the beast.

[@GuylainPrince]

The only other version I found, other than Munish and Amsterdam, is a fan video is Tarja in the series Masters of Rock : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGGuYqCBfsd2qbM. Nothing else!

[@mynanaleo]

@@GuylainPrince Nightwish - Beauty and the Beast [Live] kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKjHZJZvZpxjbrc

[@Susirajantakaa]

@@mynanaleo "Beauty AND the Beast" is a different song than "Beauty OF the Beast"

[@GuylainPrince]

"The Beauty AND the Beast" is NOT the same song as "Beauty OF the Beast". Believe me, there are not goof live version of it!

[@xixinojogo]

NW is art

[@ServantOfOdin]

Hehe, now imagine me, 19 years of age, being introduced to Nightwish with the album Century Child, ending on that song.... You reaction now pretty much mirrors my reaction all those years ago. No wonder, I was awestruck and fell in love with the band. And as per the words and their meaning. I think I know what they mean, but I look forward to your analysis. ;) And yes, that live-version was .. botched.... xD

[@GuylainPrince]

At 19 yo, my mind would have blew out of my head! This is incredible. At this age, I was into Yes and Genesis. And later, Rush. I had my moments! :-) I understand you so much.

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Could you believe, that I've never heard this song (and I'm pretending some kind of expert here 😅). Well, this is only human. I come from the Floor's side of Nightwish. This song is like a massive prog production. The live version is very good, allthough the video quality is a little outdated. Marko's presence there is a big bonus. He's so solid performer (knowing his a quite difficult personal history) in all of their shows. See you! 👍

[@GuylainPrince]

To me, this should be among the very top of NW'S history! Until now (1997-2002), in my opinion, it is the very best. Musically and in terms of lyrics.

[@OscarGonzalez-id1ov]

Once again one of my favorites parts 28:28 🥰

[@GuylainPrince]

Great moments! :-)

[@BidonRacing]

Hahaha mon cher Guylain tu es tombé sous le charme de la première grande oeuvre de Tuomas :) Cette pièces de musique est selon moi la grande oubliée des oeuvres symphonique de Tuomas. J'adore cette chanson et Marko live se donne à fond !!! L'analyse ne sera pas facile :) La version live est effectivement de moins bonne qualité et l'effet symphonique est moins présent ...

[@GuylainPrince]

Analyse en boîte! Je visn de la tourner et je crois qu'elle n'est pas mauvaise. Montage demain. 38 belles minutes pour l'expliquer. Calmement. Ça le valait! Amplement.

[@stasa-X]

Oh Quylain, you disappoint me a bit, Amsterdam's version is mutch better and of course I love also Munich version because we have only both. So big tragedy to have not a original version for this masterpiece. It's so pity. Well back to the song,of course studio album is better than this live also i used hear from my CD all these years. It's a masterpiece of Tuomas Holopainen,a great symphonic song with beautiful lyrics and meanings , very well orchestrated with 3 parts and great music from all. I love Marco's bass is fantastic and I love his voice in studio album more. Jukka is amazing and I like his drums with the oh oh of Tarja,are beautiful together, Emmpu's riffs are great 👍 and i love his live performance, Tarja is unique and fantastic,i like the different voices in some parts of the song and in the finish of the song, she is dreaming. Tuomas is a great composer, also a great poet and amazing keyboards player. He is the song. Oh the lyrics Quylain, you will need mutch time for the analysis I believe, hahaha 😂. See you next. Beware the beast but enjoy the fest he offers.......

[@marek3707]

Well said Anastasia! The only thing that surprised me was Marco's voice - for me it sounds better in Munich - well, I'm going to listen again! :-))

[@nightwisher751]

I agree with you Anastasia this song is a masterpiece, I think this video i post below of the Munich concert has slightly better sound, though we still have the pan in and out of the camera work, Also it has interviews with Tarja and Tuomas at the beginning, I also liked the big hug at the end of the concert between Tuomas and Tarja, peace to you Oh BATB is at 37m30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOraJmVgJZjsLs

[@stasa-X]

@@marek3707 I like Marco and Tarja in live but the video can help so much, Marco's voice came to me more later than Tarja's. I believe that was bad recorded. But it is a different approach more powerful who fixed more in lives. But Amsterdam version it's well recorded and remastered from Metallwish so it's a top. But studio version is absolutely amazing ❤️.

[@stasa-X]

@@nightwisher751 Thank you clock end,i have seen big parts of this concert but never from start till the end. Metallwish restored sleeping sun only because he said that the concert has many cuts songs but this is incredible. I love this concert because it's the only one who have the both beauties Beauty of the beast from century child and beauty and the beast from angels fell first. Also 10th man down with Tapio. If someone can remaster the whole concert will be great!!!

[@nightwisher751]

@@stasa-X Yes it is a wonderful concert, I would like to time travel and enjoy this era of Nightwish. See you for the analysis, keep well my fellow Nightwisher

[@stefblt5771]

Fun fact: Marco actually wrote the first part of the song "Long lost love" (lyrics).

[@GuylainPrince]

Oh? It was not written on the site I consulted. I will correct that as soon as possible.

[@stefblt5771]

@@GuylainPrince my mistake!!! Marco wrote the music of that first part, not the lyrics^^ It's written in the booklet of the CD ;)

[@GuylainPrince]

Thanks! This is GREAT info! Sadly, it was not written on the site I consulted, so it is not included in the analysis vid! Sorry for the mistake.

[@danm2783]

I am completely unfamiliar with this one. My gut reaction; Phantom of the Opera as Erik, the Phantom, teeters between madness and genius .

[@GuylainPrince]

You got it right, dear friend. Come at the analysis. You will be amazed. Promise!

[@flampy1]

That zoom though

[@GuylainPrince]

I could not believe it when I saw that! Why someone would choose to that, in the first place?!?

[@mishaaleksander2782]

This song (IMHO) is better than "Ghost Love Score", and I agree, so far the studio version is better.

[@GuylainPrince]

GLS has something special to it. Very special in the heart of the fans. This one is very dear to old fans. And, now, to me! I wish that NW fans would stop this non-sense : this is a great song from a great album! It should be revered like all the others...

[@mishaaleksander2782]

@@GuylainPrince As I mentioned is this my opinion based on my feeling when I listened to this song. I understand lots of NW fans love GLS for so many different reasons and I open to it, after all music is a personal preference. Btw, I am not an old fan of NW, just fan of good music.

[@GuylainPrince]

Oh, yes, I did not think that you were an old fan or that you were not enjoying the old material. I was reinforcing your point of view that it is a superb song comparable to GLS. In my message, I agreed with what you said: this song should be up there, very close to GLS. My wish for a more serene debate was general, not aiming at you. At all. Let’s translate in other words: I wish so much that fans stop picking at each other, and enjoy great music of NW who ever sings!

[@mishaaleksander2782]

@@GuylainPrince I apologize for misinterpreting your words. I understand the childish bickering about who the better singer is in NW. Personally, I don't bother getting involved with it since I have my own preferences and feel no need to compare with others'. Thank you for the good music and pleasant reaction.

[@GuylainPrince]

I stand right beside you, on this one. I have a very distinct taste in music. And I don't really care if everybody loves a song nor that I "should" love a certain piece. This series shows just that : I am one of the very few Franciscan friars in the world to love metal; I am here, publicly stating that. Something that some do not consider advisable. The pleasure I have to discuss with all of you is priceless.

[@Honken55]

Probably my favorite Nightwish song. Closed followed by FantasMic and the siren. Which is a bit strange as a prefer Floor over Tarja....

[@GuylainPrince]

Not at all! We have to distinguish the artistry of a song (lyrics, music, arrangements, etc.) from the artists playing it. My favourite album is Dark Passion Play, and Floor is my favourite singer. I can understand VERY well someone loving the albums of the Tarja Era, even if, sometimes, they prefer another singer to perform it! Not strange at all!

[@guimich2478]

Just like certain songs in the history of rock/metal like Xanadu from Rush and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Iron Maiden, the poet Samuel Coleridge is called upon to be side by side with Tuomas. Christabel. This is a long epic and deserves a big place in the discography. This is perhaps one of my favourite studio song. Tuomas makes it again one of his own.

[@stasa-X]

But it is his own, Christabel is he in my opinion Gui. Yes it's my favourite song from that era and maybe i love better than any other long song 😜 it's just Tarja's song for many reasons, Hihihi.

[@guimich2478]

@@stasa-X I did not say otherwise but Coleridge played a part in it. Like I said I need a better listen of this album. Its a fan favorite but I did not go deep in it. Surprise! Surprise! I did not know you liked Tarja!! Hihihi!!

[@stasa-X]

@@guimich2478 Chrystabel? But don't tell me Gui,in analysis video you can tell us more. I like Floor's version Hihihi.

[@guimich2478]

@@stasa-X I think Tuomas wanted to write a long epic that's why I think he brought Coleridge. Its a wink to his long poems. Tuomas is very close to English literature but he is his own.

[@stasa-X]

@@guimich2478 Yes,why not? Always we have a poet,a writer,a musician or a scientist who we admiring him,there is nothing bad to have some influences from our idols. Always Tuomas has influences even from Comics like his personal album, the time and adventures of Scrooge. He makes a masterpiece of his childhood reading books. Imagine his continuation? How higher he can go!!! An opera? like Johnson of Therion? Maybe a soundtrack of a movie?

[@phillee2814]

I think the live version underlines in fairly spectacular fashion the reason that Nightwish decided to start using their own film crew instead of relying on outsiders! Some kind of antispasmodic medication seemed to be needed by the cameraman, as it left me rather in need of an antiemetic!

[@GuylainPrince]

Yup! Bad image, decent sound! That is the choice I had to make!

[@wondertimomusic7717]

Live version sound mix was terrible. Also cameraman lost it at 22:22 =D Lyric video clear winner, this time.

[@GuylainPrince]

Very complex song; studio mix inevitable (even as backtracks for the live version). Live mix probably the one for the room; something NOT to do. Terrible results on an audio file. So. I agree with you. BUT, it was the best live version. The Amsterdam version was worst (soundwize)

[@kazfarah7623]

Camera man wasn't the only one who lost it there, my ribs still hurt from laughing 😆 apart from that this was great, Beauty of the Beast is one of my most beloved songs, it's so full of yearning and emotion, and I wish we had a live version as clean as the studio one. And Miss Tarja always delivers, she's so precious ♡ Thank you for your analyses and reactions, Sir, you're one of my favourite channels!

[@StergiosMekras]

The moment Marko came in, the song was elevated to a whole different plane of existence...

[@GuylainPrince]

Yup! He is great, isn't he?

[@timot8340]

Cher Guylain, je me permets de te faire remarquer la faute à « Beauty » 😌. Ça risque peut-être de te faire perdre des auditeurs lors de recherche Google et ça serait dommage compte tenu de la qualité de ton travail ! Donc je profite de ce signalement pour te féliciter et te remercier pour tous ces bons moments que tu nous fais partager avec toi dans le monde de Nightwish. Salutations de Thaïlande 🙏

[@GuylainPrince]

Grands mercis, c'est corrigé! En fait, comme j'utilise aussi des "tags" pour mes vidéos, la recherche du bon mot aurait donné le bon résultat, mais c'est toujours mieux d'avoir les choses correctement nommées. Grans merci pour la correction et pour les encouragements.

[@MichaelLoda]

I'll probably never learn what this song is truly about, what is the story...

[@24beeldjes]

You will find out on Friday or Saterday ;-)

[@MichaelLoda]

@@24beeldjes Will I? Or is it just gonna be one of the thousands possible interpretations? I wish to hear it from the composer himself.

[@GuylainPrince]

Well, come at the analysis and tell me if I make sense of it!

[@MichaelLoda]

@@GuylainPrince I will, sure!

[@GuylainPrince]

I will be waiting for your comment! Deal?

[@marek3707]

I've never seen the live version from Munich so I'm waiting! I've seen a few live versions but somehow I always preferred the studio version of this song and that's what I come back to a lot - I wonder if that will change?

[@stasa-X]

I have seen a lot of times Marek and it's good,the cameraman is so crazy , all the concert was great, good vibes from all. But the Amsterdam was very nice 👍 also!!!

[@GuylainPrince]

I recorded Amsterdam and Munich. But I only kept the second one.

[@stasa-X]

@@GuylainPrince Why do you choose this live? It is so bad recorded and the only one camera make me angry all the time.

[@marek3707]

@@stasa-X I was hoping for this performance after what you said. Unfortunately - this version didn't grab me either - I still haven't heard a live performance that does it. But the album version is perfect!

[@stasa-X]

@@marek3707 Yes,is perfect and i listen more times the studio version but the Amsterdam version is great, because we have not other better.

[@dimitribogdanov6740]

Hello Guylain, and thank you for thoughtful and insightful reactions! Your Habs and hockey references have not gone unnoticed - and you might be interested in knowing that Tuomas is a big hockey and NHL fan as well:) He's said that in several interviews, he is pretty serious about a fantasy NHL league with some friends, he was in the stands (and shed a manly tear) when Teemu Selanne lifted the Cup in Anaheim, he was very happy when Last Ride of the Day was chosen as the official song of the 2012 IIHF world championship in Finland, and he probably didn't mind giving Minnesota permission for this (go to 2.30): kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIqnlml_ZZtrlbs&ab_channel=NickMaxson

[@GuylainPrince]

Ohhhhhh ! That is something wonderful to know about him! Well, the finnish players are important in Montreal (Kotkaniem, Armia, Lekhonen). So, there are more than one connection, here!

[@rashaverak666]

Anyone know why they do not play it live anymore ? Is it yet another song Tuomas has personal issue with ? If there is another chat with Floor we all who love this song should ask for it :-)

[@GuylainPrince]

There might be many reasons. On of them is technical : the song is very complicated, in terms of instrumentation. It means : a LOT of backing tracks. Secondly, they tried to do a "live version" from the band only (Amsterdam). No convincing. It felt flat. With backing tracks, you have Munich. Better, but not to the level of the album. A long and complicated song, probably giving them a lot of headaches, can be remove quite easily. I would be thrilled to hear the actual band doing it. As for a more modern version, look for Tarja's version, with orchestra, in a concert of 2010, called the "Masters of Rock. Fan video (from the crowd with a phone), but interesting to look foe another perspective.

[@DonKampela]

Hello everybody! Does anybody know what version /versions are coming`?

[@GuylainPrince]

The studio and a live : Munich 2003.

[@nightwisher751]

Hi, Munchen is the live version and the studio version also.

[@juanitooctavio9023]

Normally, I prefer Nightwish live. But I have to agree with you here. The studio version was better in every way. A bonus, we avoid the cheezy video editing in the studio version...

[@GuylainPrince]

I don't think that video was intended to be publish, in any way. They captured a live performance, with good equipment but not professionally used. It was publish as a witness to a rare public performance.

[@TheBlacky519]

I might make myself unpopular here, but this is far from my favorite Nightwish song. I love the guitar in it and especially the other instrumentals in between the singing. But it just does not connect with me on an emotional level as much as other songs do.

[@GuylainPrince]

Come at the analysis and tell me, after it, that you can't connect! If you still do, you're a lost cause! (Just joking). Come Friday!

[@TheBlacky519]

@@GuylainPrince I wouldn't miss it ☺️ Maybe you'll change my mind!

[@GuylainPrince]

One thing I can tell you right away : I was AMAZED by these lyrics ... and very touched.