Music For A Found Harmonium

Penguin Cafe Orchestra - BBC Broadcast '89

[@alternative10000]

Never underestimate things others haven't had the privilege to appreciate. Simon Jeffes found a harmonium in a Japanese city, abandoned and unwanted by by-passers. He adopted it and composed the loveliest piece of music I've heard

[@joaomarcelino4384]

This is one that I love. Fantastic. I used to play harmonium a long time ago. And when I found this here, oh my God, it was a fantastic discovery. I saved it in my computer. I listen to it as much as I can. So lovely. The sound of harmonium is really different and it is for me the sound of angels.

[@pekinobo]

@alternative10000 It is comments like yours that makes it so enjoyable to be on youtube or the internet in general, to learn stuff from people you might never know exist. Many thanks for the information and history behind it.

[@ruthshield1302]

This was the song that we chose for the end of my Mum's funeral - she would have loved the joy and hopefulness. Still moves me.

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Ruth Shield I was thinking I want to go "out" to this....never fails to make me, a cynical, miserable sod, happy, a great choice for your Mum....if you don't mind me saying.

[@paddycampbell576]

R.I.P. your Mum, Ruth...

[@frankmolloy3343]

I think that was a GREAT CHOICE for your Mum! I was just lying in bed and heard it on ABC Classic FM and thought 'what is that?'. It got me out of bed.

[@fastasfox]

Nice tune and if it fit your Mums personality then perfect.

[@thexneo]

Awesome choice - not to sound too dark of course; sorry for your lose.

[@nagualdesign]

I once heard this tune played in a small bar in the Scottish highlands, one fella with a fiddle, one on guitar, in battle-of-the-banjos style, and I've loved it ever since. I'd always assumed it was an old folk tune and didn't know what it was called. 15+ years later and I finally found out that it's an early 80s piece! Who knew, eh? :)

[@ScobieLeprachaun]

I knew, but that must have been awesome :)

[@kristeneckley2865]

I heard it played on guitar and an accordion at Ireland’s oldest bar! I listen to this song daily.

[@CelticCat537]

What amazing stories you folks have. After hearing it in Napoleon Dynamite I had to Google the song's history and, of course, the band. Fascinating!

[@SimonYoungOFFICIAL]

Pure joy. R.I.P Simon Jeffes: unrecognised genius.

[@limajlima]

I heard this song when I was like five years old. It was in a trailer that played before Ferris Bueller on VHS and and have been looking for it ever since. Today I found it. Today I may rest easy.

[@libbynielsen6267]

limajlima it is like breaking free , happy you found it!!

[@brendan5235]

Hey same here! a Ferris Bueller VHS my parents bought way back in the day, the trailer was a Kevin Bacon movie that came out in the late 80s. I watched Ferris Bueller on a regular basis as a kid and hearing this wonderful song in the beginning every time before the movie was part of the experience

[@fiskekroker]

Similar version for me! From the movie: Its all gone Pete Tong. The scene with this song towards the end of the movie is pure greatness

[@nicolekatherine3870]

She's having a baby.. Me too!!!!!!

[@nicolekatherine3870]

@@brendan5235 she's having a baby!

[@BongoPedro]

This is brilliant. It's a massive tune and there's nothing cheesy about it. Penguin cafe Orch were one of the most innovative groups of their time. The Orb covered this tune.

[@LamanKnight]

Like many others, I first heard this song - or at least a cover of it - playing at the end of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. This is the first time I've heard the original arrangement, and now I've heard a little of the story about how this song came to be. And it's made me love the song all the more. I think of this as a song about seeing the worth in things that aren't obvious, and giving second chances. There's a scene I imagine when I hear this, as a sort of metaphor: Imagine that droning note that plays through the whole song is the sound of the harmonium crying. Simon Jeffes (who is the composer, band leader, and person playing guitar in this video) found a harmonium abandoned on the street in Kyoto. In the first 20 seconds, you can almost picture Simon Jeffes approaching the discarded, "crying" instrument, sort of pityingly, and testing a few notes to see if the thing works. He could have thought to himself, "Is this really broken? Is it too broken, or...? Or... do you have some music left in you still?" At 0:21, he tries out a tune, and can smile, "Yes, you definitely have music left in you still." (In the real history, Simon Jeffes brought the harmonium to a new home, and he eagerly put it to good use.) At 0:41, the harmonium is joined by the other instruments - no longer a lonely instrument, but part of an ensemble. It belongs somewhere again. Not only that, but the harmonium is the leader of this piece. From 1:20 onward, the notes become bolder and more confident. This instrument that used to be considered garbage is playing strongly and with feeling. And everyone can feel that. That droning, "crying" note which has continued the whole time, is no longer a cry of sadness, but of joy. The pain that the harmonium felt is no longer hurtful, but instead is a source of strength. It has found new purpose, better than ever before. I think about this, and I think about people who have felt like that harmonium - cast away, called worthless, abandoned, betrayed. I think about the music that is still inside of them. I feel hope, knowing that it only takes a small act of faith in that person, maybe a small bit of kindness, to give him or her the chance to have a life that is like this piece. The lost can be restored. The placeless can belong again. The pain can be turned into joy. The sorrow can give way to strength. And everyone who hears that song can feel the power in it. I find that kind of encouraging. Anyway, sorry for going all philosophical here. It's just a thought that brought me joy, so I felt like sharing.

[@jessalexander3243]

What an insightful and beautiful comment! I would not have thought of it like that, but I can hear it now... thank you! 💖

[@stevoowens2735]

Take a moment to listen to this disarmingly simple piece of music, then go and do something else. Then, when time has passed listen to it again. Very gradually this tune will permeate into your memory and your heart. It is so simple and so uncomplicated that it begs indifference, but, after several hearings it will reward you with a huge musical hug. Warming, powerful and endlessly beautiful.

[@oxorox972]

So beautifully said.

[@arthol51]

You sir a a wordsmith of extraordinary talent...perfect prose to convey your feelings for this song...many thanks.

[@stevoowens2735]

@@arthol51 I am but a simple man, of no worthy achievement, but I have an ear for honest music, and this tune struck home with the force of eternity. It is in my mind an absolute classic and should be available to all.

[@arthol51]

@@stevoowens2735 your achievement is your mastery of language...as you get older this above all else will earn the respect of others... you have a lot to give.

[@stevoowens2735]

@@arthol51 Mastery of it is not one of my aims, nor has it ever been. If I am clearly understood in mind and heart then am I at peace with it. I do appreciate your kindness. Berry Christmas to you and yours.

[@04opocin]

Released as a single in the UK in 1985. Taken from their album ''Broadcasting from home'' (1984).

[@TheMichm1221]

This piece always makes me happy when watching Napoleon Dynamite, my favorite movie. I'm glad to hear the full song, it's wonderful!

[@sylview.bedard3070]

Me too! I was just telling a complete stranger on IG how that movie, although very cheesy, resonates with me and that specific tune is my mobile ringtone, I like it so much!!!

[@tysapienx8091]

Great movie. Vote Pedro 😂😂✌🏻❤🇬🇧

[@bigboyflubbins]

The one in Napoleon Dynamite is by an Irish band called Patrick Street

[@Mnnvint]

Penguins are interesting birds. They combine grace and goofiness, simplicity and sophistication.

[@NZKiwi87]

They’re hilarious when mating! 😂 🐧

[@clivedxb]

Possibly the greatest tune ever.

[@steevedaw566]

Yep!

[@1220b]

I think you might on the money there.

[@brookebowers3529]

S O SIMILAR TO A BACH CANNON!

[@KBHouse-mw3sd]

I remembered it from Napoleon Dynamite when I heard it on Founder. Gives me happy feet.😁

[@pattybenedict9499]

It owns my heart

[@quentin3330]

Thanks to all the Aussies mentioning a movie from 1986 called Malcolm. I watched the full movie on KZbin last night. Great movie! Thx!

[@gitsme6574]

They say you only really die when you aren’t mentioned anymore…Simon Jeffes will live forever happy to see that this is response number 1000!

[@copper12heavy69]

"You only live as long as the last person that remembers your name". Great sentiment.

[@MultiMaker_Studios]

Amazing how many people have found this song and found it to bring joy in so many ways. Personally I had wondered where the E-Dubble rap Harmonium had originated and now I'm here, you rest well king RIP Evan

[@briantaylor9886]

such a perfect song

[@speedbird76]

This, and Telephone and Rubber Band, also by the penguin cafe orchestra were used in the film 'Malcolm'. It took me just short of ten years after first watching the film to find out who composed the music. Well worth the wait though. Excellent stuff!

[@kristinduckworth332]

I remember this as the final music in 'Malcolm', but the music was different when I watched the film last night. Thank you for confirming my memory.

[@WarHunter57]

No way this comment is 15 years old!

[@hannahdasilva6410]

its really difficult to not feel happy when I listen to this

[@mjduthie]

I love this song. Whenever you feel sad or low i recommend playing this...

[@pekinobo]

So wonderful. It makes me wanna jump around and do backflicks (wich I can´t do) - But I wanna do it. And in the end I just wanna cry of the emotions it brings. Such a wonderful music. Bless this band and certainly Simon Jeffes for this tune.

[@terryhow8288]

Love this piece of music, always makes me feel happy when I listen to it. Truly great musicians.

[@clivedxb]

The world will forever be a richer place for this piece. God bless you Simon.

[@briane5706]

One of the jolliest and most clever pieces ever written. Saw them live at a late prom. Arthur has kept the spirit of his father’s vision and many are so grateful that he has.

[@greens294]

Napoleon Dynamite brought me here 10 years ago. The Founder brought me back 3 weeks ago

[@maximeralston1227]

Paul Kamin yes

[@lillymabel3338]

This song is so timeless, I love it

[@scalereality4840]

without a doubt one of the most uplifting pieces of music - especially at the end of Napoleon Dynamite :)

[@MartyMcFly88]

Definitely!!!! It gives me chills hearing it at the end of Napoleon Dynamite

[@jisuberries]

Found out about Penguin Cafe Orchestra because of the stop motion animation film Mary and Max. I love those kinds of films plus the soundtracks are amazing too.

[@user-lr8jb4ic5h]

I have loved this for years. I heard it first on the Legends CD by James Galway and Phil Coulter.

[@JmieYoutube]

I get chills listening to this, love it

[@rogiar109]

i listened to this sooo much till i was able to play the harmonium part. very nice that a simple piece can be mellow and uplifting while simultaneously putting a smile on ur face.

[@aderassi]

Vote for Pedro

[@fiskekroker]

nah,,, Pete Tong

[@MartyMcFly88]

138 people refused to vote for Pedro

[@whistlebelly]

Follow your Heart

[@thekarnyx]

I don't understand the reference. Can someone explain?

[@acracianova4992]

🤭👏

[@williamdoig2048]

i just love this piece of music so much.

[@stupat3]

Once heard ,never forgotten.

[@topnotchpiperdad]

Once heard just keep on repeating it over and over and over, a bloody fantastic tune, it just gets inside ones head.

[@L0L0rox]

I can't get enough of this band.

[@HattyLovesCats]

FANTASTIC I love this music

[@martinquarton184]

This tune has been used in many tv shows and suits every programme it was featured in. A timeless classic akin to music of old.

[@ERJ1024]

It's hard to believe anyone can find such a perfect combination of notes and percussion that can continuously harmonize with nearly 3 minutes of solid drone notes. Proof that bagpipes aren't an accident!

[@discgolfermick9764]

SPEAKS TO THE SOUL :}

[@movesky6696]

talk to me plus my soul

[@AndrewB1971]

hey @bendingsyllables, Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life. Brings back good memories and many happy tears.

[@giovanniangelucci1526]

Amazing performance.....!!!

[@SamTM36]

This is such an excellent piece of music.

[@FXHell]

Absolutely awesome. i need more music like this in my life.

[@CQ123]

Fantastic sound.... amazing...

[@niftykeentypedog]

Over 2 minutes before Jennifer hits the kick drum. The release hits like a spring breeze. Much joy!

[@celiacharleton2041]

Bliss, Fine music from a fine Gentleman, English country TRANCE !

[@daviddean8695]

The Film Malcolm brought me here so glad it did

[@luvick848]

this touches something deep in my soul...

[@stocktonheath]

Astoundingly amazing.

[@gluserty]

I first heard this instrumental on the trailer for the 1988 film "She's Having a Baby", and recently heard it again in the 2007 film "Year of the Dog"; I thought it was about time to look this up. Excellent piece!

[@gluserty]

***** Yeah, it really turned out that way:-)

[@AdamTDP]

it's amazing how similar this is to Post-Rock in it's own way. I love the harmonics at the start. so serene.

[@me-fp6bf]

im glad im not the only one who heard it

[@TheJackoelliott]

Takes me back to the days of long hot summers doing good hash,magic mushrooms and going for long walks . Great days, great music and great friends , couldn't best it .

[@PetrolHeadBrasil]

Ford Ka brought me here! And I'm loving it!

[@quincee3376]

This was in a great Australian movie before Napoleon Dynamite. It's called Malcolm. It's an excellent 80s movie from Australia. I highly recommend it.

[@oxorox972]

Best movie EVER!!!

[@stephenshayler-appleton7650]

Melbourne will never be the same again.

[@PeterTodd]

Nah, the best movie ever would be Bad Boy Bubby :D@@oxorox972

[@rolf69ful]

John Hughes used it in the trailer for She’s Having a Baby but not in the actual movie. I saw the trailer and loved the song and was going to buy it (vhs) just to hear that tune again. Never did, glad I didn’t. I hear it was pretty poor.

[@quincee3376]

@@rolf69ful thx. Yeah i never saw that john Hughes movie. Loved his movies but that one never did anything for me. I heard it wasn't very good. Thanks for that tidbit though.!

[@canthacan]

"Music for a Found Harmonium, written on an abandoned harmonium he had stumbled over on a Kyoto street. He didn't pick up the instrument straight away - he left a note on it saying he'd come back the next day and, if whomsoever didn't mind, he'd take it away. Whomsoever clearly didn't mind, and that piece of music and the harmonium have travelled the world."

[@MrWilde2010]

I remember watching this clip from the BBC Old Grey Whistle Test & then loved how it was used in the film "Malcom"

[@oxorox972]

LOL. Those rubbish bins 😀

[@VT97Calais]

Here because this featured on the best ever Australian movie Malcolm!!! 😀👍

[@stuartmcmillan874]

fantastic, every time I hear it!

[@mrlevinielsen]

Ever take it off any sweet jumps?

[@Tinqas]

MrLeviNielsen this thing has the sickest pegs.

[@mastercyconide7660]

You got like three feet of air that time.

[@jasonhathaway9746]

And shocks

[@steevedaw566]

Sure mate,some right big un's too!

[@Anything_Vintage]

DANGIT KIP ATE ALL THE CHIPS

[@charliewecker]

beautiful!

[@vampyros1]

I love the way the percussion builds ... perfect.

[@DaineseBikerAZ]

Everytime I hear this absolutly great tune I remember the Australian movie "Malcolm" whre it was used in and also the track "telephone and rubber band"

[@nijwar]

+Gothic Punk , Me too,so much so I bought a dvd of the film from ebay in Australia.I also sent for another of my favourites, "Buddies".

[@susiehenders]

Same 💜

[@lylekang3516]

"This song is excellent. I'm glad that it was used in Napoleon Dynamite because many people who watch that movie probably aren't very familiar with this type of music, and everyone should appreciate it."

[@rmshields76ify]

Heard this on an Australian movie called malcom way back in tje 80s.....always loved it.....soundtrack was ace.....penguin cafe orchestra

[@neilfisher8346]

I have rediscovered my love for this music after seeing Penguin Café on tour this week, it is really transfixing and ingenious, reminds me of some of Bach’s music. So glad that Penguin Café are keeping it going and building on it

[@rainbowstones5431]

Where?❤

[@neilfisher8346]

Oh they’ve just been on tour in the U.K. ( I saw them in Wolverhampton), I think the tour has just finished though!

[@SqueezeboxOfDelights]

This was the first tune I played on my own found harmonium.

[@compactdisk2]

Yep, I'm only 30, and my parents had this album on tape when I was little (as well as one of their others). I loved it. I can't believe they're not more well known.

[@luludevreeze]

This piece fills me with utter wonderment and joy.

[@supernoodles91]

I'd forgotten all about them, god i love this!!

[@high-man6917]

That Intro Tho! Still Here My Penguins!

[@seansongzhao8218]

Somehow, the sustained g pedal note seems to fit so well even though it continues for the whole piece.

[@jacksdjfam]

Definitely holds it together

[@feefeeteevee]

This song hits me in a different way, top 10 of all time, something about it.

[@MartyMcFly88]

Agreed

[@MartyMcFly88]

A masterpiece of music

[@taffy7hfa897]

Shakespeare, Joyce, Yeats, Mozart, Beethoven, Jeffes.

[@_JellyDonut_]

and Heder

[@n6h6]

ma nama Jeffes

[@mfilanc]

you know what?!!?! you're right.

[@kevinrandall1514]

also can be found in the teen flick "Some kind of wonderful" took me ages to find out what it was called brilliant bit of music

[@RoinesAndScroines]

Since the mid 80s this tune has haunted me, fleeting moments on a film or advert and then comes Shazam but then I didn’t hear it for years and now today, watching the Founder about the birth of MacDonald’s restaurants I hear it and can use Shazam to find it ❤️❤️❤️

[@jat2468]

I really love this song.

[@Linedanger]

This is the best version to listen to if you want to hear the true notes to play before you try to convert it to guitar, mandolin, banjo or whatever. Like someone else said, simple but complex. The spanish tango version also is good.

[@splatterking1171]

E-dubble brought me here, RIP King of Rappers

[@anapanasati1970]

Beautiful instrument, beatiful song. Thank you.

[@honeysempire7838]

This is just down right Beautiful !

[@BigHairyKev]

Wonderful! Still my favourite performance of ''Music For A Found Harmonium'' :)

[@jpb639]

Simply awesome !!!!!!

[@katb4233]

First heard this song at cafe del mar in Ibiza in the 90’s. Been looking for it ever since. Glad I found it, it’s a masterpiece.

[@threadz-sr6305]

This always makes smile!

[@ODanboy]

Malcolm brought me here.

[@lesgunzelling1430]

Me too!

[@lyricbot8513]

ODanboy Can I keep the tram?

[@jamesforrest02]

Malcolm: Looks like good cardboard... Frank: It's not the cardboard you idiot, it's what's inside it.

[@indiakarl]

we used to play this in the Irish band i was in - The Bare Knuckle Boxers. but we didn't have a harmonium

[@SisterGoodbass]

Several of us from this original band are playing in Manchester this saturday 13th October 2012 at the Martin Harris Centre (Manchester Uni) as 'The Orchestra That Fell to Earth'. We'll be playing this tune and lots of other PCO stuff.

[@cosminstefan6315]

I feel joy and enthusiastic each time I hear this song

[@oxorox972]

Gives me Goosebumps and makes me feel so happy.

[@jonnda]

Someone gave me a portable reed organ. I'm going to have to learn this for youtube, and call the video Music for a Donated Harmophone. :-)

[@kurumiegoreng1390]

カルテット💓

[@rickraeff4386]

I bought PCO album in Windsor Ontario at a record shop in the 80’s, then to hear it in movie NapoleonDynamite nearly 25 years later was excellent, I didn’t even know the music then but bought it on a hunch & album art work. It was a great find +++ mesmerizing music that reminds me of other great music put into movies!

[@CherylCerri]

Fabulous...wonderful...unique...5 stars and favorite...thank you...Cheryl Cerri Bruno

[@HVPinc]

I love this. Its like a group of friends just making music in a room. (audience kinda' ruins that feeling but w/e)

[@hiro66617]

カルテット♪♪♪

[@thesoupdragonat121]

We stumbled across this on the TV one evening long ago. It was wonderful and and led us into a love of the PCO. Thank you Simon (+) and Helen and all.

[@MoonyCat]

It's always so special when I hear this song. I always forget its name and have to look for it, but it's such a treat when I find it

[@chickinchainmail]

this is fun

[@Skrzy33]

No sheet music. Lovely.

[@saintreukk]

Here's an arrangement for piano. It's in the key of D, where this is in the key of C... glenwoodpianostudio.com/2016/06/08/music-for-a-found-harmonium-arrangement/

[@Skrzy33]

Oh nice, thanks. I was actually trying to express that I love the fact that they do not read music as they play. PCO is all about spontaneity, and while there is structure, it's easy to play the music by ear and memory. Obviously reading and writing is important, but it's secondary to ear, and ultimately, intuition is paramount. When you are creating music, you do not need to interpret anything. It's just coming. This is the sort of "beyond logic and rational thinking" that I love about PCO, because it echoes the truth of life. You just surrender and watch it unfold. If you've never read the history and origin of the group and the name, take a quick minute to read this: www.penguincafe.com/original/origins.htm

[@TZ2OurLittleDogToo]

oh what joy to have been in that audience to hear this LIVE

[@michaelrobshaw4345]

saw them in Birmingham at a large venue which was sold out and the music just drew you in

[@BobbieBees]

So simple, but so beautiful.