My First Time Hearing EPIC: The Musical! Pro Singer Reaction & Analysis | "The Horse and the Infant"

[@PeterBarber]

WOW what an amazing first experience with EPIC: The Musical! I recorded the entire Troy Saga in a marathon 2-hour session, so I'll be releasing the rest of those in the coming weeks one-by-one. Stoked to be on this journey with you all!

[@leadingblind1629]

Welcome to the fan club. I wonder how much you'll be able to Intuit about all the reasons Jorge did things the way he did. Although clearly you're looking at this more in a pure musicality way than in a storytelling way. Which is fine. Doesn't mean you won't catch it all.

[@crystalkatsuka]

I've known Greek mythology for years now and discovered epic 3? years ago so here are some facts! Music facts: 1)Every main character that has its own song/ big part of a song has its own main instrument! Example: Odysseus: nilon guitar, guitar, and electric guitar Each one of these guitars has its own reason to be played I'm not gonna say which instrument is exactly for which time (bit be on the look out for it) it will change based on emotions btw like fight, mad, happy ect. 2)Characters that sing in the background when a human is singing are actual characters in the show so, (yes sir in: 5:22 and the choire in: 6:06 what'd do you live for, what do you try for what do you wish for, what do you fight for in: 12:10 ) are Odysseus's men/fleet BUT when a god is singing he/she can make voices and it doesn't have to be actual characters in the show like (ha ha ha in: 15:35 or Penelope in: 18:46 ) those are voices created by the god Zeus! 3) there is a danger motif so when a character is in danger/ is angry and or becoming dangerous a danger motif will play! 4) the clock means Athena is watching ☺️ 5) Odysseus has MANY heart beat times portrayed in drums (Ig) 6) *i have more musical fun facts but i can't say em unless you want to have spoilers so each time u release a new video ill tell you about each song so it won't be a spoiler* OTHER FUN FACTS: 1)Some gods have an animal representation *(2 of these May be a spoiler)* Not a spoiler anymore: Zeus: halk/eagle Thats why you hear and see an eagle in the first song *May be spoilers* Athena: owl Since she is the goddess of wisdom Poseidon: horse 2) even though the animations aren't cannon you can actually go off of them as visuals because these talented animators watch the behind the scenes of Jorge's TikTok/yt!

[@crystalkatsuka]

​@@leadingblind1629yoooo I've been writing this reply for 20 mins so I was surprised when I sent it I wasnt the first reply 😂

[@crystalkatsuka]

​@@leadingblind1629Helped him out a bit 😸

[@jeremiahrisinger7985]

the clock ticking mean that means athena is watching

[@jonathangaming7510]

The "synth" sound you heard at the very beginning is actually a muted elctric guitar. This is becasue the main character odysseuss is musically represented by an electric guitar when being cunning, and is represented by an acoustic guitar when being more emotional or sentimental like you hear in "just a man"

[@CaymanGiordano]

If you're familiar with Peter And The Wolf/ Carnival Of The Animals, that was Jorge's inspiration for giving each major character an instrument and a leitmotif.

[@PeterBarber]

Awesome -- love that!

[@liveadhdtv]

@@PeterBarber You also caught the clock, which in this story represents an ability Jorge gave Athena where she can stop time in order to think/speak with someone.

[@whatismylife6927]

And the Penelope part, I think it’s viola? Her motif is super distinctive, as you will see later on.

[@Srfgt6260]

He does this with every character, with the exception of Eurylochus

[@grace8804]

3:34 that clock ticking actually means that Athena is watching the whole time😊

[@PeterBarber]

Love that!

[@CFEntertains]

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF EPIC BROTHER

[@risha-mehanse4082]

HEY!! Are you okay from the last saga?😭

[@Dawn_the_dragon]

He’s reached the final stage of grief REVENGE Mortius did it to him now he must watch someone else suffer It’s a very important part part of being an epic fan : D

[@adamharith782]

Ah yes, the infant has grown from a boy to an avenger I see

[@feldfos]

CF out here watching other reaction channels descend into Epic madness to process his own pain 🤣

[@risha-mehanse4082]

@@feldfos I wouldn't be surprised cause I would do the same😭 but he should be prepared for the rest of the musical because we epic fans don't know what happens is anymore

[@Uptime-ps2rq]

Much like how Odysseus is represented by a guitar, electric when he’s being cunning, and acoustic in the softer moments, each character in Epic has their own instrument or thing that represents them in the musical, so keep an eye out for those! Love the reaction and the deep analysis!

[@PeterBarber]

So stoked to dive further into this story

[@Alexsism]

You have summoned the epic fandom, i think the tidal waves of fans coming

[@PeterBarber]

I'm ready!

[@_Aceus_]

@@PeterBarberI don’t think you’re readyyy Sorry I’ll go now

[@NordemRay]

@@_Aceus_ lmao part of being an EPIC fan is quoting it every five sentences; Welcome to the club

[@astoria4ever]

@@_Aceus_ lol i quote it all the time- especially done for

[@xLostInTheCrowdx]

Gigi, WolfyTheWitch, and Mircsy are the *backbone* of the Animatics. Im so happy their work is being recognized. Mr. Jalapeño wrote, produced, and created this whole wonderful adventure! Man is a genius, and it's only a matter of time before this goes to Broadway or gets its own animated show like Hazbin Hotel.

[@chidori3sasuke5]

Gwendy is also a big player in the animatics

[@sherylannd6813]

Ximena also has some of my favorite animatics for Epic

[@jiktik76]

Anniflamma as well

[@Azziyaisalwaysonline]

To all the replies: yes, you are absolutely right, and I can think of a few others that deserve to be added to the list. HOWEVER, OP is talking about how those three have been prominent in the fandom for a WHILE. Like, since Troy/Cyclops. Not diminishing the other creators, just clarifying.

[@jiktik76]

@Azziyaisalwaysonline I wasn't trying to take away from the original comment. I agree that the 3 op is talking about have been the most prominent animators for epic since the beginning. I was just joining the thread of other animators with someone who hadn't been named yet

[@geekygiraffe]

In case you haven't seen/heard yet, it's really interesting because any backing vocals for humans or people like Odysseus have to be from other people, such as his men. But the Gods can create their own backing vocals! It's just a fun fact and neat to think about sometimes

[@PeterBarber]

Ooo very cool

[@SingingSealRiana]

Also, the crew is his right hand mens "instrument" since hw speaks as a proxy for their worries, the6 back him up

[@incognitogirl6201]

This is one of the few musicals that i dont think ill ever get sick of seeing different people react to. Every single person notices something to adds something that just makes me appreciate this musical all the more. As someone who was never very musically inclined in school, i love your style of analysis! It brings so much to the table for me, points out things i never would have caught on my own. Cant wait to see more of this!!

[@PeterBarber]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed :]

[@zeeka-xk6gg]

Finally more people are starting to react to this masterpiece!thank you so much.

[@PeterBarber]

One of us! One of us!

[@fleischsalat318]

What is all that "One of us" about. I've seen it everywhere, and it's confusing me. What am I missing? I want to be a part of you guys, too 😭

[@PeterBarber]

@@fleischsalat318 If you're here, then you're one of us -- welcome!

[@fleischsalat318]

@PeterBarber thank you 🫰🏻☺️ But it seems like I'm still missing the source of that term thing "One of us". I can't explain it haha

[@Crqckedvibe]

⁠@@fleischsalat318I’m unsure of where it originates exactly but it’s supposed to be a phrase about converting someone to be apart a group that you yourself are in. This is not meant to be malicious or offensive but inclusive and friendly even if it might not come off as such. Hope this helps! 😁

[@margaretconnor5623]

The ticking clock is representing Athena, meaning she's there in the background, watching everything unfold

[@alphateam3326]

I would like you to know that in the lyrics Zeus says “a foe who won’t run” referring to the infants ability to NOT be able to run

[@PeterBarber]

ooooo

[@rymasan5489]

Guys he s a pro please let him discover the little things about instruments and so on alone ! It ll be sooo muccchh fun that way

[@ShadowFox1412]

Yee but he at least needs to know Jorge assigned each character an instrument to be able to look for them even if we don’t tell him which is what. Otherwise he wouldn’t have the context to know that’s going on. He’ll be able to spot the patterns sure but probs won’t put it together that’s what they represent without context

[@ringzofmarz]

12:16 each character is represented by a motif and a musical instrument. The Penelope and Telemachus motif will be used very frequently whenever Odysseus thinks of his wife and son.

[@LunaBianca1805]

Hope you enjoy as much as I do 😊 Jay single-handedly has me rediscovering my love for musicals at the moment ❤

[@PeterBarber]

Love to hear that! I absolutely loved the Troy Saga and am looking forward to more :]

[@SingingSealRiana]

This is pretty much all my special interests in one, storytelling, music, clever writing, greek myth, human psychology and morality

[@_MidnightSnow_]

Hay there! I know i’m a little late to this, but the violin you here during Penelope’s part is actually a viola, and is Penelope instrument, and is used when Penelope is singing or mentioned. The same goes for the other characters including Odysseus, his being various guitars, based on context, Athenas being the Piano, because of the dexterity and skill needed to play piano, Poseidon’s being the Trumpet + Brass Section, that gets more electronic and distorted depending on how angry and wrathful he is, Circe’s designated instrument is string instruments, Zeus (Electric Bass + Drums), Aeolus (Airy Vocals + Flute), Aphrodite (Saxophone), Hermes (Lyre + Harp) you get jist :D

[@ezraabbadon5082]

There are so many intricate details in the music! Two things you should look out for: every character has an instrument and/or soundeffect connected with them. Any background vocals have to exist within the universe, except if they are accompanying a God. Gods can summon background vocals.

[@lukestiles3703]

Yesssssss Peter!!! We fans of the Bass Gang and Epic the Musical are calling you to fulfill your oath as Lord Aragon would say! Join us this wonderful experience/ addiction!!! Can’t wait to his this analysis I know it will be awesome!!!

[@PeterBarber]

ooo hitting me with the Aragorn quote! Who could say no to that? Stoked to be a part of the Epic fam :]

[@Kvitravn.]

5 minutes in, nearly 1/4th of the video, and still at "But now we'll be the ones who slay" damn.

[@daltonblanchard7446]

Wherever Epic is I am there. Great reaction.

[@rhov-anion]

15:16 - So far we have Peter as Zeus, Jenn as Athena, Casper as Poseidon, and Mortius as Hermes. Let's see who else we can rope in for an EPIC production with the Reactor Gods.

[@Viillustrations]

My EPIC addiction has been fed, thank you.

[@drekfletch]

Also: He has casting auditions occasionally, if you want to keep an eye out for that.

[@Ella16360]

I’m so happy another person is reacting to this! This musical is truly epic!!

[@liminalpsych]

Aaaaaaaaa I have been waiting SO LONG for someone to do a breakdown like this!! This is fantastically in depth and I’m so excited for the rest of them! Jumping on your Patreon now.

[@PeterBarber]

Welcome to the Patreon fam :] so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@seekerjf747]

Casper has just started reacting to this with Mortius if you're looking for a tenor to go with your bass.

[@purple_doriima]

I don't think I could see Casper in the Odysseus role at this point. In my brain he is too connected to a different role.

[@lesslibi1171]

Was just about to suggest our chaotic king Mortius for that tenor duet!

[@MagicMason1000]

Funnily enough, pretty much the main reason that Peter started doing Epic reactions was because of Casper and I spamming his DMs 😆

[@XanderHarris1023]

@@purple_doriima Casper is definitely Polites.

[@purple_doriima]

Oh no, that's far too limiting for Casper now. I hope you've seen his Ruthlessness cover?

[@ZackD2P]

The clock ticking you're hearing, that's Athena watching Odysseus and how he performs in the war.

[@dolphin64575]

I found you through your reaction and analysis to Encanto, just found Epic a few weeks ago, so this video is a big treat for me ❤

[@patjayne5273]

This is gonna be epic… 😁

[@PeterBarber]

awwww yeahhhh

[@ringzofmarz]

14:37 in the same way Zeus is represented in the eagle call, the gods are all represented by more produced electric instrumentals, showing their other worldliness and their power compared to the human characters. They can also have background vocals not sung by the cast, while the main characters can only have background vocals if other characters or cast are present in the scene.

[@TainoMoya]

we will watch your progress with great interest

[@nuclearbirds]

Thank god this is getting more attention. Jorge is just so, so, so talented and deserves so much recognition.

[@wibbly8011]

Oh this was fun to watch. Btw since I total Greek Mythology nut and your familiarity comes from the movie Troy I want to share a couple story things that are different. Achilles was already dead killed by Hector’s brother Paris (who also helped start the war by taking Helen). That’s why he’s not in Odysseus’s game plan, but his son Neoptolemus is hence “Neo avenge your father kill the brothers of Hector”. Also I don’t remember if Troy ever showed this but there were two Ajaxs Greater and lesser. Greater fell on his own sword after his conflict with Odysseus over Achilles’s armor. Lesser or little Ajax would have been very offended by being told to stay back. You should definitely see some of Jorge’s videos about his thought process for various moments and musical themes. Like most characters have an instrument associated with them, the guitar is for Odysseus. The clock ticking is a sign that Athena is watching.

[@RayGainbows]

OH MY GOD! This is the BEST reaction and analysis ive seen of Epic. Instant sub. This is amazing. I love how much time youre devoting to this. AND YOU WATCHED THE ANIMATIC!!! YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!

[@genevieveatwater4533]

Your voice is so amazing! I guess if you’re an opera singer, then that’s kind of a given. You would make such a great Zeus. I would totally love to see a cover with you.

[@erikatempesti1151]

Please you need to do the whole musical 🥺

[@30092nana]

I’ve seen a lot of people talk about the motifs and such so I wanna add on. Mortals are represented by instruments but the closer you get to divinity the more synth it becomes. Since our main character at the start of this musical is aided by one there’s a bit of synth there as she watches

[@morganring8385]

Yeessssss!!!!!! So excited you're joining us down the rabbit hole! I love your a capella analyses, so I'm looking forward to seeing what you pick up on! One thing I like about Epic is Jorge's excellent use of light motifs. He firmly establishes each motif as they come along, and his use of them as you move through the sagas can be absolutely devastating!

[@KadenIgnium]

I see Epic content, I click Epic content

[@RabbitBabbitt]

I hope you enjoy the epic musical saga series from troy to circe, the ocean and Cyclops. Peter you are in for a ride.

[@feistsorcerer2251]

I'm excited for if/when he analyzes The Underworld saga the most I think. There's so much going on in all 3 songs.

[@fiaghost4759]

as someone who doesn't know anything about music theory or singing, i love how much detail you find here that i didn't see. i've listened to this song countless times, but never noticed the "synthy choir" at the start (but now i can see that they sing the same motif that usually appears in this musical in the moments of danger, which is a lot)

[@nikpopnanime]

i really love watching people who know a lot about music react to epic, i love to hear everyones thought and all the little details you all notice :] every reactor brings something i havent noticed before to the table and it makes me so happy :] also just found you because of epic, i really like this reaction, you immediately noticed some things others miss. i subscribed immediately👍🏻

[@JerrBaybEe]

I audibly gasped with excitement when you noticed the violins for Penelope cuz i had to really listen for that and you caught it right away! You've made a subscriber out of me 🤩🥳❤️‍🔥

[@ringzofmarz]

13:37 the electric guitar is for whenever Odysseus is stealing himself or using his wit and cunning. When he is not in those states he is represented by an acoustic guitar

[@Polengpolen]

I can't wait for your reaction on Just A Man 🥹

[@defaultknight4670]

I absolutely loved your analysis of the vocals. Can’t wait till you get to Ruthlessness. Though, that’s quite a few songs away.

[@froggy12koreangirl]

I’ll be missing the premiere but I cannot wait to have another friend in the EPIC-ness of the saga series! FULL SPEED AHEAD!

[@mkckey2418]

Finally a larger channel is covering this master piece. Hopefully this sparks the greater react world to check this out. Excited for more from you though! Also are these going to come out early on patreon?

[@QelerQr]

I think you should know that every significant character has their own instrument that appears when their singing (except the main character Odysseus) for example Zeus's brass instruments. Plus if you hear background vocals when mortals are singing they are other people who are singing with them. if it is a god that is singing they can summon background vocals and even have their own voice twice at the same time because of their god power they can break the diegetic musical storytelling.

[@feistsorcerer2251]

Odysseus has two. The way you worded this seems like he doesn't have one at all, but he has acoustic and electric guitar that play depending on his mental state.

[@QelerQr]

@@feistsorcerer2251 yeah but sometimes he has none and sometimes he has 2 at the same time so didn't include him in the overarching rule

[@disableddragonborn]

There are a lot of details in the music of this song that I absolutely love, but I fear mentioning them would spoil things in the future, specifically certain character musical motifs. One that I know for sure isn't risking a spoiler is the viola at "Penelope". The viola is Penelope's motif. Edit: Okay, I just saw that someone already mentioned the one I was thinking of. Athena's clock motif at the beginning.

[@JewelShadow]

I'm so excited to see your reactions to all these songs, the in depth analysis is perfect for this 💖

[@Q33Rwitch]

in epic gods are (usually) represented by electrical instruments and mortals are (usually) represented by more traditional ones. This is my first time seeing your content and it’s really good, so if you do make more videos about epic I have a playlist of my favourite animatics for each of the songs in order

[@ameliabond5244]

STORMED with recommendations??? You’re in for a ride

[@nickpereira971]

14:38 In Epic electric instruments are use to show how divine something is, so for character such as the gods have heavy synth elements to them

[@liammckay2578]

I just discovered this a few weeks ago too, and I am so hyped for it

[@nicked_fenyx]

So happy to see you react to this! I've become a bit of an Epic addict of late. I love musicals in general, but very few have the ability to just never get old, no matter how often I rewatch (or listen) to them. Seeing other people discover the "epicness" of this particular musical also never gets old. I look forward to seeing you go through the rest of it. P.S. As far as a duet goes, I feel like you and Marwan in particular would hit this one out of the park. But honestly, anyone you choose would be amazing. Love to see it.

[@SuperSonicBlur]

Oh man am I looking forward to seeing all of these songs being analysed like this, especially when people start bringing in tidbits of information :D

[@SuperSonicBlur]

Speaking of those tidbits, the biggest one is that for humans, all the vocals and backing vocals must be diegetic, so for the most part that's the men Oddy is leading. Gods however, they can do whatever they like and pull sound from anywhere!

[@lop90ful1]

I love more people reacting to this amazing musical

[@ameliabond5244]

The synth-y choir you pointed out in the beginning is actually singing the “danger motif” (also heard throughout the rap section) that shows up any time danger is lurking. Look out for it throughout the musical! Also Penelope’s instrument is the viola I can totally see you as Zeus btw. You sound exactly like Luke (Zeus)

[@BeautifulBrittany18]

Just discovered you, loved the video and hope that you do cover more of Epic, it’s amazing.

[@nickpereira971]

2:37 The synth at that moment is Odysseus' motif, and if you listen closely you can hear it's floating... but also leavitating

[@Azziyaisalwaysonline]

I understood that reference 😂

[@christinekreil3695]

Can‘t wait for part 2!

[@MildlyPerturbed]

Absolutely love your analysis! Can’t wait to follow you along through this EPIC journey!

[@abril1871]

Love detailed as fuck analysis, keep the amazing work ❤

[@milenitatb]

Welcome to EPIC you are now one of us (we all say in unison)

[@toadsnmoss]

not sure if anyone has pointed this out but the string instruments behind odysseus' war instructions and the strings that play over them actually attacking troy is something called the "danger is nearby" motif. jorge has hidden it in multiple songs so far and brings it back to express when danger is approaching. the most noticeable example is during the song "polyphemus" right as odysseus says "it's almost too perfect, too good to be true", which shows the approaching danger that is polyphemus. another example is when odysseus first meets athena and has the whole "show yourself" moment in "warrior of the mind"

[@madrone33]

This was an amazing reaction/analysis! I loved all the things you pointed out, don’t ever feel bad for stopping and re-listening to things! Can’t wait to see more 💛

[@RuthlessTides]

If you're wanting a duet, I have to recommend Mortius

[@bluesapphire170]

By the way, there are rules for the music that very much apply to the world . For example, when Odysseus sings and there are background vocals it isn’t in his head, his soldiers are actually singing with him. This doesn’t apply to the gods as they can bend the rules, they are above this, so when they have backup vocals they create it, additionally every character has a sound associated with them.

[@katelynmclaughlin2407]

Wonderfully insightful commentary! I love how you point out all of the little things that typically get overlooked!

[@ἈσπὶςἈχιλλῆος]

Wonderful analysis ❤ I’m still learning so much after so many times of listening to Epic and this is fantastic

[@barrybach]

Love the detail in your analyses, so I'm excited to see you experience the rest of this! Epic is SO good!

[@Youndabay]

I've listened to the Epic soundtrack more times than I can count, and let me tell you I have never noticed some of the instrumental moments you pointed out until this video! Like the ticking clock at the beginning- I NEVER noticed and it adds a whole new layer of meaning to it all!!! Pause all you like, I am loving the lessons and new information you're providing. I'mma keep my eye out for that cover too 👀

[@noahdigiacinti1785]

Yesss, please keep reacting to the rest of this masterpiece, it just gets better 🙏

[@audreyii6750]

I _love_ seeing singers/composers/etc etc react to (and analyze!!!) Epic: the musical There _is_ so much going on in these songs & seeing as i know _nothing_ of musical theory/study/composition, it's wonderful to see it broken down by someone who Does!

[@Zuzu1684]

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!! can’t wait for you to react to some of their other songs if you do

[@hrsmesn]

im here for your EPIC journey!!! hope you enjoy this!

[@emorynguyen1583]

I’m so excited to see another person react and analyse this especially !!

[@FAEDOODLE]

Quick note, the ticking clock is there to signify that Athena is present, watching Odysseus.

[@abramdelisle5746]

thank you for listing in order

[@sarahmarshall6008]

So excited to see another reactor to this!! You know I’d totally join your patreon for early access/unedited footage of your reactions to Epic….just a thought

[@albamellark]

I'm completely obsessed with this musical, loved your reaction

[@mindywiese7610]

At work listening. Definitely gonna listen again to pay more attention ❤❤

[@adamsutton1748]

Mr. Bass Opera Man, You’re gonna go crazy when you hear Thunder Bringer👀

[@rikjpool]

Gotta do a duet with Marwan on this one!! His vocal inflections would add so much to this!!

[@JerrBaybEe]

Welcome to the Winions! You should tryout if there are any open cuz i can tell just from your speaking voice that you likely have incredible control of your singing voice and range ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@amandaoh2025]

YES! I was WAITING for something like this!

[@disableddragonborn]

"A visi--" DAMNIT!

[@williamhatchett1473]

Not sure if someone else has mentioned this, but the animatic you reacted to has the original version of the song. Jorge rereleased the Troy and Cyclops sagas two months ago with new mixes and some vocals to enhance the song. Highly recommend looking it up to see the difference if you haven't already

[@dianneantos480]

Ok, Peter, you got me hooked!

[@alyssadaniels7841]

Listen for the “Penelope” motif in the upcoming sagas!

[@Aloysius_OHare]

I cant stop listening to ittttttt

[@maiarafigueiredo1418]

I love seeing reactions to this

[@pocketfullofbees7071]

Really enjoyed this reaction!! This musical has many recurring motifs so be on the lookout for those, as they can tell you more about the story without it being directly said (e.g. the danger motif)

[@MKat.1]

Can't wait for you to see the other songs!

[@i-Am-Dutch]

They've actually redone the troy and cyclops saga

[@fireatwilliam]

Awsome reaction im looking forward to more! Also im not surprised mortius was in the live chat haha xD

[@machi6888]

CHANGED MY LIFE

[@melindahancock8518]

I enjoyed this one! Not what I was expecting. I think you should cover this with Austin from Home Free! Looking forward to more!

[@disableddragonborn]

"Behind you guys there." Why did my stupid ass almost turn around to look? 🤣