"Once Upon a December" performed by Emile Pandolfi - The 12 Days of Christmas, Day 10

[@DBarns7]

The original was beautiful enough, but this piano cover gave me the chills. It really brought out the drama and melancholy of a world lost to history. It truly embodied the tragedy of Anastasia's shattered childhood.

[@farzinsabbagh]

It's been years that I listen to this piece it is fantastic and really meaningful with a magnitude that my english ability is incapable of explaining. Thank you Emile.

[@emilepandolfi]

How very kind of you. Thank you.

[@emilepandolfi]

And thank YOU for really listening! You express yourself beautifully in English!

[@ei3852]

This piece is beautiful, it resonates and talks to me. I have listened for the 5th time and I cry every time... I am not sad, just that it tells a story without words. It's sublime and powerful at the same time. God bless you.

[@emilepandolfi]

It was indeed a magical tale of Anastasia and the music takes you to another dimension. I loved working with such a beautifully constructed song.

[@aadil4750]

Out of this world amazing arrangement. When I first heard this I thought it was two pianos layered over each other, only to find out it’s one talented pianist. How do you play those beginning notes so effortlessly?

[@emilepandolfi]

You are so kind. So effortlessly because I am really OLD! Haha! You sort of hold your fingers over the (chord) and wiggle your wrist rather than play with each finger. Good luck! The sheet music is available , by the way, at musicnotes.com

[@jozomatanovic8284]

Bravo Emil😢

[@Aang_L._Jackson]

This arrangement is out of this universe

[@islaadele1212]

The piano really is an instrument of magic, isn't it. Beautiful playing, thank you!

[@karimaupton406]

This song takes me back to my childhood to a moment where I once felt safe. Brings me to tears. Thank you Emile for such a beautiful performance!

[@emilepandolfi]

wow. that is lovely to hear. Thank you.

[@kamatayon6380]

I keep coming back to this. Outside of classical music, I am of the opinion that this is the single most beautiful piano performance. This cover is perfection.

[@svetlanamatsyplyuk4077]

I used to watch Anastasia and this song always mesmerised me. It’s amazing how an instrument can make you feel things so deeply. Thank you for this beautiful rendition, truly amazing.

[@grandduchesssh2406]

I was born in December (meant to come in March) and ever since I heard this as a child it's been my go to piece when I'm upset. This just shows that without the lyrics it can be even more beautiful. Thank you.

[@bunnyhollowcrafts]

I can’t thank Emile enough. I have played all my life with little training. LISTENING to you butterfly, cloud like technique, is helping me be a much better pianist. This one! Oh my gosh, those scale patterns! More learning ahead! Thank you for putting your arrangements on musicnotes!!

[@EP-sq1xr]

Oh my! Thank you for the beautiful descriptives. Those chromatic downward scales half way through are a fav part of that arr. for me. I love playing them.

[@shereenal-taan61]

This is criminally underrated.

[@suboptimal_prime]

My gosh, this guy is amazing! My piano tuner tuned pianos for this guy, and was telling me about him the other day. I didn't realize he was this good!

[@emilepandolfi]

Thank you, my new musical friend.

[@Nawaf-]

This single piece is the reason why I am so emotionally happy and touched! My biggest wish is to learn how to play this. It makes me tear up in good emotions every time! So elegant and beautiful and touching all in one! I haven’t heard anything in my life that gives off this emotion 🥺❤️ words truly cannot describe how beautiful this is!

[@emilepandolfi]

Oh my! I am gratified and moved by your comments. Thank you.

[@WaffleFries-ls5ck]

@@emilepandolfi Sheet music?

[@KD-sz5bx]

Anastasia is one of my most favorited films and this song haunts my very soul. Your piece just transcended me beyond the reality of my existence. It took me places in my mind that I wished to have stayed there. I am a year and few months late but I'm glad I stumbled upon this video. Thank you for putting your own perspective on this masterful song. I am forever grateful.

[@emilepandolfi]

Thank you for your kind words. I agree that this song has magic built into it. I loved arranging it.

[@fraylorenzo2175]

Gracias a esa obra lo conocí. Y quedé maravillado de su música!!! Gracias Emilio Pandolfi. Saludos desde Guatemala 🇬🇹

[@emilepandolfi]

Very good to meet you through the music!

[@Jcorrea.002]

I’ve been looking everywhere to see a video of this being played by no one other than you and I’m so glad I finally found it. I’ve been listening to this arrangement for such a long time and it always gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it!

[@emilepandolfi]

I am so happy that the music connected us!

[@jillkjv3816]

Emile's version is even more beautiful than the original OST. ❤️👏👍

[@neempeem]

My heart grow heavy with emotion when I hear your rendition. It’s perfect and you are amazing. ❤

[@MunsTheFool]

I don't personally care much for Christmas or its songs, nor have I ever seen Anastasia, but Pandolfi's version of this piece must be my favorite piece of music that's ever been performed. While "less can be more", this arrangement has always shown me that out of an absolutely masterful performance, where there is "so much" to be heard, so much emotion and detail can still be heard and felt through the breathing of the tempo and certain notes accentuating themselves out of the massive waves of tonality... An infinitely complicated symphony of so many sounds, all channeled through one man, his truly masterful skill and his piano. To me, Pandolfi represents a level of musicianship that is simply awe-inspiring and unforgettable, and there will always be something about its greatness that I simply cannot find words for. I hope Mr. Pandolfi will have a superb Christmas. Thank you so much for moving me and lifting my spirits with this amazing performance, yet again. :)

[@emilepandolfi]

You are a true artist yourself, in the way that you write. So beautifully expressed! what you had to say. I enjoyed reading it ! I am so glad that the music resonated with you. Music makes friends. Hope your Christmas was a great one.

[@BrettWoodPiano]

Once upon a December is not a Christmas song! And I highly recommend seeing a performance of the theater version of Anastasia. Or just listening to it. It is incredible

[@emilepandolfi]

Wow! You are a poet! and a genuine lover of art - I am sure, in ALL its forms. I am honored to be a part of your listening environment. Thank you for the elegantly expressed description of the music.

[@dzidziolus]

I can't play piano (nor any other instrument), but I love watching and listening to piano covers on KZbin. I've seen many Once Upon a December covers and I believe this one to be the best so far. Beautiful piece of music!

[@anyakatarina]

Hi Emilie!!! I’m a violinist and I would LOVE to make a mini cover of this using your piano as the accompaniment (just for posting on social media). Would I have your permission to do so? Thank you so much!!

[@emilepandolfi]

So nice to hear from another musician! Music makes friends! Yes, you have my permission to use my recording of Once Upon a December for a mini cover. Please credit my name in the description. and let me know when you do. I would love to hear your interpretation.

[@donnadaisy333]

This gentleman knocks me out! Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you, Emile. You are greatly appreciated. ❤️🙏

[@gingivitis9148]

Dancing bears, painted wings Things I almost remember And a song someone sings Once upon a December Someone holds me safe and warm Horses prance through a silver storm Figures dancing gracefully Across my memory Someone holds me safe and warm Horses prance through a silver storm Figures dancing gracefully Across my memory Far away, long ago Glowing dim as an ember Things my heart used to know Things it yearns to remember And a song someone sings Once upon a December

[@donnadaisy333]

Beautiful, heart-rending video. Thank you for sharing. You are a treasure. 🙏

[@emilepandolfi]

You are so welcome

[@lucianoiovino304]

Great Pianist!

[@aboutmems]

I have not watched the movie before but I know this song from random playlist on youtube while reading. The book I read was Martin Eden with the part he killed himself, then the song went on and it hit me so hard. I cried a lot, this song also becomes haunted when I think about the main character. 😢

[@fnn.i]

When I listen to this song, I feel like crying because of the beautiful and clear sound, thank you so much❤️❤️❤️

[@jillkjv3816]

I feel like crying knowing how viciously that family was murdered.

[@joannawrona2228]

@@jillkjv3816 well, that family had murdered thousands of people too. Still doesn't justify anything but it's worth noting

[@jillkjv3816]

@@joannawrona2228 Those children murdered no one. The communists murdered the White families by the millions to take over the country. No one ever went to trial for murders of the royal family, they just did it, like Putin is doing it today.

[@emilepandolfi]

mmm...it is indeed a beautiful song. Kudos to the writers!

[@boo7345]

My cat is very sickly, and I have to give him Intravenous fluids (IV) every night. I have tried many different songs and this is the only one that makes him relax so I can poke him 😭♥️ Thank you 🥺

[@emilepandolfi]

I am sorry to hear about your cat, but am glad that music bypasses the spoken word and goes straight to the heart! That is a wondrous thing, isn't it!?

[@quanganhct]

You played the song beautifully. Thank you for your piece of art

[@kimkrohnberle]

Thank you, Emile. A masterful rendition I've been going back to since 2012.

[@emilepandolfi]

Thank you for continuing to listen!

[@sthrion]

What an incredible bneautiiful arrangement! I enjoy it so much and I hope that more of your arrangements will be published. You are a fantastic pianist. Tante, tante grazie!

[@Paulita90p]

BEAUTIFULL, thank you for this amazing arrangement. I am really speachless!! Congratulations for your beautifull gift!!

[@emilepandolfi]

I am touched. So glad that the arrangement spoke to you.

[@Азимжан7545]

The best interpretation!

[@powercoder]

This is the best piano transcription based on a Disney song!

[@emilepandolfi]

You are very kind. Thank you.

[@p.mosheshamah4307]

Thank you for these moments of beauty, in this maelstrom of a world Emile. Listening to this song so wonderfully executed has warmed the heart of my inner child. Much love from Jerusalem

[@emilepandolfi]

What a beautiful, thoughtful comment. I am gratified that the music reaches you in that way.

[@kristannestone1748]

Absolutely gorgeous music! That is the perfect instrument for that song.

[@theleonardlau]

Thank you. Your playing had comforted and warmed many hearts.

[@J-J_du4nb]

There are slower mornings when I have extra time to take the longer route to work, and I play Emile's music. The route has this mile stretch lined with cypress trees, baseball fields, and people walking to school. Truly enjoyable - thank you for your music

[@laravermillion3875]

Thank you for this beautiful rendition! I had an instrumental waltz version on my wedding playlist but I like your version even more! I am sure my wedding guests will love it as much as I do come April :)

[@emilepandolfi]

Well, congratulations! And thank you for letting me be a part of the wonderful day!

[@Voooo____oo]

This piece of music moved me so much as a child watching the movie Anastasia that I never forgot it. It still moves me deeply and I can’t help but close my eyes and let the sound flow around me. You have made magic.

[@emilepandolfi]

Thank you, my musical friend.

[@semyazzaUwU]

This work is really beautiful, from a personal point of view it causes an indescribable nostalgia but at the same time peace, seeing him play inspires me to learn the same, it is something I would like to hear before I die, I don't speak English, I use a translator but beautiful music ♥️

[@Christian-cw9mp]

Most beautiful piano song I know. I have the sheet music and am self taught. It is my life's work to memorize this one song and then I can die.

[@emilepandolfi]

You make me smile. Since you can die after you have mastered it, I hope it takes you another 80 years! LOL

[@Lily-ky8ew]

원래 이 곡을 좋아하는데 주로 노래로 들었어요. 그런데 처음으로 피아노 연주로 들었는데 너무 사랑스럽습니다. 저도 피아노를 오래 쳤는데 악보를 구하면 연주 해보고 싶네요. 당신의 연주실력이 부러워요. 아름다운 연주, 잘 들었어요.

[@croissaintlovertrure1526]

woah. there's so much about this melody... it's so kind, so melancholy, and yet so faithful in some way I really can't explain... thanks for traducing how my heart feels like everytime I'm home all alone, looking at the night sky, to the humanity and, somehow, at myself too. you're really great!

[@emilepandolfi]

Oh my! You are a poet! thank you for the musical words you sent my way. Lovely!

[@GingerBun]

it's always a treat to listen to musicians who play with a lot of feeling

[@klimlady]

Спасибо за прекрасное исполнение! Такая грустная мелодия, простая, но трогательная. В вашей интерпретации звучит глубже и трагичнее, чем в мультфильме.

[@emilepandolfi]

Спасибо за добрые слова. Это прекрасно написанная песня, и она заслуживает большого личного внимания при исполнении, чтобы почтить магию песни и трагическую историю.

[@muppyfin]

I am in awe of you. Just bought it recently off your website to learn. You play with so much adoration for the instrument and song.

[@emilepandolfi]

Hope you enjoy playing it as much as I do...

[@azzaelwakeel]

I love this piece of music, beautiful performance, thank you! 💖

[@ghostinthegraveyard]

I haven’t played in a very long time, but this feels like spending time with an old friend - thank you for taking the care and time to lend everyone with nostalgia for this piece a bit of your own magic and warmth ✨ (it is almost -50*C where I am, so any and all wintry warmth is welcome!)

[@madlenaghevondyan4948]

The best melody

[@jillemburey3214]

Absolutely beautiful rendition. His fingers moved so lightly on the keys that it seemed they hadn't moved at all. Beautiful..........absolutely beautiful!❤🥹

[@roccodicardielli]

Belle. Merci Maestro. Beautiful. Thank you Musical Master. 🙌🏼 -Rocco

[@Gammaray7]

I love your arrangement of this song, this is the best piano version I’ve ever heard. Thank you Emile !

[@julyalecaneteaguilera709]

Esta hermosa película infantil: Anastasia, fue producida por la 20 Century Fox en 1997. Sus temas musicales son preciosos. Y su historial es emotivo y melancólico basado en una historia real de una Familia Real y toda la Nación a la que pertenecían. ❤

[@ゆかり田中-b1n]

毎日聴いてます。 癒しをありがとう。

[@scythe7823]

You play it perfectly. Makes my heart physically ache.

[@emilepandolfi]

Oh my! I am glad the music speaks to you.

[@jgastelum632292]

Hauntingly beautiful...yet it unblocks dark and sad memories from my past. Simply magical 🇲🇽❤🇷🇺

[@heathernichols1207]

I absolutely adore this song. Such a gem. It’s literally my theme song for me, I was also born in December, so I like to think of it as a my personal intro music for me coming into existence. “Once upon A December…December 7” *keys music* 😂 lol!

[@emilepandolfi]

What a wonderful song to have as "your song" great choice!

[@christabellelysander4392]

This is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. God has truly blessed you with so much talent, Mr. Pandolfi. Thank you for sharing it with us 🙏

[@tyronelol]

Legendary.

[@JCMolmMJ]

Wow! Such a beautiful arrangement of this incredible song! Mesmerising🦋💙🌄🌅🌆🌇

[@gillyweed00]

Absolutely beautiful! This is my favorite arrangement of Once Upon a December. As a young pianist, the way you convey the emotions of the piece while retaining the clarity of the notes is inspiring. Thank you so much! I hope to achieve a mastery of piano close to yours. :)

[@emilepandolfi]

Thank you for the kind words. I have written a book about piano playing which features a chapter devoted to that arrangement specifically. You might find it interesting. It's called "Play it Like You Mean it" - Amazon; www.amazon.com/Play-Like-You-Mean-Supercharge-ebook/dp/B09FNTX3Z1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1MBKX6XZBC2VS&keywords=emile+pandolfi+piano+book&qid=1657995150&sprefix=emile+pandolfi%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-3

[@EmbraceWithin]

magical performance sir, bravo

[@julyalecaneteaguilera709]

Buen Músico. Emana la Elegancia y la Distinción en su Gran Talento. ❤

[@marshameas2394]

I listen to this piece every day since August. I’ve been listening to it more because I’m nearing my midterms. This is so absolutely mesmerizing and reminds me of the beauty of music that can heal our souls.

[@goldberry9254]

Aw, this is so good

[@michaelsonix8578]

why can't the approach of music now a days have this passion. the evil that blocks the beauty of this music is a stigmatization that should be something that people need to wake up to. one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard, period.

[@amypianochannel]

Very beautiful arrangement. I played myself the arrangement of this piece from Leiki Ueda but I like both arrangements very much. Nice to see that there are so many ways to play this piece.

[@emilepandolfi]

True. That is the wonderful thing about a great song, you can interpret it a hundred different ways.

[@stefanshipo]

wow :) masterpiece great job Emile Pandolfi

[@rossanapoffio9686]

.. Tocca il cuore.... 😢❤

[@ckpemac5268]

Beautiful.

[@sunnyf8625]

Amazing, it is the best I ever see!.

[@Cherryfruitsalad]

So we’ll played o love this

[@fragonarddorel-pikard1363]

CONGRATULATIONS EMILE PANDOLFI BRILLIANT PIANO PERFORMANCE !

[@МахийКучерявый]

Очень воодушевлённо .Спасибо!👐🙌🙏

[@yasmeenmohamed9327]

Somehow I feel at home in every note….thank you, Mr. Pandolfi

[@melissaleenilles3049]

Incredible version. Love your bravado and mastery of the piano. This song always hits my heart deeply. Side note: I am watching some glistening snow fall here in Boston, and this fits the mood perfectly!

[@emilepandolfi]

Ahh! We have no snow here in SC! Almost never... thanks for the kind words and the visual!

[@FingersKungfu]

This is the best version of OUAD on the internet.

[@emilepandolfi]

Oh my! I am honored!

[@danlu4710]

Hiiiii, this sounded beautifully, It almost trasnported myself to a palace!, thank you so mucho for playing this piece and let us hear it, I mean WOW, congratulations (Sorry if i didnt express myself very well, I struggle speaking english a little bit 😅

[@emilepandolfi]

You haver BEAUTIFUL English! And a beautiful soul! I am delighted that you and I connected through the music. Thank you for your lovely comment!

[@edgardojedapianista]

Formidable!

[@vanessaongmusic]

A beautiful rendition of a beautiful song. Well done!

[@ednamode2963]

The most beautiful arrangement I’ve ever heard 🤩 I’m in love with it ❤

[@smartzstuff]

Piano playing of my dreams, so beautiful. Thank you

[@emilepandolfi]

Oh my! Thank you!

[@mariannelafrance5079]

It's a gift from life that I accidentally came across this. What amazing skill and passion. Truly beautiful. Thank you.

[@emilepandolfi]

You are truly welcome. I am so glad that the music speaks to you.

[@HelenadeEspartaDrz]

The most beautiful thing I've ever heard in my life.

[@mud6866]

Most beautiful piano playing

[@Kaiouuuu]

Men its 2023 and i listen to this piano. Its so beautiful and nostalgic. Listening to this transports me to a sunday afternoon where everything is so peaceful. ❤

[@steps222]

Bravo, Emile! Merry Christmas.

[@sokkakatara8459]

How beautiful music,how grateful pianist!

[@kirstenrieksts9810]

I love the movie and songs, and I was blessed to see it performed on ice when I was a child.

[@suzanel-lithi5465]

روعه بشكل موسيقى وعزف مميز جميل بيوحشني حياة بحب اشوف واسمع كتير مش عايزه انسى تلازمه لي هو مؤثر وحزين

[@smurfsand4837]

Thank you for creating this masterpiece for us to listen to! This is such an evocative arrangement of this song. The heart-rending sadness of unfulfilled youth is apparent in every note. Rest in peace to Anastasia and the Romanovs and thank you for creating this timeless piece of art in their memory.

[@emilepandolfi]

Wow! You are indeed, a beautiful writer.

[@Matthias_L_99]

What an amazing and compassionate arrangement. I really love it! This rich sound is unique and I would even say that this is the best piano arrangement of this piece I have ever heard.

[@margaritamitriaeva9724]

This is fantastic

[@RuthAlexsandraJones]

Love this song 🎵 ❤️ ❤️

[@majomoranh]

wow, this reminds me of a pianist i used to listen to at a mall when i was a child. he had this same style and his music inspired me to start taking lessons. beautiful rendition of this song, which is my favorite from this beloved movie. wow. im astonished by your talent and passion.

[@ibl3comanticlights]

BRAVO 👏👏

[@user-pb8yw8cw3s]

Genius !

[@khalilzaadeh]

Perfect, Sir. Just PERFECT🤍