Voice Teacher Reacts and Analyzes: The Poet and the Pendulum - Nightwish

[@wepprop]

It is often said that other singers sing whatever way works best for them, but Floor sings whatever way works best for the song.

[@darthmagnus8855]

I would say the same is true of the whole band as well. Emppu can probably shred with the best of them, but he doesn't need to show off. Just plays exactly what is needed for the song. That's one of my favorite things about this band. They're dedicated to the music with very little ego.

[@darkiee69]

Other singes sing what the can, Floor sings whatever she wants. ;) Like someone said, she's a Swiss army knife of singing.

[@lastword9475]

@David Kling ... Tarja took on all challenges, was great at it..love Floor too but on most Tarja era songs Floor is too timid

[@jeffwolinski2659]

"Floor is too timid" is about the most clueless statement I have ever seen on KZbin.

[@fixxa6455]

last word Well show us then some songs where tarja is doing heavy chestvoice? There is only one singer who has both explosive chest and headvoice its floor jansen

[@ollipartanen5917]

For me it's not just Floor's voice. It's the body language and emotions she brings to each song, especially live performances. I have seen them several times with every singer ,but I think Floor is giving 100% always.

[@sterketjerke]

NEXT: Greatest show on earth!

[@Amaranthos2]

Thank you now I don't have to say it

[@Idefixu]

Tampere 2015 version, please!

[@agustinmanyari]

by popular demand! 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Zoey-K-1]

Yes, the Tampere version...and make sure to let it play all the way to the end.

[@deadohiosky1701]

And do your vocal coach thing, because you have to and you should, but also just let yourself enjoy it :)

[@sleeepwalk]

Natural path is The Greatest Show on Earth... Floor growling, operatic, classical and belting E5s and F5s for 25 minutes, and in the end, G5 belting phrases with 10 seconds each...

[@Idefixu]

In Tampere, please!

[@mrgoats]

Really is. I’m biased as a person inspired by national sciences but it really is masterful storytelling

[@revylokesh1783]

Also _Yours is an empty hope_

[@TheLiger30]

This was about in the middle of the concert, and at the end of it she still aced The Greatest Show on Earth too, which is THE longest song of Nightwish, Tuomas's cherished masterpiece over 20 minutes long. Granted, not quite all 20 minutes have her singing, but there's no doubting she's a powerhouse!

[@xcritic9671]

and by "not quite all" you mean about half.

[@maddermax74]

you want to hear some or Marco ranges you need to check out his amazing performance Nightwish - The Islander (Live At Tampere)

[@jakebronner2371]

The orchestra would probably be the London Philharmonic Orchestra, they've done fantastic work for several Nightwish songs.

[@jakebronner2371]

@Stephen Natoli Thanks for pitching in. :-) I was aware that they worked together on different albums, just not exactly to what extent. I deliberately went for understatement so as not to put out false information, but I also didn't have time to double-check.

[@OHshepard]

Has the Orchestra ever played live with Nightwish?

[@jakebronner2371]

@@OHshepard Not that I'm aware of, no. I heard rumours that Tuomas wanted to do shows with a full orchestra, but it hasn't happened yet. Also, nothing but rumours, so take it with a grain of salt until anything like that is officially announced. ;-)

[@MY-se1jf]

There is no mention of London Philharmonic in album credits. Everyone who played, are under the title of The Dark Passion Play Orchestra.

[@MustaLaatta]

@@MY-se1jf en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Passion_Play this covers the whole album, don't know what's their contribution in this one, but same backtrack... The orchestral line-up featured 66 members from the London Philharmonic Orchestkra, 32 singers from The Metro Voices and twelve gospel singers.[8] The final mixing process spent more than 75 days at the Finnvox Studios in Kitee, Finland, the same place where Nightwish recorded all their previous albums.[8]

[@ExUSSailor]

If Tuomas Holopainen, the keyboard player & composer, had been born in the 17th, or, 18th centuries, he'd be mentioned in the same breath as Bach, Handel, or, Mozart.

[@ChrisPage68]

He should be now.

[@modmcmano]

Isn't he called the Metal Mozart? 🎼🎶🎵♩🎹🎸🎤

[@jukkahelminen9071]

@@ChrisPage68 Definitely! :) PS. I got today Crewish CD, REALLY interesting. It is FUNNY, CRAZY and a lot of HUMOR. Love it! Full of surprises!

[@ralfmeyer9086]

@@jukkahelminen9071 🤗👍

[@janjorgendevries2927]

But probably not be inspired by Metallica 😀

[@justinriley7193]

I'm a fairly new member of the Nightwish army myself. I also have to say I'm not even a singer or try to be but everything you break down is easy enough for someone not versed in the lingo to understand. All the reactions you've had are just golden. I of course really love the Nightwish reactions as everyone else, but it's great to see your breakdown to every other technique as well. I shall now go back into non-comment mode. Have a lovely day, night, month, year!

[@normanmapson1459]

Regarding your note / question at 00:05:48 Pip Williams supervised the orchestra parts and orchestra arrangements - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pip_Williams Tuomas Holopainen (Nightwish founder, keyboardist) composed the music and wrote the lyrics. London Philharmonic Orchestra performed the orchestral parts. Metro Voices did the choir sections.

[@ChrisPage68]

And on the last two albums, the Conductor was James Shearman.

[@corneliusantonius3108]

upvote

[@jackstorm5649]

Also the boy Sopranos were Guy Elliott and Tom Williams, from the Reigate St Mary's Choir School.

[@normanmapson1459]

​@@ChrisPage68 thank you for that information, I've added it to my personal notes :-) EDIT: Looks like he is also credited from Once onwards!

[@normanmapson1459]

@@jackstorm5649 thank you for that information, I've added it to my personal notes :-)

[@halvelife]

If you like prog rock (Many vocalists make appearances): Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down - The Source (2017)

[@MsStecarl]

u ruind the suprice, always fun to se reactors when they see her

[@Dianen65]

Yess! great masterpiece!

[@marcovtjev]

Or "The Gathering - On Most Surfaces". The Gathering is btw a Nightwish influence (both Floor and Tuomas)

[@oolillemyoo4099]

Since he’s a voice teacher, I think Ayreon’s “Valley of the Queens” would blow his socks off! Three metal queens and such a wicked display of vocal skills - despite being short and sweet :)

[@tanjajko7220]

Oh yes this is a good one. The Day That The World Breaks Down is like a big plate of different tiny gourmet delicacies of vocals! 🥰

[@kalajarvi]

I am sure the whole Nightwish Army want to thank you John. You are the right man for this. Thank you. Greetings from Finland. The land of heavy music.

[@fnglert]

"But this is the longest song I've ever done a reaction to" - so far >:D "And she's not trying to be this songbird all over the place just trying to show what she can do with her voice" - YES! THANK YOU! That's what i've always disliked about pop divas like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston et all, they're scale monsters demanding the full attention and acting like the whole world revolves around them, but Floor - ... Floor is in the service of the song. She's an instrument. She does what the song needs, no more, no less. That's an *artist*.

[@tanjajko7220]

I think this applies to all musicians of Nightwish. They are all massively talented at what they do, never showing off, always playing for the team and the Music!

[@ChrisPage68]

Exactly. The same goes for the rest of the band.

[@fnglert]

@@ChrisPage68 Very much so, but this is a voice teacher analyzing a singer, not so much the whole band. :) You're still correct of course.

[@garywinters4636]

The "Humble Goddess of Song." ;-)

[@chadbennett7873]

Absolutely agree - and I agree with the others ... that goes for the entire band. I've said it before and I risk the ire of her followers, but I always found Tarja's voice as a hammer, at times striking an anvil. Floor has an entire box of tools and she uses the one that advances the song best. This frees Tuomas to compose with a more versatile pallet, painting the colors of the art we appreciate so much. I watch the videos Floor makes for us and you can see the humility, without denying the confidence, in her as a person. She is actually grateful, not only for the compositions, but for her"brothers-in-arms" (as she calls them) who give her such a wonderful foundation to dance upon. They make her better, she makes them better, they make us better.

[@madmansurfing]

Quite interesting to have a reaction abstacting from that emotional rollercoaster to the pure vocal technique. Enjoyed it much. You recognised Marko‘s singing during TPatP. May I recommend to go back in time to 2005 and check their Pink Floyd tribute „High Hopes“ sung by Marko. I m sure you will be stunned by that performance as well. Looking forward to the next one.😊

[@s.kenthamilton8745]

I might also recommend "The Islander" live by Nightwish and "Voice of My Father" from Marko's solo album.

[@machintelligence]

Marco also sang this entire song as a demonstration. The words are slightly different (and more bitter.)

[@daveangels]

In High Hopes Marko really shines

[@nassj6593]

Aside from his front raspy vocal part, his backings vocals within this same song in the last sections are also incredible

[@__mader__]

And the Phantom of the Opera with Tarja... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn2VZqWYo9uAatE

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Yes, this is a one heck of the song. And they all nailed it there. Quite complex and a sad story, but they told it well. Notice how the boys gathered around Tuomad at the end to comfort him because this song has some emotional burden to him. Thank you for your analysis!

[@darkiee69]

At the time this was recorded it had been 11 years. He's mostly over4 it. It was another thing when it was still fresh and new. The "three musketeers" gathering at the end have mostly become a "thing" now. You can even see Tuomas singing along in "Mother and Father"

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

@@darkiee69 Of course "the gathering" is part of the show. But my relatively long life experience has shown that we all can hold some difficult things inside us easily for decades (whatever these things might be). It's often stupid and meaningless, but also so very human.

[@tonysweeney2075]

Good to see you really enjoying this masterpiece John..You converted yet!!

[@axelkristiansen2244]

Great reaction. The next should be: The greatest show on earth - live from Tampere 2015

[@lordoverflow]

Yeah. He's ready for that.

[@kaseyict]

Agreed. But be prepared, you will cry at the ending because it’s so overwhelming in the best possible way.

[@darkiee69]

The "operatic" part of "the pacific" was originally sung by the same boy who does the "White lands of Empathica" That was when Anette Olzon was the singer of Nightwish. When Floor took over she told Tuomas that she could sing both of those parts. He chose to keep the intro but let Floor sing the Pacific part. If you think Kai (the drummer) is intense you have to watch something with Nightwish from Wacken 2013 and their former drummer Jukka. He played two hour shows like he was doing one five minute song. He went on a hiatus in 2014 due to health problems (Chronic insomnia) and he suggested his good friend Kai Hahto as his replacement. In 2019 he announced that he was not coming back. He's feeling better but doesn't want to risk his health so Kai is now a permanent member of the band. Jukka is still involved behind the scenes as part of the management team.

[@lorgrenbenirus]

Indeed. Jukka wasn't playing music, Jukka WAS the music.

[@richardtomlin8704]

'I've been told the base player can sing. Understatement of the week/month/year/decade... You so gotta check out 'High hopes'

[@kristianp.405]

They play 2 hour shows, most of the time. So one 10 min song is just a "song" :)

[@prchise]

I have heard many reactions to this song. This is one of the best. And if I may add, in my book Floor is the best female vocalist in rock music now. And beyond. Excellent reaction!

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

So glad you enjoyed the reaction!

[@Birgeyful]

yeah, from technical view this is one of the best, together with this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4DPnHidhMqBhMU The emotional backstory of the song is intense, the writer felt down after the split with the former singer Tarja, he decided to kill himself in the song instead of reality. The final act in the song is real conversation with his mother.

[@leathelone6972]

Good reaction :D If you want to see a song that floor found difficult (she did it well though) Shoemaker.......when they can tour again it will be interesting to see how they do it live. Read a little on Shoemaker the scientist first, the song pays homage to him

[@ddiachen]

They originally said they won't be doing Shoemaker live, but the number of requests for it may make them figure out how to add it to the set list.

[@randominc.2251]

@@ddiachen I think they will save it for the BIG ticket shows...

[@allenjohnstone9945]

I should have seen them last week in Toronto. Totally miffed as are both my daughters as they are not coming to Canada next year either.

[@chardonnay5767]

I'm also looking for reactions to Shoemaker from people who have some kind of understanding about singing. It would be great to hear someone break down all the advanced vocal techniques used in it.

[@johnekare8376]

Excited pre-watch post: YES! Perfect ending of this day! I've been looking forward to you getting to this... I'm pleasantly surprised I didn't have to wait for long.

[@heavy77x]

I recomended to You next Romanticide -live Wacken 2013 🙌

[@Emily-lg9cq]

Yes! I've been waiting for this one ever since I saw your fabulous Ghost Love Score reaction! Thank you!

[@riquelpyles1421]

A full-on, full-body experience. Always captivates me wherever i am, or whatever i'm doing, and takes me into their world. Love it!

[@joecrafted]

Great reaction, I love how you talked so much about her pronunciation and how it fit into the song and how she was singing. I've watched at least 20 reactions to this song (by vocal coaches and others) and you are the first one to explain that. Thank you!

[@mellchiril]

this song never fails to make me emotional. Even if you wouldn't know any backstory to it, just hearing the lyrics and listening to the emotion in the song just hits you just right.

[@oolillemyoo4099]

I’d love to see you go through more of Nightwish’s old catalogue _(Oh please, do “The Greatest Show On Earth)_ - but If you want to see Floor being challenged to the max _(and not just with belting, because we know she can belt superbly)_ , I highly recommend something from their newest album :-) You will find that their style has evolved a lot, from the songs that you’ve already heard. This is not only due to a natural progression of creativity, but because Tuomas _(the keyboardist and composer/songwriter)_ now has a singer, who can basically sing what ever he wants her to - so he is now free to compose without limitations, and oh boy it shows

[@alejandromoya7]

Sí... La canción "Shoemaker" del nuevo disco es perfecta para que sea analizada a fondo por este magnífico reaccionador ("vocal coach").

[@joecrafted]

The acoustic version (recorded live) of "How's the Heart" is possibly the single best example of Floor's singing I've ever seen, and I have watched them all.

[@hansevers6407]

Floor wrote already great songs in the past and I’m still waiting at the moment Tuomas wrote a piece of music with a real choir and orchestra. When he do that, he will be the real genius. To explain what I meant, you should listen to the Ayreon project from Arjan Lucassen. This guy has the ability to put all the great singers from the scene together and let them collaborate.

[@billattercliffe8655]

As a video guy I can confirm what the previous poster said. The frame rate of the video camera is too slow to catch the precise moment of the snare hits. The video and audio are correctly synched. Pip Williams of the London Philharmonic Orchestra is the man who does the grooving with the baton. Tuomas writes the orchestral music for each instrument section, demos the tracks on his synth and sends it off to London where Williams works his magic. The band and the LPO have been working together for a long time. There's a documentary on the making of the "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album that describes this process in more detail. The choir work involves both an adult and a child choir working with the LPO. The opening passage is sung by a boy soprano and the spoken parts were done by one as well. In the original version of the "Poet and the Pendulum" a boy soprano also sang that high passage starting with "Sparkle my scenery". This album was produced with their second singer, Anette Olzen, and she didn't have the range to sing that passage. Floor has the range and she sings it with the thinness of a boy soprano, or at least as close as an adult woman can get. Go back to that passage and listen to the thin, almost unstable tone that Floor gives it. BTW, big Yes and Genesis fan here as well. Let's not forget Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

[@npinjest7779]

Interesting on the frame rate, I was wondering if this was BT latency with his headphones...

[@billattercliffe8655]

@@npinjest7779 Frame rate issues are common with any fast moving object like a drumstick. Watch some drumcam videos and see the staggered, multiple images of a drumstick in motion. 24 fps is common for a lot of video as it's the slowest frame rate that we can use and have the human eye not detect the stutter of individual frames. However 24 and 30 fps seriously sucks for anything that involves fast motion. 60 fps is the minimum and 120 or 240 preferable for faster moving objects. There are consequences for going up in frame rate and this was shot in 2013 when even pro equipment had quality issues with high frame rates. There are exposure issues as well, but I'll stop here as otherwise it'll turn into a video tutorial.

[@npinjest7779]

@@billattercliffe8655 Thank you for the explanation. Much appreciated.

[@marcmulder9893]

So Floor is basically Yodelizing it to sound even more beautiful...Great comment man.

[@justinchristoph3725]

Floor is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to vocal technique. Every vocal coach I've seen on KZbin who reacts to her is massively impressed because they know exactly what she's doing and how she's doing it. You should see her do Opera, specifically Puccini's "O mio babbino caro" which you can find on KZbin. If she had been born in Japan, she would be considered a Living National Treasure.

[@larryd4352]

I absolutely love this song...not only for the emotional rollercoaster it takes me on, but for how all of the pieces of this song fall into place so beautifully. As a man that suffered from depression that led to becoming an alcoholic...what Tuomas wrote in this song could have been me! I decided to stop and turn my life around 22 years and 3 months ago. I hope one day you will react to some of Disturbed's music! Their version of "The Sound Of Silence" is fabulous. Then there is "Hold Onto Memories" ..... "A Reason To Fight".... a cover of Stings " If I Ever Lose My Faith In You " that is fantastic. The whole album, titled "Evolution" is amazing! Love your channel..you remind me of our vocal coach during my days in college singing in a travelling choir ( I was one of the bass singers ) We traveled all over the south, up to Virginia, and back across the Midwest...back down into Texas. Lots of great memories! Love you channel! Oh....Nightwish Army, Texas Regiment! And a 64 year old Hard Rock / Heavy Metal enthusiast since I was 8 years old back in 1965!

[@shawnski001]

Time to go from depressing (but good) to total fun (and awesome!) Storytime, from the Wachen 2013 concert! It's TIME.... for a little story!

[@Mackieee]

This was a very personal song for Tuomas (they keyboardist); dealing with his feelings surrounding removing their old singer Tarja from the band, they had been lifelong friends and band members for years. It was his therapy for dealing with that loss and the guilt, but knowing it was the right thing to do. The song is almost him judging himself. Floor has said before she is a strong empath, and often associates sound to feelings and vice versa - and I think you can really tell and hear the pain in her voice in this song - knowing that this song means a lot to Tuomas and wanting to do it justice. And I think she nails the emotional element in this so beautifully. I get chills every time.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

This guy's not in it for the story Bud. Not his thing. Vocals mainly, and music composition secondarily.

[@Mackieee]

@@MoMoMyPup10 emotion is a huge element of vocals...

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@Mackieee Yeah but that doesn't apply here, as Floor has no emotional attachment to the saga. He was asked to read the backstory - he gave us the extent he was interested in it. He didn't ask for more info. He left it at that. Just because a song means something different to the fans doesn't mean everyone who's just tuning in now wants or needs to know in order to evaluate the vocalist(s).

[@Mackieee]

@@MoMoMyPup10 what are you the comment police? his spokesperson? who am i hurting by commenting my thoughts on the video? lmao shhhh

[@leonidasmalekakis7366]

Your commentary ia ouy of this world. And your knowledge is amazing. If we lived in the same country I'd pay you all the money in the world to be my voice teacher. Thank you for having this channel

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Well, he was Britney Spears vocal coach for awhile there...

[@RichardFer01]

Can't keep my eyes dry when she sings, never had that before...

[@cree_VI]

me too

[@RavensFlock9592]

Same. She sings so beautifully.

[@GTSchorsch]

It's not just her singing. Floors whole body language is fantastic.

[@angelapierce6764]

Yes! So happy you did this song. For Marko( bassist) I think you should check out The Islander it focuses on his singing ability and is really a beautiful song.

[@Magyarkhan]

Goddess of Voice casually mass healing the audience.

[@Oldman618]

The refrain is so fast it blows my mind that Floor can catch such quick breaths and continue singing never missing a beat.

[@jimborumable]

Wow. That was a really inspiring critique. Thank you. I would imagine you would have a lot to say about Floor's technique when she guested with another band, called Epica on their retrospective tour, singing, 'Sancta Terra.' I would love to see that reaction.

[@jalf0007]

This concert was especially challenging for her because she sang the trilogy: Ghost Love Score, The Poet and the Pendulum, and the Greatest Show on Earth. These three combined are over thirty minutes long! Keep in mind that Nightwish songs are not easy for vocalist, so the rest of the songs are not a piece o cake either!

[@dribbel77]

Thank you for youre reaction on this masterpiece. Tuomas (keys) is the main writer/composer/ arranger. The song is about HIM committing sueside in the liric. And not in real life ........ Im kinda sad you did not mention Marco do much. He is singing all backing. And rocking it. Wile playing bass like a boss.... There is so much to dive in.... Beste Zangers 2019 ....Floor..... More Marco... the Ilander live Tampere. High hopes 2005. All Wembley... all Tampere .... all Wacken..... is all good.... and everyone different. A real rolercoaster. Keep up the good work.

[@narkoticos7599]

Every single time, goddamnit the act/part 5 always brings the tears no matter how many time I heard this.... John nice and educating reaction! #wewerehere

[@chardonnay5767]

Your insight on the "pocket" was great, that was something I'd been wondering about in this song whether there was some kind of special significance to it. Now I understand that it's a vocal technique, and a pretty high level one at that.

[@Shamankzn]

Another great reaction to my favourite band, thanks, John!

[@alexisthibodeau1300]

If you want to hear more from Marco Hietala (the bassist) I highly suggest "The Islander" and "While Your Lips Are Still Red". They’re both masterpieces. Also I always recommend my favorite song cover ever, Pink Floyd’s "High Hopes" by Nightwish!

[@retrospect6904]

Toumas (keyboard) is running the orchestra...he developes everything, from composing most of the bands music, to creating instruments that are not on stage...he is a musical genius.

[@orbitsurvey9612]

Love your insights and reactions! Props to early Genesis as well. Selling England by the Pound is one my all time fav albums! Please give a listen to The Greatest Show On Earth live at Tampere followed by Yours is an Empty Hope live at Wembley. Cheers

[@matthewarms3786]

Ah yeah, Dancing With the Moonlit Knight was pretty much my intro to prog, came across it going through my dad's Jazz Fusion and prog rock vinyls when I was in grade school. I also discovered Yes and King Crimson during those dives.

[@libbygwinn3937]

Thank you, again. Technique information is very much appreciated. I watch her repeatedly, to try to catch what you presented today.

[@chrisridley7314]

Nothing wrong with Prog Rock Dinosaurs! I too love Close to the Edge and appreciate the alto voice of Jon Anderson. However, Floor Jansen is something very special indeed. Her range is incredible and well used by Tuomas in his compositions. Her singing against that of Marko, the bassist, works brilliantly I really enjoy your reactions as you delve deep into the technicalities of the music. Try 'Shoemaker' next

[@SuperViko91]

16:47 I don´t know about others in the Nightwish fans/army, but i started crying when Floor started singing this part

[@deadohiosky1701]

Thank you for this, it's a special song to a lot of people and you did it a special kind of justice. From the perspective of a non-vocalist, I've seen a handful of good vocal coach reactions and yours is in the upper echelon, to be sure. I was educated today, and I'm grateful for that. Floor is just as she appears to be, always humble and "in the service of the song." A truly special human being. Looking back over the last few months, I can honestly say that Floor and Nightwish have helped me get through the pandemic more than they can ever know. Despite our troubles, we are all blessed to be alive, and to have lived to experience things like this.

[@eljuanchosf]

Again, fantastic analysis. Definitely going to buy your book. Thank you, and much love from Madrid, Spain.

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

Awesome, thank you!

[@eljuanchosf]

@@JohnHennyVocalStudio Book ordered! :)

[@ugk1106]

I think its a YT-problem or bandwidth problem with desychronized drummer moves and the sound you mentioned. I noticed it with other music videos too.

[@cheribomb2628]

You will definitely love "How's The Heart Acoustic (Planet Rock acoustic session) " from Nightwish, her voice in that song is AMAZING. PS: I love your reactions and how you explain everything, excellent job. Greetings from Argentina!

[@topmark99]

Definitely a favourite Nightwish reacter. Love you're insight

[@MY-se1jf]

Orchestra and choirs arranged, orchestrated and directed by Pip Williams (Moody Blues, The Kinks, Carl Douglas). Orchestral contractor was Isobel Griffiths (Tomb Raider, Dunkirk, list is endless). For full cast, just buy Dark Passion Play album. ;) P.S Nightwish has released orchestral and instrumental versions of their songs as well. might be something you would enjoy.

[@ktompa77]

This was the absolute BEST vocal coach reaction to this masterpice! Thank you so very much for the insight! I'm not a vocalist but I've started learning so many things from these videos!

[@veronicaue180]

Nice video again, thank's! I appreciate your knowledge. I really would like the have your analyze of Floor's version of "Shallow" (Beste Zangers).

[@parrotheadlasvegas]

Thanks for another wonderful video and for doing this respectfully! When the band fired Tarja, they weren't just firing a singer. She was Tuomas' childhood friend. This band is a BIG deal in Finland and even the Prime Minister was coming out and being publicly critical. Between the fans' criticism, government figures coming down on him, and having to sever ties with a dear friend, Tuomas was very nearly truly suicidal. He wrote this rather than actually killing himself. Thanks for doing right by it. For your next Nightwish tunes, The Greatest Show on Earth live in Tampere is an epic masterpiece that will blow you away :) If you don't want quite such a long piece, though, I have a few other suggestions. Slaying the Dreamer live in Buenos Aires is an amazing duet on par with Phantom of the Opera in my opinion, Romanticide live at Waken 2013 is short, powerful, and there's a fun bit at the very end that might impress you, and Sleeping Sun live in Tampere is just gorgeous. To hear some great Marko performances, The Islander live in Tampere, While Your Lips are Still Red live at Wembly, I Want My Tears Back at Waken are great, but please consider checking out Death March for Freedom live from his first solo tour off his first solo album Pyre of the Black Heart ;) Thanks again and have an amazing day!!!

[@lastword9475]

Tuomas admitted to Tarja being a distant friend and he had no regrets in stabbing her, even doubling down on the appropriateness of his actions followed by vindictive songs...

[@eriksimca9409]

you want to hear more of marco? islander, he doesnt sing this sharp but he shows a whole other side of his singing which is still good

[@traceysharpe6330]

The Poet and the Pendulum is the first song in Nightwish's 6th Album, Dark Passion Play. This song is one of Tuomas' most personal songs, dealing with Tarja Turunen leaving the band and his feelings of it. The song at its time was the longest Nightwish song in duration,and is now the second longest song only to The Greatest Show on Earth. Clocking at around 14 minutes. The song is divided into 5 sections, each with different themes and styles being applied: White Lands of Empathica, Home, Pacific, Dark Passion Play, and Mother and Father. There is a demo version by Marco Hietala, with even darker lyrics.

[@damienmaynard8892]

The end. The boy soprano at the start is Guy Elliott from St Mary's Reigate Choir School. It was Pip Williams and Tuomas himself who arranged, conducted and recorded the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the backing track...and the London Metro Voices Choir... There was another boy soprano for the part beginning "Sparkle...." but Floor said that she could do it so Tuomas let her!! Very Dutch to say/sing "een rather than "in"!.... Marko singing - JCSS - Caiaphas or Herod?............ The beginning.

[@yoligonzalez6011]

Great reaction. More Nightwish please!!!!

[@flafreitas]

Everdream and storytime!!! Both from wacken Just perfection And just to see how amazing and versatile she is try yours is an empty hope!!

[@Nikioko]

9:13: Of course, make a short "i" to a long "i". That is the German school and maybe the Dutch as well. So when you sing a German text like "Der Mond ist aufgegangen", the "i" in "ist" is always a bit like the "i" in "Ihr schlummtrunk'nen Äugelein" because it has more resonance. And of course you assimilate the vowels of the secondary syllables to the primary ones. The mouth doesn't change its aperture. Neither does the throat. It is all work of the tongue to shape the vowels. And "u" and "i" are close vowels that are turned inwards, so of course they are better for head voice than open vowels like "a" and "ä".

[@rickysellstedt7395]

First time viewer, and i got to say that this was an amazing react! The whole "I" thing is something i would have never noticed myself. Keep up the great work!

[@Auldian]

And hell yes to long prog rock! Suppers Ready is an all-time fave.

[@yourwinefamily1939]

Check out Floor on 'Beste Zangers 2019", Netherlands show, in 7 episodes she sings opera, salsa, ballads, pop, more, in English, Dutch, German, and Spanish. Just Amazing! Believe you already did the last episode of her and Henk Poort doing the Phantom of the Opera.

[@RepairCat]

If you want to hear more from Marco (the bassist), you should check out The Islander (Live at Tampere) and Phantom of the Opera, which he sang with Nightwishs first vocalist Tarja!

[@sonosoloio]

8:59 her voice is a pure mountain spring that comes directly from heaven after this song, which is tuomas' virtual suicide letter, i strongly suggest you to react to the song "dead boy's poem", in the 2018 concert in buenos aires, which is a kind of musical testament of tuomas in case he was found dead. and don't forget "the greatest show on earth" from the 2015 concert in tampere 😉

[@yourwinefamily1939]

Opening Section : Lead boy soprano: Guy Elliott; later on spoken part about Tuomas erased text: is 2nd boy soprano: Tom Williams, both courtesy of the Reigate St Mary's Choir School

[@sharper58]

You sir, just experienced the masterpiece of the Nightwish catalogue and your appraisal did it justice, thankyou.

[@svolos1971]

Queen to D5...Checkmate! Every time Floor opens her mouth to sing, it is a masterclass. You have to love how Marco and Appu went and stood by Tuomas at the end. Kinda like checking on their buddy because they know how important and emotional this song is to him.

[@bartvools2314]

Great reaction videos. Really adding some new insights into how Floor does what she does best. You really nailed it when you mentioned she’s not trying to be a songbird. She wants the composition to be the star, and that’s the sum of all of their talents and hard work. Keep em coming, there is so much more beautiful stuff to discover: their latest album, her appearance on ‘beste zangers’ (besides the phantom of the opera which you’ve already reacted to) with two breathtaking versions of lady Gaga’s ‘shallow’ and other great covers, some of the older classics she has made her own, the greatest show on earth... so much beauty to tuck you in.

[@allenjohnstone9945]

Floor has 20 years+ of learning what she is capable of. This song is personal to Toumas and she carries it beautifully. Pretty much how she interprets every song. Dead boys poem live from BA. Edit:I'm probably around your age and grew up with Yes and King Crimson along with Tull and Floyd. Early Genesis also rocks.

[@mynanaleo]

check out Marko Hietala and Floor Jansen singing AVE MARIA... in Poet&thePendulum Marko sounds hard but there is such a soothing quality in his voice

[@abhiram6536]

Im seeing ur reaction for the first time, and i really really loved it .

[@jabgibson]

Excellent review John. Loved this one. Keep it up, you are going to have so much fun exploring this band, especially with your prog background.

[@Flickerboy]

Check the bassist Marko! Check the cover of "high hopes" from the end of an era dvd, or "the islander " live from Tampere!!

[@ArimoDave]

If you listen again at the end where you were pointing out how Floor was pronouncing "Shore" and the like, Marko (the bassist) was doing exactly the same thing as well. This is one of the things that makes this group so good is that all the singers (and other instruments) match each other. They all blend with that that cannot be controlled (the backing tracks) and each other nearly perfectly.

[@mitchthepower]

"The drummer is burning a few calories during this song." I have to think about Kai drumming in the live rehearsal of "The sons of winter and start" by "Wintersun". I think he loses 5 kilograms while playing it... :-D

[@jukkahelminen9071]

The same thing came to my mind at that point! :D

[@ytbabbler]

Yeah, why would not the worlds best band with the best singer also have the best drummers. (I'm a huge fan of both Jukka and Kai, the artist and the master.)

[@MikkoRantalainen]

Try Wintersun "Time I", too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoawqH-ue7N-iZI Kai has proper workout there, too.

[@MustaLaatta]

According to BBC news, an hour of drumming burns more calories than running, aerobics or weight lifting.

[@berndb3141]

Right? This is probably a vacation compared to "Sons of winter and stars".

[@lujalainen1]

i see millions react about this song and i learn now again something new thanx john to great react :) have great weekend there.

[@liesjedegie1001]

I really love Floor! She's a Valkerie. But i missed a reaction about Marco. He's such a good singer to. He's so good that he compliments Floor beautifully. Try the islander live at Tampere, or While the lips are still red!

[@JohnHennyVocalStudio]

He is a very good singer!

[@yvonnecampbell7036]

@@JohnHennyVocalStudio And now their cover of Pink Floyd's "HIGH HOPES". Marko really shines here and NO FLOOR! XD. Love your view on this. Very respectful.

[@nicod1361]

@@JohnHennyVocalStudio be honest John,what other singers have you come across with Floor's talent,agility, & range, keep in mind you have not seen everything she has to show yet :)

[@JariJuslin]

This piece also gives a *really* wide variety for Marko. From the absolute roughness of the Dark Passion Play to backing very delicate Floor in the Mother and Father. Any mistake or roughness would have made him to stand out, now he was just there making Floor's voice richer.

[@kezca]

Well that was a great reaction and analysis of an epic performance. I concur with other suggestions to checkout high hopes pink Floyd interpretation it is fabulous. Thankyou.

[@sbhmetal3838]

The orchestra is arranged and conducted by Pip Williams with the London Philharmonic Orchestra

[@one42chrisp]

I have to agree with you about “Supper’s Ready”, it is my favourite Genesis song and Foxtrot is my fave album :) Great reaction and analysis, thanks for this.

[@calanor4130]

"Supper's Ready" is IMO one of the best prog rock songs ever written! And yeah, "Foxtrot" is one of my favourites as well, slightly, oh-so-slightly, above "Selling England by the Pound" on my list.

[@sebastiaanbarends]

The syncing problem is actually pretty easy to explain: it is almost impossible to sync video to sound and music videos are the only videos where video is synced to sound. In all other media it's the other way around.

[@sophiepalmer-doran344]

This song is about the depression Tuomas slipped into after the band fired Tarja. People he thought were his friends turned on him. He thought about committing suicide, but fortunately for the world he chose to do it virtually in a song. Some of the symbolism is drawn from Edger Allen Poe's story the Pit and the Pendulum, which is about the last thoughts of a person who is strapped to a table while pendulum slowly descends to kill him. Hence the reference to Tuomas only having 3 minutes left. this song is about the lyrics and their meeting. ps even if you do not know the lyrics i am watching the body laungage and also the narrator you can tell the narrater of the song is in pain both mental and emoinal then is at peace twards the end

[@MoMoMyPup10]

This guy's not in it for the story Sophie. Not his thing. Vocals mainly, and music composition secondarily.

[@MKEbcl]

I’m going be totally late for somewhere I have to be but I just have to watch this right now. The world can wait, I need some Floor.

[@MKEbcl]

Best band on the planet with the best frontperson ever. They are all incredible together. It’s not just music.

[@Thorgrim247]

The opening was done by a young choir boy. I think that the key of D is Floor's perfect key. Once again I loved your reaction and analysis of this amazing composition. I would love to hear and see you do some other special songs and performances from Floor and the boys in Nightwish. I think Pip Williams and the London Philharmonic is what is on the backing track. Tuomas and Pip have worked together for many years. I look forward to the next one my friend. I am old enough to remember the old prog masters , Yes, ELP. Camel, to name a few. Loved all of it! Peace.

[@antti-jussikemppainen305]

Thank you for the technical aspects! Specially the letter selection. As a next step I recommend How's the Heart (acoustic) and Dead Boy's Poem. You won't be disappointed!

[@wieldwords]

I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, and the only instrument I play is air guitar, but I love watching reactions - especially to Nightwish - and yours have quickly found a place among my favorites. It’s so cool to see you genuinely appreciate the music and the overall vibe, even beyond the technicalities of the singing - which you explain really nicely, so even an untrained ear like mine can hear what you’re describing. Marko (the bassist) actually fronts his own band, but if you want to see him take lead on a Nightwish track, definitely check out “The Islander” from Tampere. Really, really cool. I’ll also echo the recommendation of “The Greatest Show On Earth” from that same show, because it’s literally and figuratively out of this world. There’s a bit of a backstory to that one as well that will give your viewing a little more context, but you’ll still be absolutely blown away if you just want to listen to it cold. Anyway, many thanks and much love for another awesome video.

[@jakovdakovic]

Amazing song and amazing reaction, well done👍

[@jmetallover]

Imagine Tuomas/keyboards who writes and arranges 95% of the bands efforts including working with the London Philharmonic to make sure the tracks are perfect, now he has Floor who can sing anything his imagination can come up with. Marco/bass is also a great vocalist so pairing them together gives this band almost unlimited potential to do whatever they want. Great reaction and especially the explanations of Floor's various techniques throughout the song.

[@miketarallo8932]

There are hundreds of Nightwish reactions now. You do it better than most, your attention to detail is right on. Having said that, the most correct reaction to this song is.....Damn, I Wish I Could Do That!

[@RavensFlock9592]

Just discovered this band three weeks ago. Kicking myself for not discovering them sooner.