Okay, immediately adding Skyrim music to my playlists, and the game to my "games I need to play" list ⚔Coming out of the gate with a C#1 subharmonic, we immediately get swept off into a land of myth and legend -- shoutout to VoicePlay for taking on this iconic video game theme, and giving us more excellent music to enjoy. Any other video game music (and/or covers of video game music) you guys want me to analyze? Also, PSA: I realized at now o' clock that I totally forgot my Pit Vipers for this one!!! Let it be known that Geoff earned Pit Viper status on the opening C#1 subharmonic! 🐍
I really love Your analysis. Just one thing - around minute 23 You hear change in sound quality in the high notes. It is not. It is just Omar taking over from Eli really smoothly
@UC9vKsyoL_a9iWxllxcP%F0%9F%91%BB%F0%9F%91%BBDETg Lol the blue ring light sometimes does me dirty...although I definitely haven't gotten much sun this winter anyway 👻 I'm not sick though!
This is a great analysis of a great song. The language is Dovahzuul, or Dragon Speak, which was created for the soundtrack and the dragon you fight in the game. If you hear Fus Ro Dah, that means Force Balance Push, and is a shout called Unrelenting Force. The first Word of Power you learn, Fus, is in Bleak Falls Barrow when you retrieve the Dragonstone. This shout will send your opponents flying off of cliffs, so be careful when using all three Words of Power.
The arpeggio bass runs are in the original too but to have the gall the have a singer reproduce them-that really shows VoicePlay's faith in Geoff's ability! Amazing
I love how he does an arpeggio, then does the next inversion of it, goes back to the first, then the inversion again. (Basically he starts out (5)-1-3-5-8...etc. and then goes 1-3-5-8....etc. before heading back down to the starting pitch, then repeats )
Layne did that thump thump thump by holding the mic against his throat while making that sound . He showed how he did it live on stage doing a drum solo.
I love that no one really paid enough attention to the fact that he did an arpeggio, did the next inversion of the arpeggio, then repeated the whole. That's hard enough to play, let alone sing.
You've become my hands down favorite reaction channel, along with the charismatic voice. The knowledge you bring to the table is just mesmerizing. Love your work!
Nerd comment alert: The language they were singing in is called Dovahzul, or the dragon language. It was made up by Jeremy Soule (the soundtrack composer) for the Elder Scrolls games.
Peter, thank you for pointing out how technically difficult Geoff's arpeggios are from 2:54 to 3:09. He certainly mastered it and I am sure it took many hours of rehearsal. It is great to hear a musician such as you appreciating it as much as I do.
That high part when you say Eli gets produced, I believe that is Omar. Eli drops out and he takes over. Its great to listen to your analysis, I pick up more than I do when listening to it myself.
In the original video, it is easier to see that the part in question is being sung by both Eli and Omar. That is why it sounds like it has a different timbre and was engineered. You are hearing the notes doubled, and not exactly identical. The blend sounds wonderful.
Geoff is often the bass guitar in many videos, and it's always so accurate, sometimes he ican be seen doing the fingering at the same time. Skills. Reactors who know the game are very impressed by this, as it combines the song from the game with the theme music of the game. Plus that they are singing in Dovahzuul and including the Fus Ro Dah, That really tickles enthusiasts. Interesting note: that chainmail shirt on Cesar weighs 20 lbs. He had to keep lying down on the floor between shots as it hurt his shoulders so much. That's dedication.
Omar's talent apparently runs in the family. His brother is E.J. Cardona, one of the great tenors of Voctave. Omar has done 2 other videos with Voiceplay, I believe, and E.J. has done one with them.
I think my favorite part is the special effect with the Dragon shout FUS RO DAH! They pay attention to all the small details with the costumes, props. Like Layne sharpening his sword with a stone. Cesar with his 20 lbs of chainmail and gauntlets. The whole package. Omar is in their Carry On Wayward Son and SuperStition videos.
I love when a song is so good it allows you to nerd out, both musically and analytically. Lol. Haven't seen you pull out the stank face much Peter. 😂😂😂 Even though you didn't sail on the Skyrim boat, you clearly love Lord of the Rings. Which for me beats out everything in fantasy. 💚💚💚
The reason it's longer is because it's actually two songs. The dragon-language stuff in the middle is a separate song that plays on the game's title screen.
That sound you heard was my squeal of delight. I was hoping you'd do one for this song! I love when VoicePlay goes full out with the costuming/settings for their songs, and this one's one of their best. And I *love* your new tattoo! Anduril (fka Narsil, the Sword That was Broken), Aragorn's sword from Lord of the Rings, and the answer to the question "What do we say to the god of Death?" in Game of Thrones (And in the GoT font. Extra cool points. :) ) Well met, fellow fantasy fan!
Probably already answered some time past, the tattoo is GoT, "There is only one god, and His name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: 'not today'," Syrio Forel said to Arya during her training. Also in slaying the Night King.... and countless memes across the interdragonet.
Just in case you havent seen other comments about it but the "tonality change of Eli" was not actual Eli. It was just Omar hitting that E5 thats why it sounded different because it was different person and not Eli :D
SOOOOO Happy you reacted to this as quick as you did. As soon as I heard it upon release my first thought was that you HAD to react to it. Such a great recreation, of course they absolutely nailed it, and you're analysis is spot on! Keep it up bro!
Oh sweet! Didn’t expect to see this one so fast! Aaaaaaaawesome. I knew you’d dig that opening note. Lol. They really do an epic job with this one. All of their interpretations are so well thought out and produced. I just love them. Great reaction!
Wow, this was quite amazing! What a wide range of voices, the lows and the highs, and the atmosphere was perfect for this song! I really liked it and, of course, the analysis was spot on.
In regards to the time, part of it is that this is actually a combination of two songs from the game. The English portions at the beginning and end are "The Dragonborn Comes", one of the songs performed by bards in game. The central segment is "Dovahkiin", the games main theme
Hey Peter, that part where you noticed the tambre shift, thats because on that high note it's actually Omar, Eli does the buildup then Omar takes the cake, at least I think so. Great reaction!
You should totally take a look at Colm McGuinness’ videos. His covers are amazing! Especially his old Norse version of my mother told me and his old Norse version of if I had a heart.
You should check out some of Malukah's Skyrim content. Her fans loved her Skyrim and Elder Scrolls Online covers so much that they successfully petitioned Bethesda to have her made a Bard in Elder Scrolls Online! ( Her covers are very Bard-like. She even recently had a Mandolin specially crafted to do her music. She recently did a remake for the Skyrim Anniversary) Peter Hollens also does several of Skyrim's songs with her and solo. His solo cover of this is beautiful. His cover of the Skyrim theme with violinist Lindsey Sterling is epic.
Omar also sings with them on ‘Carry on my wayward son’, and you get to hear his voice and variety a lot more. It’s one of their older and less ‘theatrical’ covers but it’s a wonderful interpretation with some fun ‘Geoff being a bass guitar’ moments.
Your tattoo is of Needle, Arya Stark's sword, with the defiant quote from Arya's swordmaster teacher about dying - "Not today." 😊 I like the detail you went into with this cover - and can only imagine how much more you'd have added if you also had knowledge of the Elder Scrolls/Skyrim game world this is a tribute to. It's been huge fun watching reactors who are also true Skyrim nerds completely squeeing out to the references within the song - big, strapping men practically bouncing up and down with glee in their chairs will never get old!
Loved this reaction, im a fan of your channel, voiceplay and Skyrim. So you know bro, the song is in Dovahzul or Dragon Voice according to the game. Keep up the good work.
Amazing reaction and analysis, as always! I may be entirely wrong, but when Eli’s voice “shifts” at the climax, I assumed when first listening that Omar actually took over that note. It sounds more like his voice and tone (hence why it suddenly sounds so different), but I’m admittedly ignorant on most of the technical aspects. So again, I’m probably wrong, but just a thought.
I also thought it was a switch from Eli to Omar cause it sounds more like Omar's tambre, and during the premier VP told the chat that Omars high note was coming.
@@PeterBarber I think both Eli and Omar are up there together which is why it's so strong, it sounds initially like Eli but I hear Omar's nasally tone up there too when I listen carefully☺
Skyrim is very much still alive due to the mod community and they basically just released an anniversary edition last November since the game turned 10 years old. They have taken two songs and mixed them together, all the melodic parts with the dragon language is from a different song called Dragonborn, which is the main theme. Listen to that one, that one is a banger! The dragonborn comes is a tavern song sung acapella in the games
Geoff and VP do occasionally add sounds that are not made by human voice... like Ceasar shaking the shackles in Hoist The Colors or Geoff tapping the sledge hammer with something metal in 16 Tons or a trunk lid slamming in House Of The Rising Sun.
I think Peter Hollens does a Skyrim cover also. You might want to hear that one. He does more of the war chants. That breathe sound you keep thinking to me sounds like a long held oval exhale amplified. Lots of fun once again!
Check out Malukah's version. (Either the original or the remastered.) Peter Hollens did a spectacular coop with Lindsey Stirling, too. Peter and Malukah also do a version of "Baba yetu" the Civ IV theme.
I love this piece. It's clear you did jump on to get this out glad you did. I love listening to your reactions esp a group with the caliber of voice play that as of yet in many places is still unknown. In fact you introduced me to them. Nice ink btw unsure about the sword but the quote is definitely Arya GOT. I love voice play's theatrics. It's quite odd to have you stumble in your analysis makes you more human however. We need to get you a new camera with a bigger battery.
@@aliciacarias1248 The sword is Aragorn's sword, Andúril, that was reforged from the pieces of Narsel. An interesting and appropriate mixing of the two stories.
I absolutely love your reactions... not only do you have maybe the best technical breakdowns I've seen, but, like... I could just listen to your voice all day. So perfectly rich and sonorous. I don't suppose you've narrated any audiobooks? I could listen to the entirety of [Twilight/50 Shades of Grey/Whatever popular books it's cool to hate these days] to just enjoy your voice.
Just a note on a comparison you made to "Lord of the Rings": All of the non "human" languages in the books (and movies) were created by JRR Tolkien himself. He created them as complete languages with pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.
Really enjoy your reactions. Thank you for your time and energy. I have asked other reactors for this one but no one has. If you've never heard Gomer Pyle (Jim Neighbors) sing 'The Impossible Dream' please PLEASE you won't be sorry
The Elder Scrolls theme never fails to grab my little geeky heart and take me on a journey. From Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim, all the variations are SO GOOD. I was geeking and nerding and fangirling out hardcore when I heard this the first time. Several listens and hearing it via your analysis and I'm still getting chills. Fantastic analysis as always! ^_^
The language ( as I'm sure others have pointed out) is the language of the dragons in Skyrim. They are words of power and when dragons fight, they basically shout at their opponent. "Fus RO Dah" is a Shout of unrelenting force, meant to knock, cripple or disable an opponent off their feet. As both a gaming geek and past cathedral choir bass( Always dreaded Easter and Handel's Messiah after the first service my voice was done., and knowing one more service to go though I did love Air for Bass-I just ran out by the end, was that Handel being ironic?) I totally appreciate the analysis from a musical perspective.
I love your analysis of everything you do? But to be honest I just love to listen to you talk. It’s warm, soft, soothing. But I have always loved to listen to a deep voice. Some are softer and easier to listen to. Geoff Avi, and you have that kind of voice. Thank you for what you do!
Another amazing analysis from Peter! I miss being in choir and opera in HS and college. Also, I think it’s safe to say Arya was the inspiration behind part of your tattoo 😉
Thank you for sharing your reaction and impressions. This version is truly amazing and I can't stop listening to it being astonished by their arrangement. Regarding your points you mentioned about languages in Skyrim and also Tolkien's Lord of the rings: First, the language sung here is called the dragons' language and it's based on Norse language. Even their letters are based on an ancient rune system. Second, Tolkien didn't create the languages "out of nothing". As a professor in Linguistics he knew everything about humankind's ways and habbits in language building. He was very much inspired by Old English, Old Norse and other forms of Skandinavian languages so he collected all of his language science based knowledge and united phonemes/morphemes and letters, some in their original form, some changed based on certain grammatical functions. The same the developers of Skyrim did. It's not magic, it's just science and being inspired.
I'm not sure if you have reacted yet but you really should to PTX new rules x tell me you're that somebody!! It really shows off Matt's bass range more than their other songs
J R R Tolkien was a linguist before he wrote any stories. He pretended to be translating the stories from lost languages into English. But he created all the languages for Middle Earth. He created the alphabets and the sounds.
I do love this. They put a great spin on it. There harmonies are fantastic!!! So different from the Original.I love the original.These guys didn't awesome job on this. Check out Peter Hollens.and Lindsey Stirling's rendition. Pretty darn good brother. Also different from this.
I am not familiar with the game so I’m going by what other reactors have said, but at about 25 minutes in, you talked about the length of the piece. From what I understand from the gaming community, they actually did a mash up of the Skyrim theme for the main game and the Dragonborn Comes saga. So it’s not really all one song but parts of two songs. I might be wrong about that but I know I’ve heard that from two different gaming reactors so that might clarify things a little. Layne can also really get low tones and I think that the sort of thumping noise that we hear might be Geoff and Layne both giving us one of those really really deep tones and a lot of reverb. I might be wrong but I know that I have heard Geoff do a sound really similar by putting his mouth almost on the microphone and just doing one of those breathy subharmonics. I know Layne has done something similar but I can’t remember how. reportedly he can do an inhaled phonation down to an A0. Maybe they combined that to get that noise. You are usually so specific and interested in being really accurate on your analysis that I had to laugh while you’re trying to juggle all those different key changes. It’s a pretty complex piece, I can tell that even though I’m not musically trained.
If you want an epic version of the Dragons' language (with subtitles if you want!) check Peter Hollen's cover here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nlCPOCwo3FY.html he also did a version with Lindsay Stirling's magic violin.
I think this song was more of a mashup than the title suggests. It's definitely The Dragonborn Comes (tavern song in-game) but there is also a bit of The Elder Scrolls Main Theme (the section without lyrics, which is in all the Elder Scrolls games) and Dragonborn (the dragon language section, which plays when you enter the launch menu of Skyrim).
It's a little more than a simple mashup. Unless I miss my guess, this arrangement is based on the cover arrangement done 11 years ago by youtuber Malukah, probably the most famous Skyrim cover out there. Voice Play has, of course, added their own bite on it, but you can hear the obvious correlation between both versions as the song levels up. Malukah's original version is still out there in YT (both the original edit and edited play along with game trailer ad), along with a remastered version from 2019 with an added verse in Dovahzuul.
Awesome tattoo :) Anduril flame of the west forged from the shards of Narsil. If I’m not mistaken Tomi has Narsil on his chest. Also, what do we say to the God of Death? Not today.
Two songs combined. Tavern song sung in game by bards is The Dragonborn Comes. Dovahkin is the opening title song and is in Dovahzul or the Dragon Tongue.
What does Needle say to the god of death? You may have missed the big Skyrim train, but that train still runs. There's a reason it's still going for $30 and up depending on version on Steam. If you're a gamer that enjoys fantasy games, you kind of owe it to yourself to play through Skyrim at least once.
