Classical Composer Reacts to Trilogy Suite, Op. 5 (Yngwie Malmsteen) | The Daily Doug (Episode 230) 

You can tell in this song that Yngwie being so classically oriented basically just threw on the drums to the track as an afterthought, just because contemporary music should have drums. I would have loved for him to have dared to entirely skip the standard drums on this track, and instead take some time to develop some real classical percussion. That would have been awesome!

The different tone is the keyboard of Jens Johannsen, a virtuoso in his own right.

Yngwie is a fundamental piece in the evolution of the electric guitar. People can hate him or love him, but none can argue that.

That bass guitar playing....my word! Breathtaking.

One of Malmsteen's best instrumental but the live version is better. I'm not as big a Malmsteen fan as I used to be but it cracks me up how the haters will dump on him for being "soulless". The soul is there. You just don't want to hear it. Speed definitely doesn't equal soul but it also doesn't mean it's devoid of it, either.

Credit to Jens having such a great keyboard sound that it didn’t sound dated 35 years later.

Yngwie did everything except the following: Jens Johansson - keyboard Anders Johansson - drums In fact, Jens was Yngwie's Jon Lord.

40 odd years after this was release and still as relevant and amazing as ever

The very first time I heard Yngwie's first album, it literally took my breath away. I also immediately correlated Yngwie's approach as that of a solo violinist , hence his being greatly inspired by Niccolo Paganini.

"It's Trilogy because it's three." ~Yngwie J. Malmsteen

"But ability isn't always enough. Just ask Yngwie Malmsteen." -House, MD

Vinnie Moore, "April Sky" It's a mashup of 2 pieces by Bach, Air On a G String" and "Arioso for Brass." Tony MacAlpine, 'Porcelain Doll' based on a theme from Chopin, Sonata #3 Opus #58 3rd movement (largo).

I love the entire Time Odyssey album. Vinnie’s tone was totally unique at that time. Also Tony MacAlpine’s Edge Of Insanity.

To me, it's the "out of sync" that makes YJM 80's shred such a joy to listen to. He does his bursts and it doesn't come out as boring metronomic triplets or other tuplets. Very often it's 7 notes squeezed into a beat, and very often it's not perfectly clean, making it sound even more impressive because "it's so fast we're not even able to hear all the notes". Put his music in Midi or digitalize in any way (making it "rhythmically perfect") and it loses all interest...

That second “guitar “ is a keyboard my dude.

The Beauty of classical and heavy metal combined. Thanks Doug for showing us this song.

LOVE this album !!! One of his finest ones. Like him or not, his musical approach is just unique and his playing awesome.

If you want some slower acoustic stuff, I recommend the song Crying - also from Trilogy. Electric guitar is only used for the solo. If you want some vocals, You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget is one of the songs he's best known for, and it is also on Trilogy. Mark Boals is one of his best singers.

I could wrong but i think it's called Trilogy simply because it was his 3rd album at the time. Also at times during the various guitar solo's there is Jens Johansson "shredding" on the keyboards....(this was a popular thing that Yngwie and Jens did on the early albums)

I listened to this masterpiece a long time ago, in let's say, 1988, I bought the Cassette (yes !). It's still so hypnotic and timeless, a really great piece of art. Thank you Mr Malmsteen, and thank you Doug, of course.

Ywgwie is the purest of artists, he only does what he is inspired to do. Looking forward to seeing him again next month live on his new album tour, Parabellum. One of the all time greats. 🎸

I ran into your video by coincidence, and man, I love your channel! Being a fan of neoclassical metal including Yngwie, Symphony X, and Jason Becker, I am so delighted that I could hear you talk into the building blocks and theories of the pieces that I love by my heart. Plus, Trilogy Suite is a beast of a YJM song haha

When you commented about the different sounds in the passages in the first part, it is actually keyboards and guitar alternating.

I think that the japanese philarmonic performance of this really brings out some of the classical parts!

I've been waiting for you to get around to some more Yngwie, bro! Awesome!

I gotta say.. this reaction is even better when one has the sheet music of this in front of them while watching you react, because not only can I follow along note for note as well as what I am playing, but seeing your reaction on this while following and playing along is so much fun and entertaining!

I not only love the guitar solos but also the great keyboard synth solos in the middle + keyboard work from Jens Johansson! My personal keyboard idol. What a line up from Yngwie those years! Amazing content on your channel too! I love it!

Talking about virtuoso, why not Ozzy's " diary of a madman"? It's time for Randy.

Thanks for this video, Doug! When I brought Trilogy Suite in for my Music Appreciation class to hear during my Freshman year of college, the Professor said EXACTLY what you said - she thought the drums took away from the virtuosity in the guitar and keyboard synthesizer... 🌎✌🌿🎶

Thank you for pointing out that bass; I never paid attention to how fantastic it was!

When I was a teenager hearing this for the first time and while learning guitar I really thought this is how Yngwie might kill a dragon with his guitar ... like on the cover. The three scale runs in the beginning are just such a ridiculous statement of virtuosity on the electric guitar almost unheard of at that time. It still leaves me in awe how he just screams out his harmonic minor scales and makes them sound so powerful and cool on the electric guitar. It just makes me smile hard.

To me, he sounds totally in time on the fast parts, or maybe you meant the drums. All these years later, I still can't get over the fact that a guy in his early to mid 20s could play like this, on top of knowing all the theory.

Yngwie has so many haters, but nobody can do what he does

Doug, since you are fascinated by virtuoso guitar playing I'm sure you would like 'Tumeni Notes' by Steve Morse. He definitely has his very own style and added something new to the genre.

Man, you're ability to hear the correct key and changes is amazing. I'm jealous!

Just tuned in and what a pleasant surprise...Thank you!!! I think that if Yngwie hears your critiques, he's going to lose his stuff...Major Ego!.. LOL!!!

I've known the name for many years but never really listened. I've missed out on some fantastic playing from this gentleman that I need to catch up on. Thanks for bringing this.😋🔥reminds me a bit of Al Dimeola.

Doug, someone else may have already pointed this out, but the difference in guitar tones you’re hearing in the solo section is actually keyboard. It’s keyboard and guitar trading licks.

Pretty much the only Yngwie Malmsteen stuff I truly love is this specific song and his entire debut album, Rising Force.

This was very impressive to see live back in the 80's. I was lucky to be of the right age to see them in San Antonio year after year. Just as good live as the album, and often times he would put the guitar behind his head while playing (quite the sight). Fun Fact: Yngwie has (had- not sure if Hard Rock is still open?) a booth dedicated to him in the Stockholm Hard Rock Cafe.

I remember thinking the same thing about the drum track being off when I first heard this piece too, but I wasn't sure if I was crazy. Thanks for confirming my sanity and for the great reaction as always, Doug!

I've always loved Malmsteen's playing and his attitude to stick with what he wants to do. I'm glad you mentioned the drums...I've always found them flat with no groove or emotion 🤷‍♂️ I wish the backing was less static... Still...what a player!!!!

Thank you Doug, i admire your work. It is very enjoyable to witness your music explorations. I have to tell you that the sound quality is not as high as this beautiful music deserves. If you take care of that these videos will be fantastic. Love from Greece !

You had me at Yngwie, Guitar Maestro Extraordinaire. New sub. Love the pianos on the wall behind you.

Almost nobody talks about the huge complexity of the bass and work in this composition

Awesome! Try Crying from the same album for more "emotion".

The slightly different take is the keyboards of Jens Johansson starting 2:57, 3:16. Similar.

A reaction to Yngwie’s Evil Eye would be rad - Either studio or live with Alcatrazz. It’s a bit less popular than the songs you’ve covered so far, but I really enjoy the composition of it and slower (for Yngwie) tempo.

Love Yngwie's first few albums! Plus his Steeler and Alcatrazz days.

Another virtuoso Tony McAlpine. Check out his album "Maximum Security". He plays guitar and piano pieces on this album. I think one of the piano pieces is Chopin. Enjoy...

Doug needs to react to some of the live Alcatrazz videos with Yngwie. Young yngwie live was a monolith that leaves ur draw dropped

been waiting for this one

If I’m not mistaken Yngwie played bass on the album

Malmsteen is a fun guilty pleasure for like 10 or 15 minutes maybe, but i couldn't imagine sitting through an entire concert of his stuff. I definately want one of those Fender Malmsteen scalloped strats though :)

An incredible masterpiece 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

November 2021 Yngwie in concert. First time I have seen him since 1988. Can’t wait to see the Maestro.

You're right about the guitar and drums not always matching up. Yngwie uses a lot of Rubato when he solos which is quite hard to replicate. He slows down and speeds up, playing with the timing a lot. The trick to making it sound good is then falling on your feet again and playing something that locks in with the drums to fool the listener into thinking you were playing in time all along!

The absolute genius of yngwie is that the music is following his guitar. Trilogy album is probably one of his best. Great video..

Thanks for Yngwie evaluations

That's Jens Johansson on keyboards, truly at Yngwie's level, he's currently playing in Stratovarius, you should check them out soon!!

Duel keyboard vs guitar. Different colors indeed. ;-)

As soon as you start analysing rock music, it's game over. Yngwie is God.❤️

Great, lovely to hear X

This is a guitar MASTERPIECE!

Reactions to "Baroque", "Midnight", "War" and "Tears in the Rain" all by Joe Satriani would be awesome. Think you will enjoy

Good choice, one of my most favorite Yngwie Malmsteen pieces!

I had a similar reaction to yours. The middle bit was the best and the drums detracted from the first and third (especially the first) section. I did not think they were out of sync, but if you're only drumming to keep time it might be better to just get out of the way. At times in the first section I was reminded of the "Stars on 45" medleys (remember those?!!) where the hand-clap rhythm is used to link the different songs.

Master Jens on keys.

I was soooo looking forward to this. His slow acoustic parts tend to be his best. His few blues pieces are surprisingly good. Prelude to April and tocatta with japanese orchestra his something I think you would like.

Nice ! Doug you should listen to Steve vai “fire garden suite” (album version). This is a great piece of music. Complex and emotional.

Yngwies instrumentals are just that- then other layers added over it- thought it was obvious. As far as recommendations, i can not belive so few mentioned BLACK STAR! It is by far my favorite instrumental he has ever done! Still get goosebumps & tears like 40 years later! Blatantly a huge classical & classic rock fan❣ Next reveiw we would love to hear from you would be from Metallica (well truly Cliff Burton - their late bassist that tragically passed away in 1986) ANASTASIA is an amazing full bass solo instrumental song. Highlight of his talent which is also prevalent in the instrumentals CALL OF KTULU & ORION 💜💜💜

Great video; fun & instructional.

Hi Doug. Congratulations and thanks for your reviews... On this album, the drums and keyboards are played by the Johansson brothers, Anders & Jens... sons of the famous swedish jazz piano player and composer, Jan Johansson. Jens (Stratovarius) and Yngwie's solo battles are so epic.... The keyboards solo parts and the atmospheric ambient from this virtuoso musician are from another world... The drums... simply amazing, full of details and line melodies. I recomend you to discover the world of this brothers and his father too. Marcel Jacob play bass on tours and some tracks from the albums. Thanks, Doug for your job.

This album is a masterpiece

Doug, Ingwie likes to play phrases in groups of 10, 11, 12 and 13, and mixes them a lot. I imagine this approach helps him sound less robotic gives him more freedom.

Hey Doug! this is my favorite Malmsteen's song, I loved when I was younger xD. Well, you have a long of time in no review Blind Guardian (any track, but I specialy love Nightfall)!

Yngwie influenced me so much by his notes , style of play , and techniques

Excellent video.Yngwie was such a game changer.I do not know if anyone has recommended Savatage before or if you have made a video about them.Great band.I think you ' ll love Gutter Ballet.

You're not wrong about it not matching the beat in metronome precision. One of Yngwie's great abilities within otherwise complex phrases is to give himself freedom to move. He CAN play perfectly timed notes but very often chooses NOT to deliberately. Starting a little behind the beat, blistering forward to get slightly ahead of the beat at the end of a phrase, going back to precise time for another phrase and then repeating or reversing by jumping in slightly ahead of the beat of another phrase and slowing down to arrive slightly behind the beat at the end of that 3rd phrase. He typically does this in a very specific pattern. Start behind and rip forward to get slightly ahead on an ascending run, start ahead and slowly lag back on a descending run, linking this together with a timed phrase in the middle. This gives a sort of pushing pulling tension and resolution to a sequence of run which adds an astonishing amount of feel. Playing these runs in metronome time with precision with the beat as you would expect actually sounds terrible. Lol. You kind of need to hear it both ways to really see it best. But it's very deliberately done in many of his pieces and gives them amazing feeling that many high speed players just don't have. It's actually pretty brilliant and incredibly expressive.

Hi from Argentina ... the same album ... song "Crying" ... beautiful acoustic section ...

The first dueling solos are alternating guitar/Yngwie and Keyboards played by Jens Johansson, who is also a virtuoso.

I always liked that about Trilogy Suite. The guitar and drums almost clash but it works.

Funny. When this song first came out back in the 80's, I thought the drums were distractive as well. 😂

He also play the bass and in whole album. with 23 years old. Insane.

One of the things that Yngwie did on this track, especially with the notes at the beginning of the track when the drums came in is that he sometimes plays behind the beat to have a bit more emphasis on the guitar. If done right and played slightly off, it makes someone who is music savvy look up and think that something is wrong, zone in on the guitars, and then get wowed by his playing. He does this also during the solo to Deja Vu, which is the 7th track off of his 4th album (the one immediately following Trilogy), Odyssey. Another thing you'll also see and hear a lot of with Yngwie: a lot of his guitar work is doubled up in unison on the bass guitar (also played by him; good luck there, bass players), as well as also either in unison or in harmony with the keyboards, so you'll hear the same speed and harmonization either a 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th up by the keyboardist (for this track, Jens Johannson). His other keyboardist, Mats Olausson does the same.

Love your Channel

Genius, totally original, one of the guitar greats, full of emotion, all that. I have a hunch though a great classical composer would think his compositions were technically remedial.

RACER X - "Viking Kong" is a tribute to Yngwie Malmsteen.

I haven’t listened to this song in ages!

Love most of Yngwies early material,up unto the last 2 albums he did with Vocalist Mike Vescara,which were Yngwie's best with a Vocalist.But Doug,Listen to Vinnie Moore's Time Odyssey album or Paul Gilbert doing Bach's partita in D minor or "viking kong" ,The studio versions are always the best in terms of sound and a more relaxed atmosphere for artists to express themselves better(in my opinion),as far as the neoclassical influence Doug,these suggestions are worthwhile.

The bass player is (was) Marcel Jacob. I knew him. Also, Yngve is from Hässelby, in Stockholm where I live and is born. ❤

I think it's in G position with those open G string notes on that one lick, but he's down a half-step. I want to say this was after his accident? It's interesting to hear that the drums don't line up and after you mentioned it I won't be able to unhear it haha. I wish we could get into greater depth on the chords he's outlining with those bass notes. To me, other than his speed, his chords are the most interesting part. Thanks for the cool analysis, Doug!

I've always admired classical musicians and composers to snap so hard with rythm. We, the ordinary layman's musicians 😊 have a more loose relationship with rythm. We tend to accept more of a floating relationship to rythm in music. ❤️

It's called "Trylogy Suite" because the album's name is "Trilogy". And that's because it was Yngwie's third studio album.

I agree about the drums. It's like that on all his early albums, where the drums sound more like a jack hammer than a musical instrument.

Yngwie was a pioneer and he could match Jens classical wizardry note for note. There was only Vinnie Moore around who played so beautifully and deadly accurate. When the Live In Japan video came out in '85 you could see just how Yngwie was doing all this and I remember being shocked in how Yngwie was using a complex system of Alternate picking, slides, hammers and pull-off's and even some Economy picking and sweeping to create that signature sound. He was doing it all with the most masterful efficiency and toggling the 5way switch every second or so for edgy or rolled off treble in the blink of an eye. Vinnie Moore was Alt picking almost everything and his hammer, pull-offs were a distinctly different technique whereas Yngwie was blending in all his different techniques so it all sounded woven into his playing. He would also play many parts just off-the-cuff or improvised each time different yet sounding written or scored out. He could be running across the stage whilst flying down the fretboard without a single note being out of tune gulp. I have to warm up for 20 mins before I could attempt some of his fingering...lol. After his accident (car crash) he lost some of his flawless perfection and never got it all back but his Live In Japan '85 is a testament to his incredible playing and oh' that vibrato is just better than anyone else's still to this day. He had such a wonderful touch and feel when he played slowly which admittedly just wasn't ever enough:)

Excellent my second favorite of his music.

That later section was so 80s lol love it

First of all, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge, it is very fun to watch your videos, I am a very fan of yngwie, I would like to suggest you listen to some of his ballads: - Brothers - Crying - Guardian angel greetings from Mexico!

In the 3'05" minute you speak in a different sound. It's a duel with Jens Johansson, the keyboard player. Jens later played in the band Stratovarius, inspiration for Tuomas (keyboard player) to create the band Nightwish.