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.
this song means so much to me, one of my absolute favorites growing up, and until now. This performance expressed the emotions of this song perfectly, I’m inlove.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Спасибо за прекрасное исполнение! Такая грустная мелодия, простая, но трогательная. В вашей интерпретации звучит глубже и трагичнее, чем в мультфильме.
Спасибо за добрые слова. Это прекрасно написанная песня, и она заслуживает большого личного внимания при исполнении, чтобы почтить магию песни и трагическую историю.
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
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.
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!
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!!
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.
I can't play piano (nor any other instrument), but I love watching and listening to piano covers on RU-vid. I've seen many Once Upon a December covers and I believe this one to be the best so far. Beautiful piece of music!
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. :)
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.
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
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.
@@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.
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
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.
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!)
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. 😢
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!
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 🥺
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!?
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 ♥️
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.
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!
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!
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!
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. ❤
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.
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
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 :)
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. :)
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
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.
I love the representation of this piece so much!!! It's almost as if you can see the colors and stories through the notes and it's as if the sound and melody are dancing in the wind as i hear it! There's also a distinct mystery it brings to you while you listen and i find it very wonderful indeed :>> 💗💗💗
Please share more as you play, Emile. I especially enjoy seeing you at the piano. It is an absolute pleasure to listen to your immense gift and talent. May God bless you and your family, always. 🙏
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!
I always loved this song.. i never knew who played this version of Once Upon a December. Thank you so much this is so beautiful... your music is so graceful
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 😅
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.
Very beautiful playing. It reminds me why I love this song. Not sure if I would consider it a Christmas song, but I don't consider A few of my favorite things a Christmas song ether. Ironically I find it how well this songs arrangement works, and yet it is mostly forgotten, yet I know I will hear Let it go sometime soon as some radio stations are pushing that as a Christmas song.
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.
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.
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?
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
I have just learned another arrangement of this piece that I love so much ... and I find yours :') so much more beautiful. so much more emotion. simply poetic. thank you
