Both Avi and Matt have degrees from music schools. When you are a voice major you have to choose what kind of singing you eventually want to do and what part of your range you want to work on. With training, it's possible to add an octave or more to your vocal range and enhance that part of your voice. Avi evidently chose to aim for a classical / opera career and train to extend/ enhance the deepest part of his range. Matt chose to cultivate a pop / Broadway sound, and work on his baritone / tenor range.
Avi is a basso profundo - literally 'deep bass'. Matt is probably best described as a lyric bass, slightly lighter in tone and certainly more suited to the current PTX pop vibe. Please consider reacting to Avi's solo work to get the full effect of his fabulous voice - especially his tenor and baritone range.
Great reaction. I enjoy your explanations to the videos and sound. As for Matt and Avi, I find Matt's voice a pleasure to listen to, but Avi's voice penetrates my soul. It is a completely different musical experience for me. I am grateful that Matt's talent has allowed PTX to continue to blow our minds. At the same time, with Avi's solo work, he has become my favorite artist. His music is just so powerful to me. We now have the best of both worlds.
I agree. And all works well. I think Matt works very well with the direction PTX is currently taking. And Avi's solo work just touches my soul! 💖 My biggest concern was that Avi and Kevin didn't lose that close relationship they had developed. Thankfully, in an interview last year, Kevin said he & Avi remain very close and that he spent some time with Avi at Avi's home in Nashville during their Christmas tour last year! So, per Avi, "All Is Well"!
It’s always been impressive to me how they manage their videos when it’s so important that you be able to see all of them as they sing. The variety is astounding given those limitations. Always love your reactions, thanks.
"Away in a Manger" is not on this album but it's special because its one of only 2 songs PTX did as a 4some. It was after Avi left and before Matt joined. Its really good, you should check it out! There are also vids for Carol of the Bells, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls, which was Matts first vid, and O Come All Ye Faithful. Lots of things to watch from the album journey back in time.
A bunch of the other songs you've been reacting to have videos also. Deck the Halls (Matt's first song with ptx), Hark the Herald, oh come all ye faithful, Up on the Housetop and Carol of the Bells. I'd love if you'd go back and watch all those now that the songs are fresh in your mind.Btw this is from 2016 so even though its with Avi its not quite Babytonix.
You mentioned NFL football themes. Pentatonix has performed (twice!) for football show themes. PTX re-lyric'd and performed Sing for Thursday Night football (NBC, 2016), and they performed a shortened version of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy for Fox's Sunday Night Pre-game show (2017). Videos for both of them are available on RUclips with a search for "Pentatonix football". PS: "basso profundo" translates literally as "deep bass", and is the lowest range of bass, usually used in reference to opera singers - and since Avi was trained as an opera singer, he fits the bill perfectly.
Another commenter said he thought that the blurring was to show that they layered their voices. So Avi is singing 2 parts at the same time and so on.. He felt they did it to show that they aren't cheating us into thinking they are trying to appear as if it is them all singing a single part at one time if I've said that correctly. "Honesty to thier music" he said. He isn't into the videography like you are but he really liked that they weren't hiding how it was produced. I liked your explanatin of the green screen and shutter speeds to create the video.
This is very similar to their "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", visually, and with a dark undertone. It feels a little threatening. Maybe it's because Avi is looking a bit Rasputin-like.
Ideas come from everywhere! You never know when you’ll be inspired. I know that I could never imagine a way to stage the Shakespeare play Taming of the Shrew to make Katherine likable in the beginning of the play. Then, I saw it at London’s Globe Theatre in 2012, and they added a bit of stage business at the start that immediately got the audience sympathizing with Kate and hating her sister Bianca. Brilliant choice on their part! It really has me hoping I could do something different if I ever direct a classic play like that.
Fun fact, totally not related to music, lol, when Marvel set out to make Thor they couldn't quite figure out how to make his "Shakespearean" way of speaking like a 10,0000 year old God come across to us normal folk, without it seeming dull and trite...so they hired Kenneth Branagh who was famous for his Shakespeare movies to Direct the movie and make it relative with the correct speech. All artists borrow or get inspiration from somewhere. LOL Sorry that just popped in my head when I read your post.
This is definitely "Babytonics" lol. Interesting lil fact, "Daft Punk" for which they won their 1st Grammy was shot primarily in a large Kitchen Closet on a $750 budget with no professional hair, makeup or costume designers....they did all that themselves...the budget pretty much went to the editor of the video and the sound guy. Proves you don't have to have a 50,000.00 budget to put out a quality music video. All of their early vids were done on small budgets because they weren't worth what they are now. But they were all still really good. PTX has the power through the emotion they make you feel in the music to be able to draw you in, with very little going on in a music video. In the new songs on this Album they've created a lot of nostalgic effect just by using tone and movement in their voices. And all of their voices have matured over the years and have a much richer, deeper quality. They just get better and better. As for the Avi/Matt thing...I'm not a Bass person. Through years of Band from Jr. High to University to playing in a Symphony Orchestra, I always sat right in front of the Tuba's or Sousaphones....I got bass'ed out. And I sing high Alto/Soprano so I prefer a nice Baritone and Tenor, although I can tell instantly whether it's Matt or Avi doing the bass, because Avi's bass is undeniable, but I kind of prefer Matt's smoother tone and not so heavy bass. Now when Avi sings, like in "The First Noel" whole different story, that's easily one of my top 3 PTX songs, Avi and Mitch sound amazing bouncing off each other, as generally the top of the group and the bottom of the group do, if they are a well rounded group. Avi's baritone range when he's singing is gorgeous, I can listen to that all day. BTW Jacob, you haven't done "O Holy Night" and it's like the best song on the new album, I hope you're going to cover it. Its been a blast having you go through each of these songs.❤
Totally agree with you on “The First Noel.” It’s one of my favorites. But have to disagree on “O Holy Night” from their latest album. Personally, it was one of my least favorites and I usually LOVE everything they sing.
It boggles my mind how intricate PTX makes these arrangements. Likewise, they never cease to amaze me in how they sound like there's more than five members, especially for songs like this. On an unrelated note, if you're looking for niche (I suppose you could call it) things to react to sometime in the future, _highly_ recommend The Bass Gang if you've never heard of them. Would _love_ your analysis of any and/or all of their songs! 😄
The NFL did use a Pentatonix song for Thursday night football. It was a version of their original song "Sing" I think they may have done something more similar to this as well (Sunday night?) Not sure though, and can't find it at the moment.
I love this video because it really lets you see who is singing what. Since you mention Sunday night football theme, have you seen PTX opening for Thursday night football? It is a version of Sing.
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
Both Avi and Matt have degrees from music schools. When you are a voice major you have to choose what kind of singing you eventually want to do and what part of your range you want to work on. With training, it's possible to add an octave or more to your vocal range and enhance that part of your voice. Avi evidently chose to aim for a classical / opera career and train to extend/ enhance the deepest part of his range. Matt chose to cultivate a pop / Broadway sound, and work on his baritone / tenor range.
Totally agree
Avi is a basso profundo - literally 'deep bass'. Matt is probably best described as a lyric bass, slightly lighter in tone and certainly more suited to the current PTX pop vibe. Please consider reacting to Avi's solo work to get the full effect of his fabulous voice - especially his tenor and baritone range.
Great reaction. I enjoy your explanations to the videos and sound. As for Matt and Avi, I find Matt's voice a pleasure to listen to, but Avi's voice penetrates my soul. It is a completely different musical experience for me. I am grateful that Matt's talent has allowed PTX to continue to blow our minds. At the same time, with Avi's solo work, he has become my favorite artist. His music is just so powerful to me. We now have the best of both worlds.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree. And all works well. I think Matt works very well with the direction PTX is currently taking. And Avi's solo work just touches my soul! 💖
My biggest concern was that Avi and Kevin didn't lose that close relationship they had developed. Thankfully, in an interview last year, Kevin said he & Avi remain very close and that he spent some time with Avi at Avi's home in Nashville during their Christmas tour last year! So, per Avi, "All Is Well"!
I'm very happy that you watched the official video for this one. It's one of my favorites from Pentatonix.
I was actually glad that you reacted to the audio the first time, because this is a video that can distract from the music on first hearing.
Completely agree
It’s always been impressive to me how they manage their videos when it’s so important that you be able to see all of them as they sing. The variety is astounding given those limitations. Always love your reactions, thanks.
they are truly impressive! So good!!
"Away in a Manger" is not on this album but it's special because its one of only 2 songs PTX did as a 4some. It was after Avi left and before Matt joined. Its really good, you should check it out! There are also vids for Carol of the Bells, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls, which was Matts first vid, and O Come All Ye Faithful. Lots of things to watch from the album journey back in time.
A bunch of the other songs you've been reacting to have videos also. Deck the Halls (Matt's first song with ptx), Hark the Herald, oh come all ye faithful, Up on the Housetop and Carol of the Bells. I'd love if you'd go back and watch all those now that the songs are fresh in your mind.Btw this is from 2016 so even though its with Avi its not quite Babytonix.
You mentioned NFL football themes. Pentatonix has performed (twice!) for football show themes. PTX re-lyric'd and performed Sing for Thursday Night football (NBC, 2016), and they performed a shortened version of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy for Fox's Sunday Night Pre-game show (2017). Videos for both of them are available on RUclips with a search for "Pentatonix football".
PS: "basso profundo" translates literally as "deep bass", and is the lowest range of bass, usually used in reference to opera singers - and since Avi was trained as an opera singer, he fits the bill perfectly.
Great choice!
Another commenter said he thought that the blurring was to show that they layered their voices. So Avi is singing 2 parts at the same time and so on.. He felt they did it to show that they aren't cheating us into thinking they are trying to appear as if it is them all singing a single part at one time if I've said that correctly. "Honesty to thier music" he said. He isn't into the videography like you are but he really liked that they weren't hiding how it was produced. I liked your explanatin of the green screen and shutter speeds to create the video.
Oh wow cool
This is very similar to their "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", visually, and with a dark undertone. It feels a little threatening. Maybe it's because Avi is looking a bit Rasputin-like.
For sure
Ideas come from everywhere! You never know when you’ll be inspired. I know that I could never imagine a way to stage the Shakespeare play Taming of the Shrew to make Katherine likable in the beginning of the play. Then, I saw it at London’s Globe Theatre in 2012, and they added a bit of stage business at the start that immediately got the audience sympathizing with Kate and hating her sister Bianca. Brilliant choice on their part! It really has me hoping I could do something different if I ever direct a classic play like that.
wow! thanks for sharing!
Fun fact, totally not related to music, lol, when Marvel set out to make Thor they couldn't quite figure out how to make his "Shakespearean" way of speaking like a 10,0000 year old God come across to us normal folk, without it seeming dull and trite...so they hired Kenneth Branagh who was famous for his Shakespeare movies to Direct the movie and make it relative with the correct speech. All artists borrow or get inspiration from somewhere. LOL Sorry that just popped in my head when I read your post.
oh wow!
Amazing!
This is definitely "Babytonics" lol. Interesting lil fact, "Daft Punk" for which they won their 1st Grammy was shot primarily in a large Kitchen Closet on a $750 budget with no professional hair, makeup or costume designers....they did all that themselves...the budget pretty much went to the editor of the video and the sound guy. Proves you don't have to have a 50,000.00 budget to put out a quality music video. All of their early vids were done on small budgets because they weren't worth what they are now. But they were all still really good. PTX has the power through the emotion they make you feel in the music to be able to draw you in, with very little going on in a music video. In the new songs on this Album they've created a lot of nostalgic effect just by using tone and movement in their voices. And all of their voices have matured over the years and have a much richer, deeper quality. They just get better and better. As for the Avi/Matt thing...I'm not a Bass person. Through years of Band from Jr. High to University to playing in a Symphony Orchestra, I always sat right in front of the Tuba's or Sousaphones....I got bass'ed out. And I sing high Alto/Soprano so I prefer a nice Baritone and Tenor, although I can tell instantly whether it's Matt or Avi doing the bass, because Avi's bass is undeniable, but I kind of prefer Matt's smoother tone and not so heavy bass. Now when Avi sings, like in "The First Noel" whole different story, that's easily one of my top 3 PTX songs, Avi and Mitch sound amazing bouncing off each other, as generally the top of the group and the bottom of the group do, if they are a well rounded group. Avi's baritone range when he's singing is gorgeous, I can listen to that all day. BTW Jacob, you haven't done "O Holy Night" and it's like the best song on the new album, I hope you're going to cover it. Its been a blast having you go through each of these songs.❤
I think the Patreon for their RUclips channel was established to help provide funding for their music videos.
Totally agree with you on “The First Noel.” It’s one of my favorites. But have to disagree on “O Holy Night” from their latest album. Personally, it was one of my least favorites and I usually LOVE everything they sing.
It boggles my mind how intricate PTX makes these arrangements. Likewise, they never cease to amaze me in how they sound like there's more than five members, especially for songs like this.
On an unrelated note, if you're looking for niche (I suppose you could call it) things to react to sometime in the future, _highly_ recommend The Bass Gang if you've never heard of them. Would _love_ your analysis of any and/or all of their songs! 😄
Sweet!! Thanks for the idea!
@JacobRestituto You're super welcome! ☺️
The NFL did use a Pentatonix song for Thursday night football. It was a version of their original song "Sing" I think they may have done something more similar to this as well (Sunday night?) Not sure though, and can't find it at the moment.
I would say that Matt’s bass is more pop music in tone, whereas Avi is straight-up classical music.
hmmmm this is a very good analysis - I might borrow this for the future lol
Definitely a cool video and hey what else can I say their just talented
For sure!!
I love this video because it really lets you see who is singing what. Since you mention Sunday night football theme, have you seen PTX opening for Thursday night football? It is a version of Sing.
And this Fox NFL promo with them singing Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. ruclips.net/video/OBGBMbC-L6A/видео.htmlsi=z3l0V1DIztvoGnbc
Thursday night football promo: ruclips.net/video/HrruJptmbKU/видео.htmlsi=icy6SaRMqzT2LZId
That was me...
u must react to dance of sugar plum fairy by them....i say u missed the huge one
Have you seen Mad World video? Similar effect but x10.
Oh wow
Have you seen the 2018 Grinch film?
I don’t think so
Yeah, I was surprised to hear this version pop up in there. The super aggressive carolers were pretty funny.
Maybe Pentatonix are agents in The Matrix....
LOL
👎👎👎👎
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy!
Why did you enjoy this?