Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum) reaction
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- A full orchestra joins the brilliant Brit lads in Denmark in 2006 in this overwhelmingly moving rendition of one of the most famous songs in music history, with its rightly famous lyrics, vocals and organ. I also dissect the wonderfully mysterious lyrics in this reaction.
Loved this song in 1967 and now love this masterpiece even more! Gary's voice has gotten better with age! Amazing performance! Great reaction!
Fantastic song that I've probably listened to 40 reactions to. I am 66 and this song never, ever, EVER gets old. Sadly, Gary Brooker passed way on 2/19/22. RIP
I hadn’t heard about Gary. That is so terribly sad indeed. Thank you for letting me know!
So nice to hear someone who actually knows what they're talking about for once!
Although I appreciate the deep dive into the lyrical content, I believe the power of the song is carried by the melody. Understanding the meaning of the verses is like trying to understand Kubrick's 2001.
It was Gary brooker that wrote the orchestration. Absolutely amazing
I wasn't aware Brooker had that level of musical knowledge. There are several aspects of this performance I would mention. The orchestra commences by playing the melody in C Minor. This instantly creates a mood of melancholy emotion to me. The strings support the wistful solo by the oboist and perform a beautiful Tierce de Picardie before Brooker's vocal entrance. His voice, like the finest wine, has matured with age. The introduction of the pulsating tone of the Hammond B3 is nostalgic for the purist. Finally, the finale chords of sus4, C major, Suspicious to C major by the full orchestra and choir is intoxicating. Bravo Brooker!
@@jamesdrynan Gary Brooker also did the orchestrations for the performance in Edmonton in the early seventies. If you haven't heard it, "Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra" is worth a listen. Also check out "Something Magic" on RUclips for another taste. We lost someone special last year when we lost Gary.
Yours is the most knowledgeable and heart felt reaction to this classic!
It’s tough to listen to anything else after this.
It’s perfection.
A masterpiece.
I don’t need the original anymore…
Gary Brookers voice is timeless. I was 14 when this song was first released and it is an anthem from my youth. This version brings me to tears.
At last, an "old fart" such as myself, that appreciates the change of this hit from 68 until 2006. There are many "youngsters" reacting to this piece, and maybe have heard this on the radio, but never appreciated this genre. I love to see them realize this is what real music is about. I believe this performance is the best this hit has ever sounded. Gary's voice was good in his 20s, but is great here at 63. Everything was great, and I had a similar reaction the first time I saw this performance. Good job.
after hearing this.. today's Youth are thinking this is the moment they realize they will NEVER be as Cool as their Grandparents were once. :)
goosebumps on top of goosebumps !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very rare a later live or studio version sounds as good as the original. The dynamics in this version are fantastic. My whole life this song has always captured me with its melody and that organ. Painting my own personal picture of mystery with the lyrics. Having a full orchestra and especially the choir makes this phenomenal. Hats off to the soundman, the mix is spot on beautiful.
The best reaction I’ve heard so far about this classic. Congrats!
Thx Yaron! 😉
Beautiful rendition. My dad introduced me to this song many years ago. This live performance with the addition of the orchestra and choir takes it to another level. Gary's voice has aged so well and sounds even more heartfelt than the original version
Gary Brookers voice is more mature.. like all of us oldies. Age like a fine wine ;-)
One of a few songs that can evoke tears out of these 61 year old eyes. So many memories……..
I agree...tears are running down my face as well one or the best renditions of a most beautiful song,
Cry everytime. Hits me hard.
takes this iconic song to amazing levels ,,his voice is just better than ever
Wasnt that one of the greatest pieces of music ever ? Thank you for playing this gem. Your reaction was second to none !
This is by far the best reaction I have seen on this song. I too, have watched many other reactions, of younger people who just don't understand real music. I could see how astounded and moved you were to the presentation and delivery of the song. I too, am glad they kept the organ and drums, as they, along with Gary's voice, are the foundation to this song.
Thank you much, Jack. 😉
Indeed. This had to be the experience of a lifetime. I wish I had been there.
It seems that the orchestra lifted the band to play in a fashion that was above that of what would have been accepted as good. The performance of everyone involved was just amazing. Only very rarely does everything come together in such a way to provide a unique performance.
Yes!
Loved your reaction to one of the most perfect songs ever written! I’ve heard this song since 1967, and it’s always been one of my top three favorite songs. However, I’ve never, and I mean never knew what the song was about! Thank you for the explanation. I appreciate it. Whatever it means is irrelevant. It’s a masterpiece, plain and simple. ❤️❤️❤️
i'm laughing from joy that someone noticed all the things you summed up so well, gigantic performace!
First of all I loved your intro and your explanation of the lyrics. And, you were wondering what to expect and, after listening to this several times (50?) I knew you wouldn't be disappointed.
It was spectacular! Fantastic! Marvelous! Gary Booker, the organ, the orchestra, the melody. And, one element of the song which catches everybody by surprise and is one of those moments never to be forgotten is when the lady in the chorus is highlighted and she hits a note that could be heard in Sweden. An eyebrow raising moment. What a compliment to a thoroughly stimulating performance by everyone involved.
Wonderful reaction. Full of respect, knowledge and love of the song. Thanks.
My husband and I loved dancing to this the year we met 1967. This version....Phenomenal!
Loved the reaction, thanks for sharing.
Deciphering the lyrics of a song, can feel like staring at a Picasso. Sometimes you question if the artist even 'wants' you to understand what's going on.
An absolute masterpiece Fantastic reaction 👏👏👏
Gary did the whole orchestral imterpretation. Check out the performances with the Edmonton Orchestra too, amazing, RIP Gary Brooker
I turned ten in december the year this song was first released. And I LOVED it from the first time I heard it. So I guess I must have had a quite advanced taste for music for my age. When I heard this version for the first time I instaantly thought that Gary sang even better than he did when he was younger, Gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it.
Art at its highest level..... Thank you Gary for the gift.....
Daxmusi you are enjoying it as much as I do....fantastic, everytime I hear this song I am blown away. This song will never grow old ❤️❤️❤️❤️
A masterpiece ❤
Beautiful performance. I was there at The venue and Saw it live. It was magnificent. Orchestra and choir came from Denmarks Broadcast Company. As far as I know is The orchestration worked out by Gary Brooker and was first time used at The live performance at Exmonton in Canada back in 1971.
I’m supremely jealous that you were there for that. Good on ya!
I Saw Them a couple of years later
again in the same setup but in a concert hall. At that venue they also performed In Held Twas In I in its entirety With Orchestra and choir.
Great reaction to a wonderful performance.
I completely AGREE. I good man of song. RIP
A joyous combination of popular music and classical arrangement. The overall effect creates an emotion that transcends mere enjoyment and becomes mystically moving.
How to describe how Wonderful, Beautiful, and Amazing this Whole Performance is??? Gary Brooker’s voice is Perfect. Thank You.
Thanks for a wonderful reaction on this great performance of this one of a kind song!
All the best from the Netherlands!
Yeah! Amazing song. I love the album version, but now i love this one. This is the example when voice becomes better with ages but not worse.
Absolutely amazing rendition... Legend!!! RIP Gary Brooker🙏💜
It's also famous because the melody is based on a 1730 composition by a certain J.S. Bach, "Air on the G string" (hence the organ). The miller reference may have been influenced by a big hit from the previous year, "If I were a Carpenter", which has a verse about a miller.
Loved your explanation of the lyrics... you are a little bit younger than I first thought but you definitely would have fit in well with my generation... song came out my first summer in NYC... thanks for a walk down memory lane... and you are right... there are two more verses to song... thanks 👍...
Thx 😉
A masterpiece in perfection!! This version is the best I ever heard, it gives me lots of chills and blows my mind away!!!!v R.I.P Gary 🙏
Gary Brooker is a masterful storyteller. One of the greatest voices IMHO.
Lots of babies were made to this masterpiece
This is one of the best things I've ever heard. I agree the piano is so good. It's often overlooked because his voice is so overpowering! And agreed the organ is so much this song! Fabulous reaction. It's funny but Vestal virgins leaving for the coast I always felt were ships at sea metaphor!
❤ RIP Gary Brooker 1945 - 2022
I like his voice even better now in this version. To me it just got better over time.
be honest daX... you looked like you were fighting back the Tears, Right? This Video is purely Transcendent. It stands alone among the Best masterpieces ever produced .... we're so lucky!! Peace always
Yes, on all accounts, Philip!
John Lennon and Bruce Springstein considered this to be one of the best songs ever recorded. The chorus gives the performance a fuller sound. A rock classic.
It's a so beautifulll and lovely song. 😘👌👍❤️👋
As I have watched many of these "reaction videos", and have see first hand people's reactions, I realize we are ALL hit by this thunderclap of a question. From the first note; the question hits us, "can you trust me to romance you?" "to not take or to hurt you, but to fill your heart with hope". As the passion increases, we are pressed for answer - we cannot hide from this lover. He is already in our heart.
Here are the full lyrics, including the original last two verses that were cut from the original recording to cut down the time:
We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
But the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
The waiter brought a tray
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale
[MUSIC + ORGAN SOLO]
She said, 'There is no reason’
And the truth is plain to see.
But I wandered through my playing cards
And would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've been closed
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale
[MUSIC + ORGAN SOLO]
She said, 'I'm home on shore leave,'
Though in truth we were at sea
So I took her by the looking glass
And forced her to agree
Saying, 'You must be the mermaid
Who took Neptune for a ride.'
But she smiled at me so sadly
That my anger straightway died
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale
If music be the food of love
Then laughter is its queen
And likewise if behind is in front
Then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
Seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
And attacked the ocean bed
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale
[MUSIC + ORGAN SOLO]
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale
[MUSIC + ORGAN OUTRO]
This has always been one of the greatest songs ever. Gary Brooker was one of the best vocalist ever. This performance is a masterpiece.
Excellent reaction to an excellent performance...
Here's my take on some key "mysterious" parts of the lyrics - I do think that the "Miller's Tale" refers to Chaucer, and the lady turned whiter shade of pale as the tale (which involved cheating) reminded her that she's not exactly free, and has just had a one night fling with someone she met at a party. The second point is that "Vestal Virgins" were priestesses of Vesta, in ancient Rome, Vesta being the goddess of the hearth. Kind of like nuns have been seen as "brides of Christ", and thus remain celibate, I take the line to mean that she was a really always a faithful, devoted wife, before this fling.
I love the lyrics, because they are so cryptic, and refer to things anachronistically from history and old literature - it rewards the curious and the widely read. I see the song almost as a Dali painting, with abstractions tying together into a somewhat understandable form.
Enjoyed your reaction!
And oh, I think I can answer your question on who wrote the music, including the Orchestral part. I remember seeing an interview where Gary Brooker said that he was trying to remember how Bach's "Air on the G string" went, and he ended up writing a kind of derivative Bach intro for the Whiter Shade of pale.
I enjoyed your take. I think we agree mostly. I really like the analogy to Dali - that wonderful, mysterious evocative tapestry. Thanks again
The only word I can Think of is "Epic" It's the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Check them out they can play anything. Jazz, Classical ,Broadway Musicals, Game Music And Movie Scores.. They have many video's on RUclips
Hey Dax, Wonderful reaction. -- One of the absolute favorites of my youth. It was perfect for holding her close for one of the few slow dances. This version could easily be the best ever recorded.
The organ makes this the perfect “sway” song for a couple, Neil, right?
And yes, the exquisite full orchestra on this rendition may make it the best ever. Remarkable.
Great to hear from you
@@daxmusix I've been watching/listening, just not commenting. Still workin' through some health issues.
@@neilmikesell6075 Sure do hope those health issues are getting better, my friend! miss you around here 😉
@@daxmusix Thanks. Things are getting better. I'm not in any danger.
Music by Bach, vocals by Gary Brooker, a perfect match and so natural for an orchestra.
@phill,,,,,
The melody is based on the opening of Bachs Air on the G string , but Brooker said he quickly started to drift from Bach to his own rendition .
I love your vocabulary! BEAUTIFUL analysis!’ I graduated from high school in 1969 so more than one slow dance was to this song. I am in greater Seattle so Merrilee Rush (Angel of The Morning)! was from the older sister of my Sunday school friend. I was also blessed to hear Jimi Hendrix, another Seattleite.
Brilliant reaction to an equally brilliant performance
I loved your reaction to this.. it has that effect on me every time.
The Greatest song ever written and recorded. RIP, Gary Brooker.
Funny how you mentioned a “Beethoven concierto.” Gary Brooker said that the melody is based off of Bach’s “Air in G.”
Wow, yes, I can see that. Terrific. Thank you, Dennis.
Air on a G string
yes this is written for every listener to interpret it according to what the melody touches in their soul
Nice! Cheers for doing this video on PH!
wonderful song,love it emensly
Dax, id love to see your very valued reaction to 'a salty dog' from the same concert in Denmark. Im sure you would love it ! Many thanks...
私は、このDVDを定価の10倍位で手に入れました。再発されない限り、見ることはできないと思ったからです。傑作なのは知っていましたから、嬉しかった。ゲイリー･ブルッカーもオーケストラもコーラスもバンドも信じられない位完璧でした❗死ぬまで聴き続けるつもりです。プロコルハルム万歳！！
Actually, this song originally had four verses instead of two, which make it crystal clear that this song is about the sinking of a ship. The protagonist appears to be a member of a band that keeps playing while that happens. The girl also belongs to this band (or maybe him at the piano and her singing) and is trying to talk him out of it, as obviously, the ship is sinking, but he won't have anything of that and so she has to stay on board also, as the room is humming and the roof is pulled off. So later, when it's too late to get off the ship, her face, pale for fear of drowning, then gets even whiter as she dies in the floods. Fantastic reaction, all the background, all the facts, simply great, love it!
“Crystal clear?” I don’t think so. Look up other interpretations. ✌🏽 🇩🇰
Magnificent. Absolutely stunning!
love it sooooooo much
Have not sub..ed many if any, but Mr Dax your’s was was spot on. TY, it IS better than original when I 1st heard it in late 60’s.
Thanks Gene! 😉
I remembering listening to this song at thr Electric Circus in NYC memories
The song defies a specific interpretation.
Just beautiful!
A masterpiece!
You’re doing my childhood again Dax …..
One of my favorite songs of all time and I love this live version. You should try reacting to ABBA.
Keith Reid (the lyricist) apparenty said that he'd never read the Miller's Tale before writing this, but I do think it is a reference to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. I was 4 when this was released, and 10 years later Chaucer was as much a part of the English Literature curriculum in the UK as Shakespeare - I knew that the Miller's Tale was famously 'lewd' and 'bawdy' long before I actually read it, so did most of my classmates and quite likely so did Keith Reid 10 years earlier. I would certainly seem to fill in the missing piece, the thing that turned her a whiter shade of pale when everybody had been having a brilliant night up until then - he'd been getting on great with a girl he'd met, thought he'd 'got a pull', and drunkenly tried to close the deal with something that in the modern vernacular would be described as 'inappropriate' which killed any fledgling feelings she might have had before.
In the second verse she basically says "Well if you don't know what you did, I'm not going to tell you", and although he knew he'd lost her (his eyes were open) he wouldn't let it be because he was drunk - we've all been there I guess. That's how I read it anyway, but that's the magic of the lyrics... there can be as many interpretations as there are listeners, and all of them can make perfect sense to the listener.
As much as I enjoy some of the reactions of people hearing this version as a 'new' song (I also envy them that opportunity), yours is my favourite reaction to it by far because it mirrors my own reaction almost perfectly the first time I heard this version. The piano (presumably how Gary first played it to the band all those years before), the orchestration, still having the iconic organ and drum fills, and the realisation that Gary Brooker's 22 year old voice WASN'T the perfect voice for the perfect song after all. You even froze the video on the perfect frame while summing up. That look on his face - he knows that everybody on that stage just absolutely nailed the perfect live performance, and he's as mind-blown and joyful as the rest of us.
The Miller's Tale was the most sexually-explicit story in Chaucer's work, about a wife pursued by 2 men when her husband is off at work. She allows 1 of the men to service her on a regular basis, but not the other. I expect the lyric concerns a man at this party spilling the beans about a woman's ongoing indiscretion; she, he, & other(s) (maybe including her husband) are talking in one of many conversation groups at the party. The conversation is too close to the bone & causes her to turn pale. Then, as more of the details are divulged, she turns even more pale, a Whiter Shade. I'm thinking the story being told is couched in certain terms, but is too close to what is actually going on with the faithless woman.
I believe the lyrics were based on a real experience; the lyricist was at a party on a boat, where he got drunk, leaving him less a participant & more an observer. Brooker had already written music (trying to base it on Bach, but couldn't remember all the tune he was basing it on, which actually ended up to everyone's advantage) when the lyricist messengered lyrics for 2 different songs. Brooker randomly picked these lyrics to attach to the song he was developing, and here we are 54 yrs later.
It's a mood. The dreamy quality of the music bonds perfectly with the poetic word picture. It's a musical version of an expressionist painting, capturing a single event but becoming timeless in art.
Nicely said, Chris. It’s quite possible you are right - or wrong. And that is part of the beauty of this song, as you say. My favorite lyrics are often expressionist or impressionist, allowing my mind to fill in the syllables and meaning. When you add almost ethereal instrumentals to the painting, you have, well, this masterpiece. Thank you
Fantastic reaction!
Incredible
Nice reaction to this wonderful piece
I tear up every. Up. Single. Time. I. Hear. It. It was the Danish Symphony
I still remember this song it will be great to hear it again.
The orchestra behind is the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Choirs. Its a part of the Danish National broadcasting DR together with the Big Band.
Please react to the orchestra playing the the theme from Godfather or Once upon a time in the west ....
The Danish National Orchestra
At some point the set list can be seen on the organ. This song was the first encore, so even before this Gary sang a full set followed by two more songs after this (Whaling Stories, Conquistador).
I'm not sure but I'm guessing that the orchestra and choir were not utilized in every song of the concert.
Still, I'm wondering if the band played Simple Sister?
Yes I saw that list. Must’ve been one hell of a concert!
He could be your brother! But God rest him he died. But the miller told his tale.
I agree with you 100%
MERCI , Gary Brooker ? son Hammond !!ok magnifique..
Yes it sounds like a concerto because Gary literally used a Bach concerto to borrow from in this song.
The organ is so underrated in this song
fantango is a dance, cartwheels around the floor, dance floor, felt sea sick because of the cartwheel on the floor., they dance so well that the sealing flew away, but the croud called out for more. etc
Un pur chef-d'œuvre (pure master piece)❤
The orchestral arrangement was written by Daryl Way, he of Curved Air fame and was commissioned for the 1995 album 'The Long Goodbye' which contains orchestral arrangements of Procol Harum songs. Although Brooker sings on that this live version Is more powerful and impressive.
Thanks Alan.
I watched there 1967 original video, and you cant really compare the two versions.
If you look at him then and now, I dont think most people would recognize him. He looks like an English gentleman more that a rock star
The story of an older man with a young wife, that he saw as pure. But her face turned a whiter shade of pale at hearing The Millers Tale, because she had done what the Miller's wife had done, cheated. Her husband didn't know why she was leaving him, (his eyes might just as well be closed) and that was why the guilt overwhelmed her..
It was the Danish nationale orkester.
Thx
now I am hearing procol harem in grace’s music 🐣
"Almost makes you think of like a beethoven concerto" - well, seeing as the melody and harmonies are almost wholesale lifted from Bach .... :)
Reid avoids saying what it means. Only that it’s clear. Which probably means it’s anything but clear. But while it is more clear when you read all four verses, what he uses and refers to opens many doors to some wild possibilities.