What's one of your favorite songs ever written for a film? Where do you think Pure Imagination stacks up? ALSO whether or not you're interested in my new ebook- Jazz Piano Improv Vol. 1, PLEASE go check out the page for it anyways because I'm SUPER proud of it and I've been working insanely hard on putting this all together for you. I just want to show it off lol. And if you DO want it, you can grab it for 50% off for a limited time: jazzpianoimprov.com/
Gene Wilder had never performed as a singer before and was extremely nervous about this scene. He didnt know how it would turn out, but he went ahead and did the song anyways because he wanted to do it for the children. Turned out to be a historic moment in cinema, and we’re all grateful to Gene for going through with the song
Hollywood being Hollywood, in that era, they could have just overdubbed his voice in the songs with a singers voice if need be. But I am delighted they didn't.
Mahler made masterpieces by forcing instruments outside of their comfort zone, maybe pushing Wilder outside of his comfort zone was one of the reasons this song became so magical? The voice is very simple compared to what a more season musician might have produced
My best friend was a musician. He passed away after many battles with cancer. The last song he recorded was a cover of Pure Imagination, and it’s always in my head. Miss you, Johnny.
Gene Wilder’s cane taps are so perfect. It’s almost like he’s breaking the 4th wall, because the other characters see him as erratic and off kilter, but we the audience know he’s perfectly in control because we can hear the music that he’s synced to.
To that effect, the melody and melodic choices can be viewed as such. The perception is that he's one thing, but he's really another, or at least is faceted. And it's all enchanting.
I would really adore if, at the end of these analyses, you were to play the entire melody on your piano. I think your audience would stick around to hear you play the entire piece, with your own style. Love the videos!
I agree. I completely appreciate how it's broken down and explained, but I definitely felt like I was left hanging by not hearing the masterpiece in its entirety. I adore these videos and your love for music. You've re-ignited my desire to dust off the piano and continue to learn. Thank you for these videos and for sharing your love for these compositions. ❤🎶
Agreed. You build us up with terrific explanations the slam the door in our face. It reminds me of the episode in Big Bang Theory where Amy doesn’t let Sheldon finish things.
@@dmajor050 The copyright on songs themselves (sheet music / sequence of notes) is separate to that of specific recordings, and the owner of the song itself can always DMCA you even if a specific audio recording doesn't match Content ID. Strictly speaking to cover any copyrighted song you need a mechanical license, and the rights to record and distribute your cover as well. If you want to argue Fair Use it needs to be within the context of critique/education like this video or suitably transformative to the point it becomes its own creative work. Simply covering an entire song verbatim usually fails Fair Use.
The hidden dissonance makes Willy Wonka more mysterious: you don't know if he's lying or truthful, if he's joking or serious or dangerous. That dangerous side of the music is amplified in the boat scene where everything gets scary. The music provides unconscious layers that help tell the story. It's pretty awesome.
This is so accurate. I've heard that Gene Wilder wouldn't play the character unless he could do the scene where he walks out of the factory with the cane and does a tumble. From that scene forward, you wouldn't know if Wonka is lying, or telling the truth.
I’ve always regarded this as one of the most beautiful songs from all aspects. “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it” is outstanding
“There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination,” i never really understood the depth of that line as a child, but thinking about it now makes me yearn for when i was a kid with a sense of childhood wonder. it is bittersweet and true
I have zero knowledge of piano theory other than I love the sound. I didn’t understand almost anything you said but your passion and excitement about a beautiful song kept me watching to the end. It was almost fascinating to hear a breakdown of a song I have always thought was exceptionally beautiful. Now I know why.
I'm with you. I barely understand a word, but I couldn't stop watching. The question is, can someone recommend a channel where we can learn music theory so we can come back and understand this.
Gene put so much of himself into Willy Wonka. It was his idea to come out and walk to the gate with that limp; then somersault. He thought doing that set the tone for Willy’s dealings with these people-and the audience. From that moment we would never know if he was lying or telling the truth.
@@cards0486 It was an insanely good stunt, too. I used to study aikido and did rolls for years...the roll that Wilder did was incredible. He really let himself fall forward REALLY far, before finally tucking. Watch it closely and in slo-mo. Kind of crazy for an actor and not a stuntman.
Anyone else just really love the sound of orchestral recordings of the 60s to maybe the mid 70s? It's not as crystal clear as what you would hear in a modern movie score, but it's better than what you would hear in the 30s to the 50s. In my opinion, that makes this song even more beautiful. That imperfect recording quality makes it sound ethereal, and really magical and nostalgic.
I agree. I fear we'll never return to the purity of film scores like they once were in the 60s-80s. We've entered an era where the existence of a score seems almost permanent... Star Wars Episode 1 for instance had a score playing during every second of the film. No shade thrown at John Williams of course, but when the whole thing is scored, it feels like none of it is. In my view, the score should be a character in the narrative.
Yes it has a kind of shimmering, ethereal quality to it. What gets me so much about music from this period are the influences that you can hear composers drawing on. The use of ambiguity, and dissonance is constantly reminding me of Prokofiev, Sibelius, Holst, even Wagner. It's the sound that defined the early 20th century living on in these later compositions.
If you love this song then listen to Voctave sing it. It’s on their albums “corner of broadway and Main Street”. The whole album is amazing but this song is…it’s the song.
@@SeraphsWitness This is a fascinating point! Music can definitely still elevate a scene, even as a constant, but I do see how that constant could easily lessen its potency and emotional impact!
Pure Imagination was the first dance at our wedding ❤. We are both musicians, as was half the guest list. A few people asked why we chose that song but none of the musicians questioned it. How could you not love this song?!
Rainbow Connection is anything but sappy. It is the deepest profundity. It describes what the Germans call sehnsucht: an intense longing for something we can't identify, homesickness for a place we've never been, the pang of knowing you belong but have not yet found the place where you belong. Gonzo touches on this same feeling in "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday."
there is such tension to this song, along with sadness and regret. a hidden danger that foreshadows what is to come. it truly is a masterpiece that intertwines with the picture on the screen.
I also love cheer up Charlie! It’s one of the most touching loving songs from Charlie’s mother to him. Even though she has little and works endlessly to take care of her family, she still has hopes and dreams for her son to have a better life! 😭
I was at a really loud distillery a few years ago and this 2-person band (piano+singer) started to do their rendition of this song and everyone there just kinda instantly shut the hell up and enjoyed the beauty of it. It was really nice
Thanks. I had the same thought about crediting the creators. I'm surprised he doesn't even mention the composers. He should. It sounds like a very Anthony Newley song too.
The sublimated fury lurking barely hidden beneath Wonka’s apparently benign personality is perfectly explained in this song, entirely understood by the orchestra, the director and the actor, so it seems to me. Wonka, at heart a disillusioned and cynical romantic idealist, has set himself and his creative visions made real deliberately apart from the greedy, base, animalistic outside world: he can hardly disguise his contempt for his guests, even the children, since they represent everything he’s tried to shut himself away from and yet here he is, about to lay bare his secrets, share his passions and open his heart in the hope of finding one true soulmate in the herd of brutes he’s welcomed inside his home. It’s a chilling, entrancing, poignant, mysterious, magical and melancholy scene all at once: we feel there’s the promise of danger or excitement ahead; this is music to cast a spell to, and that’s exactly the effect it has. There’s a hint of innocence about to be lost, sadness at the prospect of a perfect world about to be spoiled, and the loneliness of a genius who’s lived his life in isolation thus far. I love the swell of emotion created by “if you want to view paradise”… and the bathetic resolution of “there’s nothing to it”. A perfect piece of film scoring as well as performance. Couldn’t agree with you more.
This is the perfect and adult analysis of the movie and life. Beware the glorious and gifted optimist who you mistreat. The music captures Willys world of concurrent beauty and pain. Bravo.
Was so pleased to hear them use this at the end of 'Wonka'. Not only did it bring the whole cinematic story together, it reminded me what a great song it was.
"The eeriness of mystery" is a magnificent description - it cannot be mystery without pulling one out of their comfort zone. There is danger in new delights.
My absolute favourite part is that while the chords are defying expectations hes singing about defying explanation. The way the lyrics work so well with these insanely beautiful chords and melodies...so special
Love this song and the harmony and chords when you play them, are gorgeous, what I didn’t like is the actual orchestration written in the original. I don’t think the placements of the instruments is right at all. There are too big a gaps between the chords and it sounds sparse and odd rather than lush and supportive. Dunno. Definitely not how I wrote or orchestrate. Mind you the chords themselves, like I said, are sumptuous!
Love this song. Beautiful, but with a touch of melancholy. As in, perhaps, you lose the pure imagination with the end of childhood. Another song that has stuck with me is "The Rainbow Connection", sung by Kermit the Frog. There is a sadness in there, as well.
My friend played this piece on a Flugelhorn at his father's funeral. It was already one of my favourite pieces of music of all time, I was holding it together until the first few notes carried through the church. Absolutely beautiful 😍
The song is absolutely beautiful played on a brass instrument. My daughter marched in a Drum and Bugle Corps for many years. in her final year, the Baritone solo was Pure Imagination. Gorgeous. I am sorry for the loss of your friend's father. This song must have been a beautiful tribute.
In addition to being Wonka's lyricist, Leslie Bricusse was a powerhouse composer who knew how to write the "subversive moments" into glorious film songs, like "When I Look In Your Eyes" from Dr. Doolittle (1967), and "I'll Begin Again" from Scrooge, two under appreciated film scores. And fun fact: Fred Astaire ASKED to play Wonka, and they chose Wilder.
@@themandownthehall Ya know, it seems impossible to imagine another choice, but it gets even more interesting. Bricusse and Astaire were neighbors and friends. One night playing pool they commiserated about Astaire being passed on; they both thought it made no sense that a 35-year-old would be giving up his business. And in Bricusse's own words, he implies Astaire (who was 70) would have made the better choice.
You are absolutely correct. For years, I have told my wife that this is one of the most perfect musical structures I have ever heard. Even if you don't like the melody, it doesn't change the fact. Someone with a musical ear, can hear the perfection. Others maybe just hear a nice melody. It's nice to see that I am not alone on this.
My god, this guy is a better music teacher than I’ve ever had. Taking real examples of phenomenal songs and breaking them down musically. It helps a surprising amount
RUclips is an absolute wonder for this kinda stuff. Even further commentary aside, sometimes it's nice to just have someone explain a song without having to listen for intervals etc. yourself, better to learn it for yourself, but you can give that part of your brain a break here. It's also a nice demonstration of your progress when you hear what he's about to explain without even having to think about it, and they analyze songs we never would by ourselves.
They wrote so much wonderful theme music from Goldfinger to Sweet November (which Anthony sang and also starred in the film). They don't get nearly the credit they deserve.
Thanks for saying this, I dont remember him stating the composer's name ........... Leslie Bricusse is an outstanding composer . BTW, Over the Rainbow and Have your self a merry little Christmas aint bad either
It was written by British composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley specifically for the movie. Bricusse has stated that the song was written over the phone in one day
It always freaked me out that Newley went from success on stage and song writing to staring in "The Garbage Pail Kids." I would love to know what the story behind that was.
This song, “Candy Man”, “Rainbow Connection”, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to me epitomize someone being caught between adulthood and childhood, the adult both celebrating childhood with its eternal optimism and mourning its loss.
Some of the best movie songs like this one, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Moon River, Part of That World- all have something in common: they are wistful. With the music and the sometimes the lyrics there is the conflict of the singer joyfully painting a dream while simultaneously feeling doubt in that dream. Particularly here, Wonka is expressing a philosophy he believes in but he had learned the hard way that not many other people do too. There is both cynicalism & hope pushing & pulling throughout, and it squeezes at the soul.
"Moon River" was an excellent similar example - dear Audrey Hepburn wasn't much of a singer - yet her genuine, vulnerable performance makes that scene.
@@douglasfur3808I think that's another reason why the Lydian modality and Maj7 voicings work. They're beautiful but contain some wistfulness (which could arguably add to the beauty). It's kind of simultaneously child-like yet wise.
I hear them as the little sparkles of magic in the air around the main scene of the melody and chords. Not exactly horror, just the opening into pure imagination as a powerful potential experience about to manifest. The quality of the experience is up to the mind of each individual adventurer and need not be a tale of horror so much as wonder, learning awe and respect for its power.
@@shantalynn that's a great insight. Awesome, a word which meaning has been changed and muted, describes something hard to fathom or incomprehensible. It's true that some things or experiences that are new are hard to take or even scary. Angels -- the benevolent messengers or God -- whenever they encounter humans, they tend to say, "Do not be afraid." That's how I relate to and agree with your view.
I love how you geek out on this song that has been magical to me since I was SIX watching the movie at the theater.... the chord progression is transportive! It isn't just a pandering ABAB melody.... ahhhhh what a pleasure watching you break it down :-)
One of the best ballads ever written. Other movie songs: ”Moon River," "Days of Wine and Roses,” ”Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” "Mrs. Robinson.". And of course, "The Rainbow Connection." Of course, it's hard for me not to become a bawling mess at the latter. And dangit, someone just mentioned "Over the Rainbow."
My husband and I did an a duet arrangement of rainbow connection with really dissonant harmony that moves up against and away from each other in the same range (I’m a contralto). It was so beautiful that while we were arranging it we had to stop several times because our own harmony got us all choked up 😂
I conducted this piece with my middle school honors band. The opening chord broken into arpeggio and repeated by bells, vibes and Celeste was pure magic. That twinkling sound had everyone yearning for the melody to begin. We performed other heavier pieces by Holst and Grainger but Willy Wonka stole the show. Awesome!!
One thing that's cool about the Willy Wonka song you looked at is that the really old sounding audio quality just adds a whole other layer of nostalgia when listening to it today. Watched that movie all the time as a kid and had to sing it for a school play once. Love it.
Gene's version of this song has always been one of my favorites as well. Hauntingly beautiful. The way his voice cracks makes it all the more sincere and charming.
As much as I’ve appreciated (and even swooned a little) over Johnny Depp since the 90s, I absolutely concur. No one can ever match Gene Wilder, especially when it comes to Willy Wonka.
@@givemeahappyending same. I haven't brought myself to even watch the Johnny Depp version and I love his acting. I don't know that I've watched any of Wilder's other movies. I just know that this version was the Willy Wonka I grew up on.
I have both versions of the film, but Gene Wilder is and always will be Willy Wonka as far as I’m concerned. His performance of this song is beautiful!
I remember watching this movie when I was tiny and it was way past my bed time, and this song specifically moved me enough to the point where it creeped me out. It was new and strange and it tickled my brain just enough to make me feel like I was in the movie. I didn’t watch that movie again for a while haha
It is a pretty eerie movie, especially that boat scene. "Is the grizzly reaper moaning. Yes, the danger must be growing because the rowers keep on rowing."
@@jaebird3077Yeah, I watched it as a kid and thought, "Wow, what a fun heartfelt comedy!" (Also, this movie is where I learned how TV broadcasting works) Watching it as an adult, I realized that Wonka was a dangerous, fun, creepy, hilarious, child-hating, kid-friendly gent. A man of infinite complexity, well portrayed by Gene Wilder.
What makes it even more creepy is that everytime they move to another part of the factory there is only enough seats for the remaining parents and children. Meaning Wonka knew/intentionally tried to kill each kid
I don't play an instrument or even can read musical sheets. But you show me the beauty of harmonies, especially the game the composer plays with the expectations of the listener. Thank you
I know nothing about reading music so a lot of what he says flies right over my head, but the way this guy explains it and gives examples really makes me appreciate the melodies more
I've never been able to listen to this song without tears coming ❤ It's everything about it, from the chords to the words to Gene's beautiful delivery - all perfect.
I play guitar (self-taught), not piano. Sadly I am not musically educated or trained, so most of what Charles explains goes over my head. However, I do FEEL what he plays, and I understand and appreciate his love, feeling and appreciation of the chords and melodies in this song. Wonderful video! Bravo, Charles! (Excellent movie too!)
I have self taught myself music theory to the point that I understand what he's saying-- it is possible! don't tell yourself it's something only other people can do (I had some formal education from being in school bands & things, but they barely taught us harmony. just how to play scales & the basics of building like/ 3 chords. If I have an advantage over the average person it's likely not that, it's probably just that I'm very passionate about music & listen to a lot of it). The number 1 thing that helped me was thinking in terms of scale degrees when learning/writing songs (I.e. if I'm in C major & I play a C major chord, I'm conscious that's the 1 chord & I know that if I hit a minor chord a whole step up I'm on the 2 minor-- I don't even need to know what note I'm on, just its relative position to the root note). Even if that doesn't mean anything at first, you're still thinking in terms of music theory and training your ear to hear what going from the 1 to the 2 sounds like, instead of just what going from 'this' chord to 'that' chord sounds like, y'know? I don't know how to read sheet music on my guitar & it takes me 10 seconds to find C but I DO think in scale degrees & I think it's honestly easier (& more useful for me). It's not *easy*, it's still work, but it's very worth investing in IF you think music theory would help you do what you want to do on guitar. (ALSO oolimo's guitar chord analyzer is very useful, from a guitarist to a guitarist. If you feed it a chord it will tell you what chord it is & all the intervals that make it up--very awesome!)
You can always learn the theory, if you want. Having talent/natural ability is much more important. There are some people that have absolutely no sense of rhythm, and are tone deaf, which would be horrible.
My vocal jazz group in college had an SSAATB version of this that took full advantage of all those deceptively intricate little progressions. Loved singing alto since we always got to do dueling half-steps with the tenors; this one took real dedication once the harmonics started rattling our eyeballs. Still one of my favorite songs.
I don't understand the music theory, but I appreciate Charles' enthusiasm when explaining the magic of this song. I love the song, too, so his walking through it helps me realize what about it makes it so special.
I don’t understand a thing musically but this song has continued to move me and I’m almost 60. Isn’t that’s why music is created? I agree, it is truly one of the most beautiful songs!
👌🏾💯Right On! @davidhalley9795 I Agree with You, David!! I’m Almost 61, (and an old soul, as well ☺️)!! I’ve loved this song since I first saw Mr. Gene Wilder sing it when I saw, “Willie Wonka,” when I was 9 years old!!
I used to be in a drum corps called Jersey Surf. In drum corps, every corps has a corps song, and this was our song. During my time, we actually performed this song in the 2012 show. On our final day, the age outs (there is a 21 year old age cap so they "age out") played this in our sleeping site as a wake up for everyone. Ever since, this has been a tradition for the corps to play. This song will always hold a special spot in my heart and am always proud of what i was a part of when i hear this song.
You bringing this up made me realize I can imagine exactly how a drum corps would play it - all brass instead of piano. I think I must have heard a drum corps, or more likely a marching band, play it at some point or else I wouldn't be able to think it so clearly.
OMFG OMFG THAT WAKE UP WAS SOOO FIRE I USED TO WATCH THAT VIDEO ALL THE TIME HOLY COW. BRO. Please understand lol I played trumpet for years. And watching that wake up video changed my appreciation for my horn. The video from 2017 I think.
I wish you'd do a full play of the song on the piano at the end of these. Doing the breakdown for us is absolutely amazing, but since it's all done in pieces, having you do a full play of the piece at the end would really allow us to hear everything you were going over as it's naturally played.
This song was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, who composed a number of great songs for musicals and film. The songs are mostly in the musical theater tradition, but also show the influence of jazz and classical composers like Debussy.
These chords are reminding me of something Vincent Guaraldi would write for some reason... the chromatic movements in each resolution, the weird 9th, 11th, and diminished voicings thrown all over the place... Gives me VERY strong "Christmas Time is Here" vibes. (which I think might be one of the most beautiful songs ever written for a Cartoon).
Anthony Newley - the co-song-writer with Leslie Bricusse - was David Bowie's favourite singer/songwriter growing up, and that influence shines through in a lot of his songs so strongly
Notice how the chord change from Ab7 to F major mirrors the lyrics - “will defy explanation” - the change works so well here because the lyrics inform the structure of the song!
When my son was a baby, I'd feed him a bottle at 9pm while mom got sleep to prep for the 12am feeding, and I played this song EVERY SINGLE NIGHT during that feeding. Those were rough months for sleeping, but this song has memories.
Charles Cornell is a gem and it is such a delight to view his videos. Simple, but high quality production value and such a gentle and accessible spirit. Watching him teach-react-play-perform through songs like these is top notch YT content that future generations will look back on and enjoy for a long time!
For me, it will always be "Feed the birds" from the Mary Poppins movie. The song starts off as a lullaby, with a sad undertone, but then it gets all bombastic and grave, only to finish with a muted fade. it does not simply give me goosebumps or chill my spine, it moves me profoundly. Then the tune does it a second time as the grave, booming tones return in the scene where the father is walking towards his impeding doom, chin held high. The scene where they write it in the Saving mr Banks movie even loosened a tear in my eye
@spikey556 The overture to "Mary Poppins" begins with "Feed the Birds" as well, so it is the first bit of music that the audience hears. According to the Sherman brothers, it was also the first song they played for Walt Disney and which sold him on doing the film as a musical, despite Travers' admonishment against the whole idea. It is also my personal favorite from the film. And having the ancient yet iconic Jane Darwell come out of retirement to sit on the steps as the bird woman was the perfect icing on the cake. A beautifully haunting song for a beautiful moment with a beautiful sentiment for a beautiful turning point in the film. Love your take on it.
My parents had a record player in a large console. I loved to put the album of all the songs from Mary Poppins on and listen to it over and over. Feed the birds was my favorite.
I remember when the movie came out, how that song lifted me out of the story and made me feel the possibilities of imagination. Gene pulled off the communication intended by the song flawlessly.
My senior year of high school marching band we had a show that was a rendition of Pure Imagination. Now the song is forever associated with those wonderful memories for me and will always be one of my favorites.
Took 3 years of piano lessons as a kid. Pretty much hated every minute of it. Took time away from surfing and playing ball. Don't know a thing about music. But I watched the entire 17 minutes of your video. You, sir, are a natural teacher. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I feel like I learned more in 17 minutes than in all the years of piano and music classes in high school and college. Subscribed!
@@underthecovers5503 Wilder died on August 29, 2016, at the age of 83, at home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He had been diagnosed 3 years before his death but kept knowledge of his condition private. Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said that this was done to not sadden fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. According to his family, Wilder died while listening to one of his favorite songs, a rendition of "Over the Rainbow" sung by Ella Fitzgerald.
"Maintaining connection, but subverting expectations." Sounds like a wonderful definition of "Imagination". Masterful songwriting, and I really appreciate the excitement to study it!
I’m so glad it wasn’t “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Great song, but this one personally hits me right in the feels. Even as a kid, I’ve always thought the music in Willy Wonka was extraordinary.
@@mariecarie1 "Somewhere" is an incredible song, but no, for me, there are several songs from Marry Poppins that are better, but especially "Feed the birds", and what about so many of the animated Disney films songs? What about some of the iconic songs from Barbra Streisand's movies? and from other iconic singers and actors during the 60's, 70's, 80's etc.? There are just so many to choose from and that's without taking into account the musical adaptations to screen and other song adaptations used for musical films like "Sound of Music", "Singing in the Rain" and many others.
@@mariecarie1 Watch the outtake that was cut from the film as she reprises the song and breaks down in tears. Considering the abhorrent abuse and exploitation she was going through on set, it hits like a ton of bricks right in the feels.
to a tone deaf person, i have no idea what you just said, but you radiate so much passion and energy that i just sat smiling at my screen for 17 minutes
Being tone deaf might not be a choice but you certainly have the choice to NOT be tone deaf. Everyone is made with the same potential, So why do you lie to yourself? Use it. There is no natural talent. Tone deafness isnt some magical disease. Its just peoples excuse who try to understand music once and then proclaim they are stupid just because it dosen’t instantly pan out for them. I didnt mean for this to sound mean, but genuinely think about what i’m saying.
It's both uplifting/hopful, sentimental and melancholic all at the same time. Plus that 3 note phrase that plays as the opening just gives this feeling of uncertainty, almost meanace to my ear. Such a good piece
I don't think they could have made Gene sound bad. His voice was angelic. Perfect for the part. RIP legend. 😢 Danny Kaye was always my favorite singing actor until Gene came along. Now they split my love. Lol
I thought i was the only one who thought it was the most beautiful melody ever written. Beautiful chords. Emotional melody. Ear candy to the heart and spirit. Pure imagination is heaven. Every time i play it on my keyboard it brings tears to my eyes. Perfection!!!
100% agree on this song. We sang it to my mom as she passed after life support was turned off. It was not grim or maudlin. It was tender and beautiful and so organic. 🤗 And, I am so impressed that you are self-sponsoring! Your playing is so wonderful and expressive! I have no doubt but that your book is excellent. Makes me want to buy a piano (way back before the internet, I was a professional musician).
I know nothing about the chord changes he speaks of, but all the chord changes he highlights as being so beautiful I think resonate even with listeners who don't play piano. Those are the same ones that my brain always thought sounded so lovely and haunting. I love this song and the movie is a childhood favorite of mine along with Wizard of Oz.
I couldn’t agree more.. after watching Wonka last night.. I feel my spirit is lifted. All of a sudden, I love life more! Thanks for taking me through this tutorial ..Some pianist can really teach piano, but very few can articulate artistically like you Mr Charles.
I just saw Wonka today and had to come home and watch the original with my toddler. The movie struck something in me, reminded me of my love for music, made me wanna cry literally everytime they played the tune throughout. Was so inspired I the theatre lobby a little performance afterwards
I am not a musician and have always wondered why this song makes me tear up. I loved the breakdown with the example played. I did not understand the tevhnical aspect...but I teared up during the examples. Soooo., thank you! (It is my all time favorite movie song too.)
I saw Wonka last night with my kids and when Timothy Chalamet sang this song at the end it reminded me of watching Gene Wilder sing it as a kids. My eyes nearly teared up.
This is one of those songs that even as a child it hit me differently. I never could explain it, but eventhough they were in a happy place, there's almost a sad feeling to the song, and it always made me feel a certain way. Idk...even to this day.
The song was composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. I was lucky enough to go to the Christmas musical Scrooge in 1995/1996 with Mr. Newley in the lead as Ebenezer Scrooge. when I got back from my trip to London, I sent him a Christmas card, thanking him and the cast and crew for this wonderful evening. He wrote me a card back saying how much he loved me writing him and telling me how important it was for him to get. That made me melt. Pure Imagination is also one of my most favorite musical songs. I absolutely love it ❤
I 1,000,000% agree with you that “Pure Imagination” is an absolutely AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL song! Gene Wilder did an amazing job with the vocals. I can definitely see a dancer or ice skater perform to this song. I’m also surprised that this song wasn’t used in any of the singing competitions.
This is a beautiful song. Whenever I hear it, it takes me to a different place of childhood. My favorite part is the beginning. This movie was and always will be magical. 💜
A young guy like this nailing the nuances of a much older film song. Spoon feeding me with the musical details that I 'noticed' many years ago without knowing how to articulate them. Not a music major by any means, but I watched through this whole video (a lot over my head), and I think he really gave this song (esp. the music) its due praise.
It’s kind of weird that you feel the need to point out his age as if it has any bearing whatsoever on anything but the amount of time that has passed since his birth. It’s so patronising.
@@MrKarateEd nah it’s just patronising. His comment was directed specifically towards Charles, suggesting surprise that a relatively younger person would be able to do the song justice in analysing it.
@@AndersWatchesI very much see this comment as the opposite. Not only is he proving the timelessness of the song but he's showering accolades on the artist (Charles) and that's to be commended not the opposite. Sometimes what we say is a reflection of who we are. Personally I think he's paying complements, not the other way around.
Ever since I first heard this song YEARS ago, I've loved it. I was playing a more simplified version on my piano about 30 years ago and, much to my surprise, a woman walking by my house actually came to my door and told me she thought what I was playing was "truly beautiful"! I'm so glad you selected this song for your video, for I now have a better understanding of the song's actual chord progression. Thanks very much!
I have been in love with this song since I was a child. I miss Gene Wilder, and no other interpretation of Willy Wonka will ever replace this film for me. Thank you for doing a dive on this gorgeous piece, and for having similar responses to me at the same places throughout!! That chord at 7:47 gives me goosebumps every time.
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
What's one of your favorite songs ever written for a film? Where do you think Pure Imagination stacks up? ALSO whether or not you're interested in my new ebook- Jazz Piano Improv Vol. 1, PLEASE go check out the page for it anyways because I'm SUPER proud of it and I've been working insanely hard on putting this all together for you. I just want to show it off lol. And if you DO want it, you can grab it for 50% off for a limited time: jazzpianoimprov.com/
Gotta hand it to Princess Mononoke's main theme personally lol, remember basically growing up with that film 😅
Hey Charles, what keyboard do you use??
Octavarium!!!!!!!
Mia and Sebastian’s theme
Moonriver
Gene Wilder had never performed as a singer before and was extremely nervous about this scene. He didnt know how it would turn out, but he went ahead and did the song anyways because he wanted to do it for the children. Turned out to be a historic moment in cinema, and we’re all grateful to Gene for going through with the song
Hollywood being Hollywood, in that era, they could have just overdubbed his voice in the songs with a singers voice if need be. But I am delighted they didn't.
Gene was a great man who brought a lot of joy into the world. I only wish he had found more happiness late in life.
Mahler made masterpieces by forcing instruments outside of their comfort zone, maybe pushing Wilder outside of his comfort zone was one of the reasons this song became so magical? The voice is very simple compared to what a more season musician might have produced
True
Wow no way! As beautiful as the song is, it would not be what it is without Gene Wilder singing it. His voice is just perfect for it. Crazy.
My best friend was a musician. He passed away after many battles with cancer. The last song he recorded was a cover of Pure Imagination, and it’s always in my head. Miss you, Johnny.
Sorry for your loss.
Love to hear it
I'm sorry to hear you lost a friend to a horrible disease that takes so many loved ones! 😢 🙏😇
sorry for your loss
Was the recording uploaded to RUclips? If you post a link, I'll certainly check it out! 🙂
Gene Wilder’s cane taps are so perfect. It’s almost like he’s breaking the 4th wall, because the other characters see him as erratic and off kilter, but we the audience know he’s perfectly in control because we can hear the music that he’s synced to.
Ooooh that's a lovely point that I hadn't considered! Thanks for pointing it out!!
that cane is like a conductors baton
To that effect, the melody and melodic choices can be viewed as such. The perception is that he's one thing, but he's really another, or at least is faceted. And it's all enchanting.
Very nice touch pointing that out
Musically, are his cane taps considered as a caesura or am I mistaken?
I would really adore if, at the end of these analyses, you were to play the entire melody on your piano. I think your audience would stick around to hear you play the entire piece, with your own style. Love the videos!
Really great suggestion
I second that!
I agree. I completely appreciate how it's broken down and explained, but I definitely felt like I was left hanging by not hearing the masterpiece in its entirety. I adore these videos and your love for music. You've re-ignited my desire to dust off the piano and continue to learn. Thank you for these videos and for sharing your love for these compositions. ❤🎶
I'd love that too, but it might infringe on copyright laws.
Agreed. You build us up with terrific explanations the slam the door in our face. It reminds me of the episode in Big Bang Theory where Amy doesn’t let Sheldon finish things.
I’d love if at the end of these videos you did a full play through yourself of the song!
Might get a copyright strike, though.
If he’s playing it though, and not the movie, it wouldn’t be strike-able. That’s why some people use live performance video/audio to prevent that
Yes! A Charles Cornell cover/improv on this would be sublime
@@dmajor050 The copyright on songs themselves (sheet music / sequence of notes) is separate to that of specific recordings, and the owner of the song itself can always DMCA you even if a specific audio recording doesn't match Content ID.
Strictly speaking to cover any copyrighted song you need a mechanical license, and the rights to record and distribute your cover as well. If you want to argue Fair Use it needs to be within the context of critique/education like this video or suitably transformative to the point it becomes its own creative work. Simply covering an entire song verbatim usually fails Fair Use.
Please yes
The hidden dissonance makes Willy Wonka more mysterious: you don't know if he's lying or truthful, if he's joking or serious or dangerous. That dangerous side of the music is amplified in the boat scene where everything gets scary.
The music provides unconscious layers that help tell the story. It's pretty awesome.
You hit the bullseye. The symphony of sounds significantly intertwines with the enigma of the film.
And like chocolate, it's that little bit of bitterness among the sugar that makes it so good.
This is so accurate. I've heard that Gene Wilder wouldn't play the character unless he could do the scene where he walks out of the factory with the cane and does a tumble. From that scene forward, you wouldn't know if Wonka is lying, or telling the truth.
Brilliant!
Daddy I definitely don’t want a boat like that!
I’ve always regarded this as one of the most beautiful songs from all aspects. “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it” is outstanding
Seriously, are you deaf or something?
"Wanna change the world, there's nothing to it" is such a comforting line
"Living there, you'll be free. If you truly wish to be."
It has a lovvvely gentle lilt to it...the essence of it reminds me of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
“There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination,” i never really understood the depth of that line as a child, but thinking about it now makes me yearn for when i was a kid with a sense of childhood wonder. it is bittersweet and true
I have zero knowledge of piano theory other than I love the sound. I didn’t understand almost anything you said but your passion and excitement about a beautiful song kept me watching to the end. It was almost fascinating to hear a breakdown of a song I have always thought was exceptionally beautiful. Now I know why.
I was going to say exactly the same but you put it so well, all I need to say is I 100% agree. Love these videos
I'm in agreement, but not knowing this but wanting to know this is very frustrating.
I'm with you. I barely understand a word, but I couldn't stop watching. The question is, can someone recommend a channel where we can learn music theory so we can come back and understand this.
Im very much trying to learn music theory and composition butbits tough for me but I think I'm finally starting to get it to this guy and Cademce Hira
Came here to say this. 💯
Gene Wilder singing this song still gives me goosebumps to this day. This is a song that hits you through your heart and straight into your soul
Gene put so much of himself into Willy Wonka. It was his idea to come out and walk to the gate with that limp; then somersault.
He thought doing that set the tone for Willy’s dealings with these people-and the audience.
From that moment we would never know if he was lying or telling the truth.
@@cards0486 It was an insanely good stunt, too. I used to study aikido and did rolls for years...the roll that Wilder did was incredible. He really let himself fall forward REALLY far, before finally tucking. Watch it closely and in slo-mo. Kind of crazy for an actor and not a stuntman.
@@c3bhm I’ll do that. I never studied the roll. Not that I’d understand it was difficult. Thank you.
Yup. Makes my eyes leak every time. So beautiful. ❤️
Me toooo❤
Anyone else just really love the sound of orchestral recordings of the 60s to maybe the mid 70s? It's not as crystal clear as what you would hear in a modern movie score, but it's better than what you would hear in the 30s to the 50s. In my opinion, that makes this song even more beautiful. That imperfect recording quality makes it sound ethereal, and really magical and nostalgic.
YES! Absolutely, especially composers like Piero Piccioni
I agree. I fear we'll never return to the purity of film scores like they once were in the 60s-80s. We've entered an era where the existence of a score seems almost permanent... Star Wars Episode 1 for instance had a score playing during every second of the film. No shade thrown at John Williams of course, but when the whole thing is scored, it feels like none of it is.
In my view, the score should be a character in the narrative.
Yes it has a kind of shimmering, ethereal quality to it. What gets me so much about music from this period are the influences that you can hear composers drawing on. The use of ambiguity, and dissonance is constantly reminding me of Prokofiev, Sibelius, Holst, even Wagner. It's the sound that defined the early 20th century living on in these later compositions.
If you love this song then listen to Voctave sing it. It’s on their albums “corner of broadway and Main Street”. The whole album is amazing but this song is…it’s the song.
@@SeraphsWitness This is a fascinating point! Music can definitely still elevate a scene, even as a constant, but I do see how that constant could easily lessen its potency and emotional impact!
Pure Imagination was the first dance at our wedding ❤. We are both musicians, as was half the guest list. A few people asked why we chose that song but none of the musicians questioned it. How could you not love this song?!
Sweet, lilting, melancholic, and lovely. ❤
COULDN'T agree MORE!!!
What a beautiful song to choose for your first dance! Congrats on your wedding!🎉
Oh, that is brilliant. Great choice.
I hope, with all those musicians, someone was able to play it live
"Art is how we decorate space. Music is how we decorate time."
I like that quote!
@feltonpilate4829 I forget who said it. Might be Zappa.
Found it! It was Jean Michel Basquiat
@@feltonpilate4829 Thank you for tracking that down! (I’m pretty sure Frank was a fan of Mr. B.!)
maybe.
Gene Wilder's delivery and performance (and the arrangement!!) also take this song to another level, just a masterpiece on every level
I totally agree!!!
Wilder’s performance throughout the film is just a tour de force. Equal parts sweet, endearing, and terrifying.
Couldn't agree more, he will always be the best Mr. Wonka.
Gene Wilder said that he was very worried about doing that scene because he was never trained to be a singer. Could have fooled me Mr. Wilder.
I still get goosebumps every time I hear it!
This and Rainbow Connection both hold a similar place for me. Just perfectly written songs with UNBELIEVABLE string arrangements.
Rainbow Connection is beyond sappy.
@@rjpg and that's just fine. It is actually okay to have songs about hope.
I can definitely see some similarities and didn't Rainbow connection win the Oscar 🤔
@@rjpg It may be sap, but it's damn good sap.
Rainbow Connection is anything but sappy. It is the deepest profundity. It describes what the Germans call sehnsucht: an intense longing for something we can't identify, homesickness for a place we've never been, the pang of knowing you belong but have not yet found the place where you belong. Gonzo touches on this same feeling in "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday."
there is such tension to this song, along with sadness and regret. a hidden danger that foreshadows what is to come. it truly is a masterpiece that intertwines with the picture on the screen.
To this day, I still get chills hearing this song.
Such a smart take. We never learn what Willy went through to want to test these kids.
Nothing more lovable than Wonka or Elon Musk. We are such a bunch of idiots.
Well put
I also love cheer up Charlie! It’s one of the most touching loving songs from Charlie’s mother to him. Even though she has little and works endlessly to take care of her family, she still has hopes and dreams for her son to have a better life! 😭
I was at a really loud distillery a few years ago and this 2-person band (piano+singer) started to do their rendition of this song and everyone there just kinda instantly shut the hell up and enjoyed the beauty of it. It was really nice
No one has mentioned the composers…..Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. So many beautiful songs from them. My favourite is ‘Feeling Good’.
Who Can I Turn To? and What Kind of Fool Am I? are also masterpieces
The other 3 listed here are also beautiful 😊
Don't forget the Candyman which gave Sammy Davis Jr. his only #1 hit 😁
Thanks. I had the same thought about crediting the creators.
I'm surprised he doesn't even mention the composers. He should.
It sounds like a very Anthony Newley song too.
And being the lyricists for 'Goldfinger'!
The sublimated fury lurking barely hidden beneath Wonka’s apparently benign personality is perfectly explained in this song, entirely understood by the orchestra, the director and the actor, so it seems to me. Wonka, at heart a disillusioned and cynical romantic idealist, has set himself and his creative visions made real deliberately apart from the greedy, base, animalistic outside world: he can hardly disguise his contempt for his guests, even the children, since they represent everything he’s tried to shut himself away from and yet here he is, about to lay bare his secrets, share his passions and open his heart in the hope of finding one true soulmate in the herd of brutes he’s welcomed inside his home. It’s a chilling, entrancing, poignant, mysterious, magical and melancholy scene all at once: we feel there’s the promise of danger or excitement ahead; this is music to cast a spell to, and that’s exactly the effect it has. There’s a hint of innocence about to be lost, sadness at the prospect of a perfect world about to be spoiled, and the loneliness of a genius who’s lived his life in isolation thus far. I love the swell of emotion created by “if you want to view paradise”… and the bathetic resolution of “there’s nothing to it”. A perfect piece of film scoring as well as performance. Couldn’t agree with you more.
This comment should be pinned. 🔨🔨🔨
This comment rings so true. It's like a in-depth one-paragraph review of the entire movie - well done!
OMG, this is the best summary/analysis in a single paragraph that I may have read.
This is the perfect and adult analysis of the movie and life. Beware the glorious and gifted optimist who you mistreat. The music captures Willys world of concurrent beauty and pain. Bravo.
Wow, deep!
Was so pleased to hear them use this at the end of 'Wonka'. Not only did it bring the whole cinematic story together, it reminded me what a great song it was.
That was seriously the BEST.
I cried so much when he began the song so slowly, and said the words "Come... with.....me " 😭❤ best moment of the new movie hands down
To me, what makes this beautiful is that it captures the eeriness of mystery. Yet shows the wonder.
"The eeriness of mystery" is a magnificent description - it cannot be mystery without pulling one out of their comfort zone. There is danger in new delights.
Nailed it!
Very on point good sir! Indeed. You nailed it.
100% Truly awe inspiring things are also a little scary because they're hard to even comprehend and the dissonance of this song really captures that.
The most magical song ever created, it did what it set out to do perfectly.
It's a good song, but there were better in other musical films of that period and after.
@@rpgadventurer32 Andrew Lloyd Webber - Memory :)
That's a big claim. I just read that it was written in one day...over the phone.
@@h0pesfallPure imagination is more sofisticated harmonically.
@@h0pesfallNice choice !! 😄
My absolute favourite part is that while the chords are defying expectations hes singing about defying explanation. The way the lyrics work so well with these insanely beautiful chords and melodies...so special
EXACTLY!!!
Wow!! 🤯❤
Love this song and the harmony and chords when you play them, are gorgeous, what I didn’t like is the actual orchestration written in the original. I don’t think the placements of the instruments is right at all. There are too big a gaps between the chords and it sounds sparse and odd rather than lush and supportive. Dunno. Definitely not how I wrote or orchestrate. Mind you the chords themselves, like I said, are sumptuous!
THEMING.
Love this song. Beautiful, but with a touch of melancholy. As in, perhaps, you lose the pure imagination with the end of childhood. Another song that has stuck with me is "The Rainbow Connection", sung by Kermit the Frog. There is a sadness in there, as well.
Yup, that’s another personal fave. Good suggestion. 😊
Also Kenny Loggins version and that of the group America. 😊 5:40
Absolutely. This song and rainbow connection are so memorable
I think I remember that song!
That Kenny Loggins version on 'Return to Pooh Corner' is very nice too...
My friend played this piece on a Flugelhorn at his father's funeral. It was already one of my favourite pieces of music of all time, I was holding it together until the first few notes carried through the church. Absolutely beautiful 😍
Sorry for your loss.
@Tanthius 1 A son's elegant tribute to his Dad. A memorable, loving goodbye. Condolences 🧡
My father recently passed away and you just made me cry again
The song is absolutely beautiful played on a brass instrument. My daughter marched in a Drum and Bugle Corps for many years. in her final year, the Baritone solo was Pure Imagination. Gorgeous. I am sorry for the loss of your friend's father. This song must have been a beautiful tribute.
@@andreagelenterscv?
The true Wonka. ❤ Gene Wilder was brilliant in everything. His face was more expressive than some actors speaking.
No one will EVER do Wonka EVER like Gene Wilder. Raymond Burr = Perry Mason, Andy Griffith = Matlock Willy WONKA = Gene Wilder EPIC!
@unprofessionalmattersDepp pulled his Wonka straight from the pages of Michael Jackson’s autobiography.
The *only* Wonka!
i'm defo not watching Dune boy after the shitshow rehash that Tim Burton did
@@madontherunactually… the movie was fantastic. Very surprised! It makes a lot of homages to the Gene Wilder movie.
In addition to being Wonka's lyricist, Leslie Bricusse was a powerhouse composer who knew how to write the "subversive moments" into glorious film songs, like "When I Look In Your Eyes" from Dr. Doolittle (1967), and "I'll Begin Again" from Scrooge, two under appreciated film scores.
And fun fact: Fred Astaire ASKED to play Wonka, and they chose Wilder.
He co-wrote most songs for this movie along with Anthony Newley 😊
I think Astaire would have been amazing. But Kudos to Mr. Wilder .
I’ve always loved, “When l Look In To Your Eyes”. Elmer Bernstein’s score for “To Kill A Mockingbird” is my favourite.😊
"Fred Astaire ASKED to play Wonka, and they chose Wilder." They choose wisely...
@@themandownthehall Ya know, it seems impossible to imagine another choice, but it gets even more interesting. Bricusse and Astaire were neighbors and friends. One night playing pool they commiserated about Astaire being passed on; they both thought it made no sense that a 35-year-old would be giving up his business. And in Bricusse's own words, he implies Astaire (who was 70) would have made the better choice.
You are absolutely correct. For years, I have told my wife that this is one of the most perfect musical structures I have ever heard. Even if you don't like the melody, it doesn't change the fact. Someone with a musical ear, can hear the perfection. Others maybe just hear a nice melody. It's nice to see that I am not alone on this.
My god, this guy is a better music teacher than I’ve ever had. Taking real examples of phenomenal songs and breaking them down musically. It helps a surprising amount
This feels more like a music theory teacher. My music teachers only told us what songs to sing and taught us how to play the recorder...
Music theory teacher are a different breed. There is something just so memorable about those classes.
Couple that with his genuine enthusiasm and it's perfect!
@@youtube-ventura I had an independent study for the second year because of low enrollment. During meetings we geeked out a lot.
RUclips is an absolute wonder for this kinda stuff.
Even further commentary aside, sometimes it's nice to just have someone explain a song without having to listen for intervals etc. yourself, better to learn it for yourself, but you can give that part of your brain a break here. It's also a nice demonstration of your progress when you hear what he's about to explain without even having to think about it, and they analyze songs we never would by ourselves.
Thank you Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for writing it. It’s always been my favorite song in the film. Gene was wonderful!
Don't forget Cheer Up, Charlie. Maybe as good as Pure Imagination. The bridge in both songs send each one into sublime territory.
Same!!! I still don't know why but every single time I see/hear this song I ALWAYS tear up >~
They wrote so much wonderful theme music from Goldfinger to Sweet November (which Anthony sang and also starred in the film). They don't get nearly the credit they deserve.
Thanks for saying this, I dont remember him stating the composer's name ........... Leslie Bricusse is an outstanding composer . BTW, Over the Rainbow and
Have your self a merry little Christmas aint bad either
Yes love Tony Newley. A genius!
It was written by British composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley specifically for the movie. Bricusse has stated that the song was written over the phone in one day
Yeah, sounds about right. Not too much time was spent on it and it shows.
Sounds like Newley’s “What Kind of Fool Am I.”
@@pianoboylaker6560 damn man you got em you want a cookie?
It always freaked me out that Newley went from success on stage and song writing to staring in "The Garbage Pail Kids." I would love to know what the story behind that was.
@@pianoboylaker6560oh dang, so you can write a 4 minute song in a day?
What have you written?
This song, “Candy Man”, “Rainbow Connection”, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to me epitomize someone being caught between adulthood and childhood, the adult both celebrating childhood with its eternal optimism and mourning its loss.
You are so smart. I love the way you put that.
Sammy Davis Jr. absolutely hated Candy Man, but it brought home the bacon.
Rainbow Connection by Paul Williams is another simple song where many of these chord alterations would work great.
Perfectly stated 👍🏻💖
I used to sing this to my twins when they were babies before bedtime….this made me cry…. Thank you for this. They are 22 years old now. 🥲
21 y.o and i hum it all the time :)
Omg stop 🥲🥲♥️
@@amarante2993 ❤️ we will all be with our loved ones forever soon
Same. My kids are older than me now.
Some of the best movie songs like this one, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Moon River, Part of That World- all have something in common: they are wistful. With the music and the sometimes the lyrics there is the conflict of the singer joyfully painting a dream while simultaneously feeling doubt in that dream. Particularly here, Wonka is expressing a philosophy he believes in but he had learned the hard way that not many other people do too. There is both cynicalism & hope pushing & pulling throughout, and it squeezes at the soul.
Paper moon
It's the melancholic aspect.
"Moon River" was an excellent similar example - dear Audrey Hepburn wasn't much of a singer - yet her genuine, vulnerable performance makes that scene.
It is a great lyric that can be interpreted in many different ways.
Wow
the touch of horror presented by those weird three notes behind the very happy sound of the vocals in the intro is so frickin cool
It’s almost spooky
It's the tension of who is this weirdo. The song lulls you along with sweetness then throws in some bitter almond.
@@douglasfur3808I think that's another reason why the Lydian modality and Maj7 voicings work. They're beautiful but contain some wistfulness (which could arguably add to the beauty). It's kind of simultaneously child-like yet wise.
I hear them as the little sparkles of magic in the air around the main scene of the melody and chords. Not exactly horror, just the opening into pure imagination as a powerful potential experience about to manifest. The quality of the experience is up to the mind of each individual adventurer and need not be a tale of horror so much as wonder, learning awe and respect for its power.
@@shantalynn that's a great insight. Awesome, a word which meaning has been changed and muted, describes something hard to fathom or incomprehensible. It's true that some things or experiences that are new are hard to take or even scary. Angels -- the benevolent messengers or God -- whenever they encounter humans, they tend to say, "Do not be afraid." That's how I relate to and agree with your view.
I love how you geek out on this song that has been magical to me since I was SIX watching the movie at the theater.... the chord progression is transportive!
It isn't just a pandering ABAB melody.... ahhhhh what a pleasure watching you break it down :-)
One of the best ballads ever written. Other movie songs: ”Moon River," "Days of Wine and Roses,” ”Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” "Mrs. Robinson.". And of course, "The Rainbow Connection." Of course, it's hard for me not to become a bawling mess at the latter. And dangit, someone just mentioned "Over the Rainbow."
You must check out Eva Cassidy's version of Over the Rainbow...extraordinary!
My husband and I did an a duet arrangement of rainbow connection with really dissonant harmony that moves up against and away from each other in the same range (I’m a contralto). It was so beautiful that while we were arranging it we had to stop several times because our own harmony got us all choked up 😂
Two more: "As Long as He Needs Me" and "Rainbow on the Water" (Pete's Dragon)
I conducted this piece with my middle school honors band. The opening chord broken into arpeggio and repeated by bells, vibes and Celeste was pure magic. That twinkling sound had everyone yearning for the melody to begin. We performed other heavier pieces by Holst and Grainger but Willy Wonka stole the show. Awesome!!
lie
I wish I were there.
One thing that's cool about the Willy Wonka song you looked at is that the really old sounding audio quality just adds a whole other layer of nostalgia when listening to it today. Watched that movie all the time as a kid and had to sing it for a school play once. Love it.
Gene's version of this song has always been one of my favorites as well. Hauntingly beautiful. The way his voice cracks makes it all the more sincere and charming.
yet there is such clarity to his voice.
As a metal/punk head, this song mesmerizes me, as well as the film as a whole. RIP Gene.
Listen to rectal hygienics
Perfection…In my opinion, Gene Wilder will always be the one and only Wonka.
As much as I’ve appreciated (and even swooned a little) over Johnny Depp since the 90s, I absolutely concur. No one can ever match Gene Wilder, especially when it comes to Willy Wonka.
@@givemeahappyending same. I haven't brought myself to even watch the Johnny Depp version and I love his acting. I don't know that I've watched any of Wilder's other movies. I just know that this version was the Willy Wonka I grew up on.
I have both versions of the film, but Gene Wilder is and always will be Willy Wonka as far as I’m concerned. His performance of this song is beautiful!
@@melindajohnson9726blazing saddles is a classic
Creepy.
I remember watching this movie when I was tiny and it was way past my bed time, and this song specifically moved me enough to the point where it creeped me out. It was new and strange and it tickled my brain just enough to make me feel like I was in the movie. I didn’t watch that movie again for a while haha
It is a pretty eerie movie, especially that boat scene. "Is the grizzly reaper moaning. Yes, the danger must be growing because the rowers keep on rowing."
@@jaebird3077Yeah, I watched it as a kid and thought, "Wow, what a fun heartfelt comedy!" (Also, this movie is where I learned how TV broadcasting works)
Watching it as an adult, I realized that Wonka was a dangerous, fun, creepy, hilarious, child-hating, kid-friendly gent.
A man of infinite complexity, well portrayed by Gene Wilder.
What makes it even more creepy is that everytime they move to another part of the factory there is only enough seats for the remaining parents and children. Meaning Wonka knew/intentionally tried to kill each kid
@@benduhova1643 It could be good communication and stunning efficiency between sections of the factory.
But I like your conclusion better.
Pure Imagination and Rainbow Connection. Top 2 ever
I don't play an instrument or even can read musical sheets. But you show me the beauty of harmonies, especially the game the composer plays with the expectations of the listener. Thank you
I know nothing about reading music so a lot of what he says flies right over my head, but the way this guy explains it and gives examples really makes me appreciate the melodies more
I've never been able to listen to this song without tears coming ❤ It's everything about it, from the chords to the words to Gene's beautiful delivery - all perfect.
Listen to the instrumental without the lyrics and it’s just as beautiful
That film became my childhood favorite movie exactly because of this song. It really can make you feel you're in a world of imagination.
I play guitar (self-taught), not piano. Sadly I am not musically educated or trained, so most of what Charles explains goes over my head. However, I do FEEL what he plays, and I understand and appreciate his love, feeling and appreciation of the chords and melodies in this song. Wonderful video! Bravo, Charles! (Excellent movie too!)
I have self taught myself music theory to the point that I understand what he's saying-- it is possible! don't tell yourself it's something only other people can do (I had some formal education from being in school bands & things, but they barely taught us harmony. just how to play scales & the basics of building like/ 3 chords. If I have an advantage over the average person it's likely not that, it's probably just that I'm very passionate about music & listen to a lot of it).
The number 1 thing that helped me was thinking in terms of scale degrees when learning/writing songs (I.e. if I'm in C major & I play a C major chord, I'm conscious that's the 1 chord & I know that if I hit a minor chord a whole step up I'm on the 2 minor-- I don't even need to know what note I'm on, just its relative position to the root note).
Even if that doesn't mean anything at first, you're still thinking in terms of music theory and training your ear to hear what going from the 1 to the 2 sounds like, instead of just what going from 'this' chord to 'that' chord sounds like, y'know? I don't know how to read sheet music on my guitar & it takes me 10 seconds to find C but I DO think in scale degrees & I think it's honestly easier (& more useful for me).
It's not *easy*, it's still work, but it's very worth investing in IF you think music theory would help you do what you want to do on guitar.
(ALSO oolimo's guitar chord analyzer is very useful, from a guitarist to a guitarist. If you feed it a chord it will tell you what chord it is & all the intervals that make it up--very awesome!)
You can always learn the theory, if you want. Having talent/natural ability is much more important. There are some people that have absolutely no sense of rhythm, and are tone deaf, which would be horrible.
No one has ever explained musical movement to me before. Thank you so much for putting into words the theme I have always heard and loved.
My vocal jazz group in college had an SSAATB version of this that took full advantage of all those deceptively intricate little progressions. Loved singing alto since we always got to do dueling half-steps with the tenors; this one took real dedication once the harmonics started rattling our eyeballs. Still one of my favorite songs.
Power altos!
Oh, I would love to hear this version! I do a lot of choral conducting, and this sounds like it would be a gorgeous arrangement.
Do you remember who arranged it?
I need to hear this bro drop the link
+
I don't understand the music theory, but I appreciate Charles' enthusiasm when explaining the magic of this song. I love the song, too, so his walking through it helps me realize what about it makes it so special.
I don’t understand a thing musically but this song has continued to move me and I’m almost 60. Isn’t that’s why music is created? I agree, it is truly one of the most beautiful songs!
👌🏾💯Right On! @davidhalley9795
I Agree with You, David!!
I’m Almost 61, (and an old soul, as well ☺️)!!
I’ve loved this song since I first saw Mr. Gene Wilder sing it when I saw, “Willie Wonka,” when I was 9 years old!!
I think what also makes it so beautiful is that it's hauntingly beautiful, the dissonance almost gives it a subtle eery feeling.
I used to be in a drum corps called Jersey Surf. In drum corps, every corps has a corps song, and this was our song. During my time, we actually performed this song in the 2012 show. On our final day, the age outs (there is a 21 year old age cap so they "age out") played this in our sleeping site as a wake up for everyone. Ever since, this has been a tradition for the corps to play. This song will always hold a special spot in my heart and am always proud of what i was a part of when i hear this song.
You bringing this up made me realize I can imagine exactly how a drum corps would play it - all brass instead of piano. I think I must have heard a drum corps, or more likely a marching band, play it at some point or else I wouldn't be able to think it so clearly.
Unexpected drum corps story lol #snareline
OMFG OMFG THAT WAKE UP WAS SOOO FIRE I USED TO WATCH THAT VIDEO ALL THE TIME HOLY COW. BRO. Please understand lol I played trumpet for years. And watching that wake up video changed my appreciation for my horn. The video from 2017 I think.
Your first ever drum major approves 😂
Hey man, I’m a Surf vet from 2022 and 2023! I was one of the mellos that played the wakeup this year!
I wish you'd do a full play of the song on the piano at the end of these. Doing the breakdown for us is absolutely amazing, but since it's all done in pieces, having you do a full play of the piece at the end would really allow us to hear everything you were going over as it's naturally played.
This song was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, who composed a number of great songs for musicals and film. The songs are mostly in the musical theater tradition, but also show the influence of jazz and classical composers like Debussy.
Lemme get de bussy
Anthony Newley sings some greats - 'My Friend the Doctor'
"Beautiful Things" from the 1967 Doctor Dolittle movie is my favorite from Leslie Bricusse.
These chords are reminding me of something Vincent Guaraldi would write for some reason... the chromatic movements in each resolution, the weird 9th, 11th, and diminished voicings thrown all over the place... Gives me VERY strong "Christmas Time is Here" vibes. (which I think might be one of the most beautiful songs ever written for a Cartoon).
Yes!
Agree 100%! It's in my top 3 holiday songs and my ringtone through the season.
Wow, it's very similar with the rather discordant phrases and pleasant resolution.
You are 100% right, I totally hear that!
I hear it now!
I whole heartedly agree that this is THE BEST song in a musical ever composed.
The compositor is a genius 😮
Anthony Newley - the co-song-writer with Leslie Bricusse - was David Bowie's favourite singer/songwriter growing up, and that influence shines through in a lot of his songs so strongly
Notice how the chord change from Ab7 to F major mirrors the lyrics - “will defy explanation” - the change works so well here because the lyrics inform the structure of the song!
great point!
When my son was a baby, I'd feed him a bottle at 9pm while mom got sleep to prep for the 12am feeding, and I played this song EVERY SINGLE NIGHT during that feeding. Those were rough months for sleeping, but this song has memories.
The songs we sing our babies stay with us forever
Charles Cornell is a gem and it is such a delight to view his videos. Simple, but high quality production value and such a gentle and accessible spirit. Watching him teach-react-play-perform through songs like these is top notch YT content that future generations will look back on and enjoy for a long time!
For me, it will always be "Feed the birds" from the Mary Poppins movie. The song starts off as a lullaby, with a sad undertone, but then it gets all bombastic and grave, only to finish with a muted fade. it does not simply give me goosebumps or chill my spine, it moves me profoundly. Then the tune does it a second time as the grave, booming tones return in the scene where the father is walking towards his impeding doom, chin held high. The scene where they write it in the Saving mr Banks movie even loosened a tear in my eye
@spikey556 The overture to "Mary Poppins" begins with "Feed the Birds" as well, so it is the first bit of music that the audience hears. According to the Sherman brothers, it was also the first song they played for Walt Disney and which sold him on doing the film as a musical, despite Travers' admonishment against the whole idea. It is also my personal favorite from the film. And having the ancient yet iconic Jane Darwell come out of retirement to sit on the steps as the bird woman was the perfect icing on the cake. A beautifully haunting song for a beautiful moment with a beautiful sentiment for a beautiful turning point in the film. Love your take on it.
I have heard somewhere that it was Walt Disney's favorite song.
My parents had a record player in a large console. I loved to put the album of all the songs from Mary Poppins on and listen to it over and over. Feed the birds was my favorite.
I remember when the movie came out, how that song lifted me out of the story and made me feel the possibilities of imagination. Gene pulled off the communication intended by the song flawlessly.
This song always made me want to cry because of how gorgeous it sounds. Now I know that there’s a science behind it!!
My senior year of high school marching band we had a show that was a rendition of Pure Imagination. Now the song is forever associated with those wonderful memories for me and will always be one of my favorites.
The new "Wonka" movie was amazing. absolutely blew me away. Even included the great song that is of "Pure imagination"
Go check it out if you haven't
It’s more than just the chords. A huge part of it for me is the layering and arrangement. It brings a sense of ethereal wonder and mystery
Took 3 years of piano lessons as a kid. Pretty much hated every minute of it. Took time away from surfing and playing ball. Don't know a thing about music. But I watched the entire 17 minutes of your video. You, sir, are a natural teacher. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I feel like I learned more in 17 minutes than in all the years of piano and music classes in high school and college. Subscribed!
I cried hard when I found out Gene had passed away. This song and movie was a big part of my childhood ❤
Wait willy Wonka passed
@@underthecovers5503 Wilder died on August 29, 2016, at the age of 83, at home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He had been diagnosed 3 years before his death but kept knowledge of his condition private. Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said that this was done to not sadden fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. According to his family, Wilder died while listening to one of his favorite songs, a rendition of "Over the Rainbow" sung by Ella Fitzgerald.
@@underthecovers5503Gene Wilder passed in 2016
@@djmeiners0990 that's soooo sad I miss him sooooo much
"Maintaining connection, but subverting expectations." Sounds like a wonderful definition of "Imagination". Masterful songwriting, and I really appreciate the excitement to study it!
I’m so glad it wasn’t “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Great song, but this one personally hits me right in the feels. Even as a kid, I’ve always thought the music in Willy Wonka was extraordinary.
But it's not the most beautiful song ever written for films, not even close.
@@rpgadventurer32 which isn’t? Somewhere or Pure Imagination? What do you think it should be?
Sad fact: Gene Wilder died while listening to "Over the Rainbow" sung by Ella Fitzgerald, one of his favorite songs.
@@mariecarie1 "Somewhere" is an incredible song, but no, for me, there are several songs from Marry Poppins that are better, but especially "Feed the birds", and what about so many of the animated Disney films songs? What about some of the iconic songs from Barbra Streisand's movies? and from other iconic singers and actors during the 60's, 70's, 80's etc.? There are just so many to choose from and that's without taking into account the musical adaptations to screen and other song adaptations used for musical films like "Sound of Music", "Singing in the Rain" and many others.
@@mariecarie1 Watch the outtake that was cut from the film as she reprises the song and breaks down in tears. Considering the abhorrent abuse and exploitation she was going through on set, it hits like a ton of bricks right in the feels.
to a tone deaf person, i have no idea what you just said, but you radiate so much passion and energy that i just sat smiling at my screen for 17 minutes
Being tone deaf might not be a choice but you certainly have the choice to NOT be tone deaf. Everyone is made with the same potential,
So why do you lie to yourself? Use it. There is no natural talent. Tone deafness isnt some magical disease. Its just peoples excuse who try to understand music once and then proclaim they are stupid just because it dosen’t instantly pan out for them.
I didnt mean for this to sound mean, but genuinely think about what i’m saying.
@growingaHome i totally agree
It's both uplifting/hopful, sentimental and melancholic all at the same time. Plus that 3 note phrase that plays as the opening just gives this feeling of uncertainty, almost meanace to my ear.
Such a good piece
This is probably my favorite song ever - over a myriad of all the types of music I love. The melody and the lyrics are perfectly matched.
I don't think they could have made Gene sound bad. His voice was angelic. Perfect for the part. RIP legend. 😢
Danny Kaye was always my favorite singing actor until Gene came along. Now they split my love. Lol
Agree! Two great legends.😊 7:34
I thought i was the only one who thought it was the most beautiful melody ever written. Beautiful chords. Emotional melody. Ear candy to the heart and spirit. Pure imagination is heaven. Every time i play it on my keyboard it brings tears to my eyes. Perfection!!!
Couldn't agree more, an absolutely beautiful song and since I grew up with the movie, it instantly brings me back in time. RIP Gene.
It’s so eery, suspenseful, and yet beautifully whimsical, like the singer himself, I suppose!
100% agree on this song. We sang it to my mom as she passed after life support was turned off. It was not grim or maudlin. It was tender and beautiful and so organic. 🤗
And, I am so impressed that you are self-sponsoring! Your playing is so wonderful and expressive! I have no doubt but that your book is excellent. Makes me want to buy a piano (way back before the internet, I was a professional musician).
Oh, my. You brought tears.
@@dwightpitman4608I came to tears from this comment too.
One of my favorites, along with Over the Rainbow and Chim Chim Cheree.
I know nothing about the chord changes he speaks of, but all the chord changes he highlights as being so beautiful I think resonate even with listeners who don't play piano. Those are the same ones that my brain always thought sounded so lovely and haunting. I love this song and the movie is a childhood favorite of mine along with Wizard of Oz.
I couldn’t agree more.. after watching Wonka last night.. I feel my spirit is lifted. All of a sudden, I love life more! Thanks for taking me through this tutorial ..Some pianist can really teach piano, but very few can articulate artistically like you Mr Charles.
I just saw Wonka today and had to come home and watch the original with my toddler. The movie struck something in me, reminded me of my love for music, made me wanna cry literally everytime they played the tune throughout. Was so inspired I the theatre lobby a little performance afterwards
I am not a musician and have always wondered why this song makes me tear up. I loved the breakdown with the example played. I did not understand the tevhnical aspect...but I teared up during the examples. Soooo., thank you! (It is my all time favorite movie song too.)
May Gene rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.💗🥺
I love this song and Gene Wilder's performance. His gentle way of singing it is perfect for the film.
ABSOLUTELY!!
It's a brief moment of peace and the beginning of the madness
I saw Wonka last night with my kids and when Timothy Chalamet sang this song at the end it reminded me of watching Gene Wilder sing it as a kids. My eyes nearly teared up.
Gene was a such an underrated actor and had an amazingly beautiful singing voice.
This is one of those songs that even as a child it hit me differently. I never could explain it, but eventhough they were in a happy place, there's almost a sad feeling to the song, and it always made me feel a certain way. Idk...even to this day.
Same
The song was composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. I was lucky enough to go to the Christmas musical Scrooge in 1995/1996 with Mr. Newley in the lead as Ebenezer Scrooge. when I got back from my trip to London, I sent him a Christmas card, thanking him and the cast and crew for this wonderful evening. He wrote me a card back saying how much he loved me writing him and telling me how important it was for him to get. That made me melt. Pure Imagination is also one of my most favorite musical songs. I absolutely love it ❤
Kay.
I'm completely envious of you're experience! I'm sure he very much appreciated your card ...certainly sounds like it! 😁
That chord literally gives me an emotional response. Like a tiny bit of tears 🥲
I 1,000,000% agree with you that “Pure Imagination” is an absolutely AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL song! Gene Wilder did an amazing job with the vocals. I can definitely see a dancer or ice skater perform to this song. I’m also surprised that this song wasn’t used in any of the singing competitions.
Film soundtracks are the reason I love music no questions asked.
Movie scores are usually where it’s at for me, but gems like this really make me glad to be alive and have heard it.
"Cheer Up Charlie" is another great melody from the film. Many twists and turns. Feels like a jazz standard.
I agree with you that it's a great song. Just for laughs so my kids like to sing "give up, Charlie"
@@sarahbreisch4750lmao
This is a beautiful song. Whenever I hear it, it takes me to a different place of childhood. My favorite part is the beginning. This movie was and always will be magical. 💜
A young guy like this nailing the nuances of a much older film song. Spoon feeding me with the musical details that I 'noticed' many years ago without knowing how to articulate them. Not a music major by any means, but I watched through this whole video (a lot over my head), and I think he really gave this song (esp. the music) its due praise.
Ditto!
It’s kind of weird that you feel the need to point out his age as if it has any bearing whatsoever on anything but the amount of time that has passed since his birth. It’s so patronising.
@@AndersWatches Essentially he's pointing out the timelessness of the song so in this case age is very relevant. It firms up that point.
@@MrKarateEd nah it’s just patronising. His comment was directed specifically towards Charles, suggesting surprise that a relatively younger person would be able to do the song justice in analysing it.
@@AndersWatchesI very much see this comment as the opposite. Not only is he proving the timelessness of the song but he's showering accolades on the artist (Charles) and that's to be commended not the opposite. Sometimes what we say is a reflection of who we are. Personally I think he's paying complements, not the other way around.
Ever since I first heard this song YEARS ago, I've loved it. I was playing a more simplified version on my piano about 30 years ago and, much to my surprise, a woman walking by my house actually came to my door and told me she thought what I was playing was "truly beautiful"! I'm so glad you selected this song for your video, for I now have a better understanding of the song's actual chord progression. Thanks very much!
I have been in love with this song since I was a child. I miss Gene Wilder, and no other interpretation of Willy Wonka will ever replace this film for me. Thank you for doing a dive on this gorgeous piece, and for having similar responses to me at the same places throughout!! That chord at 7:47 gives me goosebumps every time.