Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

Hearing Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time was an engagingly entertaining experience. Not surprisingly for those of you who are already familiar with it, I was a bit bewildered by the end… there were some surprising musical twists and turns along the way and I couldn’t latch on to one particular idea which would sum up the whole song, but nevertheless, it was a great ride!

We’re sorry for the audio problem at ~12 min. We couldn't fix it here due to YouTube restrictions, but you can follow this link for the ”fixed” version:

Here’s the link to the original song by Queen:

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Special thanks to those who are keeping my ko-fi cup supplied:
I’ve formed the habit of publishing all the names of my supporters simply because I appreciate your appreciation of my work, and I want to recognize each one of you personally. But, unfortunately, YouTube allows a limited number of characters for the description, and I cannot fit all names anymore. So, this is my message to each one of my supporters personally:
THANK YOU!
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.

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Credits: Music written and performed by Queen

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[gregvanpaassen]

"It's an interesting piece of music." That use of understatement practically qualifies you for British citizenship!

[BoredOfBills]

It's from an album called "A Night At The Opera". The whole point of this song (and this was told to me by none other than Brian May at a guitar masterclass) was that it's a whole opera in one (BBC radio playable) pop song. And when you think about it - a crazy over dramatic story with the main character in conflict, a chorus of singers, a few solo hi-lights, the "sing-a-long" bit that you remember, then the musical return to the original theme - and yeah - it works EXACTLY like a miniature Italian tragic opera. Which is very Freddie...

[BadgersInTheAttic]

"...unashamed of their Classical influence."

One of my favorite stories is of Freddie being accosted by Sid Vicious in the hall at the recording studio, where Queen and The Sex Pistols were both recording.

"So, you're this Freddie Platinum guy what's trying to bring ballet to the masses, " he says.

And without batting an eye, Freddie responds, "Ah, Mr. Ferocious! We do our best, dear."

I don't think "apologetic" was in his vocabulary. 😄

[outspoken]

You don't have to be a Queen fan to recognize that this is probably one of the greatest songs ever written.

[philhibbard]

"What instrument do you play?"
Freddie: The audience.

For those who have never seen his stage performance
“Live aid” was a perfect example of his and the band’s talent.
(It’s on YouTube)

[maureenwagg]

Freddie would have loved your reaction. He was such a huge fan of classical music and he had a unique way of presenting classical music to a rock audience. Having grown up with classical and opera in my house I immediately loved this band.

[Polyphemus]

Watching a musician discover Freddie is such a treat, he was one of a kind.

[joseantoniogalante]

You can see her emocional and physical response to the music, and her understanding of it blossoming in her beautiful mind, this woman is a truly admirable and beautiful human being...

[jamiesherman]

It’s such fun to watch heads spin 47 years after this amazing and timeless piece was released by Queen. Yea Freddie!

[zenithoclock]

Bohemian rhapsody is a song in three parts, or 'acts'. It is essentially autobiographical.

As a boy Farrokh Bulsara (Mercury's birth name) was a quiet, shy boy. Mercury knew he wanted to perform but that in order to do this he had to change, dramatically from the child he was. The opening of the song sets the scene and then the early verses are about him metaphorically 'killing' Farrokh Bulsara in order to realise himself as Freddie Mercury. He knew this would be hard on his family, especially his mother, here he is mourning the loss as well as the pain he caused.

The next (operatic style) section is about the drama and chaos of being in the band. Galileo is a reference to guitarist Brian May (who has a degree in astro-physics), the other references are the members of the band and others that were intimately involved with the band.

The final section is Freddie looking back at and accepting the loss of his former self, at the end of the song you hear the third and final repetition of the libretto 'any way the wind blows' but it is ghostly and distant, as it is now a memory.

There, straightforward when you know.

[brookebyrne]

You are such a sweet soul and I love seeing the joy in your reaction 🫶🏼

[lcdchase]

Love watching this woman's mind getting melted.

[yaakovdaniels]

I don't think I' ve ever listened to someone quite like you! You seem so honest and authentic. You have managed to stay your special self whilst dipping into another musical cultural context. So refreshing!

[alunjones]

Everybody who listens to this song for the first time thinks "what the hell have I just listened to". This isn't one of the greatest songs ever written, it's one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.

[StarkRG]

Freddie Mercury was an absolute genius. He broke the rules of music in just the right ways. Bohemian Rhapsody is a particular masterpiece. I don't know that I've heard many pieces that manage to take you on an audible roller coaster so perfectly, you just want to go back and ride it again.

[brianlmoon]

Watching her break down the first part so much and knowing what what is coming is killing me with anticipation. Haha.

[joegillam]

Queen did songs in a number of styles;: Classical, opera, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, vaudeville, rock n" roll, heavy metal, funk, and disco. The breadth of their music is astonishing.

[BlueSun]

This always reminded me as a sort of modern interpretation of ancient classical Greek dramas, where the main storyline is accompanied by a chorus of voices that stands apart and comments on the main action of the drama taking place. Love this piece, and equally timeless.

[dianecourtney]

Freddie did the harmonies in the beginning of Bohemian Rhapsody layering his own voice. He was amazing. Miss him still.

[georgewachsmuth]

You, and your channel, are an example of Youtube at it’s finest. I am so glad I found this. Thank you. Simply wonderful 😁