Music 1010 Listening Guide

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

Bohemian Rhapsody performed by Queen.

Produced by Roy Thomas Baker

Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Monmouthshire, England

Performed by Freddie Mercury (Lead vocals, Piano) Brian May (Lead Guitar, Vocals) John Deacon (Bass

Guitar) Roger Taylor (Drums, Vocals)

Intro (0:00-0:45) Song is introduced by a Capella vocals presumably by all band mates, but actually

dubbed multiple voiced by Mercury in B Major)

(0:20) piano melody enters gradually and ascends, then breaks ascension to preform slower melodic

breaks.

(2:00) Guitar enters subtly mimicking the melody played by piano.

(2:35) Guitar solo breaks up cadence of song, abruptly changing pace and mood of song, accompanied

by vocal change.

(3:00) Piano plays in A Major prior to the introduction of opera style vocals to change the cadence and

structure once again. This displays the lack of chorus and repeatable bridges in the song. Following this

opera style vocal introduction, the song changes again to points where only the vocals are present with

no instruments accompanying.
(4:00) The introduction of a traditional guitar riff are shown to change the cadence and style of the six

minute song once again. The lead vocals also change octave range again to display the many phases of

the song.