As Queen is one of the most famous bands in pop history, I wanted to research one of their most iconic songs. Bohemian Rhapsody was released on the 31st of October 1975, and is owned by four record labels; EMI, Elektra, Parlophone and Hollywood.
Concept
The song is in four parts. The first 50 seconds in the intro and this is acappella. In the video all four of the band members are positioned into a diamond and are singing this part of the song.The second part of the song is between 0.50 and 2.35, and this is a ballad sung by Freddie Mercury. The guitar solo is from 2.35 and 3.03, which is performed by Brian May.
The last section of the song is from 3.03 until the end of the song, 4.07, and is opera-like.
The last section of the song is from 3.03 until the end of the song, 4.07, and is opera-like.
History
When it was released it stayed in the charts for nine weeks, and then again for a further five weeks after Freddie Mercury’s death, making it the third best selling single of all time. It was also the first song to ever get to number one twice with the same version.
Context
The context was very unusual, however many people have made links to Freddie Mercury’s personal life - funny and flamboyant to the outside world but secretly hiding personal issues about his childhood and the years having to hide his sexuality. For years he lived with a woman called Mary Austin, while secretly hiding his sexuality and the lyrics such as “Mamma Mia let me go” (Mamma – Mother Mary) could reflect that he wanted to escape.
However Freddie Mercury has said that they lyrics have no meaning and are just nonsense, just mock – opera. Others though see a similarity between the lyrics and the novel ‘The Stranger’ where a young man confesses to a murder.
Video
The music video cost between £40,000 and £45,000 and only took four hours to film.
There are many special effects used in the video that were created while they were recording. The honey effect where the camera films using many hexagonal shapes was created by using a different camera lens. There are many different fades used throughout, most used when the song changes sections. All together the song took five hours to edit and it had to be completed in a week so it could be sent of to be shown on television.
The music video cost between £40,000 and £45,000 and only took four hours to film.
There are many special effects used in the video that were created while they were recording. The honey effect where the camera films using many hexagonal shapes was created by using a different camera lens. There are many different fades used throughout, most used when the song changes sections. All together the song took five hours to edit and it had to be completed in a week so it could be sent of to be shown on television.
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