"Grandma" is Much More Than its Composition

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"We like to suffer here" - a quote every Nier/Nier Automata player relates to a lot.

the accidental Grandma/Snow in Summer mashup goes so hard

Finally “Grandma” receiving the attention it deserves, I feel like musical analysis is always brushed over for this piece. Thank you for pointing out the reason this piece remains my favorite across the Nier series. Although fleeting words has a hold on me now too.

Damn, even while it's being broken down and analysed I literally cannot listen to this song without tears

Nier Replicant trying not to have the most beautiful OST (Impossible)

Personally I really like to interpret the military sounding drums as Kaine’s resolve to keep going from her grandma, and the perseverance to keep her memory. 10/10 video! Super informative and I really enjoyed it! ❤

“Grandma (Destruction)” from Nier: Automata is SOOO GOOOD. The intensity is unrivaled

Holy shit Jonathan, this video is INCREDIBLE. I'm repeating myself, but I really admire with how much simplicity you can explain the link between sheet music and the emotions expressed in the final composition. I've been listening to grandma for years now, and in section 13:09 - 16:09 you brilliantly explained that "something" that I had been noticing for so long. I had never heard of attack velocity before, but I could tell that the pianist's emphasis was giving a lot of meaning to the piece and I am so glad it's finally starting to make more sense now -in my mind at least-. I especially love the D emphasized at 13:32 (circa)... I always felt like it was a grim reminder not to get too excited, in stark contrast with how high the notes dance in those measures. The way you chose to display Emi's fluctuations in performance is also so creative. It's such a simple yet effective scheme that helped to visualize what you were analysing. I don't think I've ever mentioned it, but I also want to compliment you for how well you edit these videos. They're light, well-rounded, very well balanced in terms of how many technicalities you include, and your subtle jokes here and there make the watching experience so entertaining in general. Not to mention how much more musical theory I learn every time! I mean, of course I'm no expert (not even intermediate lol) but some recurring terms from earlier videos stuck to my mind, and helped me undestand more swiftly what you were referring to here. I just love your works, man! You never disappoint. Thank you for this amazing video❤

As a "non musician" music theory always facscinates me, and you deliver this in an awesome way. Thanks for the quality content.

I’ve just recently learned this piece on piano and despite the repetition, I love to play it. The point you made regarding “attack velocity” is really accurate. It is true that the expressiveness while playing is vital for this piece. Depending on my mood while playing, it actually sounds unique each time, portraying different emotions and feelings. Sometimes I go for a calmer sound thus pressing the keys softer. Other times I apply more force and emphasize on certain notes. In addition, once you know the context and intent of the piece within the story, you can truly feel the piece while playing. I even sometimes listen to the vocals while playing the piano section myself. It really is a beautiful feeling. Note: And as you stated in the video, the attack velocity just comes naturally. I never think of it while playing, it just happens. Again, thanks for another amazing video analysis. From someone who doesn’t know music theory, I am truly grateful for these kinds of videos. The effort put into these really shows. Excellent explanation, structure and editing.

I’ve been waiting for this one. My favorite track in the series.

I love this song so much, especially as a Spanish speaker as while most of the song is unintelligible, the very first lyrics sound to me like a slurred "Que haré?", which means "What shall I do?". Together with the pensive and somber feel of the song it pulls on my imagination, framing the song as a remembrance of someone dear, a struggle to overcome emotion, and leaves me feeling like I too lost something, but will carry a fragment of their memory with me for the rest of my life. I will learn this song, and sing/play it in memory of those forgotten, and in honour of those I never knew.

I always interpreted the drum track as a representation of kainé's determination. Her promise to keep going to nier and emil despite the uncertainty swirling inside her.

I like to interpret the military sounding drums to the fact that Kali/Curly's gestalt was actually a renowned soldier against the Legion, and so her legacy is that of a keen military mind!

It's nice to see someone articulate what makes Grandma so special. It's hard to explain but you nailed it.

Grandma is here, but not really because Nier. You really articulate everything well and give some serious thought into the whole why a track makes us feel something. I love the little bits of humor you leave around, which is what was left of the Aerie after our heroes saved the day :) I feel like I could get into a conversation about the performance practice and emphasizing certain things. It's not exactly my specialty per say but I do apply it in orchestra and some solos when I happen to play them. Congrats on the sponsor!

When I first heard this playing the original Gestalt version, I immediately put it in my favorites.

Wow ! Amazing video ! The chapter on attack velocity made me think about two lesser known versions of this song. They are not in the game(s), but come from two albums that were released by Square Enix after the original NieR. So it's "official". The first one is from an album called "Piano Collection", and it's exactly what the title implies : piano arrangements of the original soundtrack (they also published the music sheets). This version of "Grandma" has a more melancholic, blues/jazz/impressionist feel to it. It begins much like the original, but then in the middle it shifts in tone, almost like the piano artist was going on an improv. In the same album, the reinterpretation of "Gods bound by rules" is also very good, with brutalist vibes. Unfortunately the one from "Shadowlord" is too close from the original one to be of much interest. The second one is from an tribute album called "Echo", it contain remix of the track by a variety of different artistes. This version of "Grandma" was reworked by Schroeder-Headz and has a 4 hands piano part and two singers. It also use effects marginally, like a slight reverb and echo to add texture. I think there is a post minimalist influence with the constant repeat of certain motifs. It’s my personal favorite version. These versions are so good and no one ever talks about them ! I highly suggest you give it a listen. Edit : Regarding credit, I've found the pages for these albums in the french "drakengard.fandom.com/fr" wiki (these pages don't seem to exist in the english version). The name of all composer, arrangers and interpreters are detailed for each track (but as you say in the video, citation needed). Piano collection version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3_QwLr0r0&list=OLAK5uy_lKV2DO7jn6IBLa5AnSDX2DfnQ84h5U2h8&index=6 Echo album version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akbj5Zc2kV8

Fantastic video. Just found your channel earlier and I'm super excited to explore the rest of your videos. Keep up the awesome work! I've attended the orchestral concert before so hearing this sort of take on it just adds a whole other level to this already incredible soundtrack.