VIDEO: Elton John Writes a Melody on the Spot on ‘Inside The Actor’s Studio’

The incomparable Elton John celebrates his birthday today (March 25), and while it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact moment that truly defines his genius, this moment from Inside The Actor’s Studio surely a contender.

During the Q&A portion of the episode, John is asked by one of the students in attendance what criteria he has to write a melody.  While Sir Elton doesn’t give a definitive answer (he says a lot of melodies he’s written happen by accident), he then says he can write a melody to almost anything and asks for a member of the audience to hand him a book. The student who asked the question handed him Peer Gynt, a five-act Norwegian play.

…And that’s when the magic happens.

If you aren’t blown away by this clip, then frankly, I feel sorry for you.