Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Piano/Cello Cover) by The Piano Guys

In a remarkable fusion of musical artistry, The Piano Guys present their stunning rendition of "A Thousand Years," originally composed by Christina Perri. This cover is a blend of piano and cello, two instruments brought to life with passion and precision by Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson.

Jon Schmidt, on piano, and Steven Sharp Nelson, on cello, have created a symphony of sound that conveys deep emotion and storytelling without uttering a single word. Inspired by the heartfelt request of Jon's 17-year-old daughter, this cover of "A Thousand Years" is more than just a piece of music; it's an homage to the timeless themes of love and commitment.

The Creative Journey

Every piece by The Piano Guys tells a story, and this cover is no exception. The inspiration for this rendition came from personal connections and family influences. As Jon recalls, his daughter's admiration for the song ignited a creative spark that led to the swift composition of the piano sections. Not far behind, Steve crafted hauntingly beautiful cello parts, adding depth and richness to the melody.

To elevate this piece further, the group decided to weave in a cleverly disguised segment of Wagner's Bridal Chorus, a nod to the song's thematic ties to marriage and commitment, perfect for the emotion-evoking climax of the piece.

The Perfect Setting

Finding the perfect location for filming was an adventure in itself. After a long day of scouting in southern Utah, and nearly losing faith in their pursuit, Paul Anderson and Tel Stewart stumbled upon a hidden gem near Baker Dam. The site was the perfect match for the ethereal quality of "A Thousand Years."

On the day of filming, despite some logistical challenges, the team was able to capture the setting sun filtering through the trees, enhancing the magical vibe of their cover. The team beautifully framed the interplay between nature and music, showcasing the serene environment juxtaposed with the dynamic energy of the performance.

The Music Behind the Magic

A Thousand Years was written by Christina Perri and David Hodges, encapsulating ephemeral themes of eternity and unwavering love. The rights to the song are held by SUMMIT BASE CAMP FILM MUSIC, EMI BLACKWOOD MUSIC INC, and CHRISTINA PERRI D/B/A MISS PERRI LANE PUBLISHING.

The arrangement performed by The Piano Guys was expertly crafted by Jon Schmidt, Al van der Beek, and Steven Sharp Nelson. The piano’s harmonious synthesis with the cello creates a fresh yet familiar sound, recognized instantly by fans of the original song. The recording sessions took place at TPG Studio, owned by Al van der Beek, with piano recording duties falling to Jake Bowen at Big Idea Studios.

Bringing It All Together

The project culminated in an exceptional video production helmed by Paul Anderson and Tel Stewart. Their chosen location, combined with the natural lighting and expert video craftsmanship, provided the ideal backdrop for the emotive performance. The seamless interplay of audio and visual elements resulted in a stunning artistic expression.

The Legacy of The Piano Guys

The Piano Guys continue to captivate audiences with their unique takes on popular music, merging classical and contemporary styles with unparalleled finesse. Their cover of "A Thousand Years" is a testament to their ability to emotionally connect with their listeners and bring new life to familiar tunes.

Over the years, The Piano Guys have reshaped the landscape of piano and cello trio compositions, earning a place alongside other notable covers like “Let It Go / Vivaldi’s Winter” and “Beethoven’s 5 Secrets.” Each composition is carefully crafted to showcase the emotive power of music paired with stunning visuals.

With millions of fans and countless performances, The Piano Guys continue to inspire and uplift with every note they play. As they tour the world, sharing their music with audiences everywhere, they remind us all of the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the heart.

For those interested in exploring more of their work, or for those who are new to the wonders of their music, visiting their array of social media platforms and digital stores is a step closer into the beautifully harmonious world The Piano Guys create.