The Piano Guys: A Musical Journey From Disney's Frozen to Vivaldi's Winter

The fusion of modern pop and classical music is no small feat, yet The Piano Guys have seamlessly melded these genres in their captivating cover of Disney’s “Let It Go” combined with Vivaldi’s “Winter.” This video, showcasing their signature style of musical ingenuity, is a testament to their creative prowess, bringing to life a vivid landscape of sound and emotion.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Cover

The journey of this unique cover starts with the story that captivated audiences worldwide: Disney’s “Frozen.” The 2013 animated film told the heartwarming tale of an icy princess and her adventures, with "Let It Go" becoming an anthem since its release. The emotion and dramatic undertones of the song served as the perfect inspiration for The Piano Guys.

Blending it with Vivaldi’s stately yet tempestuous “Winter” from “The Four Seasons” brought an additional dimension of complexity and depth. Vivaldi’s energetic string sequences complement the determined, uplifting melody of "Let It Go," creating a dance of freezing and thawing, akin to Elsa's inner conflicts brought to life through music.

An Ambitious Video Production

The production was nothing short of ambitious. Real snow and ice formed the backdrop, shot in the stunningly beautiful Midway Ice Castles. With the decision to capture the icy aesthetic in 4K resolution, the use of the "RED" camera—the same used in filming "The Hobbit"—was imperative for achieving the desired crystal-clear imagery.

Learning and adapting to this new technology posed challenges for video producers Paul Anderson and Shaye Scott. Their expertise grew as they navigated the intricacies of handling large 4K files, ultimately producing a video that rivals their previous works in quality and imagination.

The Music: A Symphonic Collaboration

All audible elements in the video emerged from a meticulous blend of nearly 90 individual tracks, encompassing cello, piano, and vocals. The layers of music were composed and arranged by Al van der Beek, Jon Schmidt, and Steven Sharp Nelson, showcasing their ability to cross the bridge between genres seamlessly.

Steven Sharp Nelson's unique cello techniques merged with Jon Schmidt's virtuosic piano playing created an auditory tapestry rich in texture. Their arrangement imbues Vivaldi’s motifs with a modern twist, while Al van der Beek's additional vocals and percussion provided an innovative layer of instrumentation.

Credits and Collaborations

This project would not have been possible without the collaborative spirit of all involved. Special thanks are extended to Ryan Davis and his team at the Ice Castles, whose dedication provided the magical setting for the performance. Their painstaking construction of the winter palace formed the perfect stage for the video’s icy narrative.

Additionally, support from Jacob Schwartz, who supplied the essential RED epic camera, and Chris Newman, with his helicopter footage, was invaluable. Tel Stewart and Zak Cioti also contributed with special effects that integrated seamlessly into the frigid wonderland depicted on screen.

The Artistic Journey

The creative process behind the video was as much a learning journey as it was a display of talent. Navigating the challenges of new technology didn't daunt The Piano Guys; instead, it added a layer of tenacity evident in the final product. Going forward, their exploration of 4K filmmaking lays a foundation for more ambitious projects.

The careful mix of "Let It Go" with “Winter” reflects the underlying duality in "Frozen"—a balance of isolation and connection, much like the fluctuation between freezing and thawing in their musical arrangement. Through meticulous craftsmanship and teamwork, The Piano Guys have achieved a work that resonates with fantasy-loving audiences while appealing to classical music aficionados.

Inviting the Audience On Their Next Adventure

Following this achievement, the invitation is now extended to you. Explore other spectacular covers by The Piano Guys, from "A Thousand Years" to "Beethoven’s 5 Secrets." Each piece offers a glimpse into their world where classical meets contemporary, pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling.

If you're seeking more enchanting interpretations and striking visuals, their collection provides endless inspiration and enjoyment. By sharing their journey, The Piano Guys continue to invite fans into the magical realms they musically narrate, one note at a time.