Michael Meets Mozart - A Musical Masterpiece by The Piano Guys

"Michael Meets Mozart" is an extraordinary piece by The Piano Guys, showcasing their talent for combining diverse musical genres. This unique composition beautifully blends the influences of the iconic Michael Jackson with the timeless pieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In this video, the creativity and musicianship of Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson shine brightly.

The Creative Process

The inception of "Michael Meets Mozart" arose from an idea to mix modern music with classical elements. After previous mash-ups and facing permissions hurdles, Jon and Steven took inspiration from hip-hop and classical tunes, transforming them into an original masterpiece. Through careful arrangement and innovative thinking, they managed to create a piece that resonates with music lovers across generations.

The Setup: 1 Piano, 2 Guys, 100 Cello Tracks

The video features an impressive setup where Steven Sharp Nelson recorded over 100 cello tracks. Every sound you hear is crafted using the piano, cello, mouth percussion, and a kick drum, enhanced with some intriguing effects. Notably, the U2-style delay on Steve's starting pizzicato adds a unique touch. With an electric cello modified to have extra strings, the duo cover the full range of an orchestra, creating rich and layered textures.

Innovative Techniques

The innovation doesn't stop at mere instrumentation. The deep bass drum sound comes from a simple bump on the cello, augmented with effects. The shaker sound is cleverly created by rubbing rosin on the bow, while the record scratch effect is achieved by scratching a quarter on the strings. Such inventive techniques contribute to the mesmerizing audio experience.

Production Quality

Credit for the exceptional production quality goes not only to The Piano Guys but also to their talented team. The video was produced by Jon Schmidt, with the arrangement penned by him alongside Steven Sharp Nelson and Al van der Beek. Co-producers Chuck E. Meyers and Jake Bowen ensured that the recording quality matched the artistic vision. While the piano was recorded at Big Idea Studios, the cello tracks were captured at TPG Studios.

Video Filming

The visual aspect of "Michael Meets Mozart" was no less captivating. Filmed at The Muse in Provo, Utah, the video was directed and shot by acclaimed filmmaker Devin Graham. With a strong production crew, including producer Paul Anderson and gaffer David Thorpe, each frame was crafted to complement the audio-visual storytelling. Behind the scenes footage by Shaye Scott provides fans with additional insight into the video's making.

Beyond "Michael Meets Mozart"

The Piano Guys have become a YouTube sensation due to their innovative arrangements and stunning visuals. Some of their top videos include "A Thousand Years," "Disney's Let It Go / Vivaldi's Winter," and "Beethoven's 5 Secrets." Their ability to seamlessly merge classical music with pop hits has garnered them a global fanbase.

Connect with The Piano Guys

To keep up with The Piano Guys, fans can subscribe to their YouTube channel and follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For those wishing to purchase their music and merchandise, links to their albums, apparel, sheet music, and Amazon store are available. Additionally, concert aficionados can find out where they'll perform next through their tour links.

"Michael Meets Mozart" is more than just a musical piece; it signifies the power of creativity and the timelessness of music. Through this unique mashup, The Piano Guys have once again demonstrated why they are revered as innovators in the music industry. Their blend of precision, passion, and playfulness continues to inspire musicians and delight audiences worldwide.