Discovering the Wonders of the World Through Music: The Piano Guys' Inspirational Journey

The Piano Guys, renowned for their incredible musical creations, have embarked on an ambitious journey to film their performances at the Seven Wonders of the World. Their latest video, "The Mission / How Great Thou Art," beautifully captures the essence of two awe-inspiring locations in Brazil: Christ the Redeemer and the Iguazu Falls.

The Significance of the Locations

Christ the Redeemer, towering over Rio de Janeiro, is not just a wonder of the world but a symbol of peace and love. Built in the 1920s, this stunning statue stands at an impressive 100 feet wide and 10 stories high, overlooking the vibrant city from the peak of a 2,300 ft. cliff. Its construction is an engineering marvel of its time, achieved with considerable dedication and effort.

Further south, the Iguazu Falls mark the border of Argentina and Brazil. This natural wonder consists of 275 individual waterfalls stretching across 1.7 miles. The magnificent flow of water is akin to two million people pouring a quart of water every second. Such grandeur seamlessly lends itself to a landscape where nature's raw power and beauty are on full display.

The Musical Choice

In choosing the music for this location, The Piano Guys aimed to honor the inspirational power of these wonders. They selected “How Great Thou Art," an enduring hymn praising the beauty of creation and its creator, combined with Ennio Morricone's "Gabriel’s Oboe" from "The Mission." This fusion, besides harmonizing musically, reflects themes of sacrifice, gratitude, and divine wonder, weaving a tapestry of spiritual reflection.

"The Mission," a film about selfless acts, complements the divine and majestic aura of Iguazu Falls — itself a filming location for the movie. In juxtaposition, "How Great Thou Art" praises God for Earth's splendor, resonating with the Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands as a tribute to Christ's teachings and sacrifice.

Bringing Music to Life

The production of this video was an intricate process undertaken by talented individuals. Jon Schmidt on piano and Steven Sharp Nelson on cellos brought warmth and life to the compositions. The arrangements were written by Al van der Beek, Schmidt, and Nelson, while Beek also took on the task of mixing and mastering at TPG Studios in Utah.

Exceptional videography and direction by Paul Anderson, with substantial contributions from Shaye Scott, ensured the majesty of these wonders was captured with brilliance and clarity. Their visual storytelling perfectly complements the music's narrative, offering viewers a sensory immersion into the paradisiacal surroundings.

An Inclusive Celebration

Despite its spiritual themes, The Piano Guys emphasize inclusion, hoping the music resonates with believers and non-believers alike. Their desire is for the video to inspire a shared sense of gratitude for the beauty of Earth, life, and joy.

The comments section, as observed under their videos, serves as a forum where viewers share experiences, motivations, and thoughts evoked by the music. Topics range from discussions of spirituality and nature's grandeur to exchanges of goodwill and kindness among fans worldwide.

United by the music, people from diverse backgrounds connect, fostering mutual respect and understanding. The Piano Guys hope to cultivate this culture of elevating others, amplifying a message that transcends individual religious beliefs.

The Piano Guys' Ongoing Journey

Their ambitious wonder-inspired series continues to motivate their creative pursuits and philanthropic endeavors. Documenting music in front of these marvels has proven to be an enriching experience, both spiritually and artistically.

To date, their growing catalog of video performances reflects popular demand, artistic evolution, and personal challenge. While maintaining their unmistakable blend of classical and contemporary, The Piano Guys have innovatively explored global music landscapes, often involving diverse collaborations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, "The Mission / How Great Thou Art" is more than a video; it's an exploration of beauty, creativity, and human connection. By capturing two of the world's wonders through a lens of harmony — both musical and universal — The Piano Guys invite us to reflect, cherish, and be inspired by the magnificence surrounding us.

Through determination, passion, and unity, the journey of The Piano Guys breathes life into the Seven Wonders of the World, inviting all to join their musical pilgrimage.