The Piano Guys - Role of the Performer
The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys originated because of a piano store in Utah. Paul, the producer, owned the piano store. He created a social media platform and started to focus on engaging with customers through music videos. Jon, the pianist, was already a pianist at the time. He walked in to see if Paul would let him practice on one of the store's pianos to prepare for his performance. Paul asked if Jon would be willing to play in a video promoting the store in return. Steve, the cellist, started working with Jon when he was only fifteen years old. He started performing alongside him. Al, the songwriter, helped Steve when he was moving into a house on his street. After realizing Steve was a musician, he invited Steve to his home where he had his own music studio. The four of them eventually began working together to become who we know today as, "The Piano Guys."
Repeated Phrase
The "This is Your Fight Song" arrangement was released by The Piano Guys on August 7th, 2015. The piece was written by Dave Bassett and Rachel Platten. For the "This is Your Fight Song" music video, they filmed it at the Eilean Donan Castle in Dornie, Scotland. For this arrangement, The Piano Guys combine Rachel Platten's "Fight Song," the traditional hymn, "Amazing Grace," as well as short sections from "Scotland the Brave."
Form
This piece has a unique form given that it combines three different pieces: "Fight Song," "Amazing Grace," and "Scotland the Brave." The piece starts with the first verse of "Fight Song." As the song enters the chorus, we can hear "Amazing Grace" faintly in the background. The piece then has "Fight Song" retake the focus. We can then hear interludes from "Scotland the Brave" throughout the piece layered with "Fight Song." Towards the end of the piece, we hear "Amazing Grace" take the focus until the end.
Tempo
Given the three different pieces combined in the arrangement, the tempo changes throughout the piece. The performers also make use of rubato throughout the entire piece. They continuously slow down and speed up the piece to match the "feel" of the piece. This provides more complexity to the piece and keeps the listener engaged.
Jon Schmidt and Steven Nelson
Jon Schmidt, the pianist, and Steven Nelson, the cellist, are the performers of The Piano Guys. When viewing their various music videos, we can see the passion and emotion in the performers. The performers use several different techniques when performing to create various sounds. Both Jon and Steve often "smack" or "slap" their instruments to provide a steady beat or rhythm to their pieces. Steve uses several different bowing techniques to create different sounds. Both Jon and Steve use various articulation when they're performing.
Sources:
24 March 2019. Youtube - The Piano Guys - Titanium/Pavane. Sophie's Creative.
Awesome job on this analysis of The Piano Guys. I agree with you that we get to see their passion and emotions through their music videos. In my opinion, I feel like visuals can definitely improve the listening experience in some ways. This is why many artists invest lots of time and money into their music videos and The Piano Guys are a great example of this.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I liked your analysis of the musical elements provided as they were very informational for the reader. The only thing I think you should add is a separate opinion section. However, I think it might be fine since you mix in your opinions throughout various sections of the blog post instead of putting them in one spot.
I think I remember the first video I watched from The Piano Guys a long time ago called “5 guys 1 piano” and I thought it was impressive and funny:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VqTwnAuHws
Shelby, you did an amazing job on this weeks blog post. The way everything was laid out, the descriptions of everything. It all flowed really well. I loved watching the two videos you shared. I agree, you can absolutely see the passion they hold for what they are doing as well as the emotions. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelby,
ReplyDeleteYou should’ve seen the way my eyes lit up when “Titanium” was a selection you picked. I had heard the song before as performed by Sia and produced by David Guetta. I usually don’t like the instrumental versions of songs, and I will say I prefer the original version. I did like watching The Piano Guys actually play the song in the video. I think that the you might be one of the first blogs I have read discussing dynamics. Dynamics in this song is part of what makes it so dramatic. Here is the link to the OG “Titanium” just for fun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfuAukYTKg
Hi Shelby,
ReplyDeleteThis mix of music was very appealing to me! I enjoyed your analysis of the music elements that you shared for both instrumental songs. The pitch and dynamics were so blended, and the tempo was so upbeat. I really enjoyed learning about these performers! I added the Piano Guys to my playlist!
Hello Shelby,
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing the Piano Guys. "Titanium" and "Fight song" are both very powerful and inspirational songs; in their own right, however hearing an acoustic version of these songs really brings it to a new level. I will definitely be listening to more of their covers in the future.