NEW YORK CITY — In a world that often feels devoid of anything silent, holy, calm or bright, music such as the immortal hymn “Silent Night” carries with it a feeling that can remind us there is still an abundance of virtue all around. There is hope and beauty in the midst of a noisy, unholy, frenetic and dark world. And there is light.
As it has in times past, the simple hymn composed in 1818 by Franz Gruber to lyrics written by Joseph Mohr has the ability to spread a sincere and divine message of peace in our day.
To help impart this message, The Piano Guys collaborated on their newest Christmas video and song with none other than legendary tenor, Placido Domingo.
“It was a joy to work with him,” the group said. “He is an artist whose illustrious career has not snuffed out his sweet disposition or his genuine love for the art of music.”
Joining them are children from the Cathedral School Choristers, whose pure faith and angelic voices proclaim the profound message of the hymn.
Watch the video on YouTube here.
“May your Christmas this year be filled with serenity, spirituality, peace and felicity,” they said. “Merry Christmas from The Piano Guys.”
About the video and song
“Silent Night” was filmed during an East Coast tour in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Known as one of the largest cathedrals in the world, it stands as a colossal monument to the greatest gift ever given, the Son of God.
The Piano Guys’ arrangement of the hymn was produced by Jon Schmidt and written by Jon Schmidt, Al van der Beek and Steven Sharp Nelson. Music was recorded mixed and mastered by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios in Utah. Placido Domingo’s vocals were recorded by Nick Patrick and the Cathedral Choristers’ vocals were recorded by Leszek Wojcik.
Video produced by Paul Anderson and Shaye Scott.
“Silent Night” performed by: Placido Domingo, vocal solo; Jon Schmidt, piano and vocal textures; Steven Sharp Nelson, cello and vocal textures; Al van der Beek, vocal textures; and The Cathedral School Choristers, vocals.
The Cathedral School Choristers at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine are under the direction of Malcolm Merriweather, choral associate and Raymond Nagem, associate organist.
Additional vocals were provided by members of the “TPG Children’s Choir,” Holland and Avea Van der Beek and Elias and Lucy Nelson.
The Piano Guys would like to express their gratitude to their managers David Simone and Winston Simone and their record label Sony Masterworks.
Resources
- The Piano Guys: YouTube Channel | Website | “Silent Night” video
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