The Mission / How Great Thou Art - The Piano Guys (Wonder of The World 2 of 7)

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Story behind the video & song:

As our tour of Brazil approached we set our sights on our next Wonder: Christ the Redeemer. This incredible piece of art soars 10 stories in the air, stretches 100 feet wide and weighs 1.4 million pounds (630,000 kg). But even more impressive is that it was built in the 1920's on a peak of a sheer 2,300 ft. (700 meters) cliff overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

Not far from this inspiring statue are the Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil -- a natural Wonder of the World. Made up of 275 waterfalls that stretch across 1.7 miles (2.7 km), to match the amount of water that flows down these falls you would need 2 million people to each pour a quart of water every second.

As we //consIdered\\ what piece of music would be worthy of such incomparable locations we looked to songs that have been composed or used to praise Jesus Christ, for whom the statue was built and who billions believe created all the natural wonders of this world. We wanted to combine the melody of the heartfelt hymn of praise "How Great Thou Art" with one of the most beautiful melodies ever written -- the theme from the movie "The Mission" ("Gabriel's Oboe.") "The Mission" is a movie that powerfully depicts the lives of men that lay down their lives for others. It was also filmed at Iguazu Falls. "How Great Thou Art" praises God and all that He has done for His children on this Earth. The two harmonize so beautifully with each other, both musically and thematically. As we played these pieces in front of the Christ Statue and Iguazu Falls we felt an overwhelming sense of wonder, peace, and joy.

This music video is not meant to exclude anyone that does not believe in God. We hope that it instead promotes spiritual feelings that can be felt by all -- gratitude for a beautiful Earth, for life, and for joy.

A wise man once said, "If we thought of life as a gift, we might not demand nearly as much from it. And if we lived more graciously, giving of ourselves more freely to the well-being of others, many of our personal concerns would disappear, and life would become easier for all."

We respect all beliefs and opinions, but we hope that in the comments everyone can set aside religious differences and instead focus on building each other up -- through gratitude, inspiration, kindness and mutual respect.

Thank you so much for watching! We are grateful for you!

Credits
"The Mission," also known as "Gabriel's Oboe," (from the soundtrack of the movie "The Mission") written by Ennio Morricone
"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian Hymn based on a Swedish folk song
Arrangement produced by Jon Schmidt
Arrangement written by Al van der Beek, Jon Schmidt & Steven Sharp Nelson
Mixed & mastered by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios in Utah
Performed by
Jon Schmidt: Piano
Steven Sharp Nelson: Cellos
Video produced by Paul Anderson
Video filmed and edited by Shaye Scott & Paul Anderson

#thepianoguys #pianocello

[vlpruitt]

For my 8th grade graduation my grandpa took me to see the Piano Guys. When he heard this song he fell in love with it. Six months after we went he died unexpectedly. This song was played at his funeral. Thank you so much for giving him the joy of hearing this song.

[trevorthiessen]

This was my grandpas favorite hymn. We had his funeral yesterday. He was 95. He spent 41 years with his local barbershop choir. He loved to laugh, one of the happiest people i knew. He made you feel so loved and appreciated, as much as anyone i knew. He was a wonderful man. Miss you so much grandpa.

[Barbienim]

This hymn calms my anxiety so much, and allows me to pray and feel closer to God, no matter what I’m doing through it always helps me❤️

[angelicaboldt]

I work at the oldest university in Brazil as a researcher and professor and play "Gabriel's Oboe" with the flute to my students, just before their exams. They are so touched by God's presence... you can feel it in the large room, filled with 100 students. Some cry. It is amazing! This song truly comes from heaven... And "How great Thou are" is also one of my favorites. It was played by my father at the piano on my wedding (now just 25 years ago...) The combination is awesome!! And of course, no better place than our wonderful waterfalls to perform both... Thank you so much!!! God bless you ever and ever, dear friends!

[darlareed]

I’m battling severe pain which often causes restless leg syndrome for me, which makes the pain worse! I was trying to find some music to help bring me peace, calm my legs down, and let me sleep. I have found cello music can help.
This is so beautiful, it brought me peace and changed my tears into ones of gratitude and peace! Thank you, Piano Guys, for using your talents to bless others. Thank you for using your talents to bless me tonight!

[jenniferjenson]

My son is serving a mission in Rio de janerio! This is the song my daughter and I played on our violins for my moms funeral! There are no coincidences! Love finding this tender mercy for me today!

[stephenshaw]

I took my 82yo mom to Tanglewood Friday to see the Guys and they sure didn't disappoint. It was my first time there and her first time since she was a teen. I was delighted by their playfulness, impressed by their talent and touched by their commitment to God and family.
The highlight of the evening for me was when they played The Mission/How Great Thou Art. My father passed away in May at 85yo. My parents had been married for 63 years in April. How Great Thou Art was his favorite hymn and the only one he specifically requested be played at his funeral. When the Guys played it I wept.
Thank you for a wonderful evening of memories, new and old.

[bobmorey]

My wife and I were blessed several years back to see The Piano Guys in concert in Michigan. They are truly God's messengers!

Afterwards, back stage we were able to meet them, chat a little and have our picture taken together

[ryanjanellesalvacion]

the piano guys rise to fame is only a clear indication that many people still appreciate good & substantial music, music that has quality & not mere noise, shouting or rhythm. the longing for truth & beauty is at the heart of each person, and this is clearly seen in one's desire to hear good & substantial music.

[emmik]

The 2.6k people that disliked this need to get their ears checked. This is one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard.🥰

[musicisbeauty]

Absolutely beautiful. I'm not extremely religious, but the meaning and the passion put into this piece left me feeling the lords presence. It's amazing how music can move people.

[miatadoodlegal]

The song combo is amazing. They play so beautifully it makes me cry and feel closer to God. Watching the waterfalls, the beauty that surrounds them, and the music makes me feel closer to Heaven. Thank you for creating such beautiful music.

[hayleyrollins]

I just saw them in concert last week... They played this and I will never look at it the same again. I will never forget the testimony Steven bore about God's love for us. :) Thank you Steven for strengthening my own testimony with your music. :)

[markm]

It is written, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart".    - Jeremiah 29:13

[cropudrop]

Jon, right now as I listen to this, I grieve Annie. I am praying that you and your family will eventually be able with strong hearts declare "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art" I am so sorry for your loss. I am still holding out hope that you will find closure.

[The_Rooneys]

How to make a grown man cry - This video.
Praise God for the work you guys do. Praying the Lord's richest blessing upon your ministry and watching from Ireland!

[Jguy]

Such a great way to display the wonders of God's creation. Something that beautiful doesn't just happen. On a side note. Gabriel's Oboe has a special place in my heart and holds precious memories. It always makes me want to cry, in a good way.

[SuperHeathw]

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

[WierdAndRandomGirl]

Personally I am agnostic, and I've had trouble reconciling with any faith because of difficulties growing up, so I'd just like to say that I love in the description how they make a point of saying "this is not meant to exclude anyone who does not believe in God, " I just...that means so much to me. So...thanks, and keep making this incredibly beautiful music.

[AngelaGraciaSmith]

How great thou art! Lord Jesus. No one can create such amazing exquisite beauty. Praise God!