Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos) - The Piano Guys

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"I love these two carols (Carol of the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) - they were made for each other -- they both capture the excitement of the Christmas Season. I have three children that just get giddy during December -- excited each morning as they get closer and closer to Christmas Day. That excitement is so contagious. I love it. It's the kind of energy and eagerness that keeps you up at night. I wanted to capture that joy and anticipation in this arrangement.

People have told me that this reminds them of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe one year the Pirates franchise will make a Christmas special and THIS could be the theme song! Instead of Carol of the Bells it could be titled 'Jack Sparrow of the Bells.' =)"
-Steven Sharp Nelson

Carol of the Bells attributed to Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: Traditional English Carol
Arrangement written and produced by Steven Sharp Nelson & Al van der Beek
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios
Featured on the album "Christmas Cello"
Video Producer Paul Anderson
Cinematographer/Editor Tel Stewart

For my fellow music geeks =) my favorite part of writing this arrangement is the obligatory hemiola due to the meter difference between the two songs -- one is 3/4 and the other 4/4. I hope you like the way they collide. My second favorite part is the intense canon at the end that creates a cluster-chord feel and dissonant coda finally resolving with the main theme of BOTH tunes.

Shooting locations:

Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah
Little Cottonwood Canyon (Utah)
Big Cottonwood Canyon (Utah)
Ice Rink at the Gallivan Center (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Special thanks to the Security guard at the Gallivan Center for not kicking us off location. And to the random guy(W.D. Johnson), who came along and offered his snow shoe so the cello wouldn't sink into the snow.

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#thepianoguys #pianocello

[keiravensel]

I know this is an older video, but from a production standpoint, it's cool to see that the earmuff are used as both a functional prop (cold ears are never fun) and a recording prop (they are hiding the earbuds in his ears for him to play along to the song for timing). It's small things like that that catch my attention. Fantastic song and wonderfully arranged!

[shadowstorm]

I love the way you're able to splice in God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. It fits so well!

[caitlynobrien]

The fact they're smiling through the whole thing is the best part. You can see how passionate they are for music :)

[stephaniegarcia]

Only musicians really passionate of their art and raw talent can appreciate music the way he does. The facial expressions, the smiles, the movement of the entire body with each stroke of the bow, that’s something you can’t fake. Okay brb gonna go tune my violin now.

[MattandCarrieJourneys]

The bow can't handle how good this is

[samblackcrow]

I love how much joy he's finding in playing this. Rockin' out like a boss!

[juanfeherreg]

[Original]
Music is the most amazing thing humans have created

[JosueAlexandro-qm]

Loved it, Carol of Bells is one of my favorite Christmas carols, Merry Christmas to
every one!

[pRahvi]

I love the insert of _God rest ye merry gentleman_ in the middle. Fits perfectly.

[HihanSkystrider]

I have listened to this song every year since it came out to kick off the holiday season. Thank you for 10 years of awesome music. Here's to many more. Cheers!

[seekersinclair]

I love cellos, something magical about this instrument, especially when one can play it like this. An instrument of the soul. No better way to express the meaning of Christmas.  I wish the world would settle down and stop hating and killing and realize that we are all one in this vast universe. We are spinning out of control, it is like a tornado, the only way out is exploding. It is so much easier to love one another and get along, it takes so little effort. We are our own demise. If everyone would put positive thoughts out in the universe, we could turn this world around. Peace.

[susanbane]

I love that he is so happy while playing, makes me smile too!

[donniegray]

its no wonder I land on these guys every time I want to hear good, quality soul-stirring music. They've got it all. TY so much for sharing the great talent

[jennekern]

I love his smile! He was enjoying the whole thing.

[elaozbayraktar]

his facial expressions make me so happy

[helfemirbiite]

Гарне виконання української пісенкі, молодці!😍😍

[ACMommy]

This is perfection!! My goal in 2021 is to learn the cello; I play the flute, the tenor sax, and various percussion but I have never tried a string of any kind! I am in love with the cello and listening to/watching this just gets me more motivated!! Merry Christmas to you all!! xxoo

[brittneyihrig]

Carol Of The Bells is the one Christmas song I have loved since a very small child. This hands down is my favorite version and has been since I heard and watched this video 10 years ago. And I love all the beautiful Utah scenes they used. I was born and raised in Utah so it has a very special place in my Heart

[yvonnecamacho]

Just heavenly! Sun, rain, snow, fire…. Glorious any way!

[RamdomLolola]

ThePianoGuys! You should do a music video for the Zelda 30th anniversary!