When we think of piano-based music, typically we’re thinking of compositions that are a little bit slow.
Traditionally speaking, piano music is about complex and layered arrangements and compositions that build slowly. Often, we’re talking about classical music and very formal and proper musical performances that hearken back to the old days.
Of course, not all pianists and composers play like that—and the way the piano is played has changed quite a bit over time. With the rise of YouTube, creative players have uploaded all kinds of funny and innovative performances.
And the clip we’re talking about today is definitely one of them.
The video we’re discussing was loaded in April 2014 by YouTube channel Landon Lim.
The pianists in the clip are Kyle Landry and Lara de Wit, two classically trained performers who have plenty of experience.
Although they’re both trained in classical music, both also do arrangements and compositions for television shows and video games as well. And as it turns out, they were eager to share some of their more contemporary playing with the audience.
It all started when Landry asked the audience to call out what they were playing.
Right away, someone in the crowd yelled out “Mario!”
Although it wasn’t what they were playing, Landry and de Wit both laughed. For those who don’t know, they were referring to the Mario Bros. video game launched by Nintendo in 1983—though it remains a hugely popular franchise all around the world.
After some laughter, they both demonstrate that they do know how to play the Mario music.
Without missing a beat, the two pianists blast out a couple of Mario ditties and the crowd goes wild.
Although the show was supposed to be dedicated to music from movies, both pianists are game to do an impromptu Mario medley!
First, de Wit plays the background music… but she also adds in the sound effects of getting coins, collecting power-ups and everything else. If you have your eyes closed, it sounds like you’re watching someone play the game on Nintendo!
Halfway through, the crowd breaks into spontaneous applause. But Landry and de Wit don’t stop there. Instead, they play all kinds of other musical arrangement from Super Mario on the fly.
The crowd is loving it so much, that they even incorporate other video games into the show!
After they’re done with Mario, they move onto the Tetris theme song!
Once again, the crowd can’t believe what they’re hearing. Although their skills are definitely impressive, what’s even more impressive is how they were able to basically wing these songs on the fly without knowing they were going to do it!
After nailing that, they stop for an applause break… and then they continue back into movie music with scores from Toy Story and Les Miserables!
When it’s all over, they both get a huge round of applause.
Since the video was posted, it has been viewed more than a million times… and it’s easy to see why.
Although classical music is great all on its own, it’s always great to see people find new ways to express themselves through old instruments. If you liked this performance, be sure to check out Landry and de Wit’s other music online as well!
Congratulations to these two on the awesome improvisation! Be sure to watch the whole thing in the link below:
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