Magic Piano in Chicago Train Station Delights Travelers

Travelers in Chicago's Union Station were treated to a little music recently as they walked past a piano without a player. What the passersby did not realize was that a hidden pianist was in fact tickling the ivories.

Rob Bliss Creative and Amtrak teamed up for the holiday surprise. When a person would walk up to or past the piano, musician Andrew Blendermann would begin playing the instrument via remote control. The Chicago-based artist responded to the environment of the piano. For example, when a little girl walks up and begins playing "Chopsticks," Blendermann adds a special touch. Commuters run to make a train, and the pianist plays "Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major." Musicians (who might have been given a heads-up about the piano) walk by with their instruments and begin to play along with Blendermann.

The video has some other noteworthy parts, including a businessman screaming at the piano because he is having a hard time talking on the phone. Why didn't he just walk away? An older man jamming along, complete with dance moves and a ring of the decorative bell on the piano, is also hilarious. Of course, no Christmas miracle would be complete without an appearance from jolly St. Nick, who makes a cameo at the end of the piece.

"Chicago's Magical Piano" has over 570,000 YouTube views. Rob Bliss Creative was the same team behind the "Homeless Veteran Timelapse Transformation." Since it was uploaded last month, that video has racked up over 16 million views.