If two hands can make a piano sing, imagine the inventive symphony of a dozen brilliant pianists. This footage from a TEDMED performance by the Washington Conservatory of Music is an excellent example of musical collaboration.

As the performance begins, one musician sits at a grand piano. Many pianists form a line behind him and continue to take turns, playing a few notes in time and stepping off the piano stool after an excellent opening phrase to set the tone.

The twelve musicians are all dressed in black. They all walk onto the stage and begin playing the piano with many hands. They lean over each other to add to the melody.

Some pianists hammer the piano’s strings with mallets. At least 16 hands are active at the same time. The music is wonderfully performed, and the show is quite amazing.

While waiting for their turn, some of the pianists act and dance, adding to the spectacle. Their charm and antics are fascinating, especially when a couple of members play lengthy solos.

There is an excellent section in which all twelve pianists rhythmically follow each other as they run a scale up the piano. When the piano keys begin to descend, they generate chaotic noises, leading to the conclusion.

As the song progresses, all pianists’ fingers are playing notes, hitting the strings with mallets, and plucking the strings. The incredible performance, which lasts almost five minutes, is the pinnacle of musical mastery.

Here’s the video