Image from Charlie Smith’s YouTube video, “Vocalist’s First Reaction to The Tabernacle Choir (ft. The Piano Guys) | Double Reaction.”
If you’re a fan of reaction videos, you may have come across Charlie Smith from The Charlie Smith Channel on YouTube. Known for his heartfelt reactions, Charlie has built a community of music lovers who appreciate his insightful commentary and genuine responses to various musical performances.
Recently, Charlie took on a new experience at the request of a fan named Michael, who asked him to listen to two recordings of the renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. The first recording also featured The Piano Guys, a unique musical group that has gained popularity among Church members and non-members alike for its innovative and captivating performances blending classical music with contemporary hits.
Powerful performances from both these groups have touched the hearts of millions around the world, and Charlie’s reaction was no exception.
Charlie listened first to an arrangement performed by The Tabernacle Choir and The Piano Guys of “Wayfaring Stranger,” an American Folk and gospel song originating in the early 19th century. As the choir’s harmonies and the accompaniment from The Piano Guys unfolded, Charlie was visibly moved and commented on the beauty of the voices and instruments.
Screenshot from the music video featuring The Piano Guys performing “Wayfaring Stranger” with The Tabernacle Choir.“Breathtaking,” he said when the song concluded. “That has made me feel so calm, which I needed, because I was feeling pretty anxious today.” He agreed with Michael’s description of the song as “ethereal” and said, “It feels like a hug. That was so beautiful, I can’t wait to see what this next one is about.”
Little did Charlie know that he was in for the treat of a lifetime when he began playing possibly one of the most well-known and dearly beloved recordings of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra—Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” performed in the choir’s namesake Tabernacle on Temple Square.
Charlie’s reaction to this piece was as overwhelming as the performance itself. By the middle of the hymn’s final verse, he was completely overcome by what he heard and reached for a tissue offscreen.
At the end of the recording, Charlie said, “I’m shaking. I’m shaking.” After collecting himself, he had this to say about his experience:
“For the most part, my day is fairly…monotonous…But what makes it all worth it is when this happens…and it so much more than makes up for it, because you never know when one of these is gonna pop up and just change, change your—well, change your day, and in some cases, change your life. You know, that’s the great thing. Music can do that.”
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra performing “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” directed by Mack Wilberg in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. From their music video on YouTube.Commenting on the impressive size of The Tabernacle Choir, he said “Can you imagine being a part of something with that many people? That’s what I love about orchestras and big choirs, is the collaboration of it…It’s everything beautiful about humans. It’s the great side of humans. It’s coming together and doing something together and producing something beautiful.”
Before signing off, Charlie thanked Michael for the recommendation and said, “All I want to do is listen to that again, and I might do that a few times before I film another video.”
Charlie’s heartfelt reactions to the performances of The Tabernacle Choir and The Piano Guys serve as a reminder of the profound impact music can have on our lives. His genuine appreciation for these sacred hymns and the talented musicians who perform them highlights the universal language of music.
In a testament to the legacy of The Tabernacle Choir and its mission to promote faith in Jesus Christ through their music, comments on the video were full of thoughtful expressions and testimonies from Tabernacle Choir members, Church members, and everyday people sharing the inspiration, strength, and comfort they found in the musical pieces Charlie highlighted.
Watch Charlie’s reaction video below!
Have you ever felt a strong connection to a musical performance? Share your thoughts on Charlie’s video and your own experience in the comments below!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
