I have always been a fan of a-cappella choral music. Even back in my high school days in the Concert Choir at Gardendale High School, Mr. Garner would put some choral piece in front of us and teach us the value of hearing the parts, knowing what your neighbor is singing and encourage us to “sing this piece with feeling”. I have carried that teaching with me throughout my life leading many choirs myself through the years with the same idea in mind. A-cappella choral music is one of those musical gifts that I truly enjoy to this day.
Last night, I saw a report on NBC Nightly News about a Virtual Choir led by Grammy winner Eric Whitacre. I knew at the moment I heard watched this story I had to do more research. The choir I heard rang true to my own spirit and learning that none of these people in this Virtual Choir have never met but recorded their part alone with the video recorder of their personal computer truly intrigued me. Well, my research was not in vain. Whitacre has discovered an incredible way to bring good singers together virtually and make absolutely beautiful a-cappella music.
Here are 3 pieces for you:
The report from Nightly New – 2-26-2012 giving details:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/46534541#46534541
The FIRST project – Virtual Choir 1 – released with about 185 voices:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs&feature=player_detailpage
The SECOND project – Virtual Choir 2 – released with about 2000 voices:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WhWDCw3Mng&feature=player_detailpage
Virtual Choir 3 will be released on April 2, 2012 and that choir furnished 3746 videos from 2945 people in 73 countries singing one or more parts…..
The technology around us is amazing and for Eric Whitacre to have a dream to create his own choir from around the world, joining together different nationalities and languages to perform ONE unifying piece of music is a phenomenal feat. You’ll see for yourself! Enjoy!
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