CULTURE NOTES: The Virtual Choir
November 30, 2010
Sitting at my computer, headphones in hand and wearing top-half concert dress, bottom-half pyjamas, this is shaping up to be the most bizarre performance I have ever given. I'm about to join Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, made up of singers from all over the world recording themselves singing his composition Sleep.
As I come to the end of the tutorial video, which is essentially an admirably concise, if one-way, rehearsal, the composer says, ‘I guess that's it - let's make some music,' and his broad smile fades to black. Not feeling entirely prepared, I clear my throat and press record.
Before I sing a note, though, there are a final few instructions for the singers, the equivalent of a pep talk before a big concert, but much more practical. Make sure your face is well lit - check. Black clothes only - well, my pyjamas are below my webcam's line of sight, so check. Room as quiet as possible - this is London, so I guess it's relative. Check.
And then there he is, in my internet window: Eric Whitacre, arms waving, conducting no one but everyone. When he gives the downbeat, I embark upon my solo rendition -- how I hope the neighbours aren't home.
It turns out that keeping in time with a choir you can't hear isn't easy. But I get to the end and upload the video to YouTube, and that's it - I've joined the world's most inclusive choir. If you've got a webcam and ten minutes to kill, you can do the same.
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