As musicians around the world grapple with how to keep the music going during uncertain times brought on by the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Colorado Symphony has raised the bar. As four-piece rock bands meet up for remote live streams, and songwriters debut new music from their living rooms, 49 members of the Colorado Symphony logged into Skype to perform Ludwig Van Beethoven‘s “Ode To Joy” from Symphony No. 9.
While the video appears to show all of the members playing simultaneously, each musician actually recorded his or her own part separately to send off for post-production mixing. The resulting clip showcases the full force of the Colorado Symphony, playing a song that the ensemble had planned for a now-canceled celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. While that is unfortunate, this video provides something that an in-person concert never could: a look into the homes of symphony musicians. This allows viewers and listeners alike to see past the prim-and-proper image of the symphony members and see what really makes that tick. From the oboist with a framed picture of Princess Leia from Star Wars, a cellist with a parakeet on his arm, the french horn player with a Flaming Lips poster, or the trumpeter who just put up a green screen background of mountains.
Watch the Colorado Symphony remotely perform Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” via Skype.
Colorado Symphony – “Ode To Joy”
[Video: Colorado Symphony]
After the song is over, concert master Yumi Hwang-Williams delivers a personal message to all of the fans and supporters of the Colorado Symphony. She acknowledges the difficult times facing the entire world, as well as the music industry, and invites fans to join in celebration of Beethoven at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO on July 26th with the full symphony.
“Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is an ode to humanity, to peace over desperation, to universal kinship and, of course, to joy,” the video’s description notes.” We hope that this small tribute stands as a reminder that community is powerful and together, despite the anxiety and separation, we will come back stronger than before.”
Stay tuned to the Colorado Symphony’s website for updates on canceled and rescheduled shows.