Spain is among the countries hardest hit by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis that has claimed the lives of nearly 10,000 around the world. While Americans prepare for the possibility of more stringent state-mandated quarantines, Spaniards have been living that reality for over a week now. With no bars, clubs, or social gatherings of any kind, musicians have found ways to spread the joy and community that comes along with live music.
Related: 25 Concert Films & Music Documentaries To Stream While You’re Self-Quarantining
In Barcelona, pianist Alberto Gestoso made the most of his coronavirus quarantine situation by playing Celine Dion‘s “My Heart Will Go On” from his balcony on a would-be busy street. Filmed on a cell phone camera, the video opens with the familiar chords to the Titanic theme song as neighbors watch on from balconies of their own. After a few measures, the camera pans to another balcony where a saxophonist plays along. Cheers erupt from dozens of balconies as the song progresses, and even though the song is somber, it seems to have lifted the spirits of all that watched along.
Check out the full video below:
Alberto Gestoso – “My Heart Will Go On”
[Video: Farhan Anwar]
Concerts and live events are among the most impacted industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has spread quickly around the world. Instances like this are not unique to Spain, but other countries as well. A guitarist in Italy went viral for his balcony performances of songs by Queen and Slayer.
Furthermore, musicians who are out of work in America have already developed creative ways to connect with fans. Many have started to webcast performances from their homes with projects like the Live From Out There couch tour series. As we learn to navigate these strange times, music is certainly as important as ever.