Tonight, I heard an ensemble demonstrate something I had been pretty sure was impossible.*
Knowing it’s possible will change my musical outlook forever.
That’s one of two reasons I program hard music by great ensembles with my groups. When an ensemble hears New York Voices or The Real Group or Anúna or Cantus sing the piece they’re struggling to learn, it changes their outlook – they understand it’s possible and, therefore, that they can do it.
The other reason is awe. To learn one New York Voices chart is a big challenge. To hear New York Voices perform an entire concert of New York Voices charts is to understand just how remarkable they are, and feel suitable awe.
* for the record, it was hearing a concert band play exquisitely in tune.