Technology + Vocal Music = Virtual Choir

I know you probably have already seen the two virtual choirs from over the last year and a half by Eric Whitacre, but I still wanted to share two of the coolest things on the internet.

The first video is of Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir performing “Lux Aurumque.” The performance includes 185 singers from 12 countries singing under the direction of a recording of Whitacre. This first video has had over 2.5 million views on YouTube since it debuted in March 2010, which is pretty epic for choral music.

The second video is of a larger virtual choir, including 2052 singers from 58 countries, performing Whitacre’s “Sleep.” This has been viewed over 500,000 since April 2011 on YouTube.

There are multiple great things about these videos.

1. The technological undertaking to sync all the videos is simply amazing. Yes, they should all be going the same tempo, but not everyone started the recording at the same time. And then presenting each person’s video in such a creative way, especially the “Sleep,” was an artistic and technological feat in itself.
2. Both of the songs written by Whitacre are of high quality and are great examples of his compositional style. Whitacre’s use of thick chords makes both pieces a satisfying aural journey for the listener.
3. It is simple amazing to see how both technology and music can connect people together. It is almost unimaginable to think that two thousand people would end up singing together, performing the same song, with complete strangers from around the globe while still in the comfort of their own home. Some vocalist are highly trained, whereas others are just starting their choral journey, but every voice adds to the musical ensemble, which just marvels me.