Many have written that soccer is not the same behind closed doors and that the emotion of the public is what gives it meaning. Without a doubt , rock would be the equivalent of soccer in this sense, as far as the arts are concerned: something very passionate and expansive, whose live show relies on people.
But, what would happen to the classical , perhaps a more intimate and more concentrated art, if the pandemic forces to hold performances without an audience in the room? While audiences and orchestras study how to guarantee immunology on stage and in the stalls, La Vanguardia has consulted the artists themselves , notorious figures in the world of classical music, about what it means to act without an audience .
“It is very different: from the podium if there is an audience you see the happiness of the people, it is beautiful” – Simon Rattle
“It is completely different , of course, the experience of playing with the audience in the hall,” explains Sir Simon Rattle , tenured conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for three decades and currently in charge of the London Symphony . “It gives you a wonderful feeling to see people happy , to perceive the joy of the fans to see you direct. It is something that I miss a lot. From my position on the stage I see everyone, I see how they feel. Its beautiful”.
“It means not perceiving the electricity and energy that comes to you from the public, even in the dim light” – Yuja Wang
“Until now I had never considered a concert without an audience, but right now this has become a very relevant issue,” says Yuja Wang from New York . The Chinese pianist who has broken patterns in the classical world – also with her clothing – affirms that it is people who are fond of concerts who make possible and give meaning to their work.
“It is very different to do something online: you do not perceive the acoustics of the magnificent rooms, nor the surroundings in the city, nor the interaction with the orchestra and the conductor. But above all the electricity and energy that comes to you from the public, it doesn’t matter if it’s in the dark. ”
“In each concert a ritual is produced, a state of fluidity and creativity that only occurs there”
In addition, in every concert there is a ritual, explains Wang. “A state of fluidity and creativity, which only occurs there. In my case it is imbued with my personal routine: I put on makeup, dress, put on shoes, breathe … all to put myself in a state of mind, to be physically, mentally and spiritually present in the performance. It helps me control my adrenaline. “
And then that ritual descends after the concert, enjoying dinner, wine, conversation with friends. “I miss that,” says the piano star. Yuja Wang hopes to be back on stage soon, but she is also in favor of music speaking differently, “because it is a powerful form of healing and connection.”
Read the complete article via La Vanguardia .