Symphonic musicians everywhere are suffering mass cancellations of concerts and other such events due to the outbreak of COVID 19. However, unlike other music types, symphonic music is not typically able to play remotely in isolation. This can be due to many factors, including but not limited to; the number of parts within any given symphonic work, the number of players within each part, the requirement to actively listen and adjust playing styles and dynamics to other sections, and from just the technical side, the lag that some may experience due to wireless network connection if there is no metronome being audibly played for all to hear.
Now, with these cancellations, and the inability to do live-streamed and remote performances like other areas of music, how will symphony lovers be consuming new media during this outbreak? Well, some symphonies are turning to alternative forms of delivering new media, other than just large scale symphonic performances.
The Pittsburgh Symphony, according to the Post Gazette, is actually releasing “a range of digital musical content to entertain and educate during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This program is called “Extraordinary Measures” and includes; morning videos self-produced by PSO musicians, a weekly presentation of excerpts and selections from the season by the musical director Manfred Honeck, and educational resources for children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old, as well practice tips and techniques for intermediate and advanced students.
Upon checking the symphony’s official website, there are links to these resources everywhere on the front page. I myself went and checked out a couple and it is a really cool experience. Not only do you still get to hear symphonic repertoire, but you get it explained to you by their music director, and acclaimed conductor, Manfred Honeck. You also get “one-on-one” interaction with the musicians for their various educational offerings, as well as the music that the musicians are putting out for this time. I highly recommend everybody, even those who don’t consume symphonic music regularly check this program out-as it provides a more accessible experience to symphonic music than a regular concert would.
Source Links:
https://pittsburghsymphony.org/pso_home/web/extraordinary-measures
