Announcing the release of the final video of “In the Moment” – a series of six videos with composer/pianist Ola Gjeilo joining the CWU Chamber Choir.
In this video, Gjeilo adds a second, different, improvised accompaniment to his Ubi Caritas, which is published as an a cappella piece (URL for the unaccompanied version is below). Like the first rendition, this was a single take, and was recorded 15 minutes after his first improv on the piece. Where the first “groove” has mainly a triple meter feel, the version in this video has a duple meter feel, with running sixteenth notes.
This was a unique experience for both conductor and choir. Ola and I had to essentially each follow the other – since the choir was singing a written out part, and he was adding the accompaniment on the spot.
I tried to work with what I was hearing with the 32 voice choir, as of course he simultaneously also did so on the piano.
The result was very satisfying to my students and me.
To quote Matt and Jason, two choir members, from the trailer video:
When we’re improvising with you – we don’t know what’s going to happen next,and that’s really exciting. (Matt)
I don’t want to start singing again after he’s done improvising –I just want to keep listening to him. (Jason)
In composer/pianist Ola Gjeilo’s words:
I felt a very strong connection to you and the choir, it was such a wonderful session.And I’m glad we have the Ubi Caritas a cappella video as well, so people can hearhow good the choir sounds without piano, too!
The other “Ubi” videos:
Ubi Caritas (as published – unaccompanied)
Ubi Caritas (rendition one of Ola improvising an accompaniment):
The rest of the series:
A 4 minute trailer/overview of the series (including Ola talking about the project and his love of improvisation)
The Ground (Ola playing the written accompaniment, w/The Kairos String Quartet)
Northern Lights (Ola improvising an accompaniment)
All sessions were recorded with 5 hd cameras and the video shots edited using Adobe Premier Pro software.
More about the project is found in this prior Choralnet announcement:
(All CWU Chamber Choir videos on YouTube are posted after agreements with composers and/or publishers are reached.)
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