ipl-logo

Maria Nieukerken: Theatrical Elements In Classical Music And Concerts

616 Words3 Pages

Maria Nieukerken is a conductor in the Netherlands who enjoys having choirs preform classical music in a theatrical way. Having theatrical elements in classical music and concerts allows performers and audiences to be more involved in the concert and lets them experience classical music in a more modern way (Nieukerken, 2016). The goal is “to forge more intense links between music, performers, and audiences” (Nieukerken, 2016, p. 57). “The theatrical additions reinforce the message of the music and words, and add to the atmosphere, the musical expression, and the presentations” (Nieukerken, 2016, p. 57). For the form of the concert there should be a clear theme that should be reflected in all the pieces chosen (Nieukerken, 2016). By having a clear theme and songs that flow in one another, leaving no time for applause, performers can stay in the mood of the piece. Nieukerken (2016) gives an example of how she had a choir stand up during an aria instead of after so that as soon as the aria finished they could immediately go into the next chorale (p. 58). This small action “provides a continuous tension curve and …show more content…

Having performers memorize their music can allow them to have a deeper connection with their audience (Nieukerken, 2016). Movement while the choir singing is another element that can add to a piece. This movement does not have to be exact choreography but can be as simple as the choir walking through the audience or slowly moving into different shapes or locations (Nieukerken, 2016). The way a choir is dressed can even add to the piece and the use of props as well (Nieukerken, 2016). Lighting is also a major theatrical element that can be added. Having certain colored gels over lights can affect the mood and look of a piece. The use of colored lights or angle of lights can draw an audience in to an otherwise boring setup of lights that come with normal choir

Open Document