Pop artists have welcomed others to remix their songs online. Now classical music aficionados can get in on the act.
Renowned cellist and 15-time Grammy winner Yo-Yo Ma is hosting an online competition, inviting listeners to add their own accompaniment to his performance of the traditional hymn “Dona Nobis Pacem," from his latest album, Songs of Joy & Peace. “Just releasing a CD is constraining to an artist," Ma says. “You know: 'I'm the product, you're the consumer'it's no longer like that."
In October, he posted his cello solo to the online site Indaba Music. Since then, scores of Indaba's 125,000 usersamateur noodlers, music teachers, and pros alikehave used the site's free Flash-based mixing board to add their own variations and countermelodies.
In January, Indaba users will vote for their favorite arrangements, with the winner scoring a coveted recording session with Ma that will be featured on both Indaba and the cellist's own site. “Technology lets you share ideas," Ma says. “By sharing and learning and teaching, you expand your imagination." Not to mention your repertoire.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
