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Resonating from Eyes to Ears: Choral Collaboration of White Hand Chorus NIPPON and Alter 4
Upon entering the hall, orchestral sound checks overlapping with Keiichiro Shibuya’s sound installation piece “Abstract Music” could be heard faintly as background music. Meanwhile, Alter 4 stood under the spotlight, subtly moving up and down. Speakers were positioned not only on the left and right sides of the stage but also in spherical forms suspended on either side of the middle of the audience area. Additionally, there were two more sets placed at the far back of the seating, indicating meticulous attention to the acoustic design.
Concertmaster and violinist Tatsuki Narita entered, signaling the start of the performance. “Whose Music is This?” composed by Shibuya, featuring orchestra sound clusters generated and edited by GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), began. While the score specified dynamics for orchestra members, each musician was given freedom in their phrasing. This concept allowed Shibuya, AI, and the orchestra to interact dynamically, resembling the noise segments in live rock band performances, where each section of instruments unleashes powerful, roaring sounds.
Following this, approximately 30 members of the White Hand Chorus NIPPON, dressed in robes by fashion brand “HATRA,” entered. They performed “What’s Inside the Box?” and “Five Angels,” showcasing a composition that melded electronic choir elements with clear, concise melodies. The choir consisted of vocalists and sign interpreters expressing in sign language, highlighting both auditory and visual expressions. The melodic structure felt like a straightforward electronic choir piece, yet the mass of voices created a sensation that went beyond mere vocal effects, resonating directly within the mind or enveloping the entire body. This effect might be attributed to the 360-degree immersive sound system previously mentioned, designed to envelop the audience completely.
The sign interpreters have set choreography, but the speed and intensity of their movements vary as each interprets the vibrations and follows their own rhythm. This variability allows each member’s personality and passion to shine through, resulting in a more powerful performance. The lyrics of “What’s Inside the Box?” center around the theme of Pandora’s box, while “Five Angels” explores the theme of salvation by angels. Enhanced by the grand orchestral performance, the audience is drawn deeper into the world of the compositions. The first part concluded after about 20 minutes, making for a brief intermission. From nearby seats, voices of admiration could already be heard: “We’ve witnessed something amazing…”
