A concert to remember is one that gets you up on your feet, dancing along to the rhythm and melody, creating an atmosphere that is unlike any other.
Cornell’s first-annual Black Violins concert was that concert. Featuring a violinist and viola player, the violin duet incorporated hip-hop with the violin.
A rather unconventional combination turned into rejuvenation, a start to a new culture and movement that can dominate the scene.
Featuring beats from hip-hop artists Akon, Jay-z, and even some old school with the Fuji’s, the Black Violins were able to capture the heart and soul of the incoming Cornell class.
Cornelians were able to use the concert as a microcosm for the journey ahead of them, a catalyst where the turbine is turning, the pistons are pumping, and the foot is to the throttle towards a new chapter in the book of life.
The incredible violin play, along with the incorporation of synthetic beats, the Black Violins captured raw lyricism and musical dynamics that have been dormant for the majority of our generation. This was real music, on a real stage, for real people.
The duet featuring Will-B and Kev Marcus, made the overwhelmed group of freshman and transfers feel welcome, incorporating hilarious dialogue, lyrics, and simultaneous hand-clapping that got the group of shy, nervous, discontent, innocent eyes onto their feet and leaving their hands red and numb.
The unorthodoxy of the music is what was the most intriguing for everyone. A real instrument incorporated into the hip-hop scene that brought out a pure, dynamic music that many people previously thought was lacking in hip-hop. One violin-off and the crowd yelling “one more song, one more song!” later, the lights dimmed and Cornelians became enlightened.
This time, Bailey Hall was alive with the sound of music. No Julie Andrews, but 2,000 newbie’s getting together to hear some wicked violin. You know you are in for something special when the violin is soon played like a guitar, fingers strumming the thick strings of the violin, hand rolling up and down the strings, putting just the right chords into place like horses at the track all ready to accelerate to the max.
Exhilarating, electrifying, and simply amazing are a few modest words to describe the miraculous display of musical talent that is the Black Violin. Bring in the viola, the little sister to the object that signifies the essence of the concert, and music is in they air.
What a show. Each and every audience member was touched by the grace of music that night.