Jennifer Hudson is a famous singer and actress from Chicago. Previously, I was not familiar with her music, but stumbling upon her recent recital in Central Park, I decided to listen to her performance. My friends from New York managed to attend the concert itself, but I could only watch the show’s recording on YouTube. However, this did not affect my perception significantly – I was still amazed at the power of the performer’s voice.
Hudson performs with the Philharmonic Orchestra; she sings “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot. Considering that the performance takes place in an open space, the woman has to use all the voice’s power to be heard by everyone who came to the event. Especially in this performance, I was hooked on how Hudson manages to convey the necessary mood to the audience with the help of facial expressions (1:33-1:51). Hudson sings confidently, she emotionally interacts with the public, her music sounds natural – these elements determine successful performance (Baumgart). All the details of their show are connected to provide the audience with exceptional aesthetic pleasure.
A completely different audience comes to the open air, including the unprepared one. Therefore, the soloist and the orchestra have to adapt to new conditions. Speaking about the circumstances performers have to confront, one cannot mention the current coronavirus situation. Organizers should ensure the safety of the musicians to prevent illness (Litvack). Stylistically, musically, everything should be very clear because there are also professional people in public. The video shows that Jennifer Hudson behaves more relaxed in front of her audience than it would be acceptable within the musical theater (1:57-2:05). This ability to adjust to new circumstances distinguishes a good performer from a beginner in music.
Works Cited
Baumgart, Madeline. Top 12 Tips for Performing Live Music. Opus Music Academy, 2019.
“Jennifer Hudson | Nessun Dorma | Live At Central Park | 2021.” YouTube, uploaded by IloveArethaFranklin, 2021. Web.
Litvack, Kenny. Considerations for Planning Outdoor Choral Concerts in COVID Times. Chorus Connection, 2021. Web.