Специфіка творчого підходу a capella колективу PENTATONIX

Abstract

У статті висвітлено специфіку творчого методу американського вокального колективу Pentatonix. Окреслено, що основою його репертуару є кавер-версії класичних творів, народних пісень та поп-хітів. Визначено такі риси методу цього гурту, як увага до драматургії творів, наявність власних розробок, поєднаних з відомим матеріалом, прагнення до оновлення фактури в піснях, що спрямоване на розкриття потенційних можливостей оригінальної версії. Оцінено, що висока вокальна майстерність, ретельність у створенні аранжувань, уміння оперувати новими технологіями опрцювання звуку робить їх творчість гідною для наслідування при вихованні молодих виконавців.

В статье освещена специфика творческого метода американского вокального коллектива Pentatonix. Определено, что основой его репертуара являются кавер-версии классических произведений, народных песен и поп-хитов. Выделено такие черты метода этого коллектива, как внимание к драматургии произведений, наличие собственных разработок, сочетающихся с известным материалом, стремление к обновлению фактуры в песнях, направленное на раскрытие потенциальных возможностей оригинальной версии. Оценено высокое вокальное мастерство, усердие в создании аранжировок, умение оперировать новыми технологиями обработки звука делает их творчество достойным для подражания при воспитании молодых исполнителей.

The aim of the article is to analyze the creative approach of the American a capella collective Pentatonix, whose study will contribute to the formation of ideas about possible transformations of the artistic work, as well as translate the logic of the development of vocal skills in the XXI century. It should be noted that for popular music, the general appeal of songs that have already become famous is quite typical. Their rethinking leads to the appearance of remakes, remixes or cover versions. So, for the creativity of the Pentatonix team, a rethinking of known hits is characteristic. Usually, in the musicology, the term “interpretation” is used to indicate qualitative changes in the performance of the work, which contribute to the emergence of a new version. The band’s is traditionally recorded for Christmas songs, including the compositions by M. Leontovich’s “Shchedryk”, which is known in American culture under the title “Carol of the bells”. In addition to these works, the following compositions are presented: “Little Drummer Boy”, “The First Noel”, “Silent Night”, “Away in a Manger”, “That’s Christmas To Me”, “Winter Wonderland”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”,“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”,“White Winter Hymnal”,“Hallelujah”,“Joy To The World” and “Deck The Halls”. Although the majority of the repertoire of the band are cover versions, the band also has a number of author’s own songs, among which one should mention “The Baddest Girl”, “Natural Disaster”, “Love Again”, “Hey Momma” and “Run to You”. It should be noted that virtually all the songs performed by the band are presented on the Internet in the form of video clips. “Given the specificity of the functioning of pop culture, for which there is a significant role of visual origin, it can be argued that the leading form of promotion of compositions is a video clip. Many interpretations are related to the creation of versions of not only the sound part of the work, but also the visual ones, the source and existence of which is the Internet. Pentatonix is a versatile and unique band that sings in different styles and vocal manners – from variety to folk imitation. Their repertoire covers a large number of different works, including academic classical music, folk music, contemporary pop hits. Nevertheless, all material has an imprint of their own creative method. They adapt each work according to their own vision, striving for constant renewal and reinterpretation. The highlight of this is the high professional vocal skills emphasized by the great vocal range of each performer, the ability to represent the strengths of their own vocal apparatus, the ability to purely intonate and build a chord vertical well. They also use the latest achievements associated with technical voice processing. Their activities can serve as a specific example and standard for young singers in the field of pop vocal. The obtained results can be used in the preparation of specialists in the field of pop singing.