As a true music lover, I have accepted the ‘new normal’ and it suits me well
The pandemic has put an end to many social gatherings, public gatherings, entertainment events and meetings. We’ve all had to switch to the virtual world, whether we like it or not. I think a lot of music lovers are feeling sad about the absence of live performances and direct contact with the audience and ahem, the canteens and their special dishes.
As someone who used to attend concerts in auditoriums and watch movies in cinemas, I’ve become accustomed to my relationship with the virtual world. Yes. Now, as a senior citizen, it is easy for me to watch a movie in the comfort of my home and listen to a concert without chit-chatting or bisexual audiences in the halls or the sudden hiccups in the audio system. The problems I face are sitting in the middle of a row and having to cross several people to go to the toilet.
Now I enjoy crystal clear video with close-ups of the artist, perfect audio with the cast and with great clarity. Editing is done by professionals to capture the artist’s gestures, the finger movements of the instrumentalists, the clever action on the short board of the violin or the long strips of the harp.
I don’t have to worry about commuting, traffic jams to reach the venue on time and similarly waiting for cabs to arrive near the gathering late at night to return home.
No need to ask for “once again” here; If I want to hear a particular song/alpana/swara then I can easily replay it. When I watch programs at home, my attention is less distracted. With the changing times, everything has to change and change.
Artists can remember the huge gatherings they gathered while watching them with great anticipation; In fact, it is only for very popular artists and not for everyone. Still, the cast would be missing them to please the live audience.
But, as a true music lover, I am not. I have accepted the ‘new normal’ and it suits me well.
gswaminthan19@gmail.com