An ensemble from the New York Philharmonic plays Green-Wood Cemetery.
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(Today, its permanent residents include the orchestras late music director Leonard Bernstein.)
Fourteen months of suspended animation have had their rewards as well as losses.
We rehearsed in a room sitting six feet apart and wearing a mask.
We loved being together, hearing each others breathing.
When I came home, I was almost in tears.
They watch the conductor, who must work extra-hard to command attention with a covered face.
Mostly, though, they listen to one another.
We play with our hands, but were led by our ears, says violist Cong Wu.
At COVID-mandated distances, it can be challenging to hear all the details.
But those obstacles can also bring more alert listening and deliberate focus, heightening teamwork.
Were giving more more emotion, body language, volume, more energy, Wu says.
The musicians can sense that in real time.
At first, we all waited for each, and we were hesitant, Li says.
Then we learned to trust the timing, the conductor, and each other.
We started to listen and lead at the same time.
So when we get back to a normal setting, well play even better than we did before.
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