A capella is a musical term referring to singing without any instrumental accompaniment. Last year, my chorus teacher showed me an amazing video that really highlights the meaning of an a capella performance. The video is of a young man named Sam Tsui singing a compilation of popular Michael Jackson songs. Tsui has an incredible voice, but what is even more awe-inspiring is the arrangement and production by the talented Kurt Schneider. The medley is completely a capella, and Sam Tsui’s voice is what makes up all of the harmonies heard in the background. The only part of the video that is not done by Tsui is the beat boxing, which is done by Schneider himself.
I find it extremely amazing that an entire medley of songs can be produced using only vocals, and sound as if there are instruments being used! If you think about it, Tsui had to learn each of the many parts heard in the video, and record them all separately before Schneider could put them all together to produce the final product. Every time I hear this video, I am amazed, and I’m sure you will be too! The following video is worth watching, and as you watch, try and pick out all the different voice parts that Tsui has recorded. You will not be disappointed!
Wow; I love this! I can’t believe that one kid could sing all of these different parts to create something that sounds like songs on the radio. When you listen, there are so many levels of accompaniment. How did he coordinate all of these so that they all lined up perfectly? That alone must have been extremely difficult! This reminded me of the a cappella Christmas carols that I love. There are many different voices in this version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILQkfLit_7U
He is one of the more accomplished a cappella groups I have heard.