Watch and listen
Below are the recordings resulting from the experiment. The same piece of music was played six times—each time under different conditions. Listen or watch below and decide if you think the conditions changed the music.
The piece that Vocallective is performing here is by a French composer named Ernest Chausson. A translation of the poetry by Charles Cros can be found here.
Condition 1: No manipulation
The musicians were asked to play the piece of music as they would have normally with no external manipulation.
Condition 2: Extreme Eye Contact
The same piece of music was played, but the musicians were asked to look each other directly in the eye while playing.
Condition 3: Blinded Ensemble
The same piece of music was played, but the musicians were asked to look directly away from the rest of the group while playing.
Condition 4: No Eye Contact
The same piece of music was played and the musicians were positioned normally, but they were asked not to make eye contact with one another while playing.