Scala & Kolacny Brothers: Choral Covers and Original Music

Here’s an extensive article on Scala & Kolacny Brothers, fulfilling the requirements you provided:

Scala & Kolacny Brothers: Choral Covers and Original Music – A Deep Dive into Ethereal Soundscapes

Scala & Kolacny Brothers, a name that conjures images of ethereal voices, haunting melodies, and unexpected arrangements, is far more than just a choir. It’s a musical phenomenon, a testament to the power of reimagining familiar sounds, and a showcase for the remarkable talents of Stijn and Steven Kolacny and their all-female ensemble. This Belgian choir, originating from the town of Aarschot, has carved a unique niche in the music world, transforming popular rock, alternative, and electronic songs into breathtaking choral pieces while also crafting their own compelling original compositions. This article delves deep into the history, artistry, and impact of Scala & Kolacny Brothers, exploring their repertoire, performance style, and enduring appeal.

The Genesis: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

The story of Scala & Kolacny Brothers begins with the brothers themselves. Stijn Kolacny, the conductor and arranger, and Steven Kolacny, the pianist, both share a deep-seated passion for music that extends far beyond traditional choral arrangements. Growing up, they were influenced by a diverse range of genres, from classical composers like Rachmaninoff and Ravel to contemporary artists like Radiohead and Nirvana. This eclectic musical background would become a defining characteristic of Scala’s future sound.

The choir was initially formed in 1996 as a traditional girls’ choir, primarily performing classical and religious works. However, the brothers soon realized the potential for something more experimental. Inspired by artists like The Swingle Singers, who had successfully reinterpreted classical pieces in a jazz style, Stijn began to experiment with arranging contemporary songs for the choir. The pivotal moment came with their arrangement of Radiohead’s “Creep.” This cover, which stripped away the song’s angsty instrumentation and replaced it with layered, almost ghostly vocals, resonated deeply with listeners. It highlighted the raw emotional power of the lyrics, and the arrangement exposed a vulnerability that was often masked by the original’s rock sound.

The “Creep” cover became a viral sensation, particularly after its use in the trailer for the film “The Social Network” (2010). This exposure catapulted Scala & Kolacny Brothers onto the international stage. Suddenly, their unique sound was in demand, and their albums began to gain critical acclaim and commercial success. What had started as a small-town choir project was now a global phenomenon, touring extensively and captivating audiences worldwide.

The Art of Arrangement: Deconstructing and Reimagining

The core of Scala & Kolacny Brothers’ artistry lies in Stijn Kolacny’s masterful arrangements. His approach is not simply about translating a song into a choral format; it’s about deconstructing the original, identifying its core emotional essence, and then rebuilding it with the voices of the choir as the primary instrument. Several key elements contribute to the success of these arrangements:

• Emphasis on Vocal Harmony: Stijn uses complex and often unconventional harmonies to create a rich and textured soundscape. The voices intertwine, overlap, and build upon each other, creating a sense of depth and movement. He often employs close harmonies, where the notes are very close together, to generate a sense of tension and release. This is particularly effective in capturing the emotional intensity of many of the songs they cover.
• Dynamic Range: Scala’s performances are not static; they explore a wide dynamic range, from hushed whispers to powerful crescendos. This dynamic variation is crucial in conveying the emotional arc of a song. A quiet, introspective verse might be followed by a soaring, cathartic chorus, mirroring the emotional shifts in the original composition.
• Minimalist Instrumentation: While Steven Kolacny’s piano playing provides a crucial foundation, the focus is always on the voices. The piano is used sparingly, often providing a subtle harmonic backdrop or rhythmic pulse rather than taking center stage. This minimalist approach allows the vocals to shine and prevents the arrangements from becoming overly cluttered. Occasionally, other instruments like strings or percussion are used, but always in a way that complements the vocal performance.
• Tempo and Rhythm Manipulation: Stijn often alters the tempo and rhythm of the original songs to suit the choral format. A fast-paced rock song might be slowed down significantly, allowing the lyrics to be heard more clearly and the harmonies to resonate more fully. This can often reveal hidden nuances in the song’s melody and lyrics that might be overlooked in the original version.
• Layering and Counterpoint: Stijn frequently employs layering techniques, where different sections of the choir sing different melodic lines or harmonies simultaneously. This creates a sense of density and complexity, drawing the listener into the sonic landscape. He also uses counterpoint, where two or more independent melodic lines are interwoven, to add further depth and interest to the arrangements.
• The Power of Silence: Just as important as the notes they sing are the moments of silence. Stijn understands the power of silence to create tension, anticipation, and emotional impact. A well-placed pause can be just as expressive as a soaring vocal line.

The Repertoire: A Tapestry of Genres and Emotions

Scala & Kolacny Brothers’ repertoire is incredibly diverse, spanning a wide range of genres and artists. Their choices are often unexpected, and they demonstrate a remarkable ability to find the emotional core of songs regardless of their original style. Some key categories and examples include:

• Alternative Rock Anthems: This is perhaps the genre that brought them the most initial recognition. Their covers of songs like Radiohead’s “Creep” and “Exit Music (For a Film),” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and U2’s “With or Without You” are considered classics. These arrangements often transform the raw energy of the originals into something more ethereal and haunting.
• Indie and Electronic Gems: Scala has also tackled songs from the indie and electronic worlds, demonstrating their versatility. Covers of songs like The Knife’s “Heartbeats,” Rammstein’s “Mutter”, Moby’s “Natural Blues” and Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” showcase their ability to adapt to different sonic textures.
• Classic Rock Staples: Even iconic rock songs are not off-limits. Their interpretations of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and The Rolling Stones’ “Angie” demonstrate their ability to find the beauty and vulnerability even in hard-rocking anthems.
• Pop and Soul Infusions: While less frequent, Scala has also ventured into pop and soul territory, with covers of songs like Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams”. These arrangements often highlight the melodic strength of the original compositions.
• Original Compositions: While primarily known for their covers, Scala & Kolacny Brothers have also released albums featuring their own original music. These compositions showcase their unique choral style and lyrical themes, often exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Albums like “Grenzenlos” (Limitless) and “Solstices” highlight their compositional prowess. These original pieces often share the same melancholic and ethereal atmosphere as their covers, but they allow the brothers to explore their own musical ideas without the constraints of existing material.

The Performance: A Captivating Visual and Auditory Experience

A Scala & Kolacny Brothers concert is more than just a musical performance; it’s a holistic experience that engages both the auditory and visual senses. Several elements contribute to the captivating nature of their live shows:

• The Choir: The all-female choir, typically dressed in simple, elegant attire, is the visual centerpiece. Their synchronized movements and expressions add a layer of visual choreography to the performance. The choir members are highly skilled vocalists, able to navigate the complex arrangements with precision and emotion.
• Stijn Kolacny’s Conducting: Stijn’s conducting style is both passionate and precise. He guides the choir with subtle gestures, drawing out the nuances of the music and shaping the overall performance. His connection with the choir is palpable, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
• Steven Kolacny’s Piano Playing: Steven’s piano playing provides the essential harmonic and rhythmic foundation for the choir. His playing is sensitive and understated, always serving the overall musical effect rather than drawing attention to itself. He often uses subtle variations in dynamics and phrasing to add depth and emotion to the music.
• Lighting and Stage Design: The lighting and stage design are often minimalist, creating a mood that is both atmospheric and intimate. The use of soft lighting and subtle color changes can enhance the emotional impact of the music. The focus is always on the choir and the music, creating a sense of reverence and awe.
• The Acoustics: Scala & Kolacny Brothers often perform in venues with excellent acoustics, such as concert halls and churches. This allows the natural resonance of the choir’s voices to shine, creating a truly immersive listening experience. The acoustics are a crucial element of their sound, adding to the ethereal and haunting quality of their performances.

The Impact: Redefining Choral Music and Inspiring Audiences

Scala & Kolacny Brothers have had a significant impact on the music world, both in terms of redefining the possibilities of choral music and inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners. Their influence can be seen in several ways:

• Breaking Down Genre Barriers: They have demonstrated that choral music is not limited to classical or religious repertoire. Their success in adapting contemporary songs has opened up new possibilities for choral arrangements and has broadened the appeal of choral music to a wider audience.
• Highlighting the Power of the Human Voice: Their focus on the human voice as the primary instrument has showcased the incredible versatility and expressiveness of the voice. They have demonstrated that the voice can be just as powerful and moving as any other instrument.
• Inspiring Other Choirs and Artists: Their unique style has inspired countless other choirs and artists to experiment with contemporary arrangements and to explore the boundaries of choral music. They have paved the way for a new wave of choral innovation.
• Reaching a Global Audience: Their music has transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, reaching audiences around the world. Their performances and recordings have resonated with people from all walks of life, demonstrating the universal appeal of their unique sound.
• Film and Television Placements: Their music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further expanding their reach and introducing their sound to new audiences. The use of their music in high-profile projects like “The Social Network” has significantly contributed to their global recognition.

Beyond the Covers: Exploring the Original Compositions

While Scala & Kolacny Brothers are best known for their transformative covers, their original compositions deserve equal attention. These pieces offer a deeper insight into the brothers’ artistic vision and showcase their ability to create compelling music from scratch. Several aspects of their original work stand out:

• Evolving Soundscapes: Their original albums often feature a slightly wider range of instrumentation than their cover albums, incorporating subtle electronic elements, strings, and percussion to create more diverse sonic textures. This allows them to explore different moods and atmospheres beyond the primarily vocal-focused arrangements of their covers.
• Lyrical Depth: The lyrics in their original songs, often written in English, French, and German, explore themes of love, loss, longing, nature, and the human condition. They often employ poetic imagery and metaphorical language to create a sense of depth and meaning.
• Maintaining the Ethereal Quality: While exploring new sonic territories, their original compositions retain the signature ethereal and melancholic quality that defines Scala’s sound. The vocal harmonies, dynamic range, and minimalist approach are all present, ensuring a cohesive artistic identity.
• Collaborations: On occasion, they have collaborated with other artists on their original material, bringing in guest vocalists or instrumentalists to add further layers to their sound. These collaborations demonstrate their willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of their own musical style.

The Future of Scala & Kolacny Brothers

Scala & Kolacny Brothers continue to tour and record, consistently refining their sound and exploring new musical avenues. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to surprise and delight audiences with their unique interpretations of familiar songs and their compelling original compositions. They have proven that choral music can be both innovative and accessible, challenging preconceptions about the genre and inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners.

Their future likely holds more collaborations, further exploration of original material, and continued experimentation with their unique choral arrangements. As long as Stijn and Steven Kolacny retain their passion for music and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Scala & Kolacny Brothers will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their ethereal soundscapes and hauntingly beautiful performances. Their legacy is one of innovation, artistry, and the transformative power of the human voice. They have not only redefined choral music but have also created a unique and enduring body of work that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. Their journey is a testament to the power of musical exploration, the beauty of reimagining, and the enduring magic of the human voice. They have proven that seemingly disparate musical worlds can be bridged, creating something truly unique and unforgettable. Their contribution to the musical landscape is undeniable, and their future remains bright with possibilities.