Role of the Performer - VSQ

 VSQ

Vitamin String Quartet or VSQ are internationally known for their contemporary string quartet covers of many popular hit songs. Ever since the start of their project in 1999 in Los Angeles, they have continued to come out with their classical version of many top billboard chart songs. They have been featured on many TV shows and movies such as Bridgerton and The King of Staten Island. They have released over time 300 songs, and 50 albums. As their website states in their description, "...VSQ approaches their renditions with respect and care, breathing new life into music they already love." In 2021 their album VSQ Performs Lana Del Rey was nominated for Best Classical Record for the Libera Awards. "From Cardi B to Bjork, Studio Ghibli to goth metal..."  What started as a few cover songs on YouTube and their website has grabbed the attention of many listeners across the world. Many now even look to them for cover song to play at their wedding. 

The way VSQ plays their renditions with such drama and attitude, it is a true delight to listen to. Many songs on the radio that are considered pop don't always have the same praise universally but when these versions are released many people like them better than the original. Especially when they are put to moments like in the movies and TV shows, they are able to communicate levels of emotions that maybe are needed but traditional music wouldn't be able to convey. A great example below is the commercial to the movie A Promising Young Woman.  The song is Toxic by Britney Spears. Although the original version of this song is widely known and loved, VSQ's renditions communicates this femme fatale character. 

The melody changes when the instruments do and turns it to a whole different feel to the song. Also by using the string quartet instruments they are able to convert the vocals into notes hitting levels both high and low that the singer might not have been able to. Speeding up or slowing down the tempo accompanies the instruments and performers as well. I am so glad VSQ has continued throughout the years making these fun renditions of pop or rock songs into very dramatic classical hits. I hope they continue to get the praise they deserve. 

Sources

“Billie Eilish - Bad Guy (Vitamin String Quartet Ver.).” YouTube, 9 Sept. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=20RD_Cmsvq4. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Classical Convergence Series: Vitamin String Quartet.” Music, 5 Sept. 2023, music.colostate.edu/events/classical-convergence-series-vitamin-string-quartet/. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Heathens.” YouTube, 25 Aug. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8teEP1yqpU&list=PLTThlpA3SWS8cSpHlAiuVt1m921oy_cHm&index=80. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Vitamin String Quartet.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_String_Quartet. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“VSQ Digital Sheet Music + Albums.” Vitamin String Quartet, www.vitaminstringquartet.com/. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

YouTube, www.youtube.com/results?search_query=toxic%2Bbritney%2Bspears. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.