Thread: What makes one orchestra superior to another? Thread Tools Show Printable Version. Feb, 1. What makes one orchestra superior to another? Perhaps superior is the wrong word to use, but when people say one particular orchestra has "spectacular strings" - why would it have that attribute versus another orchestra?
Feb, 2. I don't have much expertise in this area, but I think that this would be a case where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts -- seeing the different ways how musicians complement and strengthen each other.
Now, in the major symphony orchestras of the world, virtually all of the musicians are virtuosi, so I doubt there would be any significant difference in technical ability.
Not having played in one, I can't say for sure, but I'd guess that it's a combination of factors like how well the orchestra members interact, caliber of section principals in more ways than simply being virtuosic , and the relationship between the conductor and the rest of the orchestra. Call out people who tell you that one orchestra has particularly spectacular strings. Like you're doing now, ask them what made it so good. Feb, 3. Feb, 4.
I was thinking about creating thread like this recently. The question that I was trying to answer myself was - how can I distinguish work of orchestra and work of conductor? The latter has impacct on everything - so if we like way orchestra plays something, how can we tell if it's orchestra's accomplishment or conductor's? Feb, 5. Okay Aramis, you seem to suggest that an orchestra can have their own noticeable attributes outside of a conductor, what I don't get is - what are they?
As Web said, when you get to the world class orchestra level, you would think that every member would be a phenomenal player, more than capable of understanding phrasing, proper technique, interacting with other musicians, etc etc, and that they would be in possession of top of the line instruments.
Unless the conductor doubles up parts, I just don't get how one string section as an example can be described as "shimmering" or more "full" than another string section with the same number of players. I can only think of: A. Recording technique. I'm sure I'm missing something, but are there any other tangible distinctions between world class orchestras?
Feb, 6. As with any other group of people and a HUGE one at that , differences in skill and the ease with which all members integrate with each other will play a big role in the final result of the group's work. Even though it's a safe assumption that in world-class orchestras all players have tremendous skills, we're still talking about human beings, not machines.
They will still differ in several several ways, not just in skills and technique but also in other less-obvious ways as how well they get along with each other, psychological factors that may affect each and every one, and many more. If we can agree that in a team sport one team can be better than another, we can certainly see it as possible than in a much more precise and skill demanding-task as the playing of music, there can be differences between groups of people.
I have seen weak orchestras and good orchestras. I have heard live orchestras that sounded like my ear was broken and other ones that sounded so pure, just like or better than in a disc. The conductor has such a strong influence. It's him who can detect the most minimal difference or that can make all the players play just the way it's supposed to according to his vision. If a piece is too difficult, you should know what to leave out so you never detract from the section - and orchestra - at large.
You should be adept at transposing for the instrument, at playing in all clefs for the instrument and able to fill in missing parts - including the transposition of different clefs. Need to beef up your sight reading skills? Orchestras create multi-faceted emotions within the rise and fall of their dynamics and the musicians' ability to express the music with respect to how it's written and the conductor's vision and expectations.
And, again, intonation must maintain its purity no matter how fortissimo or pianissimo notes are played. Similarly, desirable orchestra members have an excellent sense and knowledge of rhythm. Without this, sight reading will suffer, notes will be all over the place and it will be difficult for the orchestra rehearsals to progress in a timely manner.
Dedicated orchestra members practice humility. Does this mean they are all humble people? Not necessarily - they may compete with gusto for an available solo or for a first-chair position. However, when it comes to the orchestral rehearsals and performances, orchestra members study and admire the musical greats who have come before them. Committed orchestra members will even ask the conductor, and respected players , for feedback.
Do you have what it takes to become a desirable orchestra member? Pay attention to areas where you're lacking and your conductor and fellow musicians will notice. A Connolly Music Publication. Published by StringOvation Team on April 12, So what qualities make for an effective school band or orchestra leader?
There can be many, but here are ten:. A conductor should inspire. Student musicians come to band or orchestra looking for a great musical experience. Do you make that happen? Do you energize them? Do you stimulate their fervor for music? Do they come out of rehearsals not just gratified but looking to satiate their thirst for music in other ways?
A conductor should be a role model. A conductor is synonymous with a musical leader, a person who is not just a talented musician but a competent guide in shaping his or her group into becoming the best musical ensemble they can be.
Students look at conductors as role models and as a role model a conductor should have qualities that students admire and aspire to. A school conductor should have integrity, competence and passion, be committed to the job, be a good communicator, be respectful, be able to make good decisions, and be knowledgeable and confident.
A conductor should be dynamic. The stereotype of conductors is that they are larger than life thanks to such legends as Toscanini, Szell, Stokowski, Ormandy, von Karajan, and Bernstein. True, we all come with different personalities and all conductors have their own particular styles that they bring to their groups, but it can be highly motivating to musicians if the conductor is exciting and electrifying.
And those are qualities that audiences certainly love. At concerts, as the music is flowing people seem to be more enthused by a conductor who complements the energy of the music, who moves and shows emotion that help bring the music to life. A conductor should be approachable and available.
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