For Discount Tickets to the Orpheus Chamber (Conductorless) Orchestra go
to link below:
Classical Concerts at the Disney Concert Hall
Venue: Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles, CA)
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 24 @ 8:00pm (Orpheus Chamber)
http://www.goldstarevents.com/events/show/75681.html
----- Original Message -----
From: John A Imani
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 11:51 AM
Subject: Re: [theconspiracyofequals] Re: "Headless": Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Here in LA resides a 'headless' chamber orchestra, the "Mladi" I have some
small interest in the 'finer arts' but am blessed with a friend who insists
upon it. It was thus that I was able to see, at the 'Watercourt' on Grand Ave
downtown outdoors for free. From their website at
http://www.mladichamberorchestra.org/05_06/about/about_mladi.html
----- Original Message -----
From: Andres Miranda
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 11:34 PM
Subject: [theconspiracyofequals] Re: "Headless": Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Pretty sweet article. This reminds me of something but I can't quite
put my finger on it. Ha Ha Ha. Great find John.
--- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], "John A Imani"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Headless
> Aug 3rd 2006 | NEW YORK
> From The Economist print edition
>
> "This part is always screwed up with a conductor, but we've played
it perfectly twice," concludes Leon Fleisher during a recent Orpheus
Chamber Orchestra rehearsal of Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto. "This
is proof that conductors should just sit down."
>
> In the dictatorial world of orchestras-where conductors choose the
repertoire, organise rehearsals and tell musicians how to play-Orpheus
is fond of proving that it thrives without a baton. Whereas the first
violinists in other ensembles, such as the Prague and Australian
chamber orchestras, are de facto conductors, Orpheus rotates
leadership in an artistically collaborative version of musical chairs.
A different core group shapes each piece and then works with the whole
ensemble. Initially, this chaotic democracy resulted in inefficient
rehearsals and bruised egos, but a recent rehearsal of a Bach
orchestral suite suggests that it is now an efficient and civilised
process, if long.
>
> Soloists hesitate sometimes about playing with Orpheus, but then
enjoy the rare chance to voice their own ideas. The orchestra does not
pay huge fees, but it does require almost twice as many rehearsals,
which Mr Fleisher says leads to deeper music making. "Everyone knows
the standard repertory and most orchestras are wonderful sight
readers. But they don't have time to get behind the notes."
>
> Orpheus proves that size is less important than vigour, and its
string section's lush, powerful sound belies its small stature. The
broad repertoire ranges from Bach to Schönberg. Despite the complex
tempo fluctuations of music of the 19th century, when
concertmaster-led orchestras began to be replaced by
composer-conductors, Orpheus convincingly performs romantic music
including Mendelssohn and Schubert symphonies, and Chopin piano
concertos. Next season it even plans to perform a Schumann symphony.
>
> "We are trying to stay true to the composer and the sound they had
in mind," says Ronnie Bauch, a violinist. For that reason, Orpheus
does not play the big Mahler, Bruckner or Tchaikovsky symphonies.
Orpheus musicians rely on being able to see and hear each other, and
limit their ensemble to approximately 40 players.
>
> Some conductors do not agree that their services might be
dispensable. Benjamin Zander, known for his mesmerising Mahler
recordings with the Philharmonia, says "the greatest and most subtle
orchestral music must be guided by one mind. A collective mind is
unlikely to produce the level of subtlety and musicianship that one
mind will produce."
>
> What Orpheus does produce are performances that are rarely humdrum,
unlike all too many big-name orchestras. Playing without a conductor
is risky, but the free-spirited energy of these keenly attentive
musicians results in an edgy spontaneity. Eric Bartlett, a cellist
with Orpheus and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra says there is a
lower level of individual intensity in the latter. "If even a great
conductor is empowered to make all the important decisions musicians
start to play in a more passive way. Orpheus has removed a barrier
between the audience and the music, the conductor himself."
>
> So why aren't there more conductor-less orchestras? Star conductors
sell more tickets than co-operatives. And then there is the difficulty
of establishing a successful collaboration between many opinionated
musicians. Orpheus has begun leading workshops at the Manhattan and
Juilliard schools of music, and students are learning at first hand
about some of the difficulties that Orpheus has taken years to
overcome. "Sometimes I'm tired and don't feel like thinking and just
want someone to guide me," says one student clarinettist. "On the
other hand, conductors often aren't inspiring and just get in the way."
>
> Listening to a brilliant conductor leading a superb orchestra is
very special. Even Orpheus members admit it can be thrilling working
with energetic and inspiring maestros. But as orchestras struggle to
redefine themselves, a few brave Juilliard and Manhattan students
could do worse than follow the Orpheus example.
>
> http://economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7246109
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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