Democratic Orchestra

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Posted on 27th January 2010 by masterfiddle in Uncategorized

Can orchestras be democratic organizations?

An interesting thing happened at the Eugene Community Orchestra Rehearsal this evening.  The conductor asked the entire string section for input about bowing in the 3rd movement of Brahms’ Symphony #4.  Evidently, there was some variance in the marked bowing and it was not clear if the tied measures at the end (m. 143-150) should be down, up, down; or down, down, down.

Now, I understand that this may seem to be an insignificant detail and it will be easily resolved at the next rehearsal, but the effect that this question had in the orchestra was quite interesting.  The raucous that ensued was not calmed for at least five minutes – wasting rehearsal time.  It also illustrated to me how musicians have very strong opinions and really want to be heard.

This episode shed light on the management challenge of utilizing orchestra musicians in decision-making.  Can agreements ever come from 50-70 different opinions of the musicians? 

Symphony Orchestras originated as collaborative organizations with shared decision-making.  These early symphonies evolved into the hierarchical management structures of modern orchestras, see my Inherent Tension post. 

Collaborative performing arts organizations do exist today:

  The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a conductor less ensemble based in New York City.  A core of musicians comprised of the principle players from each section determine musical elements of each piece, including bowing, phrasing, and tempo. 

Another organization in New York is C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective.  this organization utilizes a core group of singers/composers in artistic decisions.

Is it possible for symphony orchestras to emulate these decision-making formats? Each of these organizations will be analyzed in more detail along with musings about artistic programming and symphony management structures in upcoming posts.

For now enjoy the Brahms 3rd movement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trr_9rXaI1U.  This version clearly shows the violins bowing down, up, down at 5:30 into the piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phnqpJQ4CCk

Are quick decisions or a democratic process more important in arts organizations’ decision-making?

Essentials of Orchestra Management: NY recap

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Posted on 21st January 2010 by masterfiddle in Uncategorized

If You Build it, They Will Come
 
My two weeks in New York turned into a whirlwind encompassed largely by the League of American Orchestra’s Essentials of Orchestra Management Seminar.   
Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall

On one of the last days of the seminar, the class met at Carnegie Hall on the corner of 57th & 7th.  Here, we were officially documented with a group photo:
2010 Essentials Class

2010 Essentials Class

the Carnegie Society, hightest honors donors
the Carnegie Society, hightest honors donors
We then met with Clive Gillinson, Carnegie’s Executive and Artistic Director.  Gillinson discussed the value of visionary leaders such as Andrew Carnegie.  Carnegie built the hall  in 1891 for his wife who sang in the NY Oratorio Society.  The hall was then on the outskirts of New York City, in “cow town”.  It’s success was due to Carnegie’s sheer determination to fill the hall.  As a business man who built himself from rags to riches,  Carnegie not only revolutionized philanthropy, but also created a  haven for intellectual discussion and the arts.me overlooking the lower balcony.
Our next treat was a tour of the inside of the hall, while the stage was being set for the Vienna Philharmonic!
The tour was led by Gino Francesconi, the director of the Rose Museum and Archivist.   I should have taken notes!  My music history came flooding back and sparked my interest in ethnomusicology again….
inside2_small

Gilded balconies and sparkling chandeliers placed me back in in the turn of the century when the hall was newly built. An air of excitement and anticipation lingers since Carnegie’s music hall opened its first concert.  Opening night was on May 5, with a concert conducted by maestro Walter Damrosch and composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

 

 

Andrew Carnegie illustrated for posterity that if you build it, they will come.

Despite a turbulent history which is the mark of any respectable historical monument, Carnegie Hal is now a cornerstone of the arts in Midtown Manhattan and the goal for all great artists to achieve.

Carnegiescape_small

New York: Day 1

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Posted on 4th January 2010 by masterfiddle in Uncategorized

St. John the Divine Cathedral

St. John the Divine Cathedral

Happy New Year and greetings from the Big Apple! 

I’m in New York for the Essentials of Orchestra Management Seminar with the League of American Orchestras.  The seminar begins on Tuesday, giving me time to explore the city for a few days.

Central Park West_small

Central Park West

Today I had my first excursion in this city of bright lights and big dreams.

My circuitous route began at Penn Station and went (at one point or another) through Central Park, past Columbia University, down Broadway, past Lincoln Center, down West End Ave and finally, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

St. John the Divine from behind

St. John the Divine

 

 

Driving along the west side of Central Park, the architecture is amazing and gothic-style cathedrals arise among the skyscrapers.

Julliard_small

The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses days worth of artwork and sculptures to enjoy.  Today, I barely scratched the surface.  However, here are a few gems that I enjoyed:
Stained Glass window                                                    Met #1
Monet Lillies
Monet Lilies

Sculpture

 
More to come from my adventures later, but I must remember I’m in NYC time and not west coast time: it is now almost 2:00 a.m and I’ll be up for more tours tomorrow!
Cheers to this new adventure!