Klarinet Archive - Posting 000096.txt from 1997/10

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: Foloow the beat!
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 17:21:33 -0400

It's the feeling of what he calls MEGOLAMANIA, the power to order, to
rule.
When the infants get older, lets say 4-5, rules and regulations are laid
down, you can't do this or that.
This is a contradiction of their previous power. They develop some sort
of neurosis.

The only people who retain this megalomania are CONDUCTORS!
That explains the tantrums, the stamping of feet on the podium, etc. if
things don't go the way they want.

Most seasoned musicians that I've met have reserved opinions about
conductors (some not so reserved)

Anyway I want to tell a story of such an aspirant.
The Toronto Symphony once played a concert in a high school led by an
assistant conductor.

At the rehearsal there was a hassle about some piece, with second
endings, codas etc.
Finally the conductor shouted "JUST FOLLOW MY BEAT!"

We got to the end of the piece to finish it, played the last chord, when
the conductor gave an extra beat.
THE ORCHESTRA PLAYED AN EXTRA CHORD!

Should we have followed the beat?

Avrahm Galper
I'm back with a good metronome in my chest.
I'll have the beat under control