Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 2007/11

From: "Karl Krelove" <karlkrelove@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Reading music instead of memorizing
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:41:04 -0500

Stokowski once experimented with having the Philadelphia Orchestra play on a
completely darkened stage, requiring the players to memorize their parts,
while he conducted with a lighted baton. He gave the experiment up rather
quickly - I think it lasted for one set of subscription concerts. Certainly
any good orchestra could manage a piece or even a whole program from memory
for a special occasion to make a point or just to show they *can*. But to
memorize an entire season's repertoire isn't reasonable, and barring some
other special reason for this kind of show, it's just a stunt when an
orchestra does it.

Karl

-----Original Message-----
From: Martin Baxter [mailto:martinbaxter@-----.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:28 AM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] Reading music instead of memorizing

I have seen several orchestras who perform from memory; also I've
seen & heard the Vienna Phil. play the Ov, to Figaro from memory. It
is certainly possible.
Martin

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