There has been (and ever shall be) lots of blogging on what should be done about the current state of affairs in professional orchestras – here are two viewpoints that are pretty much diametrically opposed in their solutions, but pretty much right in synch with what they perceive as being the problem.
The first post is from Ilkka Talvi, former concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony, from his blog Of Music and Men.
Let’s face it: the current, or past, form of classical music business is no longer viable. There are many reasons for it, from grossly inflated expenses to general diminished interest in the art form. We were never intended to have 52-week seasons for orchestras or such fat paychecks for musicians, some of whom only work a few hours per month.
Let’s face it: the current, or past, form of classical music business is no longer viable. There are many reasons for it, from grossly inflated expenses to general diminished interest in the art form. We were never intended to have 52-week seasons for orchestras or such fat paychecks for musicians, some of whom only work a few hours per month.
Shrink the size of an orchestra to about 60, large enough to play the classics we love, and hire extras when needed. Of course a contrabassoonist or other such instrumentalist will complain, but when it comes to making money, you’d be surprised for how little people are willing to play. Perhaps an individual chose such an instrument in the first place knowing what an easy life it would be after getting into a group.
Read the entire post here.
The second post is from William Eddins, music director of the Edmonton Symphony, from his blog Sticks and Drones.
Too often the prevailing attitude amongst musicians is one of gloom, despair, and a hidden intense disliking of our profession. It is almost as if we have forgotten how lucky we are to do what we do. Three hundred years ago our ancient colleagues did all sorts of crazy things besides music. They were footmen, or they mucked out the barns, perhaps labored all day at some physically demanding job. We have come a very long way from those times and we should be thankful for it.
Too often the prevailing attitude amongst musicians is one of gloom, despair, and a hidden intense disliking of our profession. It is almost as if we have forgotten how lucky we are to do what we do. Three hundred years ago our ancient colleagues did all sorts of crazy things besides music. They were footmen, or they mucked out the barns, perhaps labored all day at some physically demanding job. We have come a very long way from those times and we should be thankful for it.
But we have also lost touch with a large portion of society in the process. We don’t work “regular” jobs anymore. We spend most of our time around other musicians or in situations solely dedicated to our art. There are thousands upon thousands of people who make a living simply by this art form where three hundred years ago anyone doing that would have been in extremely rare territory. Because of this we have become separated from those who are suppose to enjoy our music. This is not healthy, for either them or us.
Read the entire post here.