The Orchestra: A Collection of 23 Essays on Its Origins and Transformations (Book)

The symphonic orchestra is intriguingly considered in essays by 23 leading music authors and thinkers. Topics include historical beginnings, the role of the conductor, the orchestral audience, the nature of the repertoire, and how recordings have affected the modern orchestra. With a new editor's introduction for this 2006 edition and a glossary of terms. A collection of 23 essays on the origins and transformations of the orchestra, this comprehensive reference traces the development of the modern orchestra from its birth in the late 15th century through 23 fascinating historical essays by leading scholars. Organized chronologically, the book addresses the technical development of instruments, composers' changing aesthetic visions, the rise of the conductor, audiences of the past, the effect of musicology on the orchestra, the symphony orchestra as a museum, recordings, music in relation to other arts, and other thought provoking subjects. Enlightening perspective is gained about the orchestra and its place in society after reading the evolved and fresh ideas of various authors in this rich resource for professionals, students and music lovers. (Publisher)

the Symphonic Orchestra Is Intriguingly Considered In Essays By 23 Leading Music Authors And Thinkers. Topics Include Historical Beginnings, The Role Of The Conductor, The Orchestral Audience, The Nature Of The Repertoire, And How Recordings Have Effected The Modern Orchestra. With A New Editor's Introduction For This 2006 Edition And A Glossary Of Terms.

The elements that compose what is currently called the "orchestra" coalesced about the middle of the eighteenth century into a complex yet remarkably stable tradition.