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The Prague Chamber Orchestra in Concert
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10002 |
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Section : |
THE ARTS
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| Issue
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4 / 1986 |
939 Words |
| Author
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Michael Davis
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On February 16, the Prague Chamber Orchestra made its appearance at Avery Fisher Hall as part of Lincoln Center's Great Performers series. This thirty-seven member ensemble (all male) has been hailed worldwide as one of the premier orchestras of its kind. Judging by their performance here it's easy to see why. Founded in 1951 by members of the Czech Radio Symphony, the Prague Chamber Orchestra is currently celebrating its thirty-fifth season and is conducting its eighth North American tour. The ensemble consists of twelve violins, four violas, four cellos, two basses, timpani, and pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, and trumpets.
Of particular interest is the fact that this group does not employ either a conductor or a music director, but, rather, takes its cues from the first violinist or one of the other string principals. This practice was not uncommon for ensembles of the Baroque or Classical eras, but it is quite unusual today. Even modern chamber ensembles that specialize in music of those years, such as the Academy of Ancient Music, employ a music director or leader (Christopher Hogwood and Jaap Schroder in the case of the Academy) whose responsibilities include choosing tempi, giving cues, and deciding proper balances. According to the Prague Chamber Orchestra's promotional material, this group is "led only by the superb musicianship of its members."
The Avery Fisher concert began in a most striking fashion, for rather than engaging in the customary warming up and tuning procedures audiences have come to expect of orchestras, the members of the Prague ensemble simply walked on stage en masse, bowed, sat down, and began playing. It was a riveting image of ensemble
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