The Art of Orchestra Placement: Can a Conductor Rearrange the Sections for Personal Preference?
Most of the time, you shouldn't rearrange the orchestra. However, there are specific sections that can be moved. The percussion and brass sections, which are located at the back of the orchestra, can be adjusted from left to right but cannot be moved closer to the front.
The contemporary symphony set-up often deviates from the original intentions of composers. Many works composed in the 20th and earlier centuries were designed with antiphonal string writing, requiring violins to be seated opposite each other on stage. Changing this arrangement can significantly alter the intended orchestration and impact of the music.
Even with this understanding, conductors frequently make subtle adjustments during rehearsals. These changes are necessary to adapt to the acoustics of the hall and the unique characteristics of the specific orchestra. For example, in a church setting, a conductor might ask the orchestra to play shorter sounds to improve clarity, knowing that the sounds will lengthen in the hall's acoustic environment. However, these adjustments should always be made with the original vision of the composer in mind, not for personal preference.
Historical Adjustments and Innovations
Some conductors in the 20th century, such as Mahler, re-orchestrated parts of works to achieve better balance and clarity in the orchestra. Mahler completed re-orchestrations of Schumann's symphonies, as the modern instruments didn't blend well with Schumann's original compositions due to differences in brass and woodwind combinations. By using instruments from the time period, Mahler and other conductors like Richard Taruskin aimed to revive the original sound.
For instance, I experimented with the sound by using the instruments of the time. The results were as effective as those achieved by conductors like Roger Vignoles, who also valued the original sounds and found that no changes were necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Conclusion
The adjustment of orchestra sections is a delicate balance between artistic flexibility and adherence to the composer's original vision. While some elements can be adjusted, it is crucial that these changes do not compromise the integrity and impact of the music. Conductors must remain true to the composer's intent, whether they are making small adjustments or significant re-orchestrations.