Walter Meyer wrote:
>... Apparently the best conductors can get superb performances from
>otherwise obscure orchestras and, conversely, an orchestra of international
>reputation can fall flat from poor conducting. Which raises a question
>for me. The Philadelphia Orchestra, under Stokowski and under Ormandy was
>famous for its "Philadelphia sound". Did this Philadelphia sound remain
>when Toscanini guest conducted them?
As a matter of fact it did, but their rhythm sharpened up.
Actually, most first-rank orchestras don't really need a conductor, just to
play a piece. When Szell died, the Cleveland Orchestra gave a very moving
account of the Mozart Symphony No. 40 with nothing on the podium but a
wreath.
Steve Schwartz