John Fiset asks:

>Another thought, back in the old days, did the Orchestras have as many
>guest conductors or did they tend to work with just one person?  This
>may account for some of the change.

Just the other day, I had this very conversation with Andrew Litton,
music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  He opined that there
are several reasons for the homogeneity of sound in world orchestras.
One, is the fact that music directors do not remain with their orchestras
for as many years or for as many concerts per season.  Second, Andrew
believes that the large trove of available recordings has also made an
impact.  He also cited that the historical performance movement has
changed the individuality with which "modern" orchestra conductors
approach music before 1800.  His last comment on the matter (before we
moved to other topics) is that with the "star system" that seems to run
CM these days, orchestra search committees want the hottest youngest
conductor on the market.  Therefore, older, more seasoned conductors
often get passed over for major positions, and thus many orchestras,
especially smaller ones, do not get to develop a sound with a veteran
conductor.

Just some thoughts.

Kevin S