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