Why do orchestras have ‘leaders’ and what do they do?

Ilona Schmiel, leader of the Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich. Picture: Alamy

By Will Padfield

One of the most elusive figures of the orchestra is the leader – or concertmaster. But what’s their role, and when did it start? 

An orchestra can be a baffling organism to comprehend. The way it is arranged, structured and managed has evolved over centuries to arrive at its present-day set-up.

To anyone who isn’t in the know, one of the most cryptic figures of the orchestra is the leader – or concertmaster. Outranked only by the conductor, this musician is responsible for good relations between the orchestra and maestro, acting as an intermediary and ensuring all goes smoothly.

They sit at the front of the orchestra, direct everyone in tuning their instruments, and have their very own applause on entry to the concert stage.

But what are the origins, development and function of this mysterious being? We delved into the history... 

When was the concertmaster position invented?

The role of the concertmaster has evolved throughout the ages, changing as orchestral music expanded and became increasingly complex. In the Baroque era (roughly 1600-1750), composers such as Bach and Vivaldi firmly cemented the prominence of the violin family as the de facto leading voice of an ensemble, writing music with prominent lead violin parts, often with demanding solos.

In the days before the conductor was a regular fixture of an orchestra, the concertmaster, or ‘lead violinist’ would usually direct the ensemble and play simultaneously, using the movements of the bow to keep time. At this time, there was no standardised position of ‘leader’, and the mechanics of ensemble leadership varied greatly between countries.

During the mid- to late-18th century – known as the Classical era – orchestras expanded even further, with wind and brass sections gradually becoming permanent fixtures in orchestras. With a larger group of musicians, there became an even greater need for a clear leader to create (literal) harmony between all the musicians in the ensemble. 

The principal violinist emerged as the logical figure to take on this demanding role, responsible for leading the string section, creating a cohesive sound and, crucially, keeping everyone playing in time!

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 - Academy of St Martin in the Fields & Joshua Bell

Just as the leader started to take full control over orchestral proceedings, the title was contested by the emergence of the conductor in the latter half of the classical period. Again, the nuances of history mean this change didn’t happen overnight, but by the mid-19th century, the Romantic era was in full swing, and the leader’s role had morphed more into the one we recognise today.

During this period, music became increasingly expressive, and orchestras expanded even more. The concertmaster became essential in determining the sound of an orchestra and making their own interpretive decisions in rehearsals. Composers often wrote virtuosic solos for the leader, where the violinist needed to seamlessly adapt from sitting as part of the section to stepping up to the main solo voice for a passage.

Anton Sorokow - Richard Strauss "Ein Heldenleben" Violin Solo

What does a concertmaster do today?

Today, the position of concertmaster is highly revered, with the major orchestras offering highly lucrative sums of money to employ the very best violinists. The crucial role of the leader is to set the very highest standards of musicianship for the other musicians to follow.

A good leader elevates the level of an orchestra, and a bad one can have disastrous consequences for everyone involved. Aside from being a superlative instrumentalist, a substantial part of the leader’s role is managing the occasionally fragile relationship between the conductor and the ensemble.

Conductors are often jet-setting between orchestras – with the most successful of them conducting orchestras across several continents in the same month – but the concertmaster is a fixed member of their orchestra.

A good leader will have the best read on the interpersonal relationships between the musicians and can empathise with the members of the orchestra, who may be tired after a particularly trying schedule or a tour, and communicate this to the conductor. It is also the leader’s responsibility to ensure rehearsals are conducted in a mutually beneficial way, stepping in to stop rehearsal chatter (believe it or not, this happens…) where it would be unwise for the conductor to issue a warning.

Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Blomstedt · Berliner Philharmoniker

Fundamentally, the concertmaster is a vital link between the conductor and the orchestra. They help translate a conductor’s gestures into actual playing technique, which is then copied by the entire string section, hugely influencing the collective sound of the ensemble.

Perks of the job

One of the most recognisable roles of the leader is to indicate when it is time for the orchestra to tune by standing and gesturing to the oboist, who gives the tuning note (an A).

In the UK and USA, the leader will walk on separately to the rest of the musicians and take a much-served show of appreciation from the audience. As a mark of respect, the leader is the first to leave the stage, with the orchestra filing in behind off stage.

So, there you have it! The next time you are at a concert, spare a thought for the leader and all the hard, and oft-underappreciated work they do to keep the orchestra functioning.

12 best movie adaptions of musicals, ranked

7 November 2024, 14:24

The best musicals on film. Picture: Alamy

By Will Padfield

We take a look at the greatest film adaptations of musicals across the eras. 

There is nothing quite like the thrill of Broadway, the bustle of the West End, the atmosphere of anticipation before the curtain rises on a top-tier musical. For more than half a century, film producers and directors have tried to translate this feeling onto the big screen.

From the streets of 50s New York to the epic panorama of the Austrian Alps, we count down 12 of the greatest film adaptations of musicals.

1. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

   Zero Mostel reprieved his stage role for the film adaption of this wild romp, inspired by the farces of ancient Rome. It has all the ingredients required for an entertaining film: a ridiculous plot, cross-dressing, and a brilliant score by the late great Stephen Sondheim.

   Director Richard Lester perfectly adapts the mayhem of the original production to the screen, bringing Rome to life. Whilst songs such as ‘Everybody Ought to Have a Maid’ at first glance might seem a little dated, they offer a hilarious and astute critical commentary on 60s American life – a world of Don Draper-style executives – in a way which few other musicals of the time were able to do so effectively.

   

   A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) - Comedy Tonight Scene (1/10) | Movieclips

2. Les Misérables (2012)

   Do you hear the people sing? Well, we almost didn’t, as following the release of the stage musical in 1980, a film adaptation faced numerous setbacks, as the rights were passed on to several major studios, and various directors and actors were considered and disregarded.

   The wait was worth it though, as this film turned out to be epic. The cast list reads as a who’s-who of Hollywood A-listers, all piling in to showcase their (ahem) ‘vocal talents’.

   

   Les Misérables (2012) - Master of the House Scene (3/10) | Movieclips

3. My Fair Lady (1964)

   “Few genres of films are as magical as musicals, and few musicals are as intelligent and lively as My Fair Lady," opined critic James Berardinelli about this fantastic adaptation.

   Staring Audrey Hepburn – who replaced Julie Andrews from the stage musical – Rex Harrison and directed by George Cukor, the streets of London are brought vividly to life, supported by the full armoury of Warner Bros.

   

   MY FAIR LADY | Official Trailer | Paramount Movies

4. Sweeney Todd (2007)

   Dark, brooding and frankly disturbing, the Dickensian universe is brought to life in this gothic slasher musical by Sondheim.

   Depp and Bonham Carter are at their villainous best, and Alan Rickman completely inhabits the role of Judge Turpin. Sondheim admitted that the film version differed significantly from the stage production, but in his own words, “if you just go along with it, I think you'll have a spectacular time”.

   

   Sweeney Todd (7/8) Movie CLIP - By the Sea (2007) HD

5. Oklahoma! (1955)

   With a plethora of show-stopping tunes, including ‘Oh, what a Beautiful Mornin’’, ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top’ and ‘People Will Say We’re in Love’, to name a few, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein wartime hit was adapted into an all-singing, all dancing technicolour blockbuster in 1955.

   Featuring some of the era’s biggest stars, such as Gloria Grahame and Gordon MacRae, Oklahoma! was a critical and commercial success picking up a rave review from The New York Times and winning a host of awards. In 2007, Oklahoma! was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

   

   The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

6. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

   Containing some of the catchiest melodies written for a musical, Fiddler on the Roof received its Hollywood calling in 1971. Like the best adaptations, it manages to retain the feelings of intimacy from the original stage production, but with the added depth offered by filming on location. Chaim Topol – who plays Tevye – carries the show, with a multi-faceted performance that shows Tevye’s inner struggle and conflicts, pitted against a brutal world descending into the horrors of the 20th century. This was also the film that won John Williams, later of Jaws and Harry Potter fame, his first Academy Award.

   

   Fiddler on the Roof (10/10) Movie CLIP - The Bottle Dance (1971) HD

7. Guys and Dolls (1955)

   Featuring an incredible cast including Marlon Brando AND Frank Sinatra, this film – again from 1955 – hits all the right notes. Set on the streets of New York, Sinatra plays Nathan Detroit, a well-meaning small-time criminal gambler, who bets the mysterious Sky Masterson (Brando) that he can’t take Sister Sarah Brown to Havana on a date.

   Sinatra is on top form here, elevating Frank Loesser’s glittering music, which gets a suitably luscious revamp for the silver screen.

   With rumours of a new adaption from the Chicago team, this classic tale looks set to endure for the next generation.

   

   Frank Sinatra, Stubby Kaye, and Johnny Silver - "Guys And Dolls" from Guys And Dolls (1955)

8. Chicago (2002)

   This vaudeville-style show has been making waves since its original Broadway run in 1975, and the 2002 film manages to capture the essence of the 70s production whilst bringing to life the swinging, corrupt, probation world of 1920s Chicago.

   Renée Zellweger is exquisite as Roxie Hart, and Catherine Zeta-Jones revels in her roots as a musical theatre actress. In short: everyone brings their A-game to make this film an absolute riot from start to finish.

   

   This scene won an oscar (We Both Reached for the Gun) | Chicago | CLIP

9. Oliver! (1968)

   Another adaptation from the swinging 60s, Oliver! has all the charm and appeal of the original West End production, but with the added gloom and drama of Victorian London, bought to life on the big screen. Ron Moody is absolutely exceptional as Fagan, supported by an all-British cast who all help make this one of the best musical theatre films ever made.

   

   Oliver! (1968) - I'd Do Anything Scene (6/10) | Movieclips

10. West Side Story (1961)

    West Side Story caused a storm when it premiered on Broadway in 1957. It also marked the debut of future musical titan, Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the lyrics for Bernstein’s timeless score.

    A modern revamp of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, brought to contemporary 50s New York, this film adaptation shows a grittier side to the fun and comedic Big Apple of Guys and Dolls. A stellar cast helps bring this to life on screen, with Natalie Wood captivating audiences with her portrayal of Maria, the love interest of Tony. Incredibly, Elvis Presley was approached for Tony, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker turned down the part.

    Irwin Kostal beefed up Bernstein’s orchestration for the film with a full-sized orchestra making the music even more impactful than Bernstein’s original.

    

    West Side Story (4/10) Movie CLIP - America (1961) HD

11. Grease (1978)

    Despite the haunting memories of having to awkwardly dance to ‘Summer Nights’ at your school disco, Grease is, for want of a better expression, an absolute banger.

    It’s a testimony to how enduringly popular this film is that its songs continue to be played worldwide.

    An iconic 1970s film set in the 50s, this film was set to be a classic as soon as it was made. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John found the right chemistry to win over audiences’ hearts and minds.

    

    Grease - Summer Nights HD

12. The Sound of Music (1965)

    Arguably not just the greatest musical adaptation but the greatest film of all time, it’s impossible not to love this classic. Beautiful panoramic shots of the Austrian Alps enhance the drama of Richard Rodgers’ technicolour score, and Julie Andrews gives a career-defining performance. Christopher Plummer – who played Captain Von Trapp – was dismissive of the film’s success, never seeming to understand why it achieved such popularity until his grandchildren turned him around in the later years of his life.

    
    

    

Conductor reacts to himself conducting Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’!

Conductor reviews footage of himself leading an orchestra | Classic FM

By Will Padfield

Ben Palmer – the conductor of the last two Classic FM Live shows – sat down to talk us through how a conductor thinks, in a Classic FM exclusive. 

Have you ever been sat at a concert and found yourself observing the figure on the podium, frantically gesturing at the orchestra and pondered, ‘what are they actually doing?’

Thankfully, Ben Palmer is here to answer that very question in a video exclusive, where he brilliantly shines a light on the mysterious and murky world of the conductor, in a review of a performance of Grieg’s show-stopping In the Hall of the Mountain King.

Ben led the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in a show-stopping rendition of the hit tune at Classic FM Live with Viking at the Royal Albert Hall, in April.

Ben Palmer. Picture: Matt Crossick

The conductor, who is renowned for his engaging and inspiring performances worldwide, highlights the importance of gestures in gently reminding players to bring certain features to the fore and shares his feelings of excitement when the choir makes its blistering entry. 

Ben shows us that the role of the conductor is to bring together the skill and experience of the many musicians who are on the stage, as opposed to being a dictator, telling us that “when you are working with a brilliant orchestra like the RSNO, everyone is bringing their own collective experience of the piece; that’s why it’s so fun to play.”

Einaudi surprises commuters with train station piano performance

13 November 2024, 12:37 | Updated: 14 November 2024, 15:44

Einaudi surprises St Pancras station with impromptu piano performance

By Will Padfield

Einaudi has played an impromptu concert at St Pancras International Station, dazzling commuters. 

International classical phenomenon Ludovico Einaudi has given a concert in St Pancras station, much to the delight of the crowd who were lucky enough to catch the event.

The Italian pianist and composer – known as the ‘King of Calm’ – performed some of his best known works, including ‘I Giorni’, alongside music from his new album, The Summer Portraits, which will be released on January 31 on Decca Records.

Einaudi performed the special concert whilst in between two sold-out concerts at the London Palladium, adding a much-needed dose of calm to the otherwise hectic atmosphere of one of London’s busiest terminals.

Ludovico Einaudi, the “King of Calm”. Picture: Alamy

He is not the first superstar to use St Pancras’ vast space for musical performances, with the St Pancras piano being played by international superstar pianist Lang Lang, as well as John Legend, James Arthur and Tom Odell. Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys and Nora Jones have also showcased their musical talents in the station’s main arcade.

Public piano performances have become a part of the culture at the London terminal, with the famous St. Pancras piano becoming a hit with the public.

Pianos were first introduced in 2012, when the City of London Festival celebrated its golden anniversary and have remained available to play ever since. This iconic transport hub is now home to two public pianos, the most recent of which was generously donated by Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals to ensure that music remains part of the atmosphere at the station.

St Pancras International station, arcade with shops and restaurants and Eurostar train platform, London UK. Picture: Alamy

The station’s main arcade – where the pianos are hosted – has grown into a hub of cultural activity, creating a strong sense of community and a lively destination for exciting arts activities.

“Our station is proud to be known as a hot spot for musical performances, creating an exciting and lively experience for travellers and shoppers alike. We are delighted that Ludovico Einaudi chose to stop in and perform for our visitors, in between his sold-out shows in London this week,“ said Wendy Spinks, Chief Commercial Officer at St Pancras International and HS1 Ltd. “We have no doubt that his evocative music and surprise performance will have brought smiles to all.”

We look forward to more surprise performances at the station in the future!