They say that bees are amazing examples of a collective working to the same end. There can be up to 80,000 in a hive all applied to the same task, guided by waggle dances to communicate information so that workers know where to forage and so they can achieve the collective goal of making honey. Is it simpler for an orchestra? There is after all just one conductor up there, waggle-dancing away (sorry Chris!), to help conjure up the honeyed tones of harmony.
There is so much more to it than just the conductor, skilled though that person has to be and without which a large orchestra would rapidly stall even if it ever started together! Every member of the orchestra has to cope with the collective as well as the conductor's instructions. Even with a good conductor, each person's part in a new piece can be a challenge with the unfamiliarity of the music, probably unexpected rhythms, timings, harmonies, counter-points and phrasings. Even as these hurdles are overcome, the music can still feel fragmented and un-gelled. Then comes the moment the individuals start really listening to one another and communicating with each other as a collective. The rehearsal changes out of all recognition as the orchestra communicates from within to achieve its common goal. Satisfaction increases; enjoyment soars. Precious moments, as precious as honey.
There is so much more to it than just the conductor, skilled though that person has to be and without which a large orchestra would rapidly stall even if it ever started together! Every member of the orchestra has to cope with the collective as well as the conductor's instructions. Even with a good conductor, each person's part in a new piece can be a challenge with the unfamiliarity of the music, probably unexpected rhythms, timings, harmonies, counter-points and phrasings. Even as these hurdles are overcome, the music can still feel fragmented and un-gelled. Then comes the moment the individuals start really listening to one another and communicating with each other as a collective. The rehearsal changes out of all recognition as the orchestra communicates from within to achieve its common goal. Satisfaction increases; enjoyment soars. Precious moments, as precious as honey.