Kapellmeister is the head of the orchestra

Kapellmeister is the head of the orchestra or choral chapel. At the time of the Viennese classics and baroque, such a specialist also had to arrange and compose music, which was timed to solemn occasions. Such musicians served at court.

Great Representatives

Kapellmeister is a word that in the 19th century was applied to orchestral and choral conductors. Here it is appropriate to mention Johann Sebastian Bach. He was also a Kapellmeister by profession. Joseph Haydn wrote most of his works specially for court princely concerts. He was the conductor of Prince Esterhazy. In a later period, the duties of these specialists partially mingled with the activities of composers. In particular, there were ballet bandmasters.

History

Kapellmeister is a word of German origin. In the eighteenth century, large aristocrats often attracted a full staff of musicians: a choir, an orchestra, solo singers. This "team" also began to be called a chapel. The conductor was the conductor.

Initially, his duties were very diverse. One person directed all the musicians, selected repertoire, composed music, monitored the state of instruments, protected the music library, gave singing lessons, and did everything that the gentleman would deign to demand. Over time, duties fell to the conductors.

Interpretations

According to Ushakov's explanatory dictionary, the conductor is a conductor, head of an orchestra or a vocal chapel. This interpretation can also be found in Efremova. Also her vocabulary calls this term the conductor of the military brass band.

Let's sum up the results

If you try to give a short definition, suffice it to say that the orchestra is what the conductor directs.