"I am convinced that the decisive factor in dramatic effect will be a smaller orchestra, which does not drown out the human voice as does a large orchestra…The orchestra of the opera of the future is the chamber orchestra which, by painting in the background of the action on the stage with crystalline clearness, can alone realise precisely the intention of the composer with regard to the vocal parts. It is after all an important desideratum that the audience should not only hear the sounds but should also be able to follow the words closely."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
On composing and conducting (page 39-40) (1929).
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Richard_Strauss
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Richard Strauss
Richard Strauss (June 11, 1864 – September 8, 1949) was a German (Bavarian) composer of classical music and conductor. His music has always been popular: both in the concert hall and on recordings. He is perhaps best known nowadays for his Operas, of which Salome, Elektra, Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos are the most frequently performed. He was also a composer of symphonic works such as Thus Spake Zarathustra and A Hero's Life. He wrote many songs for
83 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Richard Strauss →
Related Quotes
":4. Never look encouragingly at the brass, except with a short glance to give an important cue."
":5. But never let the horns and woodwind out of your sight: if you can hear them at all they are still too strong."
":6. If you think that the brass is not blowing hard enough, tone it down another shade or two."
":7. It is not enough that you yourself can hear every word the soloist sings - you know it off by heart anyway: the a…"
":8. Always accompany a singer in such a way that he can sing without effort."
":9. When you think you have reached the limits of prestissimo, go twice as fast. (1948 Today, I should like to ammend…"
":10. If you follow these rules carefully you will, with your fine gifts and great accomplishments, always be the darl…"
"If my works are good and of any importance for the further development of our art, they will maintain their position …"
"Producers of opera nowadays usually make the mistake of translating each particular orchestral phrase into terms of a…"
":3. Conduct 'Salome' and 'Elektra' as if they were by Mendelssohn: fairy music."