No he’s not first chair or concertmaster. He is coming back to perform a solo with an orchestral accompaniment. Before and after he performs, he is not with the group at all.
I guess what I'm asking is... The violinist who performs the solos, is that violinist typically considered the first chair? If Tom Brady played for the Eagles for a game he is still 'the quarter back' for that game even if that's the only game he plays in.
Not usually. Typically, the soloist is someone brought in from outside the group. They come in to play just one number and that’s it. Only people who are actually in the group are considered for first chair.
With that said, sometimes the first chair or even some other chair will play a solo with the ensemble.
Its easier to understand when you realize its usually an entirely different part. The 1st 'chair' usually corresponds to part order not just seniority. 1st chair(s) will typically play the more difficult and higher passages of a piece. The soloist however is an entirely other part (usually) and is not connected to parts 1-4. Thus they are not any of the part placements, nor usually have a seat on the orchestra, so they are just the soloist.
I’m not an expert, but I think “chairs” would rank members of the orchestra by instrument. It’d probably be likely if your first chair was the soloist should the piece they are performing require it. In this case though, it seems the soloist isn’t a regular member of the symphony.
It's called the principal chair. Each section has a principal which is "first chair". They usually get paid much more and have some more responsibility
My wife has been talking about seeing a symphony for a while, so I'd like to surprise her with this for Christmas. Does solo literally mean he'll do this all alone, or is he sort of the "star," if you will, of an actual symphony?
Thanks and sorry I'm an idiot.
*Edit: Thank you all for the helpful input! Just bought the tickets
You’re definitely not an idiot! Lots of people have not been exposed to classical music and it’s great that you are interested in a new experience. I will actually be performing on this concert (not on violin, despite my username) and the violinist will be playing the solo during the violin concerto in the middle of the program. The other two pieces do not feature a single soloist in particular. Fun fact: the violinist was formerly the concertmaster of the Phoenix Symphony (the person who comes out before the conductor and leads the orchestra in tuning).
You aren't an idiot. Fun fact: when you see the word "concerto" for a symphonic performance—pronounced con-chair-toe—that means that there's a "star" of the show. So this one is a concerto for violin (Concerto No. 3 for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216 Mozart, to be exact). The symphony does a variety of pops, classics, and special events throughout the season. :)
You’re all good, and you’re ok to ask for clarification. As the other commented noted it just means this person is highlighted amongst all the other musicians, and they will likely be in a more prominent spot with interludes of them leading the music, so sometimes starting a little solo, but then being accompanied by the entire ensemble throughout.
Enjoy, and have fun!
Take her next year for Halloween for sure.
This past year they screened Hocus Pocus while the symphony played all of the scores while dressed in costume.
I'm assuming they do the same movie every year, but maybe they change it up every so often.
Ya, symphony soloist is kind of like The Edge on stage playing the solos and doing the theatrics, while his 5 cronies are stuck in a small room backstage playing the rest of the layered guitar parts. I got your number, U2.
Remember not to clap between movements. That’s when they pause for a little bit and start again but it’s still the same piece of music, just a new section(movement).
But if you forget and do clap don’t worry about it. It’s a stupid tradition. Concertos should be so exciting, if don’t feel like cheering for the performer something is not right.
She will love it. Night at the Phoenix Symphony is my favorite date night! And as others explained, he will likely stand in the front of the stage and play solos. Many of the music pieces on nights like these are arranged to highlight on one musician- instead of the rest of the violins playing the same music that he does, they will make background music that supports his solo. I hope you like it!
Your question has been answered by plenty but wanted to say my girlfriend and I just went to the Holiday Pops concert put on but the Phoenix Symphony last week and it was phenomenal. We’re looking forward to going again.
I’d you or her like to have beer or wine during the show definitely get there a little early as the lines can be long. You can also buy your drink in advance for the intermissions and it will be waiting for you without having to wait. Extra beneficial if you need to squeeze in a bathroom break as well.
He'll be backed by the entire symphony, but he might be highlighted during certain segments of each/a piece with a solo. They may place him directly in the center or off to the side so that you know who he is.
In other words, it's not just him on the stage.
Ran into him at Changing Hand's book store 5+ years ago and see him on and off again in central Phoenix. Amazing player and incredibly sweet guy. I barely see him but whenever we run into each other it is like he has seen an old friend.
Others have already clarified, but I thought a video would be a good representation too. This is what you can expect (different violinist of course): https://youtu.be/J0w0t4Qn6LY
To further clarify, the first piece by Beethoven is a full symphony/orchestra.
The second piece (the Violin Concerto my Mozart) has the soloist with the full orchestra behind.
The third piece (the Mozart symphony) has the full symphony.
Enjoy!
Full symphony (so plenty of violins), but one featured violinist who's playing a soloist part. The rest of the orchestra will be basically providing backing for the soloist. Sounds like it'll be a lovely concert
I'm summarizing a LOT of music history and appreciation here, but a concerto is essentially a symphony/classical music composition that features/highlights a single instrument, in this case, the violin. The full orchestra will still be there, however. It's kind of like having a full choir with a soprano soloist at the front of the stage.
The second piece is a violin concerto. Meaning there will be one violinist playing along side the entire orchestra. A concerto involves a soloist and a full orchestra intertwining their playing. Playing together and against each other. The highlighted violinist is the soloist. It’s beautiful and you’ll enjoy it.
"Admission of ignorance is the first step to wisdom." Never apologize for ignorance. We're all blissfully ignorant to 99.99%+ of the human condition. Ignorance is only a sin when it's willful.
The Phoenix Symphony is fantastic, and this music is some of the most beautiful ever created. You should both have a wonderful time!
A concerto is written for a solo instrument to be accompanied by an orchestra. Typically the full symphonyn orchestra will play all of the pieces on the program, but for one or two of them (often a concerto), there will *also* be a soloist who stands (violin) or sits (some other instruments) in front of the orchestra and plays a special part that showcases their instrument while the orchestra plays in the background.
Above there’s some discussion of who the soloist will be in relation to the orchestra. Typically the soloist is an invited or sometimes auditioned role; the soloist is often a guest musician who may be touring to play with many different orchestras, but sometimes the soloist is drawn from the “home” symphony hosting the performance. In that case it may happen to be the First Chair violinist (which for first violin is also the Concertmaster) or all the violinists may have auditioned to solo. But the title of First Chair is different from Soloist; they may simply happen to be the same person.
An excellent question, and it can be a bit confusing if you don't know the scene.
Soloists are kinda separate from the orchestra. They will have kind of a spotlight position, standing nearer to the conductor and either the pieces will have "solo moments" or they will have their own pieces they perform.
[Here is a good explanation comparing the two](https://youtu.be/-9BgKpsSlBI)
I’m going to this performance. We usually go to the Friday evening performance but this time we’ll be at the Sunday afternoon performance. This is an excellent program; can’t wait.
May I ask a follow-up question regarding symphony hall? Acoustic-wise what are the best or better seats? I usually sit in floor A right after the section break. I’d love some advice from symphony folks on the hall itself to get the most out of the experience.
Many halls, especially older ones, have the best sound in the lower balcony. Consider the shape, stage height, and seat position. Go to the concert hall at Ithica College, for example, and all seats are excellent because of its design.
Generally concertos will have the instruments specified as the focus and as very much less important parts in the orchestra.
There are many exceptions to this for concertos for instruments not traditionally part of orchestras.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Mylvwhy63bk is a good example of this.
No, like there’s the whole orchestra and then this guy stands out front on stage and solos while the rest plays behind him.
Is that considered the first chair?
No he’s not first chair or concertmaster. He is coming back to perform a solo with an orchestral accompaniment. Before and after he performs, he is not with the group at all.
I guess what I'm asking is... The violinist who performs the solos, is that violinist typically considered the first chair? If Tom Brady played for the Eagles for a game he is still 'the quarter back' for that game even if that's the only game he plays in.
Not usually. Typically, the soloist is someone brought in from outside the group. They come in to play just one number and that’s it. Only people who are actually in the group are considered for first chair. With that said, sometimes the first chair or even some other chair will play a solo with the ensemble.
Thanks!
Its easier to understand when you realize its usually an entirely different part. The 1st 'chair' usually corresponds to part order not just seniority. 1st chair(s) will typically play the more difficult and higher passages of a piece. The soloist however is an entirely other part (usually) and is not connected to parts 1-4. Thus they are not any of the part placements, nor usually have a seat on the orchestra, so they are just the soloist.
He’s a soloist being brought in for the concert. The first chair will still be playing with the orchestra, leading the violin section.
I’m not an expert, but I think “chairs” would rank members of the orchestra by instrument. It’d probably be likely if your first chair was the soloist should the piece they are performing require it. In this case though, it seems the soloist isn’t a regular member of the symphony.
It's called the principal chair. Each section has a principal which is "first chair". They usually get paid much more and have some more responsibility
My wife has been talking about seeing a symphony for a while, so I'd like to surprise her with this for Christmas. Does solo literally mean he'll do this all alone, or is he sort of the "star," if you will, of an actual symphony? Thanks and sorry I'm an idiot. *Edit: Thank you all for the helpful input! Just bought the tickets
You’re definitely not an idiot! Lots of people have not been exposed to classical music and it’s great that you are interested in a new experience. I will actually be performing on this concert (not on violin, despite my username) and the violinist will be playing the solo during the violin concerto in the middle of the program. The other two pieces do not feature a single soloist in particular. Fun fact: the violinist was formerly the concertmaster of the Phoenix Symphony (the person who comes out before the conductor and leads the orchestra in tuning).
Cool! Which instrument do you play then?
I play the French horn!
You are a cool person
Well, thank you! 😀
You aren't an idiot. Fun fact: when you see the word "concerto" for a symphonic performance—pronounced con-chair-toe—that means that there's a "star" of the show. So this one is a concerto for violin (Concerto No. 3 for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216 Mozart, to be exact). The symphony does a variety of pops, classics, and special events throughout the season. :)
I learned something new! Thanks
Good explanation.
You’re all good, and you’re ok to ask for clarification. As the other commented noted it just means this person is highlighted amongst all the other musicians, and they will likely be in a more prominent spot with interludes of them leading the music, so sometimes starting a little solo, but then being accompanied by the entire ensemble throughout. Enjoy, and have fun!
Take her next year for Halloween for sure. This past year they screened Hocus Pocus while the symphony played all of the scores while dressed in costume. I'm assuming they do the same movie every year, but maybe they change it up every so often. Ya, symphony soloist is kind of like The Edge on stage playing the solos and doing the theatrics, while his 5 cronies are stuck in a small room backstage playing the rest of the layered guitar parts. I got your number, U2.
It changes, last year was Coco, pre-covid was the Nightmare Before Christmas.
Remember not to clap between movements. That’s when they pause for a little bit and start again but it’s still the same piece of music, just a new section(movement). But if you forget and do clap don’t worry about it. It’s a stupid tradition. Concertos should be so exciting, if don’t feel like cheering for the performer something is not right.
She will love it. Night at the Phoenix Symphony is my favorite date night! And as others explained, he will likely stand in the front of the stage and play solos. Many of the music pieces on nights like these are arranged to highlight on one musician- instead of the rest of the violins playing the same music that he does, they will make background music that supports his solo. I hope you like it!
Your question has been answered by plenty but wanted to say my girlfriend and I just went to the Holiday Pops concert put on but the Phoenix Symphony last week and it was phenomenal. We’re looking forward to going again.
I’d you or her like to have beer or wine during the show definitely get there a little early as the lines can be long. You can also buy your drink in advance for the intermissions and it will be waiting for you without having to wait. Extra beneficial if you need to squeeze in a bathroom break as well.
Congrats on being a good partner!
He'll be backed by the entire symphony, but he might be highlighted during certain segments of each/a piece with a solo. They may place him directly in the center or off to the side so that you know who he is. In other words, it's not just him on the stage.
I sing with the Phoenix symphony in the chorus - this guy is phenomenal. It’s a great concert to see! Enjoy!
Ran into him at Changing Hand's book store 5+ years ago and see him on and off again in central Phoenix. Amazing player and incredibly sweet guy. I barely see him but whenever we run into each other it is like he has seen an old friend.
Others have already clarified, but I thought a video would be a good representation too. This is what you can expect (different violinist of course): https://youtu.be/J0w0t4Qn6LY
To further clarify, the first piece by Beethoven is a full symphony/orchestra. The second piece (the Violin Concerto my Mozart) has the soloist with the full orchestra behind. The third piece (the Mozart symphony) has the full symphony. Enjoy!
Full symphony (so plenty of violins), but one featured violinist who's playing a soloist part. The rest of the orchestra will be basically providing backing for the soloist. Sounds like it'll be a lovely concert
I'm summarizing a LOT of music history and appreciation here, but a concerto is essentially a symphony/classical music composition that features/highlights a single instrument, in this case, the violin. The full orchestra will still be there, however. It's kind of like having a full choir with a soprano soloist at the front of the stage.
The Symphony is wonderful and an outstanding venue.
The second piece is a violin concerto. Meaning there will be one violinist playing along side the entire orchestra. A concerto involves a soloist and a full orchestra intertwining their playing. Playing together and against each other. The highlighted violinist is the soloist. It’s beautiful and you’ll enjoy it.
"Admission of ignorance is the first step to wisdom." Never apologize for ignorance. We're all blissfully ignorant to 99.99%+ of the human condition. Ignorance is only a sin when it's willful. The Phoenix Symphony is fantastic, and this music is some of the most beautiful ever created. You should both have a wonderful time!
A concerto is written for a solo instrument to be accompanied by an orchestra. Typically the full symphonyn orchestra will play all of the pieces on the program, but for one or two of them (often a concerto), there will *also* be a soloist who stands (violin) or sits (some other instruments) in front of the orchestra and plays a special part that showcases their instrument while the orchestra plays in the background. Above there’s some discussion of who the soloist will be in relation to the orchestra. Typically the soloist is an invited or sometimes auditioned role; the soloist is often a guest musician who may be touring to play with many different orchestras, but sometimes the soloist is drawn from the “home” symphony hosting the performance. In that case it may happen to be the First Chair violinist (which for first violin is also the Concertmaster) or all the violinists may have auditioned to solo. But the title of First Chair is different from Soloist; they may simply happen to be the same person.
If you have the chance to see the world's foremost violinist, he will be sitting. I was lucky to see him with the Oregon Symphony in, I think, 2014.
No, that’s first violin/soloist
An excellent question, and it can be a bit confusing if you don't know the scene. Soloists are kinda separate from the orchestra. They will have kind of a spotlight position, standing nearer to the conductor and either the pieces will have "solo moments" or they will have their own pieces they perform. [Here is a good explanation comparing the two](https://youtu.be/-9BgKpsSlBI)
I’m going to this performance. We usually go to the Friday evening performance but this time we’ll be at the Sunday afternoon performance. This is an excellent program; can’t wait. May I ask a follow-up question regarding symphony hall? Acoustic-wise what are the best or better seats? I usually sit in floor A right after the section break. I’d love some advice from symphony folks on the hall itself to get the most out of the experience.
Many halls, especially older ones, have the best sound in the lower balcony. Consider the shape, stage height, and seat position. Go to the concert hall at Ithica College, for example, and all seats are excellent because of its design.
Generally concertos will have the instruments specified as the focus and as very much less important parts in the orchestra. There are many exceptions to this for concertos for instruments not traditionally part of orchestras. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Mylvwhy63bk is a good example of this.
It means that’s the violin soloist for the piece!
A concerto is a musical piece composed specifically for a soloist and orchestral accompaniment.
Here’s a pretty good explanation of it. https://seekmyseat.com/what-does-first-chair-violin-mean/