Between Fidelity and Innovation
Multimodal Creativity in Orchestra Rehearsals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/si.v9i3.169418Abstract
Orchestra rehearsals are complex environments where conductors and musicians collaboratively shape a public performance through dynamic, multimodal interaction. This study investigates how creativity emerges within these interactions, particularly focusing on the conductor’s use of verbal and embodied corrections and instructions to interpret and transform the musical score. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Multimodal Conversation Analysis, the research analyses rehearsal data from professional symphonic orchestras in France, Italy, and Belgium. The study explores the tension between fidelity to the score and creative innovation, examining how conductors navigate this space by employing descriptive (verbal) and depictive (gestural, vocal) modes of instruction. Languages spoken during the rehearsals are French, Italian, English, and German.
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