The dreaded orchestral reading

Orchestral readings can be stressful, especially for the composer who's score is being rehearsed. Not only is time preciously limited for the conductor, but orchestra musicians can be snarky and difficult. Most are untuned towards new music and are unreceptive to unfamiliar techniques. And the worst part for composers after a bad reading is the endless amount of guilt after the reading." The musicians hated my music! The balance was so bad, I’m a bad orchestrator! I can’t write for strings! Why didn’t I just write easier music?!" Etc.

Nico Muhly discusses some of his experiences with readings.. and yes, even when working with a top-of-the-line orchestra and a world famous composer, the results are still the same. Should I feel some relief? Well, I'll listen to some recordings of my own readings and see how that goes..

http://nicomuhly.com/news/2011/i-want-to-get-specific/