Etiquette, technique, blending
Etiquette in a semipro group? (cat tax included!)
I am in a community orchestra that is pretty good. We are playing Liszt Totentanz at our Halloween concert, about which I was initially excited. It’s a really fun piece. I do not have a music performance degree and took a 10+ year hiatus from any playing when my daughter was born, so I know if not for this community orchestra, I wouldn’t have an opportunity to perform pieces like this.
Our concertmaster wants us to do one section on the string that should clearly be extremely off the string. I’ve attached two videos, the first how she and the non- string playing conductor have told us we have to play it because it is “just too fast,“ the second with the spiccato bowings that are marked and in the style I see other major symphonies using in recordings.
The conductor (brass player) also has been seeming to look at me during rehearsals and saying “some people“ are playing too close to the frog and using the wrong muscles.
Three requests, first: is the above (any of it) a red flag? Or is it common in community groups ? This group is auditioned but obviously volunteer. I feel like I am getting a complex about my bowing technique. When I auditioned I was told I had a beautiful tone so I am not sure where this seeming public criticism is coming from…
Second, could I get some feedback on my technique? is there any truth to the conductor’s criticism?
Third, should I try to play the music as written or should I try to blend and play it wrong?