Venezualan Classical Music System Under Fire

Waco Tribune (via AP) ^ | 11/30/14 | Joshua Goodman

[tellw]

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)

[BenLurkin]

“It may be an autocracy but it’s one that has allowed thousands of people to flourish,” said Marcus.

No thanks.

[PGR88]

portrays it as a "model of tyranny" where brutal, marathon practice sessions mirror the apparently unlimited power and top-down style,,,

They clearly have never had a Russian or Chinese piano teacher.

[left that other site]

Not just the teacher...Every time I have taught either a Russian or a Chinese child, I have been fired by the parents for not being MEAN enough! LOL!

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[Captain Rhino]

Take a listen to the finished product:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcAGFgPCigw

The Youth Orchestra of Caracas playing Bacchanale from Saint Saens “Samson and Delilah.” Very famous piece.

Director Dietrich Paredes is considered one to the better young conductors in the world today.

[Captain Rhino]

Should read:

Director Dietrich Paredes is considered one of the better young conductors in the world today.

[robowombat]

This reads like the high school marching band mystep-daughter was in. The little weasel that was the band director used the endless sacrifice of the students to leverage himself into getting to be the marching band director at William and Mary. What was amazing was the parents who supported this crazy regime of endless non-stop practices as virtual marching band groupies.

[randita]

"But once in Venezuela he said he was overwhelmed by tales from current and former musicians of top-level corruption, favoritism and improper sexual relations between teachers and pupils."

Nothing new. These shenanigans go on in U.S. orchestras as well.

[healy61]

Sgt. Major Woodrow English was principal trumpet for the US Army band for over 20 years. He was flown from Europe to the US to play taps at President Reagan’s funeral. He said his daily practice routine was 3 hours of warm up and 5 hours of practice. The Venezuelans in the video are not hobbiest. I can only imagine the costs of their instruments.

[Captain Rhino]

Caracas, as capital, has a large and educated middle and upper class. Probably a lot of their sons and daughters are in that orchestra.

That being said, I’m glad that at least somebody somewhere has an effective and replicable plan for reinvigorating the performance of classical music by young people because it sure isn’t the United States.

(Just as an aside, I think part of the dynamic here is also that young musicians like to play this particular piece because it is so sensual, fiery, fast, and, especially, loud.)