“ There is another reason for the popularity of Dead Person Music. Conductors prefer it because they need more than anything else to look good. ”
Frank Zappa, The Real Frank Zappa Book (1989). copy citation
| Author | Frank Zappa |
|---|---|
| Source | The Real Frank Zappa Book |
| Topic | popularity reason |
| Date | 1989 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://pierroule.com/ZappaRealBook/TheRFZBook.htm |
Context
“Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. Living composers are entitled to proper compensation for the use of their works. (Dead guys don't collect -- one reason their music is chosen for performance.)
There is another reason for the popularity of Dead Person Music. Conductors prefer it because they need more than anything else to look good. By performing pieces that the orchestra members have hacked their way through since conservatory days, the rehearsal costs are minimized -- players go into jukebox mode, and spew off 'the classics' with ease -- and the expensive guest conductor, unencumbered by a score with 'problems' in it, gets to thrash around in mock ecstasy for the benefit of the committee ladies (who wish he didn't have any pants on) .
” source
There is another reason for the popularity of Dead Person Music. Conductors prefer it because they need more than anything else to look good. By performing pieces that the orchestra members have hacked their way through since conservatory days, the rehearsal costs are minimized -- players go into jukebox mode, and spew off 'the classics' with ease -- and the expensive guest conductor, unencumbered by a score with 'problems' in it, gets to thrash around in mock ecstasy for the benefit of the committee ladies (who wish he didn't have any pants on) .
” source
