Concertmaster is spelled with a silent "s" at the end, and is pronounced [ˈkɒnsətˌmæstə]. The word originally came from German, where it is spelled "Konzertmeister." The "s" was likely added in the 19th century to give the word a more English appearance. The concertmaster is the leader of the first violin section of an orchestra, and is responsible for ensuring that everyone plays in tune and in time. Their role is crucial in creating a cohesive and polished performance.
A concertmaster, also known as the leader or first violinist, is a prominent position within an orchestra. The concertmaster is a highly skilled and experienced violinist who acts as the principal collaborator with the conductor. Their primary role is to serve as the leader of the orchestra's string section and act as a liaison between the conductor and musicians.
The concertmaster possesses exceptional technical proficiency, intonation, and musicianship. They are responsible for interpreting the conductor's vision and communicating it to the rest of the string section. This involves leading rehearsals, marking bowings, and coordinating dynamics and ensemble playing.
During a performance, the concertmaster assumes a prominent position in front of the orchestra, positioning themselves to be seen by both the conductor and the musicians. They set the pitch by playing the tuning note, and then guide the orchestra in the performance by providing cueing and leading the section entrances.
Concertmasters are also entrusted with occasional solos and leading the orchestra in the absence of a conductor. They may also act as a mediator between the conductor and the musicians, conveying concerns or suggestions from the ensemble.
In essence, the concertmaster is a central figure who helps to establish unity and cohesion within the orchestra, ensuring that all the musicians work harmoniously together to achieve the conductor's artistic vision.
The word "concertmaster" has roots in the Italian language. It is derived from the Italian term "concerto", which means "concert" or "musical composition". The suffix "master" indicates that the concertmaster is the leader or principal musician of the orchestra. In Italian, the concertmaster is often referred to as "primo violino", meaning "first violin", which reflects their prominent role within the violin section. Over time, the term "concertmaster" has been adopted and widely used in various languages to designate the leader of an orchestra or ensemble.