Atlanta, January
Georgia
14, 1965
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We might as well get right down to tho nitty-gritty of it. Last Iv1onday night 's re hearsal was a debacle, completely unworthy of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. The first reading of the Britten War Requiem was superior in every way. The first rehearsal of the season -even with the attendant disruptions ofnew member regiswas tration, music allotment and exchange af greetings-better motivated, better mannered and more constructiva This chorus is not a social club. Such satisfactions as we gain because of musical excellence are achieved through self discipline and undivided responsibility. The fact that we enjoy our collab:>rator1 s company is a splen did bonus, but even this would disappear did we not add re a s ourselves firstly, secondly, and throughout to · the music. /// Rehearsals of a chorus of this calibre should not ever be primarily a p 1.a:ee for note-learning. The problems of ensemble are complex enough. Most o.f the note-learning should be done at home. Monday night should be an oc caaion f.Dr pool±rmour ak:i.lls and k!nowladge, not our ignoranc es • Ill Look at our rehearsal sch ad u l e. Obviously we will have to concentrate on the Beetho :v e n !!inth Symphony. It should be sung fr om memory in Cleveland a lil d New York. /JI Consider ho w little time there is . following that to conclude preparations on the Britten War Requiem -- far too little to allow the lack of attention by 'tobich l a s t .Monday
night!s nil~ sal~
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