Within any orchestra, the concertmaster position is prestigious and demanding, requiring not only exceptional technical skill but also strong leadership and communication abilities. The concertmaster is selected through auditions or appointments based on their experience and proficiency.

But - what is a concertmaster? What do concertmasters do?

The concertmaster is the principal first violinist in an orchestra and is considered the leader of the entire violin section. This musician also plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the orchestra. The concertmaster is often referred to as the "leader" or "first chair" of the violin section.

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Introduction

The concertmaster holds a position of great importance within an orchestra for several reasons:

• Leadership Role: The concertmaster is the leader of the first violin section and, by extension, plays a leadership role within the entire orchestra. They set the standard for the rest of the violin section and contribute to the overall unity and cohesiveness of the ensemble.
• Musical Interpretation: The concertmaster, in collaboration with the conductor, helps shape the musical interpretation of a piece. They make decisions regarding bowings, phrasing, and articulation for the string section, influencing the overall sound and expression of the orchestra.
• Tuning the Orchestra: Before a rehearsal or a performance, especially in a string orchestra setting, the concertmaster plays a role in tuning the orchestra. The other musicians in the string section tune their instruments to match the pitch set by the concertmaster.
• Soloist and Featured Performer: The concertmaster often plays solo passages or has featured moments within orchestral pieces. This highlights the virtuosity and artistry of the concertmaster and adds a distinctive element to the orchestra's performance.
• Communication with the Conductor: The concertmaster serves as a crucial link between the conductor and the orchestra. They help convey the conductor's instructions to the first violin section and, by extension, to the entire orchestra. This communication is vital for achieving the conductor's vision for the music.
• Rehearsal Coordination: During rehearsals, the concertmaster helps maintain focus within the first violin section. They work to ensure that the conductor's directions are implemented and contribute to the refinement of the orchestra's performance.
• Symbol of Unity: The concertmaster's position at the front of the orchestra symbolizes unity and represents a visual focal point for both the musicians and the audience. Their actions and demeanor can influence the morale and cohesiveness of the entire ensemble.

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History of the concertmaster position

The role of the concertmaster has changed over the centuries, and its history is intertwined with the development of orchestral music. Let’s take a look at how the concept of the concertmaster position has evolved over time:

• Baroque Era (1600-1750): In the early days of orchestral music, the concept of a concertmaster as we understand it today did not exist. However, during the Baroque era, the string family of instruments gained prominence, and the lead violinist would assume a leadership role within the ensemble. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi wrote extensively for strings, and the lead violinist played a significant role in musical interpretation and leading the ensemble.
• Classical Era (1750-1820): As orchestras became bigger and compositions grew in complexity during the Classical era, the need for a more formalized leadership role became apparent. The concertmaster emerged as the principal violinist, responsible for leading the string section, tuning the orchestra, and artistically coordinating with the conductor. Composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven wrote music that increasingly demanded a unified and coordinated approach from the orchestra.
• Romantic Era (1820-1910): The role of the concertmaster continued to evolve during the Romantic era. Orchestras expanded even further, and the demands on individual musicians increased. Concertmasters became more involved in shaping the interpretation of a piece, collaborating closely with conductors. The virtuosity of the concertmaster was often highlighted through solo passages.
• 20th Century to Present: In the 20th century, the role of the concertmaster remained important, with some changes in emphasis. Orchestras continued to grow in size, and the concertmaster became a key figure in maintaining the ensemble's cohesion. Additionally, the concertmaster played an important role in advocating for the string section's interests in matters such as bowings and articulations.

Throughout these periods, the concertmaster has been recognized not only as a skilled instrumentalist but also as a leader, artistic collaborator, and interpreter of the conductor's vision. 

Today, the position of concertmaster is highly esteemed in orchestras around the world, and individuals holding this role are typically accomplished musicians with a deep understanding of both their instrument and the orchestral repertoire.

Concertmaster solos

Several classical compositions feature prominent and beautiful solos for the concertmaster. These solos often showcase the virtuosity and expressive capabilities of the first violinist. Here are some of the favorites:

1. Piotr Tchaikovsky – the "Swan Lake,” op. 20: The concertmaster has several notable solos in this famous ballet, including the virtuosic “Russian Dance,” the lyrical “Black Swan,” and the expressive “Pas d’action” from the Second Act.

2. Richard Strauss – “Ein Heldenleben,” Op. 40: The violin solo in the third movement, titled "The Hero's Companion," is a notable and challenging excerpt for the concertmaster.

3. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – “Scheherazade,” Op. 35: The concertmaster has several solos throughout Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade." Noteworthy moments include the opening violin solo, representing the character of Scheherazade, and other expressive passages throughout the piece.

4. Ludwig van Beethoven - "Missa Solemnis," Op. 123: the violin solo in the “Benedictus” section of the "Sanctus" movement. While this exposed and challenging concertmaster solo is part of the larger orchestral and choral setting, it contributes tremendously to the overall texture and expressiveness of the piece.

These are just a few examples among many other orchestral works that include impressive solos for the concertmaster. These solos play a crucial role in defining the character and emotional impact of the compositions.

Several more of these solos include the violin excerpt from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Strauss’ Don Juan, and many more.

On tonebase, Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim teaches in depth lessons on how to approach 11 of the most prominent violin excerpts, including the ones listed above.

Here is a lesson preview of David Kim teaching the violin solo from Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4:

Dual role of concertmaster/conductor

Historically, in some cases, concertmasters actually assumed a dual role as both the leader of the first violin section and the conductor of the orchestra. This practice was fairly common during the Baroque and Classical eras.

In the Baroque period, the distinction between the roles of conductor and concertmaster was not as clear-cut as it is today. In many Baroque orchestras, the concertmaster played a crucial role in leading the ensemble from the first violin seat. This leadership could extend to guiding the musicians in terms of tempo, dynamics, and interpretation.

As orchestras continued to evolve during the Classical era, the role of the conductor became more defined. 

However, some concertmasters, especially in smaller ensembles, continued to lead the orchestra from their position in the first violin section. In larger orchestras, the conductor's role became more prominent, but concertmasters still played a significant leadership role within their section.

In modern symphony orchestras, the concertmaster is primarily focused on leading the first violin section, shaping the interpretation of the music, and serving as a liaison between the conductor and the musicians. The conductor, typically a separate individual, is responsible for overall artistic direction and leadership of the entire orchestra.

While the dual role of concertmaster and conductor is less common today, there are still instances where a concertmaster may step in to conduct smaller ensembles (some chamber orchestras prefer to remain conductor-less to focus on the “chamber music” component of ensemble playing.)  

Additionally, some prominent violinists who have served as concertmasters or leaders of orchestras have occasionally taken on the role of conductor for specific performances or projects. 

Conclusion

To summarize, the concertmaster is integral to the functioning of an orchestra, contributing not only as a skilled violinist but also as a leader, artistic collaborator, and interpreter of the music. 

Their role goes beyond merely playing the violin, encompassing aspects of leadership, communication, and artistic direction.

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