Overdoing it

In yesterday's rehearsal, maestro returned to a theme he's talked about several times. He makes the point that in Broadway shows, where there are no close-up cameras to telegraph emotions and effects, everything is exaggerated to make sure those emotions and effects are communicated to the audience. He usually makes this point when talking about dynamics and/or articulations.

It reminds me of a local man who arranges flowers and gives workshops on the subject. Just about anyone who has attended a workshop can repeat his signature quote, "It's not done until it's overdone."

I think when we're making music (and perhaps for people listening to pieces they know well) small scale effects work fine, because our brains are primed to respond to the effects. Playing music for ourselves and performing for others are two different enterprises.