The Orchestra Appreciation Thread- Page 3

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 1/24/07 at 4:50pm

I have always appreciated pit orchestras, but I also appreciate the pit orchestra conductor who coordinates everything in the pit. There was a wonderful pit conductor in the 1950's and 1960's by the name of Lehman Engel. I would go to musicals that he was conducting just to see him conduct. His enthusiasm was infectious. When Rosalind Russell was in WONDERFUL TOWN, she is said to have been standing in the wings, waiting to go on, saying to herself, "How can I do this show again tonight?" and then she would be on stage looking down at Lehman Engel's smiling face and she knew that all would be well.

Engel is the author of numerous books on the musical theatre which are still available on Amazon. His autobiography, "This Bright Day" is well worth reading. Engel also was the founder of the BMI workshops that deal with the creating of musicals. Edward Kleeban, lyricist of A CHORUS LINE, is a product of the BMI workshops which still exist.

The pit conductor Paul Gemignani, who conducted many of Stephen Sondheim's shows as well as CRAZY FOR YOU and some of the Encores musicals, stands out as being one of the best and most enthusiastic conductors of today.

Updated On: 1/24/07 at 04:50 PM