The Effect of Score Use, Performance Level, and Instrumentation on Musicians' Evaluations of Orchestral Performances

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the viewing of a musical score, performance level, and instrumentation would affect musicians' ratings of orchestral performances. Using a 10-point Likert-type scale, university musicians (N=70) evaluated four recorded orchestral excerpts for technique and musicality. The recordings included two instrumentations and two performance levels (professional string orchestra, and all-state full symphony orchestra). Participants were also assigned into groups who viewed and did not view scores. Results of a MANOVA revealed that professional orchestras were rated significantly higher than all-state orchestras. String orchestras received significantly lower ratings than full symphony orchestras. No significant differences were identified in participants' evaluations when examining score use. A significant multivariate interaction revealed that professional string and full symphony orchestras received higher scores than all-state string and full symphony orchestras. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]