Talk:Boston Pops Orchestra

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This article says Fiedler retired in 1980, but his article says he died in 1979. Anyone know the real dates to reconcile the articles? I'm pretty sure 1979 is the right date of death, but I don't know when he retired. J. Passepartout 14:47, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Fiedler never retired, he died. He was going to celebrate his 50 anniversary with the orchestra in 1980. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 200.76.252.167 (talk • contribs) .

[edit] Most famous piece?

The article says, "Of the many musical pieces produced over the years, the Pops' most [emph added] famous and popular work is Fiedler's production of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride."" The Pops' "Sleigh Ride" is very good, but it's seasonal. I'm not an expert on the Boston Pops but I think their 'most famous and popular work' is Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever". It's one of their signature pieces played at almost every concert, pop or classical, and is on many of their CDs. (Another, "1812 Overture", is seasonal: 4th of July Esplanade Concert.) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 129.64.56.40 (talk • contribs) .

At this point, I'd agree with you. S&SF is definitely their "signature piece".

Atlant 15:59, 9 June 2006 (UTC)

I'd have to disagree with both of you, while I will concede that it may be seen as a seasonal piece, the 1812 Overture is the Boston Pops trademark piece. They were the first orchestra to play it at a Fourth of July concert and it regularly highlights many of their shows. Tonights Pops Goes the Fourth national broadcast on CBS even opened with the announcer saying "We present the Boston Pops, playing their trademark piece, the 1812 Overture". --Rob McDougall 03:15, 5 July 2006 (UTC)\

[edit] Awkward and confusing, and incorrect

"In general parlance, the Boston Pops is described as: “The Boston Symphony minus the first-chair players." This “elite core” of BSO musicians What elite corps? The Pops? The first-chair players? Antecedent is unclear. Poor usage.

"constitute a separate subsection of the BSO and perform alongside the Pops as the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, a 12-member ensemble founded in 1964. " When have they performed "alongside the Pops"? This is unclear, and it's simply wrong. Only twelve of the more-than-twelve principles are in the BSCP. For instance, BSO principle trumpet Rolfs is also a member (and principle trumpet) of the Boston Pops Orchestra.

"These arrangements, and a similar one with the Tanglewood Festival provide year-round employment for the musicians." The "Tanglewood Festival" does not have a "similar" "arrangement". Tanglewood is an alternate venue, not a change in personnel. This whole description of who the Pops (and Chamber Players) are needs major revision, for clarity, style, and most importantly, for accuracy.

Possible corrected wording below:

"The Boston Pops" is a term used generically to refer to either the Boston Pops Orchestra or the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, two similar but distinct ensembles operated by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The Boston Pops Orchestra consists of the players of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, minus twelve of the principle players (who tour separately as the Boston Symphony Chamber Players). The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra includes many of the Boston Symphony Orchestra players, plus many other players hired by the BSO management. The Boston Pops Orchestra plays concerts in Symphony Hall in the late spring, and some of the Holiday Pops concerts. The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra plays in Symphony Hall during the summer, and for most Holiday Pops concerts. The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra also plays regularly on the Charles River Esplanade, occasionally at Tanglewood, and on tour.

[edit] POPSearch material

I am a great fan of the Boston Pops, but I believe the POPSarch stuff is entirely out of place here. Surely this should have a separate entry. It overwhelms the Boston Pops text referring to the orchestra, its composition and history, and looks more like a puff for the competition. A reference to the appropriate POPSearch web site for interested parties would surely be more appropriate. This is meant to be a credible encyclopedic entry, not a publicity vehicle. Trevor H. (UK) 15:12, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

Yes, I totally agree with everything Trevor H. expresses above... Venicemenace (talk) 02:41, 26 December 2007 (UTC)