What is it Called When an Orchestra Warms Up? Unveiling the Mystery of Riscaldemento or Recalfacio

Have you ever noticed that before a grand symphony concert, the musicians in the orchestra sit and play together for a while? This pre-concert ritual is often referred to as warming up, but it has some interesting names as well, such as Riscaldemento or Recalfacio. Interestingly, these terms are derived from the Italian language and have a rich history in the musical world.

As a seasoned professional in the field, I have had the unique experience of working in a symphony hall for six years. I've witnessed the formal and informal practices that take place before a concert, and I've also observed how musicians and conductors use interesting jargon to communicate with each other. While it might sound impressive and confusing to an outsider, the reality is that warming up is a complex yet essential preparation process.

The Purpose of Warming Up

Why do orchestras warm up? There are several reasons why warming up is important before a concert. First, even though the musicians play in the same hall every day, they still need to familiarize themselves with the acoustics of the venue. This ensures that the sound quality is consistently excellent, regardless of whether it's a new or familiar space.

Second, the instruments of the musicians need to adjust to the temperature and humidity on stage. Especially in older concert halls, the temperature and humidity can be quite different from the backstage area, and this adjustment is crucial for producing the best sound.

Third, for string players, warming up includes adjusting the chairs and music stands to ensure maximum comfort and convenience. String players often share a stand, making coordination and alignment essential for a seamless performance.

Fourth, even with music that is well-rehearsed, there are always passages to review. For a complex or new piece of music, warming up helps musicians re-familiarize themselves with difficult or tricky sections, ensuring that they are prepared for the most demanding parts of the performance.

The Formal Tuning Process

The formal tuning period comes just before the concert begins. During this time, the concertmaster (the first violinist) stands in front of the orchestra and signals which sections should tune to the principal oboist's tuning note. This is important because the oboe's sound is pure and piercing, making it easy to hear and fine-tune the ensemble. The oboe is chosen for this role as it is the most challenging instrument to tune and maintain consistency in pitch.

After the tuning, the conductor walks onto the stage, shakes hands with the concertmaster, and the concert begins. However, before this formal tuning, there may be an informal warm-up on stage, where players may play excerpts from their parts or do individual practice to polish difficult sections. This informal warm-up helps musicians get into the right mental and emotional state for the performance, similar to how athletes prepare before a race by stretching and focusing their minds.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Performing at an orchestral concert can be highly stressful, and achieving peak performance is crucial. There is an "inner mental game of music" that musicians must engage in to get themselves into the ideal calm and focused state of mind. This process is similar to what is described in the book The Inner Game of Tennis, which explains how athletes prepare mentally for peak performance.

Warming up effectively helps musicians limber up their fingers or embouchures, just like athletes do with stretching exercises. It's about creating a space where they can focus, relax, and be fully present for the performance ahead.