English term for the principal first violinist in an orchestra; in American usage the word is ‘concertmaster’ (Ger. Konzertmeister). He normally sits on the outside chair of the first desk of the first-violin section and is responsible for executing the conductor's wishes in technical matters, such as the marking and bowing of parts. He normally plays solo violin passages, serves as a deputy conductor, organizes sectional rehearsals and acts as liaison between the orchestra and its management. In earlier periods, before the advent of the conductor, the leader or concertmaster played a part in directing performances. See Conducting .
