ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the styles of social interaction between musicians working at different stages in the familiarisation process through the empirical study of new and established Western chamber ensembles. It considers the effects of 'social familiarity', specifically the length of time musicians have known one another, on the discourse produced in ensemble rehearsal. In Western art music practice, the majority of ensembles will spend a high proportion of time in rehearsal as the musicians meet up on a daily or weekly basis to prepare for a particular performance or gig. During rehearsals, ensemble musicians will nurture a major part of their working relationship. The chapter explores the ways in which musicians work together in the rehearsal context, specifically to investigate their styles of social interaction. All of the cello-piano duos begin their ensemble rehearsal with a run-through of the piece that they were preparing for performance.
