“The score is just a starting point,” I heard myself say in a guest clinic this afternoon. And I believe that’s really true.
It’s certainly true in the vocal jazz world, where all sorts of articulations, stylistic elements, and changes can and should be made by the ensemble.
It’s true in my own writing – I hope that the choirs singing my works adjust them to suit their needs – whether it’s a change of key, a re-voicing of a section, or even more elaborate changes (provided that they are tasteful and reflect the piece as a whole!).
I think it’s really true even in wide swaths of choral music where we look at the score as the sacred text from which all must flow. Even with the most consistent, conscientious composer, the markings are insufficient to tell us everything about the interpretation.
The score is a starting point. It’s what you do with it in rehearsal that will set your performance apart.