Bandmaster is the leader of an orchestra or choral chapel. In the days of Viennese classics and Baroque, a similar specialist also had to arrange and compose music that was dedicated to solemn occasions. Such musicians served at court.
Great representatives
The bandmaster is a word used in the 19th century to refer to an orchestral and choral conductor. It is appropriate here to mention Johann Sebastian Bach. He was also a bandmaster by profession. Joseph Haydn wrote most of the compositions specifically for the courtly princely concerts. He was the bandmaster of Prince Esterhazy. In a later period, the duties of these specialists were partially mixed with the activities of composers. In particular, ballet bandmasters arose.
Story
Bandmaster is a word of German origin. In the eighteenth century, large aristocrats often attracted a full staff of musicians: a choir, orchestra, soloists and singers. This "team" also began to be called the chapel. Her leader was the bandmaster.
Initially, his duties were very diverse. One man directed all the musicians, selected the repertoire, composed music, monitored the condition of the instruments, guarded the music library, gave singing lessons, and also did everything that the master deigned to demand. Over time, responsibilities were reduced to conducting.
Interpretations
According to Ushakov’s explanatory dictionary, a bandmaster is a conductor, orchestra or vocal chapel leader. A similar interpretation can be found in Ephraim. Her vocabulary also calls this term the conductor of a military brass band.
To summarize
If you try to give a short definition, it is enough to say that the orchestra is what the bandmaster directs.