The Orchestra of Today and How It Grew

Originally Aired: September 16, 1936 In Cavalcade of America #49, "The Orchestra of Today and How It Grew," conductor Don Borges leads his distinguished orchestra through a musical journey tracing the evolution of modern orchestration over the past twenty-five years. The program explores how orchestras transformed from simple dance bands into versatile ensembles capable of performing everything from symphonic masterworks to popular dance numbers. Borges and his musicians demonstrate the key innovations that shaped contemporary orchestration: the introduction of the saxophone section, the replacement of banjo with guitar, the development of brass mutes for varied tone colors, and the expansion of the percussion section to include instruments like vibraphone and celeste. Special arrangements and experimentation by conductors proved crucial to this development. The broadcast showcases the orchestra's remarkable versatility through diverse selections, from Irving Berlin's "Let's Face the Music and Dance" to Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio Espagnol," with featured performances including pianist Phil Wall on Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm." Borges illustrates how radio broadcasting particularly influenced this evolution, demanding orchestras that could seamlessly transition between concert, dance, and symphonic styles without changing personnel, creating the sophisticated "orchestra of today."