Do orchestral musician learn each work just before it is performed and have only a little amount of time to practice?
I believe that this is not true. Is this right?
Not true.
That is correct, it is not true that orchestral musicians learn each work just before it is performed and have only a little amount of time to practice.
Orchestral musicians typically receive the sheet music for a piece well in advance of the performance date. Once they receive the music, they have several weeks or even months to practice and become familiar with the piece. They spend time studying the score, learning their individual parts, and practicing their instrument's technical and musical requirements for the piece.
In addition to individual practice, orchestral musicians also have rehearsals where they come together as an ensemble to practice and refine their performance. These rehearsals can span multiple weeks leading up to the performance, allowing the musicians to work on their ensemble playing, dynamics, interpretation, and overall cohesion as an orchestra.
The amount of time spent practicing and rehearsing can vary depending on the complexity and length of the piece, as well as the preferences of the conductor and the specific needs of the orchestra. However, it is common for orchestral musicians to have a significant amount of time to prepare and polish a work before it is performed in front of an audience.