How does conductor conduct

While it is possible for large orchestras to perform without conductors, most choose to have one. So what it is, exactly, that they do? Whether visibly or invisibly, consciously or unconsciously, here are some of the myriad things they get up to on that podium…. The orthodoxy is that the conductor uses his or her right hand to hold a baton if used — some prefer just to use their hands and set the tempo, control it thereafter, signify the beginning of a new bar and deal with other matters of timing that help keep an ensemble of sometimes over a hundred individuals together.

But while these elements are all vital components for a smooth performance, a great conductor is self-evidently much more than just a metronome wearing tails.

This video is no longer available. Convey an interpretation The conductor is there to bring a musical score to life, communicating their own highly refined sense of the work through an individual language of gestures, which might sculpt the musical line, tease out nuances, emphasise certain musical elements while controlling others, and essentially re-imagine an old piece anew.

These usually fall to the left hand. Concertgoers may have their ears trained on the orchestra, but our eyes are invariably drawn to the podium. We too want to be steered, to be able to align the way the music sounds with the conductor is doing.

He or she is a vital visual connection: the bridge between our eyes and the sense of what is happening in the music. Hollywood film, television and multimedia composer in Los Angeles.

Read also: Christian Schumann and the world of Conducting. All Posts Website. Leave a comment Hide comments.

Be the First to Comment! Notify of. Notify of new replies to this comment. Later, as more instruments were invented and orchestras grew in size, the favour shifted to using a big staff that leaders would pound on the ground to keep time. This was very effective because the musicians could hear it, but then the composer Lully stabbed himself in the foot and got gangrene and died Nowadays conductors use either a baton for a large ensemble or just their hands.

Over the years the job has developed into something which is primarily artistic; to integrate the musical interpretations of all the musicians on stage into a bigger picture. If you think about rock and pop in general, you frequently hear bands performing their own music, or you might listen to a cover-version.

So the next time you see a conductor at work, take a closer look at their connection to their players, and listen out for the bigger picture. Nelson Freire. See more More instruments.