Inside conducting
By: Christopher Seaman ; illustrations by Michael Richards
Publisher: University of Rochester Press
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Number of pages: 268
ISBN-13: 9781580464116
Subjects: Conducting; Conductors (Music); Vocational guidance
Description: What does a conductor actually do? How much effect does he or she have? Can the orchestra manage without one? Why don't the players look at the conductor more? Is it necessary for the conductor to play every instrument? What about interpretation? What happens at rehearsals? Why do some conductors "thrash around" more than others? Who's the boss in a concerto: the soloist or the conductor? These are some of the questions that receive lively and informative answers in this book by renowned conductor Christopher Seaman. Composed of short articles on individual topics, it is easy to consult and accessible. Each article begins with an anecdote or saying and ends with quotes from musicians, often expressing opposing views. There are many books on the art of conducting but none like this. Music lovers wondering what the figure on the podium actually does, and aspiring conductors eager to learn more about the art and craft of leading an orchestra, will all treasure this wise yet humorous book.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-258) and index.
Table of contents: title: The conductor's mind. Background ; Harmony ; Memory ; Perfect pitch ; Training conductors ; Youth orchestras; title: The conductor's skills. Balance ; Choral works ; Concerto accompaniment ; Ear ; Eye contact ; Opera ; Rehearsing; title: The conductor's hands. Baton ; Beat ; Behind-the-beat playing ; Directing from the harpsichord ; Economy of gesture, cueing, use of the left hand; title: The conductor and the musicians. Auditions ; Chamber orchestras ; Chief conductor ; Friend or boss? ; Orchestral playing ; Role of concertmaster ; Solos in an orchestral piece ; Stage settings; title: The conductor and the instruments. Strings ; Winds ; Timpani and Percussion; title: The conductor, the composer, and the score. Composers ; Learning scores, interpretation ; Marking parts ; Performance practice ; Shape and structure ; Tempo and metronome; title: The conductor and the audience. Addressing the audience ; Applause, platform demeanor, coughing ; Program planning; title: The conductor and "the business." Career and agents ; Critics ; Gender ; Guest conducting ; Orchestra managements ; Recording ; Travel and packing; title: Inside the conductor. Concentration ; Control and power ; Ego ; Languages ; Nervousness ; Our heritage : some ancestors and my links with them.