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Conducting
All you need to know about how to conduct yourself (and
others) - just in time!
Conducting is what keeps the orchestra in time and is
carried out by a conductor using a baton. A conductor can also be known as a
choirmaster or choral director or even bandmaster. The principle function of
conducting is to set the tempo, co-ordinate the various sections of the
orchestra and to shape the overall sound.
Conducting has been traced back to the Middle Ages where the conductor held
a staff instead of the modern baton and stamped this on the ground to beat
out the rhythm to the orchestra. In the 17th century the staff was replaced
by a variety of smaller objects or even by hand gesticulations before the
baton was introduced. During these times it was common for the conductor to
be a lead-violinist or flautist and it was not until nearly 200 years later
that a dedicated conductor was more or less the norm. It is generally
accepted that the first true dedicated conductor was Hans von Bülow.
Composers gradually came to see conducting as an important part of the
performance and Wagner was a firm believer in the conductor's part in
affecting the sound of the piece being played.
Most people are surprised to discover that there is no fixed way of
conducting - each conductor will have his or her own style and even the grip
will vary. Some conductors will use both hands while others will just use
one - usually the right. Others will even use facial expressions to direct
the orchestra.
A conductor may choose to ad-lib the conducting or choreograph the score
beforehand. Either way they need to be aware of every nuance and every
element which makes up the overall sound. A good conductor will know when to
emphasise and when to de-emphasise a phrase of the music.
There are two major differences between orchestral and choral conducting
although these distinctions are not written in stone. Firstly, orchestral
conductors will normally use a baton while choral conductors will
gesticulate with their hands. Secondly, an orchestra will typically follow
the beat being tapped out by the conductor while a choir will sing on the
beat.
Some popular conducting gestures:
-
Beat - indicated by the conductor's right hand
-
Time signature - a shape made in the air by the baton
-
First beat of a bar - baton indicates a downbeat
-
Last beat of a bar - baton indicates an upbeat
-
Changes of tempo - baton speed changes
-
Decrease in volume - conductor shows his palm or leans away
from the orchestra
-
Diminuendo - palm down
-
Crescendo - palm up
-
Staccato - short, sharp movements
-
Legato - long, fluid movements
-
Marcato - stiff muscular movements
-
Held note - hand held flat, palm upwards
-
Note end - finger and thumb pinch
-
Phrasing - overhead arcs
Good conducting is essential for top-level performances and
the conductor is a key part of the orchestra. He or she should endeavour to
maintain eye-contact with the orchestra.
It takes many thousands of hours of dedicated practice to master the accordion.
Musical Instruments
Click this link to find prices for
conducting lessons
Look for information on a musical instrument
Search in our directory for a
conducting tutor
Go to this link to become a conducting teacher
Conducting Lessons
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