Conducting

From ArticleWorld

Conducting is defined as an act of directing a musical performance with the usage of visual gestures. Examples of ensembles that usually have a conductor can be given in military bands, orchestras and choirs.

History

In the beginning conducting did not exist. Its predecessor is thought to be cheironomy, defined as the usage of hand gestures to show a melodic shape. The practice dates back to the Middle Ages. Music started to become more rhythmical and this led to the introduction of a staff, moved up and down to keep the beat of the musical act. Starting from the 17th century the staff started to be replaced with other devices. Examples have been given in rolled up sheets of paper and small sticks. The conductor is a person that is involved with a musical ensemble and is usually a performer as well. With some performances the introduction of two conductors, one in charge of a part of the orchestra and one of the other, was possible. The 19th century saw musical ensembles develop as never before. The need of one person that is only involved in conducting was obvious. This is when the baton was introduced. It is a small stick that is used by the conductor to conduct the ensemble. Several composers also acted as conductors. Examples can be pointed out in Richard Wagner and Hector Berlioz.

Techniques

The conductor is the person that communicates instructions to the musical ensemble. Because of the increasing number of performers one orchestra could have, the gestures needed to be as simple and as easy to follow as possible. The conductor needs to master some techniques and have a proper understanding of musical expression elements:

• Beat and Tempo – The beat of a musical act is usually indicated by the conductor by using his right hand, either with a baton or not. A time signature for every bar and type of measure is common and accepted worldwide. Subdivisions of the beat can also be included if the tempo of the music is slower. The technique is used to aid performers keep rhythm and stay on beat. If the speed of the song is changing then the conductor will indicate that by simply modifying the speed with which he moves the baton.
• Dynamics – The dynamics of a song can easily be showed by the conductor with the size of the movements he/she performs. This technique refers especially to the volume at which instruments are played. Higher volume will mean larger movements. Modifications in the volume are signaled by using the hand that is not holding the baton.
• Entries – Entries of specific instruments are usually signaled by using pointing or simply eye contact. The conductor thus gives a cue and the process of giving cues is known as cueing. Specific hand gestures can also serve as signals and gestures can also be used to show emotion and energy level needed.