What does the conductor really do while waving his stick at the philharmonic orchestra?

Answer 1

The conductor does many things.

One astute answerer thus far has pointed out that "keeping time" is not the important function of the conductor. In fact, in the past 200 years, any conductor who merely "keeps meter, time" is falling behind the learning curve.

The conductor is responsible for extracting musical intent through the musicians. His/her gestures are what the musicians are supposed to emulate through their playing.

Most of the importance of the conductor occurs "behind the scenes" in his interpretation of the music. The rehearsals, bringing the proper voices to the forefront when necessary, etc.

Most quality ensembles, if the conductor were to talk off stage, would most certainly be able to keep time, and continue playing.

So, even though cueing and time-beating are functions of the conductor, they are not the most important. Musicians look to the conductor in order to express something musically.

Music exists only in how it makes the audience "feel". It is, therefore, the conductors job to make something worthy of feeling brought forth through the ensemble.

Answer 2

He or She is telling the orchestra section when to begin their section, like: the violin section, the cello section, etc.
A conductor is a very important part of the whole orchestra. Example: If the orchestra does not have the conductor, they become off center and unsure of when to come in. Even though they have practiced, they still need the conductor. Otherwise, it could turn into cacophony.

Answer 3

A conductors basic job is to keep the ensemble playing together, with emotion, clarity, beat competency, correct entrances, dynamics, blend, and balance. The "stick" is a baton. The orchestra players watch the conductor for cues, changes in meter and tempo, and for an overall sense of the music, so they can play their instruments with the same focus, wanting the same emotion and interpretation of whatever work they're playing

Answer 4

Rhythm -- The beat of the music is typically indicated with the conductor's right hand, with or without a baton. The downbeat indicates the first beat of the bar, and the upbeat indicates the last beat of the bar.

Dynamics -- The larger the shape, the louder the sound. an upward motion (usually palm-up) indicates a crescendo; a downward motion (usually palm-down) indicates a diminuendo.

Other musical elements -- Articulation may be indicated by the character of the ictus, ranging from short and sharp for staccato, to long and fluid for legato. Many conductors strained muscles and rigid movements may correspond to marcato, while relaxed hands and soft movements may correspond to legato or espressivo.

Hope this HElps!

Answer 5

as he is waving it in front of the orchestra he is keeping time and cuing and keeping dynamic as most of the people here said. When he is not in the concert hall he is helping the orchestra understand the music. So while he is on stage he isnt too important. I have once seen a guest conductor and he would cue a certain instrument in then five seconds later you would hear the instrument finally come in. Musicians generally arent concerned with the conductor during a concert but in lower levels of playing the conductor is very vital during a concert.

Answer 6

A conductor keeps the meter, maintains the beat, gives cues when certain instruments are to enter, helps control attack and shadings,. inspires the players.

When not before an audience, the conductor's interpretation of music is shared and implemented with his players. Great ones have been the maestro Toscanini, and more recently, people like Solti and even Bernstein.

Answer 7

He's doing the proper method of conducting. He uses his free hand to either get them to play louder or softer. When he points to a certain group like flutes or strings; he is telling them to start playing. It is up to the conductor as to how fast the music is going and whether the orchestra should be silent.

Answer 8

Most of these are wrong - a good conductor should not have to keep the ensemble playing together or beat time. That is a very elementary skill the ensembles should master. A conductor's job is to show musical intent through subtle motions.

Answer 9

He is directing the orchestra. Telling them what time they're in, what beat they're on, when to come, in, whnen to cut off, how loud, or soft to be, what mood the music is...and a lot of other things too...

Answer 10

most important thing is he keeps the beat and the baton goes in a certain pattern according to the different time signatures (3/4,4/4,5/4) he or she also gives in cues for certain sections to come in at the right time and can control the mood of the piece with facial expression and their conducting expression and use of left hand.