I know when I watch performances it looks somewhat easy, but what exactly does a conductor have to do? I keep thinking the just have to keep the timing and cue certain parts of the orchestra at key times but I don't know exactly. Please let me know.
2007-09-21 15:33:04 · 5 answers · asked by radioactive_babywipes 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Classical
A great deal of the work a conductor does is not often seen by the audience. The rehearsals are where his/her main work is accomplished. This is where questions of balance, dynamics, tempo, and thorny ensemble,articulation and intonation problems are hashed out. What looks and sounds easy at the performance is the result of a great deal of toil and sweat behind the scenes. If you have ever heard an orchestra read through a piece they have seen for the first time, you might be quite surprised at how rough it sounds.
Couple that with the skills a conductor must have, as the above responder has related, and you have a better idea of just what is involved in getting an orchestra fine-tuned to performance level.
2007-09-21 16:08:48 · answer #1 · answered by glinzek 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's actually fairly difficult to conduct an orchestra! You have to basically have the music memorized in your head (and not just the general melody - ALL the instrumental parts)! You're right, an important thing is to cue certain instruments to enter into the music at certain times. You have to start and stop the orchestra at the same time. Also, tempo (how fast or slow) is the main thing the conductor has to be in control of. The conductor is the heart beat of the orchestra....it has to be steady and consistent or else the rest of the parts (instruments) fall apart. I'd also say that it is easier to conduct an orchestra full of profesional musicians, than it is to conduct a younger orchestra (like grade schools, public schools, etc.) Hope this gives you an idea!
2007-09-21 22:45:21 · answer #2 · answered by oceanblue 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
conductor needs to know how does all instrument in the orchestra will sound like, and his/her job is to make sure the whole orchestra have a good sound (eg. is the melody comes out or the accompaniment drown the melody?), and all the expression (except solo parts or concertos) comes from him/her too!!! conductor needs to make the audience like the music!!! it will be quite hard but most professional conductors are used to it so it wont be a problem to them.
2007-09-22 06:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very hard. It's like you have to be able to play every single part all at the same time. I stick to playing percussion.
2007-09-21 22:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very difficult.
2007-09-21 22:41:04 · answer #5 · answered by reversehalo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋