Klarinet Archive - Posting 000661.txt from 1996/10

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Berlin Phil clarinetists?
Date: Sat, 26 Oct 1996 07:52:51 -0400

At 8:31 PM 10/25/96, Robert D. Shaw wrote:

>Jonathan,
> I think that you misunderstoodmy comments about the role of the
>conductor. I certainly DO NOT think that I am just a traffic cop. As a
>matter of fact, I know much more about music and in some cases much more
>about players instruments and playing techniques than they do. I just
>think that the conductor is not what the audience should be focused on,
>but the facilitator who draws the audiences attention to the music.
> The hardest part of my job is during the rehearsal, working on
>tone, pitch, balance, interpretation, etc. The fact is, most conductors
>do not have professional musicians to work with, but well meaning and
>hard working amatuers to mold and direct toward excellence.
> The challenge is to reach a goal of excellence. I believe that a
>conductor is not a star, but someone who helps to pull the music out of
>the musicians and step out of the way to let them shine!
>
>Deborah Shaw

Deborah,

I think we are basically in agreement. The rehearsal role of a conductor
is certainly critical (and invisible to the audience).

But, the active role during the concert is critical as well. Continual
(beat by beat in some cases) subtle signals from the conductor have a
tremendous effect on the resulting sound of the orchestra. As you say,
knowing where to get out of the way is critical.

But supplying continual spontaneous interpretive information is critical as
well.

--------------------
Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net

   
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