Klarinet Archive - Posting 000308.txt from 2002/01

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: Conductor question; strange beat pattern (or - wheeere's
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002 10:05:27 -0500

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Conductor question; strange beat pattern
Message-ID: <001501c19b1e$a350f300$0201a8c0@-----.net>

Not strictly clarinet, but still, I think, applicable:

I've noticed over the past few years that there are a few conductors who
have the ictus of their beat at what I would consider the upbeat. In other
words, where I would normally play on the downbeat of 1, these conductors
hit the downbeat and the band/orchestra plays their note a half count later.
It's contrary to everything I was taught, admittedly years ago.

I've thought of this several times, but I noticed most recently when I
watched the video of the Nashville (TN) Symphony Orchestra in PBS, and
thought I'd ask current practitioners. The conductor, Kenneth Schermerhorn,
used this pattern. He studied with Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein didn't use
this style of conducting.

Does anyone know what the point of this is -- assuming it's not just an
affectation. (Is it a matter, as has been discussed here before, that the
performance starts and stops by virtue of the musicians; not the conductor,
or perhaps in spite of him/her?) Does anyone play in an band/orchestra
where this conducting method is used? It looks to me to be terribly awkward
to follow, if one is really following the conductor. Knowledge/opinions
appreciated.

Jim Hobby

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Ormandy conducted like that also. The saying was that the beat was at his
3rd Jacket Button if I recall.

David Blumberg
music@-----.com
http://www.toptempo.com

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