Klarinet Archive - Posting 000488.txt from 2005/03

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] OT: conducting without a baton
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 04:31:37 -0500

Edwin Lacy wrote:

>As a performer, I find that when conductors put the baton down in order
>to "help" the orchestra be more expressive, it is simply an irritation.
>I consider it an affectation, designed mostly to look good to the
>audience.
>
>The most irritating thing is when conductors do not use the baton, but
>hold the right hand as though there were a baton in it, or stick out
>their index finger and use it as if it were a baton.
>
>When you are conducting without a baton, which part of the hand do you
>want the orchestra to follow? Or, which finger should they follow? It
>seems to me that it is analogous to conductors who conduct with both
>hands - which one should the players watch?
>
>I have never met a performer who prefers that conductors not use a
>baton. I even prefer to see choral conductors use a baton. In my
>observation, they tend to be able to be more precise, and the ensembles
>they conduct tend to be more rhythmic.
>
>
>
These are comments that are well-taken. I am not fond of anyone, with
or without stick, who is just showing off. Why don't they dance, or
perhaps take up a trapeze?

I use a closed hand, slightly cupped. The "rule of hands" is still
abided by: beat is with right, left is down, except for cues, dynamic
indications, entrances. I will point with my left hand for entrances
(well, this is a weakness I readily admit - I TRY to point, most of the
time, it is more making eye contact, and nodding).

I HATE mirror conducting (I was never a drum major and don't plan to
start now! :D) But as I mentioned in another post, I am not particularly
comfortable conducting, and would much rather be playing.

Patricia Smith

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