Klarinet Archive - Posting 000490.txt from 2005/03

From: Mark Charette <charette@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] OT: conducting without a baton
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 11:07:06 -0500

Patricia A. Smith wrote:

> 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.
>
[snip]

>>
> 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?

Considering the audiences/patrons enjoy watching the excessive movements
and dancing during performances, and the audiences/patrons happen to pay
the bills, and they are more likely to keep the orchestra alive if they
come back to see the antics of the conductor ...

Give me a good conductor during rehearsals who plays to the audience
during the performances ...

After all, it's a public PERFORMANCE, not a recitation of notes. Some
people watch the conductor, some the whole orchestra, and some just
close their eyes and enjoy.

Mark C.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org