Conducting as metaphor what they see is what you get Workshop outline Introduction what really is our job What can we show Evolution of the choirs needs from first rehearsal to concert ID: 769281
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Conducting as metaphor:" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Conducting as metaphor: what they see is what you get Workshop outlineIntroduction: what really is our job?What can we show?Evolution of the choir’s needs from…first rehearsal… to concertReview: a few of the basicsConducting techniques applied to real musicMany opportunities for YOU to conduct! Is there a change??
Introduction Conducting as metaphorWe don’t make the music…our singers doWe use metaphor to evoke suitable responsesIf the response is not adequate…We try something different, or…We talk!More talk = less sing. So…Better gestures = more efficient rehearsalEverything we do/show means somethingIf it is helpful, keep it If not, get rid of it!
Introduction (continued) What can/do we show?Beat patternsStarts/stopsFermatasDynamics and changes (gradual and sudden)Tempo and changes (gradual and sudden)ArticulationShape of the linePriority of partColorEmotionAnd more
Evolution of the choir’s needsFirst reading…Tempo Entrances Performance…Much less directing trafficMore shaping nuanceMore communicating drama
A few basics: PosturePrinciple: conducting as metaphor! “What they see…” Singer’s posture = conductor’s postureTall spineTail tucked inShoulders back
Arm and hand position
Beat patterns: four-beat pattern
Three-beat pattern
Two-beat pattern
A couple pattern problems…Large rebound Disproportionate size beat two
The Preparatory Beat! What should it show???TempoDynamicsArticulation Necessary componentsEye contactComplete stop before prep (command position)Visible breathClear gesture showing tempo-dynamics-articulation‘Prep’ gesture = beat prior to initial beat
Some examples…
Prep practice in real music Abendlied
Rotala
The Cow
Final cutsShould show…Exact stop point Character of stopFinal consonant or vowelBasic gesture…a circleStarts and ends in tempoBernstein…Mahler
Examples AbendliedFinal ‘n’?If final ‘s’?If final ‘eh’?The Panther‘pp’ then subito ‘ff’Prepare ‘ff’ and show length
FermatasThree types Hold + full stop (caesura):Hold + No Breath and continue:Hold + cut-off and continue: (end of cut = start of prep)
Fermata type I: Hold + full stop (caesura)O Vos b.12-13: stop, pause, then breath
Fermata type II: hold but not break O Vos 72-73: stop, move on without a break
Fermata type III: hold + breath in tempo, no pauseO Vos b.8-9Cut followed by prepEnd of cut = start of prep
Dynamic change: gradualHow can we show dynamic change?Size of pattern Intensity of gestureLeft-hand motion
Gradual change: O Vos 7-8 Try all three ways:Size changeIntensity changeL.H. gesture
Dynamic change: sudden When does the change occur?…on the down beatWhen do we show the change…on the prep before the change‘piano’ four ‘forte’ four
Sudden change P to FF: The Panther
Sudden change F to P: Nyon Big fourSmall four
Articulations: spice in musicWhat are the basic types?Legato Staccato .Tenuto _Marcato How to show?
Legato: Abendlied FluidNo bumps or sudden changesFlexible wrist
Staccato: Rotala Sharp flick of wrist Light weightAlmost no time moving
Tenuto: Abendlied Heavy pullWrist leads…Fingers follow
Strong downward thrustShort reboundIntensity in hand Marcato: the Kangaroo
Tempo change: slowing down How to show?More tenutoEye contact
Tempo change: speeding upMore separation: staccato/marcato Small patternEye contact
Tempo change: sudden Change occurs on prep ictusNew prep in new tempo
Facial expression WE should decide what the piece means to usShenandoahLost loveHomesicknessLonging for something out of reachNyonYouthful impetuousnessThrowing off the shackles of conventionUnbridled exuberanceThis meaning should inform every aspectMusical decisionsFacial expression
Bottom line! Everything we do should contribute to better music!We are not time beatersWe are full participants in the musical experienceWhat does the choir need from us right now, in this spot!!Usually… “less is more”Choose what the choir most needs right now and deliverTempoColorLineBalancing First rehearsal might be entirely giving beatsConcert might be NO patterns, just expressive nuance gestures