Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Excerpt from The Technic of the Baton
In summing up the elements, both human and mechanical, which comprise a modern orchestra or military band. We must arrive at the conclusion that, collectively considered, these elements form one huge and many-voiced instrument. The conductor is the virtuoso who plays upon this instrument and through it, interprets the composer's thought. His art consists not only of thoroughly understanding the qualities, range, tone-color and limitations of the instruments individually and grouped, but also the best method of indicating to the players of these instruments his conception of the composer's creation.
To understand the component parts of this huge instrument a thorough knowledge of the theory of instrumentation is necessary. The ability to express by gesture just what is desired of the many human minds controlling these component parts or instruments. Is by far the most complicated and important side of the art of conducting.
Just as a fine player can get excellent results with a poor instrument, so can a good conductor secure equally good results with players of lesser ability. On the other hand, it is so frequently experienced that the efforts of the very finest group of musicians are spoiled by an in competent leader.
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