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Inside Conducting
Exactly what does a conductor do in front of an orchestra? Internationally renowned conductor Christopher Seaman offers lively and informative answers in this wise yet humorous book.
What does a conductor actually do? How much effect does he or she have? Can the orchestra manage without one? Why don't the players look at the conductor more? Is it necessary for the conductor to play every instrument? What about interpretation? What happens at rehearsals? Why do some conductors "thrash around" more than others? Who's the boss in a the soloist or the conductor?
These are some of the questions that receive lively andinformative answers in this book by renowned conductor Christopher Seaman. Composed of short articles on individual topics, it is accessible and easy to consult. Each article begins with an anecdote or saying and ends with quotations from musicians, often expressing opposing views.
There are many books on the art of conducting, but none like this. Music lovers wondering what the figure on the podium actually does, and aspiring conductors eager to learn more about the art and craft of leading an orchestra, will all treasure this wise yet humorous book.
Christopher Seaman has been successful at both ends of the baton. After four years as principal timpanist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, he was appointed principal conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and has enjoyed a busy international conducting career for over forty years. He is now Conductor Laureate for Life of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, New York, and he continues to bring great music and wise words to audiences, students, and readers around the world.
What does a conductor actually do? How much effect does he or she have? Can the orchestra manage without one? Why don't the players look at the conductor more? Is it necessary for the conductor to play every instrument? What about interpretation? What happens at rehearsals? Why do some conductors "thrash around" more than others? Who's the boss in a the soloist or the conductor?
These are some of the questions that receive lively andinformative answers in this book by renowned conductor Christopher Seaman. Composed of short articles on individual topics, it is accessible and easy to consult. Each article begins with an anecdote or saying and ends with quotations from musicians, often expressing opposing views.
There are many books on the art of conducting, but none like this. Music lovers wondering what the figure on the podium actually does, and aspiring conductors eager to learn more about the art and craft of leading an orchestra, will all treasure this wise yet humorous book.
Christopher Seaman has been successful at both ends of the baton. After four years as principal timpanist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, he was appointed principal conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and has enjoyed a busy international conducting career for over forty years. He is now Conductor Laureate for Life of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, New York, and he continues to bring great music and wise words to audiences, students, and readers around the world.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
284 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 2, 2016
Chris Seaman, who has had extensive experience as both an orchestral player and conductor, has trolled through his experience and presented an informative and entertaining book. Norman Lebrecht sums it up nicely when he says: "I learned many little things and some big ones." The style is pleasant and readable, with a good mix of serious observations and humour. When he addressed the more technical aspects of conducting, some might find it hard to follow, but there is much to learn and enjoy, even if the music examples (all excellent!) are a little beyond those who don't have a lot of experience reading music. However there are only a few chapters which deal with technical elements. Anyone who loves music will enjoy Seaman's insights into the psychology of players, issues of management and of course his entertaining quotes and anecdotes. Very enjoyable and informative.
September 7, 2023
Anyone who has performed classical music in a group would love this. I suppose the target audience of aspiring conductors is tiny, but I greatly enjoyed listening to the wisdom. Christopher Seaman writes with grace and humility.
What astonished me was his stories of past generations of conductors (e.g. Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Wagner) that made them come alive. He explains that ignoring links with the past impoverishes every art.
On a personal note, I found a baton while cleaning my non-musical brother-in-law's office. Oh. Yes. I see some "air conducting" in my future!
Quotes:
Facial expression makes a big difference in the color of the voice. I've often noticed that in the chorus "For unto Us a Child Is Born" from Handel's Messiah, the sopranos wear a glum expression with "oh no, another mouth to feed" written all over their faces. If I ask them to look like happy midwives, their sound brightens immediately.
I never mind when there's applause between the movements of a symphony or concerto, because it usually means there are new people in the audience. Seasoned concertgoers can be snobbish about this, viewing it on a level with burping in church.
What astonished me was his stories of past generations of conductors (e.g. Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Wagner) that made them come alive. He explains that ignoring links with the past impoverishes every art.
On a personal note, I found a baton while cleaning my non-musical brother-in-law's office. Oh. Yes. I see some "air conducting" in my future!
Quotes:
Facial expression makes a big difference in the color of the voice. I've often noticed that in the chorus "For unto Us a Child Is Born" from Handel's Messiah, the sopranos wear a glum expression with "oh no, another mouth to feed" written all over their faces. If I ask them to look like happy midwives, their sound brightens immediately.
I never mind when there's applause between the movements of a symphony or concerto, because it usually means there are new people in the audience. Seasoned concertgoers can be snobbish about this, viewing it on a level with burping in church.
May 11, 2019
This is a fantastic book for musicians, conductors or anyone who has wondered what a conductor actually does!
Christopher Seaman manages to provide a lot of information and research but without rambling and in an approachable way. There are some brilliant quotes and anecdotes which were hilarious and sometimes horrifying. Seaman is himself a well respected conductor but started out by being a percussionist so he sees both points of view. I picked this up in the library for my essay but I will certainly apply some tips in my own conducting and performing.
A very useful and practical book which is well researched and has some very amusing drawings.
Christopher Seaman manages to provide a lot of information and research but without rambling and in an approachable way. There are some brilliant quotes and anecdotes which were hilarious and sometimes horrifying. Seaman is himself a well respected conductor but started out by being a percussionist so he sees both points of view. I picked this up in the library for my essay but I will certainly apply some tips in my own conducting and performing.
A very useful and practical book which is well researched and has some very amusing drawings.
June 3, 2021
Funny, friendly, and so British. Written like a generous mentor, patiently giving all the most important advice. Would recommend for anyone interested or curious about conducting
December 25, 2015
Have you ever sat, looking at an orchestra, and wondered: "Hu, I wonder what that funny looking guy with the stick is doing..." Well then this is a book for you. Kinda.
This is great practical advice for conducting, and conductors (although not the bus kind). In fact it is probably too practical for most of us, as very few people actually make a living beating the air with a stick. (I jest I jest)
Still I really enjoyed learning more about this subject and Christoper Seaman keeps the book easy to read and quite humorous for even us muggles.
This is great practical advice for conducting, and conductors (although not the bus kind). In fact it is probably too practical for most of us, as very few people actually make a living beating the air with a stick. (I jest I jest)
Still I really enjoyed learning more about this subject and Christoper Seaman keeps the book easy to read and quite humorous for even us muggles.
April 3, 2014
Thoroughly entertaining and immensely practical book on the work and art of a conductor. Full of anecdotes and stories about life in the orchestra and as a conductor, and written in short chapters that make the more technical information easy to absorb. A book for anyone interested in music, let alone in conducting.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews