The Modern Conductor

by Elizabeth A.H. Green

? (main headings listed) Preface ? So you want to be a conductor? Section 1: The manual technique ? The baton ? Time beating 1: The basic techniques - traditional ? Beyond time beating; The expressive gestures ? The development of the left hand ? The fermata ? Time beating 2: More advanced techniques (pattern variety, melds, & 20th century demands) ? Manual technique plus - rehearsing Section 2: Score Study ? Introduction to score study ? Clefs & transpositions ? Mechanics of the choral score ? Mechanics of the orchestral score ? Mechanics of the band score ? Interpreting the vocal score ? Interpreting the instrumental band & orchestra ? Handling the stylistic from orchestra to band ? Memorizing the score Section 3: Mastery ? Psychological conducting - technical mastery ? Public performance - musical mastery ? Creative conducting - ultimate mastery Appendixes ? Seating chorus, orchestra, band ? Instrumentation ? Classification of bowings ? Synopsis of musical form ? Terminology for the conductor ? Additional practice problems, written examination forms, & advanced physical exercises ? Bibliography Indexes ? Index to diagrams & musical examples

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Teaching, Textbooks

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Luke Vanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it still can’t conduct though

[M.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mix of practical knowledge and gestures with musical examples and exercises. The exercises presented in each chapter a great ways of improving muscle memory and supporting good habits. I like the way Elizabeth Green also writes about they "why" of what she argues. Knowing why a certain gesture is unclear or when a certain gesture is appropriate or inappropriate is incredibly important! There is a learning aspect of conducting that is impossible to realize without the experience of conducting actual real musicians in real time; this book serves as a great way to start before that experience, during that experience, and while reflecting upon past experience.

[Eduardo Torres Castrejon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro para principiantes de director de orquesta

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate musical conducting text. Elizabeth Green skillfully adapts the teachings of the famous Russian conductor, Nicolai Malko. His techniques are logical and clear. Young performers as well as experienced adults respond to this conducting style.

The point of beat is precise. Freedom of expression is there, while the performers can still see clarity in gestures that leave little to question or miss. This is a venerated text.

This is a must for every conducting student, experienced music educators as well as amateurs who want to be easier to follow, whether choral or instrumental. It is that good. Read and study it now, and cure your "icky ictus"!

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best resources for a concert conductor. Great for beginning technique and to get students thinking about more advanced techniques. Provides good tips on how to practice difficult techniques.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book clearly outlines a dated approach to beat patterns since proven less clear and unnecessarily more difficult to master. There are better methods since developed and commonly used by professionals like myself.