If you know a musician who plays in a orchestra, you have surely heard him refer to the orchestra conductor as TeacherThis is because the conductor is the key figure in the hierarchy of an orchestra, responsible for guiding, coordinating and representing the musical work.
What does a conductor do?
El orchestra director The conductor is a reference figure for all the musicians in the orchestra, choir or any other musical group. Without his presence, concerts would not have the same cohesion, since his main role is to ensure that all the musicians play in a synchronized and harmonious manner, something that would be difficult without clear direction.
In each performance, the director is responsible for several fundamental tasks:
- Indicate the measure and tempo: This is essential for the piece to maintain its correct rhythm. Depending on the piece, the tempo can vary, and it is the conductor who determines when the beats should be accelerated or decelerated.
- Intensity regulation: Using gestures, the conductor controls whether the musicians should play with more or less force, adding dynamism and emotion to the performance.
- Ticket coordination: The conductor signals when each group of instruments or soloists should enter and begin playing, ensuring that all elements of the orchestra are integrated precisely.
In addition to the tasks during the performance, the director also has full control over the tests pre-concerts. During these, he makes sure that the musicians understand the directions and achieve the desired interpretation. This is where mistakes in performance are corrected and where the conductor can make adjustments to the nuances or express his personal interpretation of the piece.
The selection of the repertoire
Another crucial responsibility of the director is the repertoire selection that will be performed at each concert. This implies a deep knowledge of the audience, the cultural context and the orchestra itself. For example, if a concert of the Madrid Symphony Orchestra is planned, as in our example, the conductor must choose a repertoire that is not only technically suitable for the musicians, but also positively impacts the listener.
The repertoire can vary greatly between classical composers, contemporary composers, and new pieces. The correct selection of pieces and their order can determine the success of a concert. This is where the conductor's experience and knowledge are put to the test.
History of orchestral conducting
Until nineteenth century, composers They were responsible for conducting their own works. This method changed as orchestras and compositions became more complex, making it necessary to have someone specialised solely in conducting orchestras.
Anecdotes like that of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the court composer of 17th-century France, reflect the earliest attempts at conducting without the tools we know today. Lully conducted by striking the ground with a cane, which accidentally caused a wound to his foot that became infected and eventually killed him.
Over time, the steering instruments such as the baton began to be used instead of more rudimentary methods. The baton allows the conductor's movements and gestures to be amplified, making them visible to the entire orchestra. However, some conductors prefer to use only their hands or even his entire body to steer.
Leadership in the orchestra
El leadership A good conductor's role goes far beyond rehearsals and concerts. A good conductor must be able to motivate, inspire and direct musicians so that they interpret the music with a joint and coordinated vision.
Throughout history, there have been directors famous for their strong and authoritarian character, as is the case of Arturo Toscanini, who was known for his temperament and extreme demands in rehearsals. In contrast, other directors such as Claudio Abbado o Leonard Bernstein, who also stood out in their time but with styles more based on mutual respect and inspiration.
Today, modern conductors often use a closer, more collaborative approach with their musicians. Contemporary figures such as Gustavo Dudamel o Kirill Petrenko They represent this new type of leadership, focused on a more democratic and persuasive leadership, but without losing the control necessary to achieve a high-level interpretation.
The best conductors in history
Over time, several conductors have left indelible marks on the history of music. Some of the most famous include:
- Carlos Kleiber: Considered by many to be the greatest director of all time, he was known as much for his genius as for his eccentric personality and theatrical gestures on stage.
- Herbert von Karajan: This Austrian conducted the Berlin Philharmonic for more than 30 years and is the best-selling classical artist of all time.
- Leonard Bernstein: Famous for his interpretations of Mahler and his Concertos for Young People, he was also a prominent composer.
- Gustavo Dudamel: A representative of the new generation of conductors, he is currently one of the most important names in classical music in the world.
Instruments of an orchestra conductor
The first instrument of the orchestra director It is your own body. Gestures are key to conveying clear and precise instructions to the musicians. The baton is often used to mark the rhythm and make it easier for all musicians to see the movements, especially in large orchestras where visibility can be a challenge.
In some cases, conductors dispense with the baton and prefer to use only their hands, as a way of gaining greater connection and flexibility with the group of musicians. In addition, the body expression The director's performance is also fundamental. The way he breathes, his gaze, and even his posture influence the interpretation of the musical work.
The relationship between director and composer
Conductors often develop a close relationship with the composer of a piece. This allows them to unravel the smallest details in the work, understand the creator's intentions and thus be able to convey them more faithfully to the orchestra.
However, there is also a interpretative freedom that each conductor can exercise. The way in which a piece is conducted can vary from one conductor to another. Even the same conductor may interpret a piece differently on two different occasions. This is because the written musical language, although detailed, is not absolute, leaving room for individual interpretation.
For this reason, it is said that each execution of a work is unique, an unrepeatable process that depends on several factors, direction being one of the most influential.
The role of the director today
The role of the conductor has evolved in recent times. Although he or she remains the most authoritative figure in a musical ensemble, his or her leadership has taken on a more collaborative and modern approach. Rather than imposing strict judgment, many conductors today prefer to work in partnership with musicians, seeking a balance between individual and group performance.
A clear example of this evolution is the Venezuelan director Gustavo Dudamel, whose work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra has been acclaimed for his warm and accessible leadership style.
The conductor, therefore, not only directs the movements of the musicians, but also inspires and guides the emotion and narrative of the work, making the music come to life in a unique way and allowing the audience to experience a deep connection with the performance.
With more than 300 years of history since its early beginnings, the figure of the orchestra conductor remains essential in the musical panorama of any symphonic concert, providing not only technique, but also a comprehensive and emotional vision to each performance.