Reply #33: For starters... [View All]

[GoddessOfGuinness]

Clarity and consistency with regard to the direction of the baton and tempi

The ability to convey desired phrasing without appearing to suffer from St Vidas' Dance (even though many audiences find this entertaining, it drives musicians bonkers)

Knowledge of the score...where players enter, an understanding of the harmonic structure of the composition

A clear and confident sense of how to interpret the composition...the kinds of sounds desired throughout the piece, a precise feel for tempi and dynamics

The ability to follow a soloist and respect their interpretation, offering helpful suggestions as necessary

The willingness to back off from conducting, to allow individual artists the opportunity for self-expression without micro-management (This of course requires an element of trust in one's orchestra)



Conducting is really a complex skill. Are you near Berkeley? You can watch a good conductor in action there tomorrow...The Berkeley Symphony conducted by Hugh Wolff: http://www.berkeleysymphony.org/programs/season.htm#_i72
This man knows how to conduct an orchestra. :hi: