If a conductor cannot incite psychological change in the musicians and audience, then it is wasted expertise.
In an earlier article I argued that the ability to communicate with audiences was enabled by a superb ensemble sound, which could be achieved by the implementation of pyramidal sound concepts. https://www.bandtuneupsolutions.com/post/sound
In my first article I stated that the ‘art of music’ was synonymous with and inextricably twinned to the ‘art of communication’. I challenged you to decide what type of sound you wished to project and crucially, how you would incite and inspire your musicians and communicate that to them and your audiences. https://www.bandtuneupsolutions.com/post/the-art-of-music-is-synonymous-with-and-inextricably-twinned-to-the-art-of-communication
The conductor's role in developing the sound concept is crucial. Regardless of whether or not pyramidal sound concepts are adopted and implemented by the ensemble, there are two attributes that I believe that the conductor must display in order to bring the music to life.
First of all, you should be passionate about what you do. Passion can be described as that inner force that is expressed outwardly—an inner fire that inspires others. If you are not passionate about what you are doing, you won't be successful at it. And your passion should be on display during any dialogue that you have with your musicians and your audience. You can display your passion through a mix of verbal and non verbal techniques. For example, in your preamble remarks to the audience and by your body language during the course of the performance.
Secondly, your passion must incite emotional change. Igor Stravinsky once remarked ‘I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it’. To me, that simple observation sums up the rewards of a career in music. Some of the best performances I have been involved with or witnessed have not been the greatest displays of technical virtuosity; but rather, they have been performances that have moved me, the musicians, and the audience in a spontaneous and emotional way. Of course, as a conductor you must display technical competence; but if you cannot incite psychological change in your musicians and audience then, in my view, it is wasted expertise. How will you deliver your art to incite and inspire?
Follow the links to listen to a great example of a band communicating with its audience. This recording by the Royal Australian Navy Band was undertaken in September 2010 (whilst the band was 'at the top of it's game'. This recording showcases the accomplished performance skill of each of the members of the band. But these skills only formed part of the overall sound! It was not just the skills of the individual musicians that brought out the colour and emotion of this music; its was the team performance, and that was achieved through a great concept of sound together with the conductor's ability to bring the music to life.
Planet Earth by Joahn De Meij:
1. Lonely Planet: https://youtu.be/Tl3pmkngCYQ
2. Planet Earth: https://youtu.be/7EsfFkyRQ24
3. Mother Earth: https://youtu.be/N7gyLJ9LhYs
You can learn more about how to achieve a well-balanced sound with your ensemble by reviewing some of my articles or just send a message to start the conversation with me.
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