I know this is a subject which is the source of endless running in circles in the orchestra world, but I’m going to put my own two cents worth in now.
Let me first put out the following caveats:
- I understand that conducting is a difficult thing to do, if it were otherwise, more people would be doing it well than are at present.
- I also understand that conducting involves having a large ego: if you’re going to convince 80 – 100 highly trained and egotistical orchestral musicians to do something your way, you’d better be sure of yourself and your methods.
Rather than harp on specific circumstances, I’m just going to make some helpful, constructive, and likely sarcastic suggestions, directly to the conductors out there. I know it’s akin to spitting into the face of a tornado in its likely effectiveness, but I’m an optimist at heart, so here goes.