The Score, the Orchestra, and the Conductor

by Meier, Gustav

• ISBN13: 9780195326369
• ISBN10: 0195326369
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-08-26
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Known internationally for his work as a teacher of conducting, Gustav Meier's influence in the field cannot be overstated. In The Score, the Orchestra and the Conductor, Meier demystifies the conductor's craft with explanations and illustrations of what the conductor must know to attain podium success. He provides useful information from the rudimentary to the sophisticated, and offers specific and readily applicable advice for technical and musical matters essential to the conductor's first rehearsal with the orchestra. This book details many topics that otherwise are unavailable to the aspiring and established conductor, including the use of the common denominator, the "The ZIG-ZAG method", a multiple, cross-indexed glossary of orchestral instruments in four languages, an illustrated description of string harmonics, and a comprehensive listing of voice categories, their overlaps, dynamic ranges and repertory. The Score, the Orchestra and the Conductor is an indispensable addition to the library of every conductor and conducting student.

Author Biography

Gustav Meier is the director of the Orchestra Conducting Program at the Peabody Institute and Music Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut. He has served on the faculties of Yale University, the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan and the Tanglewood Music Center. He makes regular appearances as guest conductor and teacher of conducting master classes in Europe, South and Central America, China, Canada, and throughout the United States.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Beat

Reading the Score

Preparation of the Score for Conducting

Seating Arrangements: Symbols for a Cuing System

Sorting the Orchestration

The Zig-Zig Way

Special Techniques

Additional Concerns

Appendices

Instrumental Chart

Notation of Instruments

Harmonics

Harmonic Charts

Cross Rhythm Charts

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