Conducting Musical Styles
Joseph A. Labuta, Wendy K. Matthews · 2022
A competent condctor must do more than beat time. They must interpret the music, reflecting through gesture the style, expression, and dynamics of the score. The focus of this chapter is that the conductor should retain the standard beat patterns for the sake of clarity but imbue these beat patterns with expressive qualities by modifying the connecting gestures between beats. In combination, these gestures can portray the style of the music. Conductors express a musical style by modifying the gestures between beats within the conducting pattern. You conduct this style with flowing, curved gestures that connect the beat points in the pattern. To achieve this separation in conducting, you should move the baton quickly from beat to beat in relatively straight lines, stopping momentarily on each count as if flicking water off of the end of the baton. Note that this baton speed between beats does not affect the tempo. Conduct louder, more vigorous staccato music using larger patterns at a somewhat lower plane of beating. Conduct with smoothness, intensity, weight, and slow movement between beats to stretch the notes. Conduct this separation with a small, subtle flick of the baton. Conduct short, straight, connected lines without forearm tension to define the beat pattern. This non-expressive beat is effective for neutral backgrounds, where the important job of the conductor is to maintain precision in the accompaniment.