At the basic level, a conductor unifies musicians by providing guidance for tempo, dynamics, balance, and cueing.  Seems simple enough, right? We have watched many renowned conductors in class: Gustavo Dudamel, Herbert von Karajan, and Leonard Bernstein.  But how many times have we watched conductors in class and we don’t see an obvious downbeat?  What are they doing?

Below is a video, entitled “Demystifying Conducting,” where Alan Gilbert, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, describes the nuances of conducting.

How do you find his descriptions of conducting?

Here are clips of contemporary performances of the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5.
Now, how would you describe the different conductors interactions with the orchestra?
What version do you like the best?
Can you hear the different in the performances?

1) Gustavo Dudamel

2) Leonard Bernstein

3) Herbert von Karajan