Hello, everyone.  I am interested in what you guys have to say about
conductors.  Specifically, what is it that makes a good conductor? Why do
some conductors have the ability to immediately connect with an audience
or orchestra, and others immediately turn us away? Is it necessary to be
somewhat of a tyrant to be a good conductor? Must one play every instrument
well, or is it only necessary to have working knowledge of all instruments?

And how does the level of orchestra influence this standard? Obviously, a
conductor at the high school level has different things he needs to do than
the conductor of a major symphony orchestra.  But to what degree does this
alter his working style?

When you hear an orchestra that sounds particularly good or bad, do you
think the conductor gets the credit for it? All the credit, or just some?

I think it would be very interesting to see a variety of answers on this,
not only from the conductors there are on the list, but also from other
musicians and non-musicians.  As members of an orchestra or an audience,
what do you have to say about conducting?

Thanks in advance!

Jeff Grossman
<[log in to unmask]>