
ESSENTIALS IN CONDUCTING - BY KARL WILSON GEHRKENS, A.M.
To the Memory of ROBERT C. BEDFORD for many years Secretary of the Board of Trustees of TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE
PREFACE
Essentials in Conducting
CHAPTER I - Introduction
CHAPTER II - Personal Traits Necessary in Conducting
CHAPTER III - The Technique of the Baton
CHAPTER IV - Interpretation in Conducting - INTRODUCTORY
CHAPTER V - Interpretation in Conducting - (Continued) - TEMPO
CHAPTER VI - Interpretation in Conducting - (Continued) - DYNAMICS
This practical guide tackles the art of conducting with the same clarity that a teacher brings to a classroom. Aimed at musicians who have never stood on a podium, it demystifies the belief that conductors are solely “born” leaders. Drawing on years of observation of celebrated maestros, the author distills their techniques into straightforward advice that any dedicated amateur can apply.
The book walks readers through the essential gestures of the baton, the subtle cues of posture and facial expression, and the backstage work of planning effective rehearsals. It explains how to shape tempo, dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble balance, offering concrete examples that turn abstract concepts into doable steps. By the end of the first part, listeners will feel equipped to approach a rehearsal with confidence, ready to guide an ensemble toward a more polished and expressive performance.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (307K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
David Newman, Chuck Greif, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team Updated: 2022-12-24.
Release date
2007-08-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1882–1975
A leading voice in American music education, this Oberlin professor spent decades helping teachers and students make sense of conducting, notation, and classroom music. His practical books turned complex ideas into clear guidance that stayed useful for generations.
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