The New Modern Conductor

Abstract

The New Modern Conductor, inspired by the classic text of Dr. Elizabeth A. H. Green, offers an innovative approach to conducting based on establishing pulse rather than on beating time. As the physical craft of conducting cannot be separated from the music being conducted, learning both is crucial. The New Modern Conductor intersperses chapters devoted to technical skills, both conducting and musical, with “Score Study” chapters—score analyses, teaching the reader how to study, understand, and conduct the composer’s music. When studied at the same time—handcraft and scores—the reader can integrate both toward mastery of conducting. Scores chosen are within reach of the beginner and can be studied either in their entirety or in sections, and practiced with small ensemble, two pianos, one piano, or with an entire ensemble. Replacing obsolete beat pattern graphics, video links are provided to demonstrate specific conducting gestures. Working through The New Modern Conductor, the student is exposed to dozens of different composers and works, including links to scores and performances. Standard works for orchestra are the focus, but there are chapters devoted as well to wind, choral, and collaborative conducting, including opera, musical theater, and dance. Later chapters address practical aspects of conducting, careers, emerging composers, broadening the reach of our art, and the role of the conductor in the community. Instead of tests, there are questions. One question leads to the next, and still more questions, which, if pursued, lead to knowledge, understanding, and after many scores and much work, mastery.