Essentials in Conducting

by Karl Wilson Gehrkens

Overview

"Essentials in Conducting" by Karl Wilson Gehrkens remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art and technique of conducting. This meticulously prepared print edition offers timeless insights into musical interpretation and conducting, both orchestral and choral. A foundational text in the field, this book delves into the core principles of conducting, offering guidance on technique and musicality. Whether you are a student, a seasoned musician, or simply fascinated by the role of the conductor, this book provides a window into the history and criticism of musical performance. Explore the essentials of conducting with this classic reference, a key text for understanding the nuances of leading an orchestra or choir.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781022937956
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.33(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER III The Technique Of The Baton THE BATON Before giving actual directions for the Itself manipulation of the conductor's baton, it may be well to state that the stick itself should be light in weight, light in color, and from sixteen to twenty inches long. It must be thin and flexible, and should taper gradually from the end held in the hand to the point. Batons of this kind can be manufactured easily at any ordinary planing mill where there is a lathe. The kinds sold at stores are usually altogether too thick and too heavy. If at any time some adulating chorus or choir should present the conductor with an ebony baton with silver mountings, he must not feel that courtesy demands that it should be used in conducting. The proper thing to do with such an instrument is to tie a ribbon around one end and hang it on the wall as a decoration. THE CONDUCTOR'S A word about the music desk may MUSIC STAND also be in Qrder at this time. It should be made of wood or heavy metal so that in conducting one need not constantly feel that it is likely to be knocked over. The ordinary folding music stand made of light metal is altogether unsuitable for a conductor's use. A good substantial stand with a metal base and standard and wood top can be purchased for from three to five dollars from any dealer in musical instruments. If no money is available and the stand is constructed at home, it may be well to note that the base should be heavy, the upright about threeand a half feet high, and the top or desk about fourteen by twenty inches. This top should tilt only slightly, so that the conductor may glance from it to his performers without too much change of focus. Our reason for mentioningapparently trivial matters of this kind is to guard against any possible distraction of the ...