What is the point of the conductor's left hand?

[Pabmusic]

Who is, or was, that conductor? I'm not sure if it's anyone I should recognise - a slight resemblance to Monteux or Strauss, but I don't think it's either, and I'd be very surprised if it turned out to have been Beecham!

Arthur Fiedler?

[Nick Armstrong]

Who is, or was, that conductor? I'm not sure if it's anyone I should recognise - a slight resemblance to Monteux or Strauss, but I don't think it's either, and I'd be very surprised if it turned out to have been Beecham!

Arthur Fiedler of Boston Pops fame... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Fiedler

Arthur Fiedler?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I remember Beecham's reaction when a soprano's aria was greeted with tumultuous applause before the orchestra had finished playing:

"Quiet!, QUIET! ...Savages!"

I hope Sir Simon will remember this immediately before figure 101 in the Dream of Gerontius in Prom 75 (the end of "Praise to the Holiest"). It wouldn't put it past a handful of savages to erupt.

[Bryn]

I hope Sir Simon will remember this immediately before figure 101 in the Dream of Gerontius in Prom 75 (the end of "Praise to the Holiest"). It wouldn't put it past a handful of savages to erupt.

It's safe from me. I will, as usual, be avoiding the DoG.

[wenotsoira]

What is the point of the conductor's left hand?

Just to scratch their balls at the opportune moment.

To experience a really great conductor who knows how to do it, watch/listen to the Prom where Haitink conducts Schubert 9.

Also, in the same Prom, a lesson in how to perform Mozart, by a wonderful pianist. (REAL chamber music).

[Nick Armstrong]

I hope Sir Simon will remember this immediately before figure 101 in the Dream of Gerontius in Prom 75 (the end of "Praise to the Holiest"). It wouldn't put it past a handful of savages to erupt.

I shall be in the hall, Alpie. Would you like me to pack heat?




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What is the point of the conductor's left hand?

This just about sums it up I think:

[mercia]

....as I sit at home, conducting with my knitting needle (), there's one gesture I'm not very good at viz. stopping the whole orchestra together, let's say after the first four notes of Beethoven 5 ...... is this not usually done with the left hand in a fast, clockwise (from my point of view) circular movement ?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

. ...... is this not usually done with the left hand in a fast, clockwise (from my point of view) circular movement ?

Either hand can be used for this.

[Nick Armstrong]

....as I sit at home, conducting with my knitting needle (), there's one gesture I'm not very good at viz. stopping the whole orchestra together

This should do it mercs!



Perhaps followed by this...






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PS: Presumably the orchestra stops, whatever you do, in practice?

PS2: Thank you for having the courage to make the 'knitting needle' admission, mercs, and making it easier for the rest of us to do so! (I favour an ivory chopstick! )

[mercia]

PS: Presumably the orchestra stops, whatever you do, in practice?

.... yes, I've noticed that - extraordinary telepathy

[my knitting needle is diamond-encrusted ... so yaboo sucks to your ivory stick]

[Nick Armstrong]

.... yes, I've noticed that - extraordinary telepathy

[my knitting needle is diamond-encrusted ... so yaboo sucks to your ivory stick]

[Prommer]

This should do it mercs!



Perhaps followed by this...

Blimey, the eyeballs have it with Harnoncourt. Adams Family stuff.

They do say a conductor conducts most with his eyes. Nicky H. seems to have taken this to heart.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I hope Sir Simon will remember this immediately before figure 101 in the Dream of Gerontius in Prom 75 (the end of "Praise to the Holiest"). It wouldn't put it past a handful of savages to erupt.

They will. Low-born clods...

[Flay]

This is worth another airing - how it should be done!

[verismissimo]

...... is this not usually done with the left hand in a fast, clockwise (from my point of view) circular movement ?

Just as I thought. Left hand is for stirring the tea.