A conductor's tale

[Guest]

If the world wide internet is to be believed, pretty much every conductor in the world is the most acclaimed conductor of his or her generation. Recent concerts divide audiences fairly evenly into those rendered speechless by the majesty of their performance and those who dribble in wonder. Any orchestra, concert hall or opera house worth any amount of salt devotes entire departments solely to the act of stoving in their front doors with massive cabers in the pursuit of their engagement.

My personal experience suggests that this may not be the whole story.

http://www.mikeltoms.co.uk/the-worst-concert-of-my-life/

[Resurrection Man]

Thanks for highlighting that, John. Chuckled and chortled.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

What is it with conductors sticking their batons into themselves?!

[ahinton]

What is it with conductors sticking their batons into themselves?!

I don't know, but at least (a) that's better than sticking them into other people and (b) Boulez doesn't do this kind of thing anyway!

[gurnemanz]

Enjoyed the link. I went to a Prom in 70s where in a particularly energetic piece of conducting Colin Davis lost his baton, which flew through the air into arena. I don't think it actually stuck into anyone.