The Score, the Orchestra, and the Conductor

by Gustav Meier

Overview

Known internationally for his work as a teacher of conducting, Gustav Meier's influence in the field cannot be overstated. In The Score, the Orchestra and the Conductor, Meier demystifies the conductor's craft with explanations and illustrations of what the conductor must know to attain podium success. He provides useful information from the rudimentary to the sophisticated, and offers specific and readily applicable advice for technical and musical matters essential to the conductor's first rehearsal with the orchestra.
This book details many topics that otherwise are unavailable to the aspiring and established conductor, including the use of the common denominator, the "The ZIG-ZAG method", a multiple, cross-indexed glossary of orchestral instruments in four languages, an illustrated description of string harmonics, and a comprehensive listing of voice categories, their overlaps, dynamic ranges and repertory. The Score, the Orchestra and the Conductor is an indispensable addition to the library of every conductor and conducting student.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195326369
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/26/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Gustav Meier is the director of the Orchestra Conducting Program at the Peabody Institute and Music Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut. He has served on the faculties of Yale University, the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan and the Tanglewood Music Center. He makes regular appearances as guest conductor and teacher of conducting master classes in Europe, South and Central America, China, Canada, and throughout the United States.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction2. The Beat3. Reading the Score4. Preparation of the Score for Conducting5. Seating Arrangements: Symbols for a Cuing System6. Sorting the Orchestration7. The Zig-Zig Way8. Special Techniques9. Additional ConcernsAppendices:A) Instrumental ChartB) Notation of InstrumentsC) HarmonicsD) Harmonic ChartsE) Cross Rhythm Charts

Editorial Reviews

"As a student of Gustav Meier, I was enormously inspired and impressed by his knowledge and unwavering commitment to the music. Reading this book, I am once again equally inspired and impressed. Gustav Meier is brilliant and clearly one of the leading conducting teachers in the world; his book is chock-full of invaluable information."—Marin Alsop, Music Director Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Music Director, Cabrillo Music Festival

"Many times I've been able to get Gustie on the phone whenever I've found myself stuck and couldn't figure out how to conduct my way through a thorny passage. Now that I have his book, I'll still give him a try on the phone, but if I can't reach him, I'll know here I can get the answers I'm looking for. Thank you Gustie for sharing your vast knowledge of the the art of conducting with the world. Your student, Bobby McFerrin."

"With its myriad examples from the standard repertoire both symphonic and operatic, Gustav Meier's book is an indispensable tool for conductors aspiring and professional alike on all aspects of this mysterious craft.—Anthonio Pappano, Music Director, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Music Director, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

"The lessons within the pages of The Score, the Orchestra, and the Conductor are highly useful...A welcome addition to our library." —Kevin McMahon, Podium Notes

"An important addition to the conducting reference library." —Music Educators Journal

From the Publisher