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publishAWM t1_j97cea5 wrote

the conductor spent hours in rehearsal guiding the orchestra through the sheet music for a performance. the conductor is an interpreter, an arranger, a guide, and a constant reminder for all the production notes that went into the preparation.

the sheet music tells only half of the story. the conductor is visible not only in peripheral view but the musicians each have their own way of glancing at the conductor for a cue on every nuance.

sure, orchestral music can be set to a metronome, but where's the fun in that? it's the conductor's responsibility to inject dynamics and ensure that everyone knows what to do at every moment throughout the score.

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TerminationClause OP t1_j9dypbm wrote

You're the second person to respond similarly. Okay, I didn't know because in videos they cut it so you never see a player glancing at the conductor. Small misunderstanding on my part. But I'm still unsure of what a conductor can tell someone that couldn't be conveyed through sheet music.

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TerminationClause OP t1_j9dyy4e wrote

I'll go ahead and apologize for my last response because I'm sure it's very obvious to you. I honestly don't know. I'm a musician, but not one that reads notes. I'm closer to a jazz musician than a classical musician.

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publishAWM t1_j9f0dl1 wrote

no apology needed. both conductors and producers are definitely mystifying. they're entirely responsible for the "delivery". amazing musicians make their jobs easier.

in short, if you're underwhelmed by a professional orchestra, you can blame the conductor. when it comes to recorded music, it's the producer's job to make it special.

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