BBC4 "Symphony" with Simon Russell Beale

[MrGongGong]

Just watched the latest episode (Wagner (sic), Brahms, Sibelius, Dvorak, Mahler) on iPlayer and enjoyed it very much. Simon R-B is a good presenter, and it's a nice touch that he sometimes picks out a few tunes on the piano.

I wonder what the musicians and conductors on the Boards think of Mark Elder's style of conducting. I'm not a musician - but I'm rather surprised by what appears to be the absence of a clear beat. There are a few seconds of Colin Davis conducting Sibelius and his beat is very clear.

Just asking....

I'm not a professional conductor BUT my experience of directing ensembles is that giving a "clear" beat is not always essential.
A few years ago I directed a huge ensemble mostly comprised of over 100 teenage players. After the gig I was puzzled about how much my arms were aching until I realised that I was having to make such huge gestures conducting them. When I directed a performance with the Philharmonia I quickly realised in the rehearsal that they would play brilliantly even if I danced around randomly giving a "clear beat" was not really necessary at all as they are more than able of staying together without me.

(I did have one of the players remark that I was easier to follow than Gurgiev which was taken as a massive compliment but sadly not reflected in my fee )

[Pabmusic]

I'm not a professional conductor BUT my experience of directing ensembles is that giving a "clear" beat is not always essential.

Very true. I think it all depends on how well the orchestra know you. To a (moderate) extent, exaggerated gestures at the concert itself are not that important (the orchestra should know the piece and your interpretation by now - if they don't it's your own fault). I remember that I stopped beating completely at one point in the finale of the Beethoven Pastoral - but I was just showing off, of course, and the orchestra knew me very well. It kept them on the edge of their seats!

[Roehre]

I remember that I stopped beating completely at one point in the finale of the Beethoven Pastoral - but I was just showing off, of course, and the orchestra knew me very well. It kept them on the edge of their seats!

something Eduard van Beinum did in Amsterdam in the 5/4 waltz in Tchaikovsky 6. It went perfectly.

[Pabmusic]

something Eduard van Beinum did in Amsterdam in the 5/4 waltz in Tchaikovsky 6. It went perfectly.

I can imagine. That movement would be very suitable for a bit of showmanship, because it is very regular with that 5/4 beat, and once you start it almost plays itself. Do you notice how Tchaikovsky alternates the 3:2/2:3 bars? Brilliant.