Why do orchestras/choirs need conductors?

It was at the beginning of the 19th century that orchestras got large enough for a conductor to be necessary - the main reason is that in a large orchestra, the time taken for the sound to travel from the front of the orchestra to the back is long enough for there to be a lag between what the violins and the timpani are playing (timps in the wrong place will bring everything to a halt).

In student orchestras the timps are nearly always late because the player is doing it by ear.



Today, the main reason for a conductor is to interpret the music - professional orchestras could get through most things without stopping. The conductor will make sure that the volume of the instruments balances so nothing is drowned out. They also have the last word on ideas of phrasing, tempo, bowings and general style.
 

Bretrick said:
The players/singers know what to do.
What is the purpose of someone standing up front flailing their arms around?
Also, are all conductors male?
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Lots and lots of reasons. A larger ensemble needs a conductor to impart precision in tempi, attacks and releases, measure dynamics (relative loudness or softness of the various sections). A good conductor can instill style, grace, and confidence.

And a really good conductor can scare the hell out of a musician (j/k, but Toscanini wasn't noted for his inviting folks over for tea and crumpets). In fact, tyrannical conductors were all the rage for a very long time -- not so much today, but up to 40 years ago or so, they were still around.

Some very, very good conductors today include Gustavo Dudamel (he has a wonderfully clear, exciting style, very optimistic) who conducts the LA Philharmonic. Young guy too, born in 1981. Sir Simon Rattle conducts Berlin, and I think at least one other orchestra in England. You don't get to that level without really knowing your stuff.

Granted, there are fewer women conductors then men, but in the late 90s, I played trombone in an orchestra (DuPage Symphony) in the Chicago area. Barbara Schubert still conducts it today. I believe her husband plays viola.
 
As an instrumentalist rather than a vocalist (my voice would make your skin crawl), I have always been puzzled as to why many (not all) choral conductors do not use a baton. They'll conduct more or less in tempo and indicate by using hands, arms, even elbows. In a larger ensemble of any type, the conductor needs to be seen -- a baton helps with that.

And a pet peeve of mine is some conductor coming in to a wind ensemble or a string orchestra and insisting on conducting with hands and arms only. (I doubt that they've ever even thought about using their elbows. Maybe they should consider it.) :p
 
CinnamonSugar said:
There are exceptions... the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber orchestra does not have a conductor.
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True - but it's also a smaller ensemble, numbering maybe 14 or so. The principal violin leads the ensemble (downbeats and cutoffs, if not dynamics and articulations). Chamber ensembles may or may not have a conductor, but full-fledged orchestras/wind ensembles will always have someone on the podium.
 
Eupher said:
True - but it's also a smaller ensemble, numbering maybe 14 or so. The principal violin leads the ensemble (downbeats and cutoffs, if not dynamics and articulations). Chamber ensembles may or may not have a conductor, but full-fledged orchestras/wind ensembles will always have someone on the podium.
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I get what you're saying, @Eupher -- it's still pretty amazing. Saw them live a couple years ago... with Joshua Bell their music director... one of the highlights of my life.
 
My favorite female conductor Alondra de la Parra from Mexico. In addition to what others have said, the conductor imparts energy levels for the orchestra. I love to watch this clip of her in a rehearsal.

 
The majority of symphonic pieces would not require a conductor, except for perhaps tempo changes. The concertmaster (1st violinist) could manually start the performance, along with any additional movements in the piece. Orchestral musicians don't need a time keeper. More complex works would require a conductor.

I can tell you from long experience in orchestras that most musicians rarely look at the conductor, except for tempo changes. The music dynamics are all indicated in the musicians' scores.

The role of the conductor is very overrated. Mostly they're a separate act --not unlike a dancer-- that the audience looks at for entertainment, believing that they're somehow responsible for the performance.

I've never performed under a female conductor. TBH it would seem weird, at least at first. There may be a few today due to the prevalence of PC and social justice.
 

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