If you perform classical music, what's the point of the conductor?

[FunkyMonkee]

Most musoes of this sort can only play what's written in front of them. So, if you're busy reading the sheet music and concentrating on playing it the right way, how can you possibly take the time to look at the guy waving a stick? And why does he only have one stick instead of one in each hand? The other hand gets as much action as the one with the stick.
If he wasn't there, could you still play the music successfully?
The band I was in never used sheet music. We just knew our parts and played flawlessly. The only stick waving was if Bob decided to whip out his Nun chucks during an instrumental break and go through a routine or two until it was time for him to sing again.

[QuestionObsession]

First, an orchestra is a big ensemble of instruments with very distinct parts of their own dynamic/ volume, tempo/ pace and rest periods and so many other things. A band of musicians even as big as once Slipknot was with 9 members, is still too small to need a conductor; because they can hear each other quite well. But an orchestra typically is 50 or more instruments at a time. Brass, percussion, woodwind, stings, piano all sections playing together. Not possible to hear anyone else beyond your immediate left and right instuments. So a conductor in the distance is the right audience and judge of how the piece sounds.

They don't read and play. They have played their pieces countless times and have it memorized too, but the sheets are like the tracks on a running field, the runner is not consciously looking at the tracks but it is just there in his peripheral vision as a guide. A runner can run without the tracks to guide him too.

The hand gestures I think one hand is to conduct the overall tempo and rhythm and the other hand is to gesture in corrections or adjustments. Only 1 stick because two would be confusing and as it is natural with so many other things, a centralised and single synchronisation signal or measure is prudent for best results.

The use of a stick is to make the movement more visible and easy to spot. Just the hand would be difficult to keep track of, is too small when seen from all the way back in the percussion section.

[AviatorTom]

A conductor is the only person in the orchestra who can hear the entire orchestra. Individual members can only hear what's being played in their immediate vicinity.

It's the conductor's role to keep all members of the orchestra on the same beat, as well as control the volume of individual sections, so that the entire piece sounds the way it should.

During a performance, orchestra members don't stare at the music. They've practiced it enough times where they really don't need the music. They tend to glance back and forth, between the music and the conductor, much like someone driving a car scans the road ahead, speedometer and mirrors.

[AI Opinion]

A conductor is essential in classical music for several reasons. They provide unified artistic interpretation and communicate the dynamics, tempo, and emotional nuances to the musicians. The hand without a baton allows for expressive gestures to add detail to the performance. With complex orchestral works, a conductor ensures synchronization among diverse instrument sections, giving the performance cohesion. While some smaller groups can play without a conductor, especially when they're tightly knit, having one fosters better coordination and elevates the overall interpretation and expressiveness of the piece. 🎶👨‍🎤

[FunkyMonkee]

So, how can you read the music AND look at the nut with the stick?
Why do some use no stick at all and get the same results.

[Dongie]

I've often pondered this very thing myself. I think it's for the tempo and syncing mainly. I can't see any other big reason but keeping all together really.

[Dongie]

We do have a cellist on here. (Spelling be damned)

[Dongie]

She may play the violin actually.

[FunkyMonkee]

Bu, once you've got a beat going, you SHOULD be able to stick to it unless you're a rhythmless Druid in which case, you shouldn't be in an orchestra in the first place!

[Dongie]

True, but perhaps it's a shame. Started way back with a guy who needed the paycheck. I much prefer Bugs Bunny working it. Much better! 🥕🐇

[Dongie]

*SHAM

[shortster]

To keep the beat and to indicate volume from each section.

[chrissykerdock]

to tell you how high and low to go

[FunkyMonkee]

It's not on the page?

[chrissykerdock]

only muscians know it could also mean crescendo