23rd Annual Student Research Conference
A First-Hand Study of the Relationship Between the Composer and the Conductor
Jonathan D. Gill♦
Dr. Mark Jennings, Faculty Mentor
One of the most compelling relationships in music is the relationship between a composer and a conductor. A composer endeavors to put symbols on the page that realize a vision inside his or her head. Conversely, a conductor strives to make sense of the composition using the cues the composer has given. These two musicians necessarily interact with the artwork on different levels. To explore this relationship I wrote a short piece for small choir and organized a volunteer ensemble to rehearse and perform the piece. Through the experience I kept a journal of the rehearsal ideas and performance challenges I experienced in this process. I learned as a composer more about the information a conductor and ensemble need to perform a composition successfully. As a conductor I explored approaches in the rehearsal and gestures in the performance that helped to bring these musical ideas into fruition.
Keywords: Music, Composition, Conducting, Choral, Rehearsing
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 23-5
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 10:30