Conducting

(A module of Ensembles, Extensions, & Projects (Classical Music)
MUS1104, MUS1105, MUS2104, MUS2105, MUS3104, MUS3105
A semester long module offered in both semesters.
(Note Choral Conducting and Conducting are different modules at WAAPA)

The module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of conducting technique through the study and use of important examples of Western Music.

The module is based upon Max Rudolf's The Grammar of Conducting, Thomson Schirmer, 1995.

Works under consideration:

George Frederic Handel Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 6, 3rd Movt.
Antonín Dvořák Serenade for Strings, Op. 22, 1st Movt.
Johann Sebastian Bach Air from Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068.
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92, 3rd Movt.
Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98,  1st Movt.
Ludwig van Beethoven Overture to Egmont, Op. 84.
Johann Strauss Overture to Die Fledermaus.
Claude Debussy, "Fêtes" (No. 2 from Nocturnes for Orchestra)
Béla Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra, 1st Movt
Felix Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, 3rd Movt.
Igor Stravinsky, L'Histoire du Soldat.

Recommended Readings

Bowen, J. A. ((2003) The Cambridge Companion to Conducting. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Scherchen, H (1929, 1989 Edition) Handbook of Conducting. Oxford University Press, Oxford
Leinsdorf, E (1981) The Composer's Advocate, A Radical Orthodoxy for Musicians, Yale University Press, New Haven

Assessment will be based upon the preparation of tasks related to the weekly topic.

Disclaimer: Understanding the technique of a conductor will not guarantee success as a conductor.

Weekly Topics: