The Grammar of Conducting: A Practical Guide to Baton Technique and Orchestral Interpretation

This is a practical study of modern baton technique & orchestral interpretation. This is a wealth of information about conducting with musical examples throughout the book. Contents: (main headings only) 1. The non espressivo pattern (4 beat) 2. Staccato patterns (4 beat) 3. The expressivo-legato patterns (4 beat) 4. Starting on other counts 5. The 3 beat 6. Sudden changes of dynamics & articulation 7. Crescendo & decrescendo 8. Facing the orchestra 9. The 2 beat 10. The 1 beat 11. The marcato pattern 12. Start after the count 13. The 6 beat 14. Subdivision 15. Rests 16. Ritardando & accelerando 17. The tenuto pattern 18. Holds (I) 19. Holds (II) 20. Accents & syncopation 21. Phrasing 22. Different uses for basic patterns 23. Achieving complete physical control 24. On preparation in general 25. Number of beats in a measure (I) 26. Number of beats in a measure (II) 27. 5 time & 7 time 28. Changes of rhythm & tempo 29. Free style 30. Score study 31. Choice of tempo 32. Performance practice (I) 33. Performance practice (II) 34. Preparation of orchestra materials 35. Rehearsal techniques 36. Conducting opera 37. Conducting choral works with orchestra 38. Appendix A: Discussion of complete works or movements 39. Appendix B: Wagner's instructions regarding the performance of several overtures 40. List of diagrams 41. Index of music