[Dixielandjazz] "Symphonic" conductors

[Anton Crouch]

Hello all

In discussing Wilhelm Furtwangler, Dan A describes him as "a famous German
conductor in the late 1800's whose beat was apparently impenetrable".

Only partly right - Furtwangler was born in 1886 and came to prominence
after WW1. Even now he is controversial, due to his staying in Germany
during the Nazi era.

His "impenetrable" beat is a matter of considerable interest and raises the
issue of what a conductor actually does to get a good performance out of an
orchestra. We just don't know. Some talk, some sing and others just let the
players play. It seems that baton technique has nothing to do with it.

Furtwangler was famous for his apparently "hesitant" technique and there is
a nice story about a long pause between his mounting the podium and
starting the performance. Someone called out "courage maestro, courage!"

All the best
Anton