8
votes
At just 23, the exceptionally talented Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski has found success at the helm of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
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- Title
- Young star conductor Tarmo Peltokoski - DW - 01/22/2024
- Word count
- 30 words
I don't think I have a proper appreciation for the role of a conductor. Why aren't properly skilled and practiced orchestras able to conduct themselves? What does a "star conductor" like Peltokoski bring to a performance that wouldn't be there in the hands of someone less talented?
I'm well aware this is my own naivety talking, orchestras just aren't a part of my experienced world. Would love some insight from someone who knows them better.
During performances, think of a conductor like a variable speed metronome that helps synchronize the orchestra (which is difficult to do without a shared visual reference), and can also adjust the tempo, meter/articulation, dynamics, etc. throughout the performance to change the emotional tone the piece of music conveys. If there were no conductor on stage, the musicians would basically only have the sheet music to go by, and every performance would likely end up sounding rather bland and samey. Inexperienced conductors can lead to similar, or worse.
But conductors also do a lot more than just what you see on stage. They're typically the company's music director as well, so they choose the pieces to be performed, decide on their interpretation/arrangement, organize and run the rehearsals and auditions, coach the musicians, do various other admin duties, etc.
And a "star" conductor is often considered as such because they do all of the above better than most, or perhaps one particular aspect better than anyone else. E.g. It could be they're known for developing unique and novel interpretations/arrangements, being especially skilled at improvising or adjusting on-the-fly during performances, finding and developing new talent, running their companies well, or bringing them to new heights of success/recognition. And in Peltokoski's case, his talent level for his age is likely a major factor in why he's considered a rising star.