They play, not I...

My "new" blog...

I blogged here once, and then I tried to blog on my website - it didn't work as well. I suppose that's why Blogspot exists...

I've been playing guitar a lot lately, and putting my hands on an instrument and actually producing sound has reminded me that the musicians I work with on a regular basis are very talented, and I am fortunate to know each and every one of them. I pride myself on being a competent, if not talented, conductor, but without the living, breathing bodies that produce the sound, and without their intelligence, consciousness, emotions, and effort, I wouldn't - as a conductor - make any music at all.

There's a lot of pressure on a person who picks up an instrument to play. He/she has to honor the composer. He/she has to entertain or at least engage the listener(s). He/she has to transform little black ink-spots on paper into something that moves and has energy and breathes. And all he/she has to do it with is a molded hollow piece of wood, or a bent pipe with a mouthpiece on one end and a bell on the other, or a stick and a couple of big bowls with skin stretched over them - and a lot of training.

I'd like to think I don't take orchestra players or singers for granted when I stand in front of them and wave a baton, but every minute that I practice playing music - hands on the instrument, making sound - I have more respect for every musician I've ever met. I love them because they honor me with their talent, and they allow me to make music with them.

From my forthcoming book, The Tao of Conducting:

It’s amazing how music has a life of its own.
Musicians make music, yet music exists even without musicians.
A wise conductor understands this, and that music lives without conductors, too.
When an ensemble begins to spiral out of control, simplify the beat. Be small, get out of the way.
Relax. Simplify. Think only about the music, not about yourself or your appearance.
Being selfless and getting out of the way invites an ensemble to focus and listen better.
Selflessness and simplicity in a conductor give an ensemble center, create order, and rectify musical problems.
After all, if you put your baton down and leave the podium, they could play without you.