[rlemert]

<p>(There seems to be nothing but daily threads these days. Maybe I can enliven the conversation with a dull, boring topic.)</p>
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<p>  I've been poking around the YouTube universe fairly regularly, finding different musical performances that catch my attention. Some posts are of music that I loved long ago but have forgotten existed, others are stuff that I've played before in band, etc.</p>
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<p>  A lot of my searches are for classical music performances because I think it adds something to the music to see the orchestra in action. I'm getting a big kick, though, out of noticing the differences between different conductors. Herbert von Karajan, for example, exemplifies the Teutonic master: ramrod straight, and the only thing moving is his arms from the elbows down - and at that his hands only move about two or three inches. At the other extreme, Leonard Bernstein often looks like he's making wild, passionate love to the orchestra - complete with pre-orgasmic facial expressions. At the end of their performances, von Karajan looks like he doesn't even know what 'sweat' is, while Leonard looks like he's just finished a marathon.</p>
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<p>  Anyone else ever pay attention to things like this, or am I the only musical geek around here?</p>

 

[GaReb770]

<p>I'm on You Tube a lot looking up musicians such as the Seekers, Peter, Paul and Mary and other Folk music.  I also hit a lot of college band music and some classical, especially brass ensembles.   And of course, in deference to my age I also look up a lot of Chuck Berry, Jan and Dean and other rock and roll as well as oldies pieces.</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>No, you're not alone.  When I have conducted (choirs), I've been told that it is my face that conducts and that the arm movements are an afterthought.  That to me is a sign that I am no professional!</p>
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<p>I often wonder at the orchestras that are self-directed.  Is it a case of the mad running the asylum?</p>

 

[Floridaboiler]

<p>I have seen different styles but I have never paid much attention to it.  I just see lots of arm movement etc. </p>

 

[Floridaboiler]

<p>You mean to say that not all conductors are like this?</p>
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