The art of directing an Opera's orchestra and singers to bring the music to life. Learn about the different styles of conducting and the history of the profession.
Opera History: A brief overview of the opera's history and evolution throughout the centuries.
Opera Vocabulary: Essential vocabulary and terminology used in the opera world, including vocal and instrumental parts, playing techniques, and foreign musical terms or phrases.
Opera Libretti: Understanding the structure and plot of opera Librettos that tell stories of characters in the opera.
Opera Scores: Reading, analyzing, and interpreting opera scores, including understanding different musical forms and styles.
Opera Conducting Techniques: Basic conducting techniques such as tempo, dynamics, articulation, expression, and phrasing.
Vocal Coaching: Understanding vocal techniques and coaching singers on how to improve their performance.
Rehearsal and Performance Planning: Organizing rehearsals and performances, including setting up schedules, rehearsals, and developing a rehearsal plan.
Opera Orchestration: Understanding the orchestra as a whole, the sound of different instruments, and the requirements for each of them in the opera.
Score Analysis: Examining the score to anticipate possible problems or errors, plan rehearsals, and make intelligent choices regarding expression, tempo, and other important aspects.
Opera Knowledge: Knowledge of different opera composers, works, and traditions, as well as contemporary trends.
Stage Direction and Production: Understanding how to work with stage directors to achieve the desired dramatic effect.
Opera Etiquette: Understanding the conduct and expectations in the opera world.
Full score conducting: This is the most common type of conducting where the conductor melodiously stands in the conductor's podium and conducts the entire opera from start to finish, following the full score of the orchestra and the soloists.
Cue conducting: In this type of conducting, the conductor uses different hand gestures and signals to cue individual members of the orchestra or soloists to play their parts.
Partitur conducting: In this type of conducting, the conductor conducts from a partitur, a condensed score that includes all of the music for the opera on fewer pages.
Rehearsal conducting: This type of conducting is done during rehearsals for the opera. The conductor will typically focus on specific sections of the opera and work with the orchestra and soloists to perfect their skills.
Performance conducting: This type of conducting is done during live opera performances, and requires the conductor to be highly skilled at spotting and correcting mistakes quickly.
Staging conducting: In this type of conducting, the conductor works closely with the director and cast in order to ensure that the music and action on stage are perfectly synchronized.
Concert conducting: This type of conducting is used when an opera is performed in concert form, without sets or costumes. The conductor must work to create a compelling performance even without the benefit of staging.
Recording conducting: In this type of conducting, the conductor works closely with the recording engineer to ensure that the final recorded product is of the highest possible quality.
Digital conducting: With the advent of digital technology, some conductors choose to use software programs to create and rehearse performances. This can include using virtual orchestras or digitally manipulating recordings to create a more seamless performance.