UM Cultural Saloon Lecture Series (4) ─The Tao of Conducting
Date: Tuesday 26 April 2016
Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Venue: Student Activity Centre Theatre (E31)
Language: Mandarin
Registration: https://goo.gl/OthpgM
Enquiry: Ms. Bonnie WONG, Tel: 8822 8779, Email: [email protected]
Speaker:
Prof. Peiyu ZHANG, Renowned Conductor, the first Chinese female conductor to stand
on the podium of Vienna's Golden Hall
Abstract:
Conductors play an important role in the classical European musical culture. Standing
on the podium, they lead the musicians in large ensembles, transmitting the musical
expression. They are the eye catcher for the audience. Few professions require such
diverse skills.
The task of a conductor is to bring a piece of music to optimal sound in all respects,
which requires a number of skills. In order to bring forth a successful orchestral sound,
two main problems must be overcome: the first one is the teamwork between the
conductor and the musicians.
Orchestra musicians are a special group with many unique features and extra sensitivity.
Therefore, it is not the common notion of "leadership" in terms of orchestral
conducting. Why is Beethoven’s symphony produced differently by different
conductors? Here we are talking about the second prerequisite which is conductor’s
personality.
The charisma of a conductor is of utmost importance for an orchestra. The effect will
directly influence the sound of the orchestra. This indescribable phenomenon is more
than just gestures, postures, facial expressions and all other verbal and nonverbal
expressions. This inexpressible phenomenon is transcendent and we call it "leadership
of spirituality" which is a central aspect in conducting.
The two above-mentioned elements are the main issues inextricably linked to
conducting. The connection between Daoist philosophy and Western classical music in
conducting has been put forward by great conductors before. Despite their fruitful
results in thinking and practice on the art of conducting, the theme has not been
thoroughly researched.
The leadership of the conducting will be shown from the perspective of the Chinese
philosophy of "Dao", within the meaning of an idea, an attitude and mindset. This is
not an abstraction of philosophical or theoretical treatise, but the application in practice,
which can be called practical philosophy. Daoism of Laozi and Zhuangzi in particular,
will be researched as the main issue in assuring the art quality in Orchestra Conducting.