Lesson Three: The Basic 2 and 3 Patterns, Leonard Slatkin's Conducting School

Summary

This video lesson focuses on teaching music conductors the basic conducting patterns, including the 2-pattern and 3-pattern, in addition to the commonly used 4-pattern. The instructor explains the nuances of each pattern, particularly how the 3-pattern differs from the 4-pattern, and offers practical tips for improving clarity and precision. Key exercises involve mixing patterns, varying speed, and using a mirror for self-assessment. The goal is to help conductors practice fluently, ensuring their gestures are clear to musicians, making it easier for them to maintain time in orchestra settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conducting involves understanding different basic patterns like 4, 2, and 3. Each pattern is critical to guiding musicians through the music.
• 😀 The 4-pattern involves basic beats of down, left, right, and up. It's crucial for beginner conductors to master this before moving to more complex patterns.
• 😀 The 3-pattern (used for slower waltz-like music) requires a triangle motion and slightly deviates from the 4-pattern, with a gentle shift to the left on the first beat.
• 😀 Mastering the 3-pattern helps with timing and clarity, as it makes the conductor’s gestures appear larger while still staying on beat.
• 😀 The conductor should maintain an imaginary line from which all beats start, ensuring they come down in equal time to maintain consistency.
• 😀 Conducting in patterns of 2 and 3 ensures that musicians know exactly how many measures to count before they need to play.
• 😀 The key distinction between the 4-pattern and the 3-pattern is the rhythmic structure: 3 requires fewer beats, affecting the conductor’s gestures.
• 😀 Understanding the different conducting patterns helps musicians anticipate their entrances and accurately perform their parts in the orchestra.
• 😀 Varying the speed and mixing up the patterns during practice can help conductors improve their flexibility and overall conducting skill.
• 😀 Using a mirror for self-analysis is a useful tool for conductors to see how their gestures align with their intentions, ensuring clarity for musicians.
• 😀 The left hand’s role in conducting is an ongoing question for conductors to explore, as it plays an important part in communicating with the orchestra.

Q & A

What are the basic conducting patterns that need to be learned?

The basic conducting patterns include down, left, right, up, and two other important patterns: 'in 2' and 'in 3'.

How is the 'in 3' conducting pattern different from the 'in 4' pattern?

The 'in 3' pattern is slightly different because instead of coming down directly on the first beat, the gesture goes slightly to the left. The pattern is 1-2-3, and when conducted continuously, it creates a fluid, triangular motion.

Why is it important to distinguish between a beat in 2 and a beat in 3?

Distinguishing between beats in 2 and 3 is important for the orchestra to know how many measures they have to go before they play. These beat patterns help musicians stay in time with the conductor.

What happens when a conductor uses a pattern of 'in 2'?

When conducting 'in 2', the conductor simplifies the pattern, eliminating the triangular motion that exists in 'in 3'. The movement becomes just down and up, with the downbeat slightly going to the right.

What role does the conductor's left hand play in conducting?

The question of what to do with the left hand is something conductors have been contemplating since conducting began. While the script doesn’t answer this directly, it implies the importance of coordinating the left hand with the overall conducting technique.

What is the 'Stars and Stripes Forever' reference in the conducting tutorial?

The 'Stars and Stripes Forever' reference is used to describe the 'in 2' conducting pattern. It symbolizes the rhythmic structure of the piece, where the conductor would use the pattern to lead the orchestra.

How does the speed of conducting affect the gesture?

Varying the speed of conducting alters the size and fluidity of the gestures. Faster tempos result in smaller, quicker movements, while slower tempos require larger, more deliberate motions.

What is the suggested exercise for the week?

The exercise for the week is to learn the 'in 2' and 'in 3' conducting patterns and combine them with the 'in 4' pattern. This exercise helps practice fluid transitions between different conducting styles.

Why should conductors practice in front of a mirror?

Practicing in front of a mirror allows conductors to separate their feelings and thoughts about what they are doing from the actual reality of their movements. This helps improve clarity and ensures they communicate effectively with musicians.

What is the significance of the conductor's movements for the musicians?

The conductor’s movements are crucial because they provide visual cues that help musicians understand the rhythm, timing, and structure of the piece. Clear conducting ensures that all musicians are synchronized and know when to enter or stop playing.