This Famous Conductor DESTROYED the poor musicians

Summary

In this entertaining episode of TwoSet Violin, the hosts react to a series of clips featuring conductors, with a twist: they must avoid laughing, flinching, or reacting in any way. As they watch awkward, funny, and intense moments involving conductors and musicians, they discuss the challenges faced by conductors, from handling musicians’ respect to the pressure of live and recorded performances. From mishaps with batons and musical mistakes to tense rehearsal moments, the hosts provide insightful and humorous commentary, reflecting on their own experiences in orchestras. The episode combines humor, musical knowledge, and relatable behind-the-scenes moments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on reacting to clips of conductors, with a challenge of not laughing, flinching, or cringing.
• 😀 A humorous moment occurs when a conductor drops their baton, and the musicians comment on it while trying not to react.
• 😀 Conductors face immense pressure to maintain respect from musicians while also pleasing the crowd.
• 😀 The musicians discuss the challenges of modern orchestras and the dynamics between conductors and musicians during rehearsals.
• 😀 A moment is shared about a French horn player's mistake (splitting a note) and the conductor's reaction to it.
• 😀 Bernstein, a renowned conductor, emphasizes the importance of sound quality and criticizes the musicians for not following his instructions.
• 😀 There are moments of frustration in the rehearsal process, with conductors sometimes not being able to convey their thoughts clearly, leaving musicians confused.
• 😀 Tension rises during a stressful recording session, with repeated takes and high pressure to get everything right.
• 😀 The video touches on the strictness of historical conductors like Toscanini, who had the authority to get away with more intense behavior.
• 😀 A discussion on the importance of practice and preparation in orchestral music, with an emphasis on listening and staying in time during performance.

Q & A

What is the main activity in the video that the hosts engage in?

The hosts watch a series of clips involving conductors, and the challenge is to not laugh, flinch, or react in any way while watching the clips. They each start with 3 lives and lose a life whenever they react.

What happens when a conductor drops their baton during a performance?

The hosts point out that the conductor dropping the baton is a noticeable mistake. One host recalls a similar experience during rehearsal, highlighting how it affects the musicians' respect for the conductor.

What is the significance of a French horn player's note splitting in the video?

The French horn player splits the note during an entry, which the hosts compare to a voice cracking. This is a common and embarrassing mistake for brass players, similar to a shaky bow for string players.

How do the hosts describe the different approaches of conductors in the clips?

The hosts describe how some conductors are very strict and demanding, while others are more diplomatic and patient. They highlight moments of tension, such as a conductor getting frustrated or a musician nervously asking for clarification.

What is the hosts' reaction to Bernstein's teaching style in the rehearsal clip?

The hosts express that Bernstein is intense but knowledgeable. They discuss how his instructions, while sometimes unclear, are aimed at getting the musicians to achieve a better sound, especially in terms of dynamics and expression.

Why is recording mentioned as more stressful than live performances?

The hosts agree that recording is more stressful than live performances because the recording is permanent, unlike live performances where mistakes are forgotten. The pressure of getting it perfect in multiple takes, like 'Take 130', adds to the stress.

What is the hosts' view on Toscanini's authority as a conductor?

The hosts acknowledge Toscanini as one of the greatest conductors, which gives him the authority to behave in a strict and sometimes abrasive manner. They note that lesser-known conductors can't get away with such behavior.

How do the hosts react to the performance of a 7-year-old conductor?

The hosts are impressed by the 7-year-old conductor, who has only been learning for half a year and is able to conduct confidently. They also point out the impressive fact that the child learned the violin in just one year.

What does the 'Ling Ling potion' and 'Ling Ling insurance' refer to?

These terms are used humorously by the hosts. 'Ling Ling potion' and 'Ling Ling insurance' are phrases used to indicate the loss of all three lives during the challenge, with 'Ling Ling' referring to a fictional or exaggerated element to explain their failure.

Why do the hosts emphasize the importance of musicians playing in time?

The hosts stress that musicians need to practice their parts and play in time, using their ears to stay in sync. This advice is shared in the context of various performance challenges, including dealing with difficult conductors and high-pressure situations.