What's the purpose of orchestra conductors?

As a symphonic player... I can assure you that many players don't memorize. In fact, some players can't be expected to memorize anything. They have developed an ability to play and read at the same time. They might only be able to memorize 5 pieces in their entire lives, but they play brilliantly from the score.

The conductor's main purpose (aside from being a visual time keeping aid) is to hone and perfect a performance at the rehearsals.

Some players are playing the wrong notes in one section constantly. Perhaps the violins are playing the main theme one way, while the oboes and flutes are playing it in a completely different manner. Maybe the brass are blasting too loudly in one part and need to be told to play more quietly. Perhaps the harp player is coming in one measure too early.

Sometimes, a player will fall behind an entire measure, or just start to randomly screw up. The conductor is there to shoot him a very rude, mean glance during these times.

Some players have difficulty coming in at the right place. Imagine sitting there for 5 minutes and listening to the music, and then all of a sudden you have to pick up your clarinet and hit an "A" at just the right moment. The conductor is there to "cue" you on this note - so that you know when to "come in".

The conductor is also one of the people primarily responsible for repertoire. What can this symphony be expected to play? Are they professionals, or do they need special attention in this area? Not every group can tackle Mahler's 5th, let me tell you. Not every group even has the right amount of instruments for that.

What about a concerto? The soloist is going to fluctuate rapidly with the tempo sometimes. The conductor has to be there to keep the symphony playing together with the soloist. The players can't always just "feel" the tempo swings as easily as you think (unless they have had many tedious rehearsals). The conductor is there to help visualize what the soloist is doing.

Some people just plain forget about dynamics, style, and a host of other things. The conductor has his own special signals that he sends out to his players. It may look like "stick" waving to you, but he is also indicating softer playing, more precise staccato, and a million other things.

Why are conductors needed? To make the most out of your musical experience. Symphonies should be lead by a highly competent musician known as the conductor. It's absolutely necessary. You should show up at a few rehearsals and see what music is like before the conductor molds it. If you have good ears, you will notice a lot of changes taking place almost magically. The conductor is very, very, very, very much needed.

Some orchestras don't have a conductor. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is one such group. They have some amazing recordings, but I'll be the first to admit that some of their live presentations suffer from a lack of conducting. I am not disparaging on Orpheus here. Check out the Mozart piano concertos (18 and 20) with Richard Goode. AMAZING symphonic playing behind an amazing soloist!

I certainly hope I didn't just get tricked into doing your homework.

Court Violinist

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No, in orchestral music the players don't have the music memorized. It's not like it's in a band of something. The conductor has many duties; keeping the beat, interpreting the work in terms of balance, phrasing. It's a huge job.

During the rehearsal, it's their job to show the orchestra how HE wants the piece to be played. Different conductors put their own spin on the piece.The musicians don't always have the music memorized. That's why they have a stand with sheet-music in front of them. You need someone to guide the ensemble, when to get into playing position, to direct them when to start, at what tempo (speed) to play in, when to stop or continue playing (like when there's a fermata).

The little stick is called a baton, just sayin.

The Conductor is the inspiration to get the full effect of all the separate sections of the Orchestra. The individual players can't be inspired by the Conductor but their inspiration of their soul for the instrument they are playing, and the soul of the conductor is to reach every one of them to get the best out of them for the music, that is Composed, The Conductor knows how the Composers music how to get the best out of every section of the Orchestra and every Conductor has their own signature sound.

they keep the time signature.. as in how fast or slow to play the song.

also the crescendos or diminuendos, as in how loud or soft to play a note. its hard to explain but without a conductor it would be almost imposible to keep up at the same time. the conductor can hear if a certain section needs to play louder or softer and they give u direction.

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