A Comparative Study of Select Choral Conductors’ Approaches to Unification of Choral Sound, Rehearsal, Conducting, and Leadership: Frieder Bernius, Tõnu Kaljuste, Stephen Cleobury, John Eliot Gardiner, Weston Noble, and Robert Shaw

Abstract

The methods of six highly-successful conductors from around the world—Frieder Bernius (Germany), Tõnu Kaljuste (Estonia), Stephen Cleobury, John Eliot Gardiner (U.K.), Weston Noble, and Robert Shaw (U.S.)—are comparatively examined concerning 1) choral sound unification, 2) rehearsal strategies and techniques, 3) conducting gesture, and 4) practical leadership. Primary sources including personal interviews, published interviews, lectures and writings, rehearsal and concert videos, and online video interviews were the basis for observing the conductors’ approaches to the four research areas. Their practical strategies, drawing on biographical details and interactions with the musicians of their ensembles, are explored to examine their overall approach to choral leadership. Chapters include biographical details for each conductor, sound unification techniques, rehearsal strategies, thoughts on conducting, practical leadership, and synthesis and conclusions. The conductors’ methods of choral sound unification vary greatly but are centered around a natural and free vocal technique that is focused on interpretation and articulation rather than vowel shape. In rehearsal strategies, there is even greater variance, but there is agreement on constant singer engagement, establishment of consistent priorities, and saving the voice for performance. Regarding conducting gesture, there is consensus that choral and orchestral conducting should not look dissimilar, since the musical ideas between ensembles are equivalent, and that gesture should clearly and concisely demonstrate the music. With respect to leadership, conductors should demonstrate extreme competence and confidence (from a high level of musical expertise), a priority-driven work ethic, creative enterprise, the humble heart of a servant, the sharing of success, the acceptance of responsibility, positive energy, and an understanding of prevailing leadership principles exhibited in other disciplines.