An Analysis of the Conducting Challenges of 4 Orchestral Masterworks

Conducting collegiate ensembles provides unique challenges for student and faculty conductors. Some of these challenges include obtaining correct instrumentation, misprints in scores and instrumental parts, working with amateur musicians, making cuts, baton techniques, and much more. This thesis discusses and analyzes four pieces that were rehearsed and conducted at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah during the fall and winter semesters 2003, and winter semester 2004: Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven; Trois Gymnopédies: I. Lent et grave and II. Lent et douloureaux by Erik Satie; Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture (arranged by Robert Bennett) by George Gershwin, and Trois Nocturnes: II. Fêtes by Claude Debussy. Each chapter contains a brief biography of the composer, discussion of the background of the corresponding piece and formal analysis, exploration of the conducting challenges and implemented solutions, and the performance notes. With a target audience of collegiate and professional conductors and musicians, the author hopes to guide musicians through these important pieces with a hands on, realistic approach.