The communication between conductor and choir in the process of creating a musical work of art

Abstract

The work of a conductor requires the ability of effective communication in order for a unique musical work to come alive. This communication is not a matter of dictionary definitions but a complex process requiring the ability to encode and decode messages. Starting from reading musical score, which still has a lot of hidden information, through the art of carrying out the thoughtful interpretation of the piece, ending up with the communication between the conductor and the listener via the choir, the artist, including the conductor, can explore the space in which they act, identify it and thus verify and enrich it. Three links may be distinguished in the process of communication between the conductor and the choir: the sender — the conductor who sends a verbal and non-verbal message, the receiver — the ensemble and the code by the means of which the information transfer takes place. What determines effective communication between the conductor and the choir? Undoubtedly, an important if not a crucial role is played by the conductor’s attitude. The communication between the conductor and the choir in the process of creating a musical work depends on the conductor’s abilities, skills and personality, the choir singers’ vocal skills as well as on the regular, relentless work on the conductor’s own and the choir’s development.