This chapter is devoted entirely to the physical aspect of conducting. Analysis of the gestures used in conducting has shown that there are four fundamental movements.
A—Wrist movement in horizontal position. (With palm of the hand facing downward.)
B—Wrist movement in vertical position. (With palm of the hand facing inward.)
C—Fore-arm movement.
D—Full-arm movement.
The diagrams on pages 11 and 13 represent a set of exercises for the acquiring of complete control and suppleness of the wrist and arm in all these four movements. On the opposite pages sets of music examples will be found. Each individual note of these examples represents a movement.
The conscientious study and practice of these exercises will not only fully prepare the conductor for the more complicated beating of time-indications, but will give him that poise and confidence which come only with a consciousness of absolute self-control. This physical self-control is one of the greatest essentials in the art of conducting.
DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISES
There are two series of exercises, each numbering 24 figures. These are to be performed in four different styles, corresponding to the four fundamental movements.
- A—Wrist movement in horizontal position.
- B—Wrist movement in vertical position.
- C—Fore-arm movement.
- D—Full-arm movement.
For each style, there are four different positions which, for practical reasons, have been named after the points of the compass; North, South, East, and West. The drawings contained in this chapter are of the four different positions, for each style of exercise. In the diagram of exercises each of these points is indicated by a letter; N—for North, S—for South, E—for East, and W—for West.
The small letter in the upper left corner indicates the starting point. The other letters indicate the points of arrival.
Each figure is to be executed in time with certain music examples of which each individual note corresponds to a point of arrival.
For instance, figure 1 would be executed with Music Ex. 1 thus:
South position corresponding to the note C.
North position corresponding to the note G.
[[Listen]]
The sf on a letter indicates a sharp forceful movement as opposed to a more relaxed motion. In the exercises for the wrist, the forearm and upper arm must remain motionless. Likewise, the forearm movement must be executed without moving the upper arm.
Great caution should be taken not to over-tire the wrist and arm, when first practising these exercises.
These exercises are to be practised by the right and left arm alternatively.
It is suggested for the individual practise that the student place the music examples on one side of the music stand and the diagram of the exercises on the other.
Thus he may describe the gymnastic exercises while singing or whistling the music.
MUSICAL EXAMPLES FOR GYMNASTIC EXERCISES
Series 1
| Ex. 1 |
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| Ex. 2 |
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| Ex. 3 |
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| Ex. 4 |
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| Ex. 5 |
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| Ex. 6 |
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| Ex. 7 |
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| Ex. 8 |
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| Ex. 9 |
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| Ex. 10 |
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Apply these exercises to all figures of series 1.
Series 1
Series 2
| Ex. 1 |
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| Ex. 2 |
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| Ex. 3 |
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| Ex. 4 |
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| Ex. 5 |
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| Ex. 6 |
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| Ex. 7 |
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| Ex. 8 |
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| Ex. 9 |
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Apply these exercises to all figures of series 2
NOTE:—Each individual note corresponds to a gesture indicated in the figures by a N, E, S, W.
Series 2
| The letter in the upper left corner indicates the starting point. |
N—North Position. |
| W—West Position. | |
| S—South Position. | |
| E—East Position. |
‘N,’ or North position of Style A
1. Drop arm loosely to side.
2. Raise forearm forward until it forms a right angle with the upper arm.
3. Extend hand and fingers; keep the palm facing downwards.
4. Without moving the arm, raise the hand from the wrist-joint until almost at a right angle with the forearm.
Note.—The forearm maintains this position all through the exercises of Style A.
‘S,’ or South position of Style A
Without moving the forearm, lower the hand from the wrist-joint until at a right angle with the forearm.
‘E,’ or East position of Style A
Without moving the forearm, and always keeping the fingers extended and palm downward, move the hand to the right as far as possible.
‘W,’ or West position of Style A
Without moving the arm, and always keeping the fingers extended with the palm downward, move the hand to the left as far as it will go.
‘N,’ or North position of Style B
1. Drop arm loosely to side.
2. Raise forearm forward until it forms a right angle with the upper arm.
3. The fingers remain extended and the palm is turned so that the thumb is uppermost.
4. Without moving the forearm, raise the hand as far as possible, taking care to keep the fingers extended and palm inward.
Note.—The forearm maintains this position throughout the positions of Style B.
‘S,’ or South position of Style B
Without moving the arm, lower the hand as far as possible, taking care to keep the fingers extended and palm inward (facing to the left).
‘E,’ or East position of Style B
Without moving the arm, point the hand and fingers to the right until almost forming a right angle with the arm.
‘W,’ or West position of Style B
Without moving the arm, point the hand and fingers to the left until almost forming a right angle. The thumb still remains uppermost.
‘N,’ or North position of Style C
1. Drop arm loosely to side.
2. Raise forearm forward until it forms a right angle with the upper arm.
3. The palm is turned down.
4. Without moving the upper arm, raise the forearm upwards until the back of the hand almost touches the shoulder.
Note.—The upper arm maintains this position throughout the exercises in Style C.
‘S,’ or South position of Style C
Without moving the upper arm, lower the forearm until the palm of the hand is about 3 or 4 inches from the thigh.
‘E,’ or East position of Style C
Without moving upper arm, turn the forearm to the right about 40 degrees.
‘W,’ or West position of Style C
Without moving upper arm, turn the forearm to the left about 40 degrees, the palm of the hand facing forward.
‘S,’ or South position of Style D
Lower arm downward until the palm is about 4 inches from the thigh.
NOTE.—All motions in Style ‘D’ are described by the full arm.
‘W,’ or West position of Style D
Turn arm to the left about 40 degrees.
‘E,’ or East position of Style D
Turn arm to the right about 40 degrees.
‘N,’ or North position of Style D
Raise arm upwards with palm forward and fingers extended.