Customer Reviews

The Modern Conductor (6th Edition)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This book written by the legendary conducting teacher Elizabeth A.H. Green is very insightful and shows the beginnings of conducting from an old master like Malko.

I would reccommend buying the Max Rudolf text (used by most major conservatories and universities) for a more substantial basis. Then read this book and get a whole new perspective on several different baton techniques, rehearsal techniques, and conducting in general.

My only problem is that I don't think this book is worth the 68 dollars that the publisher is asking. First get the Rudolf (much thicker, more info for a basis, and cheaper) and get this book. It's great despite the price and somewhat limited explanation.

The Modern Conductor is an amazingly straight-forward book. Its directions are constructive and clear, and by following Elizabeth Green's suggested exercises and drills, you will develop great conducting "grammar." Arm motions become second-nature, and the aspiring conductor can focus instead on expressing musical ideas clearly to the orchestra.

I was Elizabeth Green's last student before she died in 1995. This book brought me to this wonderful musical sage. Nothing can replace the lessons I had with her as senior in high school, but the Modern Conductor encapsulates her method and primary teachings. It is an essential book for any conductor who wants to speak clearly with the hands.

I have the fifth edition of this book, which I bought on Amazon.com for $15. I don't believe the 7th edition is THAT radically different to pay $68.

The book is concise and clear but comparing to "The Technique of Conducting" by Ilya Musin (another pupil of Nikolai Malko) is rather scimpy and informationally insufficient. Max Rudolf definitely covers much more territory than E. Green, 5th or 7th edition notwithstanding. No one, so far, did a better job explaining the intricacies of manual technique than Musin.

Green's book would be of much more value if it came with a DVD, demonstrating all that is said in the book. It's better one time to see than a hundred times to hear about.

There is one book (and a small one) that might serve a better purpose. A student of Ilya Musin came up with his own pedagogical book:

Ennio Nicotra, Introduction to the orchestral conducting technique in accordance to Ilya Musin's school. This one is in three languages (English, Italian, Spanish) and it comes with a DVD, in which all the techniques and manual tricks are shown sequentially. Check it out!

This is an excellent and comprehensive text. Everything a budding conductor might need or find valuable about the art of conducting the modern orchestra. Prof. Green follows the model of Nikolai Malko who was an excellent conductor in his own right and a mentor to many conductors who came in succeeding generations. Recommended to anyone who loves classical music.

My professor is in love with Elizabeth Green, he has met her, and swears by her teachings. The book is very explanatory and has lots of pictures and examples. Although I still think conducting is learned through actual practice. But the book is a good start.

The Title sad all. The Modern Conductor. This one was the book more complete I saw in my life.

Excellente for readings.

Very quick shipping. The book was in the same condition that the seller stated. Good purchase! Thanks.