The Art of the Great Conductors

Only a handful of maestros stand out among the hundreds of musicians who have made conducting their life work. What are the unique qualities that constitute superb talent in this most subjective of musical professions? Saul Lilienstein examines the elements of great conducting, from the art of gesture and expression to the relationship between musicians and conductors. Saul will introduce the early 20th century masters, legendary "tyrants of the podium" like Toscanini, Koussevitsky, Furtwängler, and Stokowski; the mid-century emergence of von Karajan, Szell, and Bernstein; the successive generation that includes Abbado, Kleiber, and Muti; and continued on with the sensational Gustavo Dudamel (who will soon become the new Music Director of the New York Philharmonic). Along with Dudamel, we are currently experiencing the rise and recognition of women conductors like Marin Alsop and the multi-gifted Barbara Hannigan (who is able to sing and conduct at the same time). Each session will be highlighted by film clips and recordings that will reveal the charismatic qualities so essential for the world-wide success these maestros have achieved.