Gerard Schwarz gives a Conducting Lesson

[@Kettz]

"My job is to be there when they need me." To always be prepared, to maintain focus. Such obvious, simple, but great words.

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@smzig]

I like this guy. He has great respect for the composers.

[@LisaMurphy]

Respect for the composers and for the orchestra musicians as well. Very nice to see.

[@bandmarc141]

Truly inspiring....my dream profession...a conductor....i was fortunate to have the opportunity to do so my director saw something in me.......great video

[@jackslayers]

Yea..... Conductor always says my score is wrong.....

[@almuel]

And the performers as well.

[@Tmanaz480]

Starting with a reasonable tempo. So many conductors take this piece way too fast.

[@ansiaaa]

I have been wondering about this since I was a little kid. the internet is really awesome

[@Oveyz]

Totally agreed. Been watching a lot of videos with the orchestra playing rather than a static photo recently, and figured it was time to educate myself more on the job of the conductor. Two words in the serach bar and "voila". Long live the internet.

[@FreekZwanenberg]

same here!

[@georgehaslehoffshacklebolt7566]

He conducts too slowly (please see Benjamin Zander's interpretation)

[@timmarindedosp.2164]

me too.......

[@12345fowler]

@@georgehaslehoffshacklebolt7566 I think it is matter of preference

[@anindyasun]

I never had seen such a great conductor teaching conducting with analysis of the score and video footage. Thank you very much Maestro. My respect to you. Hats off to you.

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@cimmik]

The lesson in the beginning he says you can skip if you know it ends at 3:33

[@willmartin3067]

Thank you kindly.

[@tommyiglesias2267]

Best lesson ever. He is a great communicator. He makes complicated things really simple that even a 5 yo could understand.

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@marcusianaviation9372]

15 yo*

[@soulfur1031]

I like how he says that he never tells the orchestra what to do. This means that they are actually watching him, which means they know their music and instruments well enough to look up. This gives me a warm feeling

[@jackarcher7495]

I just learned more about music in the last 15 minutes than I ever knew in my life. Thank you so much for this.

[@mr.balloffur]

I would have killed to have him as my music teacher, he's brilliant!

[@bandmarc141]

Me too! AHH-MAZING 🎼🎶🎹🎺🎷🎻

[@Maxshard]

A very truthful appraisal by a modest guy. He as good as admits that a fine orchestra like this hardly needs him.

[@jeromepeter4800]

Agreed!

[@Maxshard]

Thanks bro.

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@splodinatekabloominate846]

Nothing better than watching his cheeks flap when he conducts ff

[@Asidders]

hahahha

[@gundrillerman4810]

FF ... flappy face

[@jackslayers]

Hahaha it's the Meaning of power

[@holy_braille]

"Beethoven says keep it loud." Expect me to be in full compliance, maestro.

[@scottgammon247]

Haha I loved it when he said, "Am I greater than Brahms?"

[@davidcfc95]

Absolute brilliance... From a 19 year olds perspective. Skills as precious as these will hopefully never die out.

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@erhufan]

"My job is to be there when they need me."

[@AbeRosenberg]

Wonderful video. I learned more about music and conducting in those 24 minutes than in all the music classes I took in school. Thank you!

[@lvchoralman]

Great introduction to not merely conducting, but to some very basics in music.

[@MrJair254]

Never in my life I had seen the meaning of all the symbols on the charts. I love ocherstrated songs and when I listen to them i move my hands and make gestures but without knowing what they meant. After watching this lovely video I can tell I was born to direct an orchestra, just need to practice!

[@hiyorioh]

How’s it going

[@LucresntBlade]

I'm happy I did Orchestra and Played Violin for 4-5 Years, this is just beautiful. Once you've played an instrument this is just so interesting.

[@katrinat.3032]

I agree. 4 years of flute in highschool and I'm addicted

[@LisaMurphy]

I loved watching this so much. I'm a music video producer and I could relate to a lot of it and learned things as well. But that said, it's always so encouraging to see people like Mr. Schwarz who dedicate themselves to music for the right reasons. His total appreciation for the composer and the music, and the orchestra musicians is really wonderful to see.

[@bruceweaver1518]

The only time I saw a conductor explain what he did, was on the PBS series “Orchestra” where Georg Solti explained to Dudley Moore his methods. Then he had Moore conduct Strauss’ “Don Juan.” This is really excellent and even has the conductor explain meanings of symbols to people who may not know them. Very good job with one of my favorite Beethoven works. Thank you. This is a treasure.

[@dblbass]

Bravo! Terrific lesson, and I totally agree that you conduct what the composer wrote. 1st Chair, Bass Section, Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, Bay Area

[@blobodep6251]

Are you a conductor? If yes, can you answer a few of my questions about conducting if that's ok with you?

[@M1GarandNut]

Love this Conductor! He really gives you a total understanding as to what is going on, not only in his head, but in the orchestra's heads. Gives an admirer of music like me, a whole knew perspective and appreciation for both the Conductor and the ladies and gentleman who make up this beautiful Orchestra! Thank you Gerard! Would love to see you in person one day if you are ever in my area.

[@wilhelmpitz1]

Mr. Schwarz, may I thank you wholeheartedly. A superb lecture, made brilliantly accessible to the musically non-trained music lover. You have unlocked some delicious secrets of the Beethoven 5th which I shall surely treasure. Thank you again - the very fine orchestra has the same confident poise and sound as the Berlin Phil and the Vienna Phil. How I wish you would all come to London!

[@superleadersint]

I call this "Conducting Made Easy". Thanks for the great lesson.

[@puffymuffy132]

You transfer information gracefully and have quite a large respect for composers and musicians alike. Great job Gerard

[@Kafkodesu]

Conducting, is almost like dancing. You're trying to interpret how you feel the piece should be played.

[@justinvidad-menezes2364]

+ANx3h That is true

[@derik2nicolai584]

A real fantastic Maestro. Great lesson, maybe the best on KZbin, I always look at your videos, especially those for analyzing Beethoven and Dvorak, and I love the videos for the interviews with the musicians in the orchestra, many things I've to know about some instruments. Please make more videos about conducting! Many thanks Maestro.

[@alexandermatheson8312]

Thanks for helping me conduct my school orchestra, I really needed the help.

[@jkgou1]

Very instructive to give us all the details

[@edwardhugus2772]

Thank you so very much for such a wonderful explanation. I hope to see several more of your presentations. Very clear and with fantastic lessons for those of us who love classical music but are musically "challenged" when it comes to playing!

[@michaellasfetto5810]

I would be fascinated to see what would happen with him in front of a really fine concert band. Some of the things that he does break all the traditional band conducting rules, like how he holds his baton, and most band conductors I have seen wouldn't conduct all the eighth notes like he does. In the wind ensemble I play in (several of us have at least one music degree), we had an orchestra guy audition to be our director, and it took several rehearsals to get used to his gesture vocabulary, because it was a lot, uh, floppier and his gestures were bigger than than band directors usually do. I really liked how he analyzed the score and showed why he did what he did. That was really cool.

[@briananderson8428]

He's such a clear thinker. Great pacing of this first mvmt. Too many conductors race through it.

[@ChristineHals]

Thank you so much for this Mr. Schwarz, it was very helpful and you have a beautiful way of conducting and communicating. I love how deeply you respect the composer and I'm also thankful that you always say "he or she" as some people unfortunately still forget to include women. So Thank You! :) Looking forward to watching more of your videos and conducting.

[@sonamachhami1444]

It is really awesome lesson for me. Thank you so much Mr. Gerard Schwarz.

[@lenniedavis1294]

Such an amazing music teacher. Loved this video.

[@JeremyGreysmark]

Thank you for sharing this video! It was incredibly interesting to watch for me!

[@ventilator98]

I LOVE this video. Thank you sooooooooooo much for this wonderful detailed explanation, and for using such a wonderful example piece. I LOVE THE FIFTH. My favorite movementhappens to be the second movement, but I love the whole entire piece. Your using this first movement as the example for conducting is indescribably wonderful. I love classical music. LOL. It's extremely addicting!!

[@purityoflight7381]

+Peter Foster Youre terribly right, classical music is addicting...extremely. And thats not a bad thing, if i ever feel like bad listening classical music is just the right cure.

[@shugaroony]

I'm the same in that I enjoy the second movement of the symphony the most as well, followed by the whirlwind of a finale. I'm almost the same with the ninth in that I love the slow movement, but the last movement is just utterly astonishing and brings everything together.

[@fedr39]

Enjoyed watching this and explained so much. I'm very basic in reading music, this was great.

[@richardlatu8671]

Thanks for the great insight into the prospective of a composer

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you so much for the wonderful lesson in conducting...

[@geoffreynoble]

A brilliant lesson from a very accessible conductor. Unfortunately fo me I will miss a planned 5th Symphony workshop in London scheduled for this September due to wedding commitments. I am hoping I will be well versed for when the 7th comes up

[@oneirdaathnaram1376]

This is really great. Such a fine insight for me, who is not a music professional but loves classical music more than anything else in life.

[@Dr.HazharGhaderi]

Simply great, thank you so much for this video.

[@paoloagostini1407]

Thank you so much. Beautifull video

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

Always wondered how this worked, very interesting, great instruction

[@alanturing9691]

Ah... Now every crazy posture made by conductor make sense :) Thanks for the lesson!!

[@LeandroGardini]

Great didactics and video. I loved it. Thank you!

[@MrDaraghkinch]

The subtle tempo control is brilliant

[@alone66666]

Finally some1 explaining it.

[@JJDBaca]

Thank you very much for this video. Appreciated.

[@collinhuey9438]

great videos it makes sense what conductors are doing

[@jamesrossmusic6013]

So informative and entertaining... Thanks!!!!

[@lindacaul5419]

So Interesting.....Thank you for such a great explanation I have always wondered what is going through the conductors mind and what exactly all the arms waving mean.

[@yadinmichaeli12]

Thank you very much for this lesson

[@jarrodsplace]

I would love to conduct a symphony orchestra. This is a great video. “My job is to be there when they need me!” Gold.

[@miarubyy]

I like how I'm seeing this 4 years later.

[@TGKociela]

This kind of information and eduction is critical, well done --thanks!

[@CARLOSCORDOVA-wd6rx]

Wonderful, Mr. Schwarz! I assume you are a teacher also! You explain things so well! Thank you very much!!!!!!

[@quakerninja]

Thank you for the lesson sir.

[@elizabethchan4334]

Mr. Gerard my RESPECT AS a music Director. For years i. Was wondering all those Elegant movememts until now you explained. i feel to be a music Director moved me doing the same while seeing this extraordinary video .thank you for sharing your talent and this is useful information for my grades 4&5 . Wow from a Music Dreamer to play one day in a Orchestra. From Little Paradise Belize .yours truly Nevia Elizabeth Chan

[@Dekyiful]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@RowdyLowdy]

So well done. Great respect for the masters.

[@GiuseppeVigliotti]

Never seen a video like this... You are a true MAESTRO!

[@Anndelegend]

I watched this in 2022, and it was still very refreshing.

[@edwardwatkins1028]

He is a great teacher to us the upcoming musicians

[@gonzalezjacob.conductor]

Great tips Maestro!

[@dosetti]

Something i have been wondering for years and years. Thank you Sir.

[@LondonMusicPsychology]

Brilliant upload thanks

[@shannonluster5083]

Very informative. This man seems very cool and I appreciate his insight into his art.

[@xiulanli]

good clear explanation; thank you

[@francoispremier3191]

Thank you for your short course on conducting, I wonder, when do the musician have the time to read their partition if they watch you constantly?

[@rhythmdivine9294]

Thanks very much sir for Sharing this Video

[@CrepitusRex]

Wow. Excellent. Thanks

[@marshalrodriguez4647]

What an excellent video. My comment line is not enough to describe what i learned. I am NOT a pro musician. I just love music. Let's get straight, people don't understand conductors. This video makes me his neighbor or rather a visitor. Thank you.

[@mofelicio]

Sir, you are great!

[@blowtheobstaclesawaykeepwa2355]

5th of Beethoven (gives me duckbumps. Great lesson. All kids should learn this while in school.

[@robbiedaug]

WOW! Thank you so much.

[@garig9790]

Great respect to these musicians for being so amazing and looking at the conductor. Any advice of looking at the conductor and not getting lost in the music, please?😅

[@emilyjanneysi]

GariGainza study the music until you don’t have it completely memorized, but to the point that when you hear the music you can figure out where that part is

[@suelaib2017]

Easy. Peripheral vision. Use it. Practice being able to read the music while seeing the conductor's beat in your peripheral vision. For entrances and cut-offs, actually be looking at him/her, or be glancing up. But know where you are on the page so you don't lose your place when you look back at your music.

[@conspiracycracker2053]

All Aboard! ... wait... wrong conductor.

[@karlahyatt2584]

That was awesome! Thank you

[@johnnyspousta3136]

What a man! :)

[@gracetejada-tagulob5980]

love to conduct an orchestra in our church, i pray we can have someday.

[@LuBiBochum]

Just wonderful !!

[@duckymomo7935]

it's like a journey fortissimo activates, oh no, piano activates, crescendo revealed itself!

[@liezelbhollands5663]

thank you so much for this... it really makes help of me...

[@xusdom]

One of the greatest unanswered questions ever - whats a conductor doing there - and why? Thank you very much for explaining this. So, in fact, it makes more sense to always "view" an orchestra (with conductor) instead of only listening (without conductor) to it...??

[@eddiebeato5546]

Maestro Gerard Schwarz, tons of thanks for this top-notch video.

[@deviritter5232]

My son performed with him and said he was a great conductor. He said Schwartz was very efficient and clear. “Be ready for anything,” he said and Joe said “So we were!” :)

[@sevenharrison9173]

7:14. I love the flubbery face

[@mdk_millenial]

Kudos to the video editor !

[@Tmanaz480]

Gerry is also a top-tier trumpet player.

[@sirknightjatv5134]

The orchestra already knows when conductors give clues with the hand. Meanwhile, when you are in a school band and no one knows how to even count!

[@sdaraei3641]

thank you very very much i don,t know how to explain but you are fantastic i,m wondering do you teach in pravet class ?

[@katrinat.3032]

He seems humble. He is brilliant. He knows how to teach

[@nancyvukovic2337]

Maestro, thank you for this very clear and helpful lesson. At university we were taught that the downbeat is always down, yet in practice this doesn't seem to be the case every time. Can I ask you please explain how you see this--do you think of the conducting 'pattern', do your hands 'bounce' upwards on the downbeat?

[@bigbenhebdomadarius6252]

***** The downbeat is the downward motion that indicates the first beat of a measure. When conducting, if the piece begins on the first beat of the measure, you always start with an upbeat, so that the ensemble can tell when the downbeat is coming. You might pause at the top of the upbeat and gather the ensemble together before commencing the downbeat, or you might launch directly into the downbeat, depending on the group, the piece, and the circumstances. In any case, as a matter of practical necessity, you do need to raise your hand in order to drop it. (If the piece begins on an upbeat, you adjust your hand motions accordingly.) As you can see from the score, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony begins sounding on the second note of the first measure, the downbeat being a rest. Since the downbeat in this case is silent, the first note played will take place while the conductor's hand is moving upward, which may give the impression of an "upward downbeat." But getting the rhythm right is important for the feel of the piece, because Beethoven does not want his first four notes in the rhythm "1-2-3-1," but rather in the rhythm "-and-2-and-1." You may find the difference to be subtle, but those are actually two quite distinct rhythms, and they have different effects on the audience's experience of the piece.

[@caterscarrots3407]

I have noticed with all conductors that if the passage is forte, they have wide open eyes as well as big movements and if the passage is piano, they sort of bounce and have their eyes closed.

[@erinwymer9112]

Thank you Gerard. I bet you are great to play for.

[@RussellKeatsRivas]

Great lesson in conducting. I hope to conduct orchestras to some degree in the future.

[@zm9126]

"Little subtle changes in my mtions" jumps around, flails arms, and cheeks wriggle