WHAT do a CONDUCTOR'S GESTURES Mean? | Conductor & Comedian Rainer Hersch

[@tinkertailor3680]

"Except the brass section" got me rolling on the floor. 😂🤣

[@monicarodrigues985]

But that's another story

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Ptthhhhbbb! 😒

[@herrneumrich6876]

Reminds me of another joke I've heard recently. There's a good drummer, a bad drummer, a trumpeter and a Clarinetist standing in each corner of a football field. You throw 100£ (or € or $, whatever you use) in the middle. Who gets the money first? Of course it's the bad drummer. Because there are no good drummers, the trumpeter doesn't move for just 100 bucks and the Clarinetist didn't understand the game.

[@barbaradyson6951]

Luv this man he makes music sound so easy and likeable.

[@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c]

are you saying music is not easy and likeable? (says the one who has been playing the violin for 13 years and is not even close to where he wants to be)

[@howimettheopera]

as a young conductor, I agree with everything except the money counting part due to the general lack of it XD Great video!

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Mea culpa. That IS a bit of artistic license. But, if you look closely, it's actually Monopoly money.

[@howimettheopera]

Rainer Hersch Fan Channel My apologies, I didn’t realise that. I DO have plenty of those plus several real estate properties.

[@ilfriner1287]

A question please, I’m thinking of starting to learn conducting, soo can you share how you started your classes and which music college you learnt it in Thank you

[@howimettheopera]

Drucian . D Drake I started at my local music university but had been studying piano for some years before that. So, if you are already playing an instrument, I would probably suggest to reach out to your teacher to connect you with someone or to your music school and find someone there; this could be good for a first approach and then you can move on to select somewhere more specific if you like it. If you are not playing any instruments yet, I would suggest doing that first; it’s very hard to jump straight to conducting. Hope this helps!

[@ZsomborZsombibi]

I guess that was irony.

[@stevenak115]

"everybody does it.

[@FQuintanaMarrero]

That Jacket!! A total icon!! If music would be taught in schools like the way this man does, we will have a better world. I’m sure. 😘

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Hey, thanks. Trying to make the world better, one video at a time.

[@SailorYuki]

I remember a Swedish tv program where celebrities were tasked to conduct the Radio Symphony Orchestra. It was absolute mayhem. Fly swatting deluxe!

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

They did it in the UK too.

[@robhendrikx2198]

...and like every halfway decent English TV idea, it was copied in the Netherlands.

[@ZsomborZsombibi]

I wouldn't be able to learn those beat guestures in my whole life. Fortunately there are conductors for conducting :)

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

It's not that hard. Look how many conductors there are. Mind you, a lot of them can't do it either.

[@Jemoja77]

Classical musician here, played in orchestras for about 20 years over my lifetime. This is the first time I have understood the whole gestures for the beat thing. I used to look for the downbeat and ignore the rest, but that's because I played second violin (which is the rhythm section of the violins). Love this!

[@rtoip1981]

Oh boy, when I was 12 my class went to see a concert of some classical renditions of our folk music. There was a small contest for audience to conduct the orchestra. I was one of the „volunteers” and I’ve failed miserably. This haunts me to this day, almost 30 years later. Wish I had seen this video then 🤣

[@Brave_Aviator]

I wish I could do that!

[@ki-td5yb]

Bless this gentleman's heart.

[@annakareninacamara6580]

I've been wondering this my entire life!! Now I'm waiting impatiently the next one

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Great. Really happy.

[@bobsmodelrailways]

When Leonard Bernstein can conduct with just his face, you know what a conductor is!!

[@robert_trumpeteer]

I love how he stands there counting monopoly money.

[@ramanoojdasbasu3097]

Love the way he explains stuff in a hilariously educational way. Makes me appreciate and lean more and more towards classical music. Mr. Hersch ... could you also put through a small video to teach how to read and write music? You know those nice little symbols in a set of 4 lines. I just don't want to use them as a background to my ZOOM calls but actually learn what those mean and represent. Internet tutorials are too boring. I am sure it will be much easier and interesting with Rainer Hersch touch :)

[@stevebirmingham9650]

Rainer you make understanding music so much easier, the way you explain what you do and how an orchestra works helps to understand the music better, classical music need not be complicated and by having an understanding of the mechanics make it just so much more pleasureable

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

I am really touched by that. Thanks very much.

[@c.s.i.inamerica2420]

Rainer, you're brilliant! I'm so happy that I found your channel recently. You make me smile every day!

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Wow, thank you!

[@RobertCardwell]

"Except everyone but the brass section" 🤣🤣🤣🎺

[@formulabravium1873]

Absolutely love your teaching style. Thank you

[@Dumbluck14]

I always wondered what they were actually doing. Now I know it is a very hard job!

[@tszhin814]

I have never seen someone conduct a piece with 5 or more beats. Learnt something today

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Fab. Now you know :-)

[@SplittingProductions]

I've never found 5/4 to be weird to count. Have I...have I always been....a weirdo? D:

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Oh gosh. Erm. This is really hard. But, now you've brought it up...

[@Greghouse]

I get that the conductor is keeping a rhythm but what gets me is that he always a bit ahead from everybody else. Can you imagine drummer drumming one rest ahead of everybody else? :-D

[@StuartDWright]

That was awesome. Perfect mix of education and entertainment which held my attention to the end. From a rock drummer with the attention span of a...

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Great. Thanks for this comment. Much appreciated.

[@jolo3118]

I have no clue why this channel was recommended to me, but it was recommended about an hour and a half ago and I can't stop watching! My family misses me 😂

[@markhealey3660]

I love your comedy and musical instruction. Some years ago I was playing tympani in a symphony and I found out after a few rehearsals, the orchestra was following me instead of the conductor because his time fluctuates too much.

[@MCRailRoader]

As a brass player, ouch. But fair enough...

[@aninaholbek]

After a wonderful classical concert some years ago, I heard a parent ask his little daughter how she liked the concert: Her comment: "the conductor is very pretty!" That is still my top favorite concert review!

[@JW-zc8mz]

You are awesome! My wife and I love watching your videos! Only disappointing thing is that you don't do any show in the US. To be honest I don't blame you... Kind of hard flying an entire orchestra over the Atlantic. That being said, if you do ever decide to forget your fear of flying and come over the US, we will be there! No questions asked.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

I have done some concerts in the US but too few. I hope to do more some day. Meantime, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c]

One of the funniest things in school orchestra was that, as it turned out, everyone was following me(solo violin) and not our teacher.

[@blakebowers3708]

Wow, so relatable. Solo violin gang unite.

[@MonoLith2049]

GodTheChaoticEvil Narcissist but who were you following?

[@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c]

@@MonoLith2049 what i thought the piece should be played like?

[@Amadea27]

@@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c 😂

[@IkatteiruPanda]

Thanks for enlightening me, I´ve always had curiosity about conductor's gestures but I'm busy playing Mario Kart and watching Impossible Mission films ;) and off course your videos! quite fun and instructive! thanks again and keep 'em coming.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

...and when you’re bored with those, Monopoly of course. I recently came into a load of £500 notes.

[@bruces12]

Very, very interesting...never knew what the gestures of the orchestra conductor meant...now it's more clear and I can watch them with a bit more confidence. Thank you.

[@NBT2469]

Thanks for the explanation, Mr. Hersch. This was very good. As someone who plays both the piano and keyboard, this was very helpful.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@NBT2469]

@@RainerHerschKZbin Thank you, sir!

[@kate2create738]

Never looked this up, but I've always been curious about a conductor's hand movements.

[@thebiglebowski9849]

For pop 5/4 - Living in the past by Jethto Tull 7/4 - Money by Pink Floyd (switches to Common time during the guitar solo) Switching between 4/4 and pretty much any other time signature (pick any song by Rush) Really enjoying your channel. Hope you make it back to Canada some time.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Cool. Thanks for these. Would love to come back to Canada too.

[@thebiglebowski9849]

Rainer Hersch Fan Channel my pleasure (I’m a rock drummer who was classically trained in clarinet, bass clarinet and alto sax).

[@sarai846]

So basically a conductor for an orchestra is like a drummer for a rock band. I don't understand anything in classical music and don't play any musical instruments but I really like your amusing and interesting videos. You answer questions that have arisen for me regarding the conductor's role in the orchestra. I hope one day I will see you at the concert. Stay safe.

[@brasschick4214]

sarai aviv There is a band joke. What do you call a drummer that loses one of his sticks- The conductor.

[@sarai846]

@@brasschick4214 Cool 😂

[@clairef.9908]

This is so educational and funny. Your teaching style is awesome and perfect for young musicians.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Glad you think so!

[@cassiflyn1575]

It's like a video game for the conductor. I am learning more now it's all making sense now.

[@Cristinact]

Wow, I had absolutely no clue at all! Thanks for enlightening me 😉

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

No worries!

[@DemonikDave]

I'm learning so much, and this amaze me... Thank you!

[@MomiAubrey]

Never thought there's 5 and up til I watched this. Very well explained. 😘

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Oh yes - goes well beyond 5. It goes up to what ever number you want, actually but, after 12, it would all go a bit crazy.

[@mryrius]

The blazer though...I love it

[@elbertderf803]

when the Conductor makes a sweeping motion from left to right, the gesture means who farted in the Winds Section? Oboe musicians are infamous for their flatulence and usually try to cover it up with a loud fart-like sound on their instrument. Toscanini is famous for throwing his baton at a farting lady cellist and almost blinded her.

[@WaddleQwacker]

My favorite five-beat is the Isengard's theme in The Lord of the Rings. brilliant!

[@JW-zc8mz]

My favorite is whenever u have rock music on with a background. too funny. keep up the good work sir. We love it

[@JW-zc8mz]

"not him" lol

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Thanks so much

[@quadshot-eventvideography3476]

I can't read music, can't play an instrument well. But I find your videos absolutely fascinating.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Well, that is really cool, thanks!

[@DennisRudin]

This video is just wonderful! Went looking for conducting, and you sure delivered what I wanted, and made me laugh at the same time (facilitates memorising). A big thumbs up 👍

[@Trygman81]

I often tap my feet or bob my head at classical concerts. I've noticed other members of the audience doing the same.

[@raumaduth]

i discovered Rainer Hersch by suggestion on you tube... one of the best suggestions ever. Love all the videos!

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@No-pm4ss]

2:30 the ticker rushing annoyed me more than it should have :’)

[@clairef.9908]

I love the thumbnail! 🤣

[@MissPickles1980]

I found myself unconsciously doing the 4-beats right along with you - in primary school (I was 3rd violin - you know, the odd notes that fill in the blanks after the melody and harmony!) all we played was in 4/4 time, so I am VERY familiar with our music teacher conducting like that - because we were 7 years old and very not professional and needed every beat.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Usually, third violin replaces the violas, which there generally aren’t any of in school orchestras. Glad it brought it all back. Hope they were, on the whole, good times.

[@MissPickles1980]

@@RainerHerschKZbinActually we had one viola in my primary school! She was called Rachel. I don't know what the instrument's name was. Yes, they were good times :-)

[@bentspoon6218]

Thank you Mr. Hersch for teaching us and entertaining us at the same time. A question - what would the orchestra sound like if a fly actually did start buzzing around the conductor's head?

[@siwjohansen9318]

Love the way you teach us about conducting 😁🤩😂

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Thanks!

[@KCFreitag]

This is EXACTly the kind of video that I needed!

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Great. Thanks for watching.

[@beckyboo5097]

If i could have my career life over again from the start I would throw myself into orchestral music or conducting 💝 i think you all do such a brilliant job 🙂 Thank you for the videos 😁 x

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@Roma-kp4qg]

This was very educational! I've never actually understood what musicians mean by 'phrasing' or 'expression', I'm looking forward to your video on that :D

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

More to come!

[@OmarTravelAdventures]

bravoooo...encore!!!!!!

[@WASpectrum]

This is incredibly entertaining. Quality stuff.

[@iain860]

I always thought conductors relied on alcohol and a woeful lack of sense of rhytm-method by their fathers..... 😅 Rainer, you are genius 😊

[@brujagranuja5860]

After seeing your videos, I´d like to become a conductor :)

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Wow. That is a compliment. Go for it!

[@heard3879]

Rainer Hersch, can you make a video to explain what makes rock music different from classical music? Someone once told me that classical music has 4 beats to a measure with the heavy accents on the 1st and 3rd beats, whereas rock music has 4 beats to a measure with the heavy accents on the 2nd and 4th beats. It never made sense to me because how would the listeners know what was written on the paper, as to which notes are the first note in each written measure. Watching this video has convinced me that person was wrong. By the way, I struggled with piano lessons as a child but never got very far. I barely survived Grade 1 in the John Thompson books if you’re familiar with those. So that’s my level of knowledge.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

I think/hope this video explains some of the differences between classical and rock. Rock has 4 beats to the bar a lot of the time (like 98% probably) whereas, as you see, classical uses a much greater range. I’m afraid your advisor was really quite wrong. Reggae, a subset of rock, has four beats to the bar with accents on 2 and 4. You ask how could someone what was on a piece of paper. The answer is that not much paperwork is involved in the composition of rock, reggae or any other popular style. It is all just felt by the musicians when they create the music. This might seem like a great mystery but actually it is super simple and, with a little bit of experience, the number of beats in the bar just pop out at you when you listen to a piece of music. Listen to a few waltzes and you will feel the 3 beats. Listen to a few marches and you will feel the 2. The fancy ones are just that plus a bit more experience. All the best.

[@lizleary101]

Love his jacket

[@gabovizcarra]

I was thinking of using this videos for my students... but this will help ME to study my 7, 9, 10 and 12 patterns LMAO. Also, I'll start doing spanish captions for this one (I wish KZbin could FINALLY approve the first one I translated)

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Great. Hope this helps! At least there is one video game in there this time :-). The translation is approved and up there.

[@gabovizcarra]

@@RainerHerschKZbin Yes! I kinda fangirled when I saw that Mario Kart 64 example haha! thank you so much! I'll start with the translation of this one tonight :)

[@cleodimalaluan6620]

The thumbnail made me go here But it was worth it

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Mwa ha ha ha. But glad you got sucked in.

[@luxinveritate3365]

I love that jacket!

[@ginnyjollykidd]

I had a conductor who beat 2 by rolling his baton in a circle, muddying the top beat and bottom beat into one mishmash of uncertainty.

[@Dukmysick]

thumbnail got me

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

First time I saw the conductors movements with beats above 5. And I have sung a lot of modern classical music in the 80ties. So: wasn't I watching?????

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Well, now you have seen 1-12. Don't know if you were watching or not. Did you find yourself still singing, after everyone else had stopped :-)

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

@@RainerHerschKZbin Never! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jeanmatlock370]

Very interesting.... as a musician myself I like your explanation......:o)

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Cool, thanks! Trying to make it clear and fun.

[@stephw6046]

...counting all the money he will be paid.... **counts Monopoly money** 😆

[@milk_man395]

As a percussionist, I got really good at recognizing the death stare when I messed up the beat

[@dannylam8272]

Okay, the thumb nail got me watching.

[@diechaoshueterin3186]

Thanks for your videos. :)

[@SearinoxNavras]

Thanks for the video thumbnail, now I want an episode of Mr. Bean where he winds up conducting for an orchestra and in his lack of knowledge, just gives them the finger. XD

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Haha. Can't see that happening. You see, I just know too much ;-)

[@forbiddenfursona]

that thumbnail though 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@noahpowell8676]

In my school orchestra I was asked to play mission impossible and I had never come across 5/4 before and completely embarrassed myself and as I was pianist I was behind the conductor and couldn't see his movements

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Been there. Done that. It's not that hard - notice how 5/4 is almost always divided up 3 + 2; less often 2 + 3. It can help you to think about it.

[@noahpowell8676]

@@RainerHerschKZbin Thank you I'll remember that for next time

[@bethhentges]

Yes, really all of the patterns are combos of 2 and/or 3.

[@lear1980]

I'm a singer, never played an instrument, but in high school the orchestra teacher/conductor just kind of bobbed his baton up and down. My mom had played clarinet in the marching band and cello in the orchestra when she was in school. When we did combined programs and the orchestra took the stage it drove her nuts trying to watch him. Luckily I was usually backstage. :-) Love the Monopoly money by the way.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Yeah, well, the bobbing up and down can be enough, if it's something straightforward with no changes and everyone is playing all the time - like a march or something. But a nightmare if anything fancy starts happening. // I think Monopoly money might be the way forward.

[@angelostropios]

Nice suit mate! Cheers!

[@bradmmay]

I played trumpet in high school and my conductor was always more concerned that my trumpet was cobalt blue and not my playing lol

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

I love that you get brass instruments like that. One guy in an orchestra I conducted in Germany recently had a red trombone.

[@bradmmay]

Rainer Hersch Fan Channel I had a buddy who had a red trumpet! We took a sectional photo with another friend who had a silver trumpet for a red, white, and blue cameo in the center, I miss playing in a big group like that, best memories I’ve ever made

[@heard3879]

Wow, I just learned a lot!

[@rhydianmann267]

I can now watch more of The Proms and actually spot where the time signature changes are. Instead of going "Was that a time change?" in my head. Better than figuring time signatures of metal bands which I've heard include 9/8 guitar solo.

[@davidcraft7342]

I enjoyed this one, though I was really hoping for what's now the second one in the series. After all, I figure I need to improve my conducting technique so that my home sound system can better follow my direction...

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

You and me both! But, try it, your home sound system will kind of follow you whatever you do.

[@captaincrazypants10]

Lovely .... Thank you 👍😂

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Welcome 😊

[@mostafa12890]

Everybody can count to two, right? Except for, maybe, the brass section but that’s another story. This guy gets it.

[@rachelwoods461]

Love it!!

[@leotrumpet]

this rude dude made the first joke about the abilitys of the brass section I´ve ever heard. Me as a semi professional trumpet player is used to make these about the violins or even better the violas. Now I have to think about my world view.

[@knutritter461]

Well... about the beats and the gestures: It is not uncommon that some instruments play off-beat or a musical piece begins up-beat. So e.g. in a 4/4 the 2 and the 4 can be really important as well. 😉

[@islamkamil5459]

Your explanation is great. Kinda like making an elephant fly

[@MrJdsenior]

DUH...composers emphasize the DOWN beat to make MEASURES easier to COUNT (yes, one of those was a triplet, It'll come to ya, work on it a time or two). A KISS feature. Wasn't that just splendid of them? Your vids are always worth a watch, maybe not a clock, but definitely a watch. Mission Impossible?....really?....BRUBECK!!!...OK, not orchestral, but the WORTH!

[@anhthiensaigon]

can't believe I can't escape smoke on the water even in a non-guitar channel

[@Dirk-Ulowetz]

You can see the 7/4 in the song "music" too.

[@Graham_Hand]

He wouldn’t look out of place at Hogwarts

[@otterfox488]

XD

[@linafinsterwald8726]

This needs more likes

[@devontodd3512]

My conductor once made us play a piece in 7/12 time for three pages. It was a living hell

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

The conductor showing how you do the rite of spring is Jaap van Zweden. Very Important Fact!

[@yengsabio5315]

I don't remember unsubscribing this channel! Why was I unsubscribed? Grrr...!

[@kathychenyinggao4519]

5:46 Jaap van Zweden!!!

[@alubto]

Great video, I hope you can turn down sound effects a bit though.

[@RainerHerschYouTube]

Glad you like. Hope the sound effects aren’t too distracting.

[@railenthusiast88]

Serenade is in 11 and a few others for fun! Found that easier than Mission Impossible in 5.

[@narvia7872]

Sometimes Coductors reminds me of traffic cops just for instruments.

[@rdhunkins]

I-Gor Stravinsky. I see what you did there, Fronkensteen.