The end of the year is a time for celebration, and a popular way that people do this is through music. Around the holidays, concert venues come to life with orchestras performing renowned classical pieces. At the center of these performances, you will usually find one person: the conductor. 

The conductor is the leader in an orchestra, and as the leader, it is their job to coordinate the musicians. The conductor stands on a podium in front of the orchestra and gestures with their arms and body to guide the orchestra through complex musical pieces. 

Orchestral music emerged in Europe during the 1600s, but at first, it did not require conductors. Instead, orchestras were originally led by musicians, typically lead violinists. They would use their bows to make a tapping sound for the other musicians to follow. 

However, this practice was not very efficient, and during quieter moments, it was distracting for the audience. Thus, as orchestras started to expand, they needed a new kind of leader, and conducting eventually became its very own role. 

Instead of tapping or making other noises, conductors use their body movements to tell the musicians how to play. In the 19th century, they started wielding batons to indicate rhythm and tempo. It enabled conductors to communicate effectively with large numbers of musicians without making distracting sounds.

Today, conductors are crucial to the success of their orchestras. Outside of actual concerts, they are also responsible for planning all of the performances, and they work closely with musicians to achieve the best result. Some conductors become highly respected in the classical world and are distinguished as maestros for their incredible talent. 

 

For Discussion: In an orchestra, would you rather be a conductor or a musician?

 

conductor 지휘자  / celebration 축하, 기념  / venue 장소 / come to life 활기를 띠다  / renowned 명성 있는 / coordinate 움직임을 조정하다 / podium 지휘대 / emerge 나타나다 / bow (현악기의) 활 / efficient 효율적인 / distracting 주의를 산만하게 하는/ expand 확대되다/ eventually 결국 / one’s very own role 바로 자신만의 역할 / wield 휘두르다 / baton 지휘봉 / indicate 나타내다 / enable A to A가 ~하게 하다 / crucial 매우 중요한 / closely 긴밀히 / achieve 이뤄내다 / distinguished 유명한 / maestro (음악계의) 거장, 마에스트로 / incredible 놀라운