Conducting Observation Report 3

By Chow Lap Yin (Student ID: 14683474) BMS 4 (4-yr)

This report is written based on the rehearsal of Robert Shaw Festival Chorus and

Robert Shaw Institute Singers of the Ohio State University in Youtube, which is

recorded on 30 April, 2016. The rehearsal was preparing for the Berliozs Requiem

performance in Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium. The conductor is Robert

Shaw.

Robert Shaw concerned a lot on the rhythm of the choir. He would asked the choir to

sing the beat. He would polished the dynamic of a small passage too. Besides, he

focused a lot on the sound of the choir. He always asked the choir to imagine to sound

of instruments. For example, he asked the choir to think of how marcato the timpani

can be and sing like them. To polish to sound quality, he would asked the choir to sing

Do instead of just singing. It helps a lot in improving the tone colour of the choir.

Robert Shaw focused a lot on details too. In the rehearsal, he pointed out that the pitch

of the choir should be perfect. Although it is demanding and harsh to the choir, it can

encourage the choir to contribute more and do better. He also concerned whether the

choir sustain or not. For example, he would tell the choir to keep the quality of

darkness. Moreover, he changed the setting of the choir. Instead of the concert

formation, he asked the choir to face each other. The aim of this setting is to let the

choir have more chance to hear more parts and coordinate better, which is difficult to

be achieved in the concert formation. I think this setting help providing a unique

experience to the choir too.

Regarding Robert Shaws gesture, he adjust his gesture according to the musical

direction. For example, when the music is flowing, he used a pushing gesture to

encourage the choir to flow more and it is very effective. Besides, he make good use

of his arms. When there is a crescendo, he used much more arms to express the

sudden dynamic change. It is clearer and helps a lot in terms of projection.

Regarding language Robert Shaw used in rehearsal, his main character is firm. When

there is rhythmic problem or the choir cannot keep the tone quality, he immediately

said No. and stop the choir from singing. Although it is harsh, but he did not say so

rudely and it is believed that the choir understand the aim of Robert Shaw behind this

action. He always spoke not more than 30 seconds, which is effective enough to bring

out his message. And his tone is very firm and arousing with strong spirit. Apart from

that, he appreciated the choir when the choir perform well. For example, he said

Thats lovely. I think this can encourage the choir in a great degree. From the above,

we can notice that Robert Shaws language has two sides, the harsh side and the

appreciative side. He make use of this two side with great flexibility and avoid any

impoliteness or rudeness.

As a violist, this rehearsal is a good reference for me to know more about choral

conducting, especially musical requirements and practice methods. Robert Shaw is a

humble conductor and I notice the choir members were willing to follow his

instruction. He shows that a success conductor need to be aware of what he speaks at

any during rehearsal. It should be subjective with no personal emotion. I think the

appreciation he made helps a lot. I also notice he handle the requiem in serious

manner by polishing many spots in details, which is a suitable attitude when making
music.