Evoking Sound: Fundamentals of Choral Conducting and Rehearsing (Item #4257)

Rating:
Summary: Overview of the Book
Review: Evoking Sound was written as a book to introduce conductors to the basics of conducting choirs. Written by a faculty member at Westminster Choir College, the book discusses(1) The profound effects of gesture upon sound, (2) the effect of the conductors breath on the sound, (3) basic conducting patterns and their adaptations to obtain optimal singing, (development of rhythm skills in the conductor, (4) development of movement skills within the conductor using Laban movement, (4) the use of Alexander Technique in conducting and (5) the importance of spiritual and psychological issues in conducting. The book also contains music for study. The third section of the text also provides an overview of rehearsal technique. The book contains over 100 quotes concerning conducting and the art of making music.

Rating:
Summary: A return to the basics of the conducting art
Review: The ability of going beyond patterns and conducting technique is what matters the most for a conductor. Though books dedicated to conducting techniques are mandatory for studying the discipline, a conductor definitely needs to be concerned with the close relationship between choral sound and physical gesture. The most difficult duty for conductors is the ability to express themselves through gestures and other human elements to their best, in such a way that the singers be able to react spontaneously and honestly. For that, it is imperative for both the conductor and the singers that they master the technique of being, reacting, conducting, and singing in a natural way. As a consequence, the physical approach is defining. The way a conductor feels, breathes, reacts, and knows a choral work is reflected in his or her gestures and face. From there, these aspects will be reflected in the way singers respond to a conductor's gestures and suggestions. The closeness of the conductor - choir mental and psychological relationship must be so intense that it has the ability to anticipate any unsuitable performing 'slips.'
To write his remarkable book about conducting choral sound, Jordan masterfully combined research with his background inherited from his gifted teachers, as well as with the experience he gained while working with students at Westminster and Chapel Choirs he conducted.
Evoking Sound is structured in three parts: 'Building a Relationship of Gesture to Sound,' 'Literature for Study and Self-Evaluation,' and 'A Primer for Rehearsal Technique.' The book also comprises two Appendices, Bibliography, and Suggested List for Further Reading, as well as an Index of Quoted Persons and a Topical Index. Each part defines through several chapters the main aspects of breathing and muscle relaxation (Alexander Technique), self-observation (of the Laban Effort Elements), consistent tempo, the anticipatory position, gestural vocabulary, music aptitude, preparing the score, literature for study and self-evaluation, to name only a few of them. In the second part, after a thorough explanation of all the above concepts, one can find a broad list of musical examples with practical suggestions and charts. The last part discusses elements of choral sound producing as well as pronunciation and diction issues, and provides a final table in which Jordan summarizes rehearsal technique issues.
Though the literary style of this book is accessible through the use of common language, the depth of Jordan's analysis and the details he provides make Evoking Sound a method book for professionals and people interested in this subject matter. However, the author tries to ease the 'heavy academic' approach by citing many opinions of famous artists at the beginning of each chapter. Also, he is very organized, the structure of each of his chapters following a specific order, i.e. definitions, applications, drawings (if necessary), musical examples, and ending with practical exercises.
In conclusion, James Jordan's Evoking Sound returns to the basics of the conducting art by pointing out the importance of achieving the ability to inspire those being conducted even before one can conduct. The cover of the book optimistically states its goal: "You'll come away from Evoking Sound feeling a renewed sense of the totality of the conducting endeavor, as well as a grasp of how to better undertake it to evoke sound from many, unique human instruments." Consequently, I consider this book worth having in any conductor's personal library or even better, on the study desk.

Rating:
Summary: A complete waste of time!
Review: The author talks in circles and never says much that is useful. Most of the material that IS useful is stolen from other writers. You are better off reading one of the standard conducting texts. This book is a waste of your time.

Rating:
Summary: Ground Breaking
Review: This book is NOT a re-ordering of previously published information found in the myriad of conducting texts available. Quite the contrary, Jordan addresses some of the most important issues that face the conductor but are rarely, if ever, discussed, but tend to have the most dramatic impact on their success. As a conductor and teacher of conducting for over 15 years, I will adopt this text as the core material for my future conducting classes. Jordan has been able to put into words the very things that I have been trying to teach, offering concrete excercises along with the philosophical discussion. This book will make the learning process so much easier and systematic for my students. Way to go James Jordan! I get it!