Choral Concepts: A Text for Conductors

Rating:
Summary: Easily the best choral techniques text to date.
Review: Don Neuen details almost everything any conductor needs to know about dealing with singers. From latin pronunciation to rehearsal planning to tone production to ensemble seating arrangements, this text absolutely has it all, including the most to-the-point discussion of physical conducting technique I've ever heard or read.

Neuen presents not only techniques and concepts, but a philosophy of conducting that he's refined over his long and illustrious career. After taking three conducting classes with him and recently playing Benjamin Britten's War Requiem (Bass and Eb clarinets) under him, I can honestly say that his conducting technique is crystal clear, yet extraordinarily emotive, his rehearsal style is fast and efficient, and his knowledge of the score is profound.

The book is logically ordered, clearly illustrated, and passionate about its subject - a refreshing break from texts more concerned with being steeped in academea than with helping students quickly grasp difficult concepts.

It doesn't matter if you're working with a band, orchestra, chamber ensemble, or choir - if you're going to conduct, do yourself (and your ensemble) a favor - read this book.