On Conducting (Üeber Das Dirigiren) : A Treatise on Style in the Execution of Classical Music
Written by Richard Wagner
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in On Conducting (Üeber Das Dirigiren) : A Treatise on Style in the Execution of Classical Music, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- advanced
- Analytical
- Critical
- Didactic
Richard Wagner's "On Conducting (Üeber Das Dirigiren)" is a seminal musicological treatise from the late 19th century, serving as a passionate critique of contemporary conducting practices in Germany and a prescriptive guide for the artistic execution of classical music. Wagner, a prominent composer and conductor himself, argues against the prevalent mechanical and routine approaches to orchestral performance, advocating instead for a deeply informed, expressive, and interpretive role for the conductor. He emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding the composer's true intentions and the inherent 'Melos' (melodic flow) of a piece, particularly in the works of masters like Beethoven and Mozart. The treatise calls for fundamental reforms in musical education and practice to elevate orchestral performance from mere technical display to a profound artistic experience, driven by a conductor's nuanced understanding of style, tempo, and expression.
“The whole duty of a conductor is comprised in his ability always to indicate the right tempo.”
Key themes
- Authentic Interpretation vs. Mechanical Execution
- This is the central conflict Wagner addresses. He vehemently argues against the prevalent mechanical, uninspired execution of classical scores, which he attributes to conductors who merely follow notation without understanding the music's inner spirit. He advocates for an authentic interpretation rooted in a deep understanding of the composer's intentions, style, and the inherent 'Melos' of the work, allowing for expressive flexibility rather than rigid adherence to metronomic marks.
- The Conductor's Role and Responsibility
- Wagner defines the conductor's role as far more than a mere time-keeper. He sees the conductor as the ultimate artistic leader, responsible for bringing a score to life, understanding the composer's will, and inspiring the orchestra to communicate the music's emotional and intellectual content. This requires not only technical skill but also profound musical insight, a deep knowledge of the repertoire, and an intuitive grasp of style and expression.
- Reverence for Classical Masters
- Underlying Wagner's critique is a profound reverence for the works of classical masters like Beethoven and Mozart. He views the prevalent poor conducting practices as a betrayal of these composers' genius, arguing that their works are often misrepresented and diminished by superficial performances. His treatise is, in part, a call to restore the dignity and authentic expression of these foundational works.
Worth discussing
To what extent are Wagner's critiques of 19th-century conducting still relevant to modern orchestral performance?
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