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A Leader is Made

Ben Gernon explores how the instrument a conductor plays influences their technique. And what happens when ensembles decide to work without a conductor?

When does an agile, collaborative chamber ensemble become an orchestra on the run, charging for the finish line? There’s no doubt that the best orchestras can play without a conductor, but where do they find the spontaneity, fire and focus when the podium is empty? Ben explores the possibilities and pitfalls that are created by ensembles who work without a conductor.

As a tuba player himself, Ben also considers how a conductor’s chosen instrument influences their style on the podium and their understanding of the score.

Respighi: The Birds P 154, 5th movement - The Cuckoo
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg no 3, BWV 1048: 1st movement
Academy of Ancient Music, Richard Egarr (conductor)

Praise the Lord (from Black Christ of the Andes)
Mary Lou Williams (piano and vocal) & band

Britten: Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge (extract)
Ostobothnian Chamber Orchestra, Sakari Oramo (conductor)
Alba ABCD387 tr 4-7

Beethoven: Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor, 3rd movement
Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)

Barber: Knoxville
London Symphony Orchestra

Schumann: Symphony no 1, 1st movement
Spira Mirabilis

Jose Carli: Fuga y misterio
The 12 cellists of the Berlin Philharmoniker

Produced by Freya Hellier
An Overcoat Media production

59 minutes

Last on

Sun 19 Mar 2023 23:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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An Orchestra's True Colours

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Music Played

  • Georgs PelΔ“cis

    Meeting with a Friend

    Performer: Gidon Kremer. Ensemble: Kremerata Baltica.

  • Ottorino Respighi

    The Cuckoo (The Birds)

    Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Brandenburg Concerto no.3 in G major, BWV.1048 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Richard Egarr. Ensemble: Academy of Ancient Music.

  • Mary Lou Williams

    Praise the Lord (Black Christ of the Andes)

    Performer: Mary Lou Williams.

  • Benjamin Britten

    Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge

    Orchestra: Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Sakari Oramo.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Piano Concerto no.3 in C minor (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Leif Ove Andsnes. Orchestra: Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

  • GΓ©rard Grisey

    Berceuse

    Singer: Barbara Hannigan. Ensemble: Ludwig Ensemble.

  • Astor Piazzolla

    Fuga y misterio (Maria de Buenos Aires)

    Ensemble: The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic.

  • Johannes Brahms

    Concerto in A minor for violin & cello, Op.102 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Joshua Bell. Performer: Steven Isserlis. Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Broadcast

  • Sun 19 Mar 2023 23:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3