Conductor paragraph

Some people have a talent for making themselves appear more qualified than they actually are. From singers to athletes, some people make their living by making it appear that they have talent. Igor Stravinsky criticized orchestra conductors for their lack of musical skill. Stravinsky demonstrates his displeasure towards orchestral conductors through his use of diction and details.

Stravinsky dislikes orchestra conductors because of his detail-oriented approach. As an example, Stravinsky starts his tirade saying “Conducting and politics are both roles that rarely attract original minds”. Stravinsky uses conducting as an example of politics. Both roles are characterized by a greater focus on appearance than innovation or significance. Stravinsky says that conducting is a role where innovation and major change are not possible. Stravinsky also states that “great” conductors are like great actors who cannot play anything other than themselves. Composers are like actors who pretend to be musicians, but lack the actual musical ability. In order to appear more important, conductors must be competent in music. Stravinsky says that conductors, who are unable to adapt to their own work, adapt it to their “style”, their mannerisms. Composers, who lack musical talent and are unable to conduct music in a “style”, act as they please. Stravinsky’s contempt towards conductors is evident in this passage. Stravinsky, through his diction, criticizes orchestral conductors. Stravinsky argues that a successful conductor could be an unfinished musician but also a good angler. This analogy to fishing implies that conductors perform better when it comes to attracting an audience. This suggests that conductors do not compensate by improving their musical skills, but rather by convincing the audience they are better musicians. Stravinsky calls the job of orchestra conducting an “ego-disease”. The orchestra conductor’s job, which Stravinsky calls an “ego disease”, affects everyone who comes into contact with it. This includes the conductors, who may believe they are more important that they actually are, and the audience. As the “ego disease” spreads, the idea of orchestra conductors becoming important is propagated. Stravinsky describes orchestra conductors as “egotistical and false authority”. Stravinsky’s strong language confirms his conclusion that conductors don’t act on their musical talents, but are instead driven by ego. Stravinsky concludes the conductors are egotistical by calling them false, arbitrary and irrational. They only exist to make the conductor look important. Stravinsky uses diction to express his hatred of conductors.

Stravinsky’s frustration is shown through his diction and detail. He feels that conductors are more talented than they really are. Stravinsky has a tendency to be overshadowed as a conductor, or even by performers. In the absence of any musical talent himself, the conductor will rework the music by composers such as Stravinsky in order to fit with his desired style. This is how he gets the most credit. But in the field of conductors, it does not always mean that they are talented. Stravinsky advised that if you can’t hear the music, you shouldn’t go to a concert.