Performing Twentieth-Century Music: A Handbook for Conductors and Instrumentalists

Abstract

Even most accomplished musicians are often defeated by demands of modern repertory. Yet until now, no practical manual has addressed performance problems specific to twentieth-century music. This concise, straightforward handbook by renowned conductor and instrumentalist Arthur Weisberg will guide performers and conductors in negotiating diverse paths taken by composers in this century. Most of difficulties particular to modern music center around rhythm and counting. Performers must perfect accurate, fluent reading of complex rhythms. Conductors must not only understand rhythmic problems they encounter but also be able to teach players how to perform them. Composers themselves need to know how best to notate their rhythmic ideas. Bearing these demands in mind, Weisberg clearly explains new rhythmic complexities and provides exercises for mastering them. Weisberg demonstrates techniques--including educated faking and the common sense rule-for performing irregular meters, complex polyrhythms (such as seven against four), and metric modulations. He also discusses baton technique, score preparation, electronic aids for synchronized playing, and tension between flow and accuracy. Weisberg's examples are drawn chiefly from works by Hindemith, Stravinsky, Webern, Ives, Carter, and Boulez, but he also uses examples from Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to show how devices generally regarded as modern are in fact rooted in earlier practices.

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