Leonard Bernstein explains beautifully and eloquently exactly what a conductor does

17 May 2016, 12:07 | Updated: 17 May 2016, 16:25

bernstein explains conducting

Who better than one of the greatest conductors of all time to explain exactly what it is they do?

Using Beethoven as his example, Leonard Bernstein here explains exactly what’s important about conducting: tempo, instinct, drama, interpretation - and occasionally disobeying the composer’s wishes…

We’re interested in the first 12 minutes or so. Much of it is a fictional argument between Bernstein and a disembodied voice. This is undoubtedly the finest moment:

Love you Lenny.

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