The orchestra glanced at their music, Song of the Volga Boatmen, scored for wind instruments and percussion, poised their instruments, as their eyes turned on the conductor. His baton twitched.

Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance, such as an orchestral or choral concert. The primary duties of the conductor are to set the tempo, ensure correct entries by various members ...

Use the tabs below to find out about each section of the orchestra, watch video clips, and read interviews with musicians. Who's that waving their hands at the front? A conductor does a lot more ...

The conductor: Stravinsky’s protégé Robert Craft, at 35 one of the world’s leading interpreters of avant-garde music. First performed in Venice last fall (TIME, Oct. 6). Threni is a 33 ...