how does an orchestral conductor make a difference?

Question

The music is already written down the orchestra play what’s written, so what difference does the conductor make apart from the tempo?

In: Other

Answer 1

*>The music is already written down the orchestra play what’s written*

This is akin to saying, “the recipe is already written down, just cook what it says” but chefs of different experiences will come up with vastly different dishes.

Beyond the ability of the musicians themselves, a good conductor shapes the **interpretation** of the work, which is why other commenters have mentioned you should go hear a work like Beethoven Symphony 5 and compare the dozen-plus different recordings available on YouTube.