re: Are orchestral conductors full of shite?

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Are orchestral conductors full of shite?

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Some may be. But 90% of what a conductor does happens in rehearsal. Go check out an orchestra rehearsal and watch what goes on.

If the musicians aren't always looking it can be a factor of a few things. First, they are well rehearsed. The conductor has rehearsed them at the desired tempo. Problem spots worked out. Second, sometimes musicians are more following other musicians. There are key people in the orchestra (the concert master, the principals etc.), other players in that section may be following that person. The conductor is the general, the concertmaster is the colonel and the principals are captains. Each will guide their sections. Third, the musicians don't need to watch all the time if they are well rehearsed and know the piece. They will watch for tempo changes, entrances and any part that needs special attention. The conductor guides the orchestra in a less knee jerk reflexive way and more like a guiding a balloon. If the orchestra needs to slow down i=or speed up, it can be difficult to get them all to follow immediately. It often takes a little bit of time. Trust me, it can be like moving a massive object.