During the recent COMFESA North West International Symposium, Xander Kritzinger shared expert choral conducting techniques with conductor Lucky Moris and the North West Symposium Choir. As Managing Director of the Cape Choral Academy and an alumnus of the Drakensberg Boys Choir, Kritzinger is well-renowned for his profound influence on choral music. But this session wasn’t just about conducting; it was an exploration of how a conductor can connect deeply with choir members to elevate their collective performance. Let’s recap on some of the techniques Kritzinger shared.
Enhancing Choir Performance with Expert Choral Conducting Techniques
1. Grounding in Nature
Kritzinger emphasized the importance of conductors and choristers being grounded, much like the mountains from which he draws inspiration. Embrace your natural roots to enhance performance and connectivity within the choir.
2. Space and Energy
Creating physical space between choristers can enhance vocal energy and cohesion. This approach, based on the latest research, suggests that spatial freedom can contribute to a choir’s overall sound quality.
3. Consonants and Vowels
Treat consonants as sacred – they provide crispness and clarity to choral pieces, whereas vowels carry the melody and emotion, demanding careful, open articulation for full effect.
4. The Breath is the Conductor
A conductor’s own breathing sets the tempo and mood for the choir. Effective breathing is not just a technical skill but a way to communicate intention and emotion.
5. Gestures and Energy
Conducting gestures should be fluid and meaningful, avoiding rigidity. These movements guide the choir not just in volume and tempo but in the emotional depth of the performance.
6. The Choir Reflects the Conductor
A conductor’s demeanor directly influences the choir’s performance. Confidence, focus, and emotional engagement from the conductor encourage similar qualities in the choir.
7. Music First, Technique Second
While technical proficiency is crucial, Kritzinger advocates for putting the soul of the music first. The goal is to move and engage the audience, not just to showcase technical skills.
8. Engaging with the Text
Understanding and conveying the text’s emotional and thematic content is key. Choral music is a storytelling medium where each piece has a unique message and mood to communicate.
9. Individuality in Unity
Each voice in the choir is unique and should be celebrated. Encouraging individuality within the cohesive sound of the choir enriches the overall performance.
10. Physicality and Vocal Support
A singer’s posture and physicality directly impact their vocal production. Conductors should encourage singers to engage their whole bodies, ensuring a supported, vibrant sound.
As we reflect on these tips from Xander Kritzinger’s Choral Conducting Masterclass, it’s clear that they offer much more than guidance for choral conductors. They represent a holistic approach to music-making, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and emotional expression in choral performance. Kritzinger’s insights remind us that music, at its core, is a human endeavor—one that requires not just technical skill but also a deep understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through these principles, conductors and choristers alike are encouraged to explore the depths of their artistry, to find their unique voice within the ensemble, and to share the transformative power of choral music with audiences everywhere.
