“The best conductors don’t need to say much to an orchestra. They can show it.
One of the best at this was Maestro Svetlanov.
I worked with him when I had just joined the Philharmonia Orchestra. We were rehearsing Mahler’s 5th symphony.
He walked onto the Royal Festival Hall stage, sat in his stool, turned to the principal trumpet and said, “play”.
Nothing else was said. Everything was shown through his facial expressions and the baton. The way the orchestra reacted was incredible.
I will never forget that rehearsal.
Amazing……. “

Graham Mitchell
Double Bass section of the Philharmonia (London)