Excerpt from Ignor Stravinsky Essay

In this passage, Stravinsky discusses orchestra conductors, making observations and conclusions concerning their true necessity. He seemingly has c arfully studied conductors demeanour and effectively conveys his view to the reader. To present his point of view clearly, Stravinsky makes use of diction, satirical statements, and comparisons.Stravinsky manipulates his diction throughout the passage. He often uses quotations to place emphasis on authoritative words. His placement of quotes around the words great and style encourage the reader to look into the word for added meaning. throughout, Stravinskys overall diction and statements seem rather flush and bold. He does not hesitate to present his feelings about the subject. For instance, he boldly states that the incidence of self-importance disease is naturally high to begin with. In doing so he presents the reader with the feeling of confidence. In turn, the reader doesnt question Stravinskys overall knowledge of the subject m atter. Also this creates a sense of informality. Throughout the passage, it seems as though Stravinsky is simply conversing with his audience. He uses parentheses and dashes within statements to create somewhat of an aside with the reader as in lines 9 and 31-34. Using this technique makes the reader feel more comfortable and indeed better relate to the ideas being presented.Stravinsky also employs satire to attack the necessity of conductors in orchestras. Opening, Stravinsky states that conductors careers are not aquiline on music ability, but on the society women (including critics). Through this statement, Stravinsky communicates that a career dependent on the ideas of women contradicts a career in music. Continuing, he speaks of ego as a natural trait in all men, and as an uncontrollable disease. In this, Stravinsky attacks how the conductors are merely concerned with their status rather than the type of the music they render.The quotations around the words great and style a lso serve to create a satirical emphasis on the words accompanying connotations. For instance, conductors are often revered as great but for various reasons. According to Stravinsky, this status is not acquired through the creation of great music, but through making the former seem to be true. Also the conductors style,according to Stravinsky, is not a genuine technique in conducting, but merely a series of fabricated gestures that make them unique from other conductors.Several comparisons to conducting also serve to express Stravinskys overall point of view and desired message. First, he relates conducting directly to politics. He regards conducting as more for the making of careers and exploiting personalities. Conductors must manipulate people just as politicians do they must be a have it off angler. Through the manifestation of the relationship between politics and conducting, Stravinsky depicts conducting as a dishonest and manipulative affair. Stravinsky then speaks of conduc tors ego and relates it to a disease, a disease that grows bid a tropical weed under the sun of a pandering public.This comparison demonstrates how conductors egos control their actions and provide the social faade of greatness. Stravinsky relates conductors to actors as well. He mentions that conductors must playing period a role to appear great. Also expressed in the passage is that most audiences know very little about the music being performed, therefore allowing the conductor to merely show the audience how to feel and react.In conclusion, Stravinsky attacks the actual necessity and overall role of orchestra conductors. Throughout he effectively uses distinct rhetorical devices and language and, in turn, successfully conveys his inclusive perception of them.