EXTRA-VOCAL SOUND AND CONDUCTING GESTURE IN CLOUDBURST: A CONDUCTING ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/JISTM.1142023Keywords:
Cloudburst, Choral Conducting, Eric Whitacre, Extra-Voice SoundAbstract
This paper aims to analyse the conducting gestures and techniques required to realise extra-vocal sound in Cloudburst, a widely performed work by Eric Whitacre in the contemporary choral repertoire. Rather than relying solely on pitched singing, Cloudburst incorporates air sounds, body percussion, indeterminate vocal noise, and spatialised sound actions to evoke natural phenomena such as wind, rain, and thunder. Using a conducting-analytical perspective, this study examines how these sound-generating actions function structurally and expressively and how conductors translate them into coherent musical outcomes through gesture design and rehearsal practice. The study employs three phases of inquiry: score analysis, rehearsal-based observation, and conducting reflection. Particular attention is given to conducting gestures, dynamic control, rhythmic coordination, and spatial organisation in rehearsal and performance contexts. The findings suggest that the integration of extra-vocal sound significantly expands choral expressivity while placing increased demands on the conductor’s physical communication, rehearsal planning, and interpretative decision-making. The study contributes practical conducting strategies grounded in professional practice, this paper offers pedagogical insights into contemporary choral conducting and performance practice.
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References
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