Is a conductor's work done mostly in rehearsal?

When I go to hear classical music, it seems to me that some of the members of the symphony pay more attention to the conductor than others. Definitely, the conductor seems to have a leadership role up there, but the musicians seem to be looking at and following their written music more than the conductor. I'm wondering if the musicians have internalized what the conductor wants from rehearsal and don't really need him or her as much for the Big Show? If a guest conductor comes in, it seems there would be limited rehearsal time (maybe a couple days?)... these musicians must be good! :-) (They don't call them pros for nothing!)

Is a conductor's work done mostly in rehearsal?getting late

It depends on the conductor. Each one has a different style and approach. It also depends on the kind of music: opera will demand nearly 90% in rehearsals because you have to put together and give your view-point to quite a number of people. Playing a Bruckner symphony of over 1 hr. in length with 120 players will require more than 3 by Mozart covering altogether the same lapse with 35 players. A conductor like Toscanini was extremely meticulous and demanding in rehearsals. Another like Maazel (curiously one of his pupils) gets to the performance with no more than 2-3 runs whatever the piece, assuming that he has to give his general view without having to check if he was undestood. Some conductors were real experts of most of the instruments like Boehm, some didn't care for details but only focused on the overall picture, and they did get there! (I'm saying Furtwaengler, nothing less). Some are people of wide culture like Claudio Abbado, some are pure raw talents like Celibidache. Some will have a gentle gesture like Klemperer, some will dance and jump like Bernstein. Some will shout like Veigh others will ask please like Ormandy. There is no single way to perfection.

Is a conductor's work done mostly in rehearsal?regal theater opera theater

To a certain extent, yes. However, a conductor's job is not complete until the performance is over. One thing you may not be aware of, is that many of those musicians who appear to be "not paying attention" to the conductor, are able to move just their eyes back and forth between their music and the conductor. That is why musicians in an orchestra are seated the way they are -- so that they can all SEE the conductor. In addition, peripheral vision plays a role here in that you can detect the movement of arms, hands, and baton. Another consideration is that particular sections of compositions demand more attention to the conductor than others, especially if there is a change in, for example, time signature. Soloists need to be cued, entire sections need "volume" control cues, etc. All in all, there is a lot more than meets the eye!

And you are right about the demand for "good musicians." The same is true for conductors. They are ALL pros!

Good question!

Kabum