Western Classicism and Western Art Music Conducting in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Western conducting involves the use of diverse forms of body language to direct ensembles. Although conducting originated in the Middle Ages, its standardization in eighteenth-century classical Europe has left observable classical principles that now define the art, even in twenty-first century southern Nigeria where Western conducting is utilized to direct Western art music. Although the use of Western conducting to direct European art music predates the twenty-first century, how Western conducting reflects classicism and its spirits has not engrossed adequate scholarly discourse, especially in Southern Nigeria. This paper engages non-participant observation of select Western art music conductors in Southern Nigeria to descriptively discuss Western classicism and Western art music conducting in Southern Nigeria. Findings indicate the intersection of Western classicism and Western art music conducting, as well as how adherence to the principles of Western classicism produces 'stringent' conducting in the region. These underscore the intercourse between Western conducting and Western classicism. Thus, Western art music conducting in Southern Nigeria should be conceived in tandem with the principles of Western classicism which it reflects.