Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors.

The quote " Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors" by Leonard Bernstein highlights the integral relationship between technique and communication in music, particularly for conductors. Bernstein, a renowned conductor and composer, suggests that a conductor's technique—which includes their mastery of musical gestures, timing, and expression—is not just about technical skill but also about conveying emotions and ideas to the orchestra. In this context, technique becomes a form of communication, allowing the conductor to guide the musicians and share the vision of the music with them.

For conductors, technique refers to the specific gestures and methods they use to guide and shape a performance. However, Bernstein argues that technique goes beyond mechanical precision; it is an essential way of expressing and conveying ideas. A conductor's ability to communicate through their technique—whether through hand movements, facial expressions, or posture—allows them to convey nuances of the music to the orchestra, ensuring that the musicians interpret the score in a cohesive and expressive way.

The idea of technique and communication being synonymous in conductors suggests that every action a conductor takes has a communicative purpose. Whether it's conveying a change in tempo or signaling a shift in dynamics, the conductor's technique serves as the primary means of communication between them and the musicians. This highlights the vital role of communication in making the orchestra function as a unified entity, where each musician must be in sync with the conductor's cues.

Ultimately, Leonard Bernstein's quote underscores the profound connection between technique and communication in music. For conductors, their technique is not just about precision or execution—it is about expressing and sharing the essence of the music with their orchestra, making these two concepts inseparable in the world of conducting.