What is the primary role of a conductor in an orchestra?

The primary role of a conductor in an orchestra is to direct musicians and shape the music. This involves not only keeping time to ensure that all musicians remain in sync but also interpreting the score to convey the intended emotional expression and dynamics of the piece being performed. The conductor serves as an essential link between the score and the performers, guiding them through the nuances of the music and making real-time adjustments to tempo and dynamics to enhance the overall performance.

In the context of an orchestra, the conductor's expertise and vision help translate the written music into a living performance. By using gestures, facial expressions, and body language, the conductor communicates cues that the musicians follow, ensuring a cohesive sound that reflects the conductor's artistic interpretation.

Other options do not accurately represent the conductor's role. For instance, playing all instruments simultaneously oversimplifies the position and is logistically impossible. Overseeing the visual aspect of the performance may be a minor part of the job, but it is not the primary responsibility; the main focus remains on the music itself. While selecting the repertoire can be part of broader artistic planning, it is usually a collaborative decision made with the orchestra and artistic directors rather than a sole responsibility of the conductor.