Meaning: This quote by Charles Munch, a renowned musician and conductor, beautifully captures the essence of the conductor's role in interpreting and presenting a musical score. Munch emphasizes the conductor's responsibility to infuse vitality and meaning into the music, bringing out its inherent beauty and depth for the audience to appreciate. The analogy of "revealing the hidden jewel to the sun at the most flattering angles" vividly portrays the conductor's task of illuminating the composition in a way that showcases its brilliance and intricacies.

In the realm of orchestral music, the conductor serves as a pivotal figure who shapes and guides the performance. Beyond simply keeping time and coordinating the musicians, the conductor is tasked with conveying the emotional and expressive nuances of the music to the ensemble and, ultimately, to the listeners. This requires a deep understanding of the composer's intention, the historical context of the piece, and the ability to communicate these elements effectively to the performers.

Munch's quote underscores the conductor's unique role as a conduit between the written score and its realization in sound. The act of "breathing life into the score" suggests an almost organic process, where the conductor infuses the notes on the page with vitality, phrasing, and emotion. This involves much more than technical precision; it demands a profound sensitivity to the music's narrative, dynamics, and thematic development.

Moreover, the notion of "exposing [the score] to the understanding" underscores the conductor's duty to make the music accessible and intelligible to both the musicians and the audience. This requires a blend of scholarly insight, interpretive skill, and communicative prowess. The conductor must possess a comprehensive grasp of musical structure, harmony, and style, while also being able to convey these elements in a compelling and engaging manner.

Munch's analogy of "revealing the hidden jewel to the sun at the most flattering angles" conveys the conductor's role as a curator of musical beauty. Much like a skilled gemologist who showcases a precious stone's facets and brilliance, the conductor must artfully highlight the music's intricacies and sublime moments. This involves a keen awareness of orchestration, instrumental timbres, and the interplay of thematic material, all of which contribute to the multifaceted nature of a musical composition.

In practical terms, Munch's quote speaks to the conductor's responsibility to inspire and lead the musicians under their direction. By "exposing" the score and "revealing" its essence, the conductor cultivates a sense of shared purpose and artistic vision within the ensemble. This collaborative process of interpretation and realization is fundamental to achieving a cohesive and expressive performance.

Ultimately, Munch's words encapsulate the profound artistry and interpretive depth that define the conductor's craft. Beyond the technical aspects of conducting, this quote illuminates the conductor's role as a storyteller, interpreter, and custodian of musical treasures, entrusted with the task of bringing the composer's vision to life in all its radiant splendor.