vi. Tempo control – Slatkin has great tempo control. He uses his hand to indicate that he is slowing down, and the orchestra was very responsive.
c. Expression
i. Facial expressions– Slatkin is a very expressive conductor and his expressions fit the mood of the piece. During certain parts, he smiles as though he’s enjoying the moment. When there is a low entrance, he frowns his face and pinches his lips. Sometimes he closes his eyes, especially during slower movements. ii. Body expression – Slatkin raises his shoulders and nods his head to cue a loud dynamic, and he shrinks down to indicate a soft dynamic. At the end of a piece he closes his eyes as he conducts the final measure. iii. Posture– Slatkin uses good posture and although he moves his head quite a bit, he never slouches, unintentionally, as he conducts. iv. Breathing– Unlike Salonen, Slatkin does not breath as he begins conducting a piece; however, he is clear about when he wants a piece to start. Before he begins, he pauses to think about the type of sound he wants the orchestra to interpret and sometimes he counts silently as he uses both the baton and his left hand to indicate exactly where the ictus