6-BEAT (GERMAN STYLE): NON- ESPRESSIVO & ESPRESSIVO

Max Rudolf, The Grammar of Conducting, G. Schirmer, Inc, 1950

There are two styles used in beating 6-time: the so-called German style, taught in most textbooks and used by the majority of conductors until recently; and the Italian style, now becoming more popular. The choice between them is a matter of personal preference; in general you will find the German style is very useful for slow and expressive music, while the Italian is handier in quick tempo.