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So I'm definitely going to punk out and take the middle road by saying that each will develop his orchestra in new and exciting ways, and I think both the NY and LA Phil will only go up from here.

 I like that a 42-year-old is considered part of a "youthquake".

Both are note watching!  I cannot wait for the youtubes of their new endvors and the bloggs that follow! 

I've watched Mr. Gilbert conduct the NY Phil last Sept on tv, and he sure was good, the musicians are more relaxed so to speak, (except his mother?) , oh, well, she mighty proud of him!

Both conductors, are sure will give fresh and youthfull outlooks for this sohpisticated group of musicians, and more music from a contemporary composers which, they truly deserve to be played and heard.

Best of luck to both of them!

Do you guys like the way Robert made juxtaposed the pictures, so they look like good friends?

Well, it is fine if you can't decide. But I'd be curious about people's impressions, from those who have seen either or both of these gentlemen conduct, or better yet, played under either baton.

BTW, I also like the idea of a 42-year-old being part of a "youthquake," being a youthful 41-year-old myself!

Well... to be honest.  I saw Dudamel conduct Mahler with the CSO... it was AMAZING!! He conducted from memory.  That alone puts him a step ahead of the competition...

I heard the NY Phil at Caramoor, under a tent with distant jets overhead and early leavers disrupting the last movement, but even so, I sensed a revitalization in the musicians.  It was evident that all the performers were on the same page as the conductor.  Alan Gilbert had a great rapport with the orchestra and seemed very easy to follow.  He conducted from memory as well.

Nuthin' wrong with Dudamel that couldn't be remedied with a baldy or even a brush-cut....haven't seen Gilbert yet......but talk about over-conducting.....As far as inspiring professional musicians, remember, they aren't athletes.....they should be doing what the score says and embellished by the conductor.....there is always an element of pride in the big name orchestras...and it's tough to really hear a marked difference from the predecessor.....perhaps after a season of varied stylistic works an opinion could be formed......but as a player, Dudes is sort of distracting...good cues.....I'd have to hear what he says in rehearsal...the LA Phil players are top notch and it's difficult to imagine them playing poorly due to neglect or disdain, ala Seattle, where the jury is still forming on their maestro.

But then, the element of audience appeal and subsequent philanthropy/attendance is significant, and if he can pack the seats and is perceived to produce superior music than his predecessor, I guess he da man.

I think this idea of making the musicians sit up and play is significant. Sure, these are both top-notch orchestras, but it still makes a difference in a performance, if the musicians can consistently  trust the baton. It also makes a difference if the conductor can communicate his or her ideas effectively enough -- through rehearsal technique and/or gesture during the concert -- for the musicians to take those ideas to heart.

I really like Dudamel. He is very musical and conducts with a passion. Gilbert is good tooo but always somehow a bit more reserved that Dudamel.