Cam, just finished listening to/watching the entire performance. Not bad(very good baritone soloist), but this may have been your first exposure to the piece, and you should realize that there are several CDs(and a couple DVDs)available with performances and sound that would probably impress you even more.
Eric and Peter answered your question about the significance of the conductor well, and many classical compositions are available in over a hundred different recordings, largely although not entirely due to the different interpretations the conductor applied to the same written score. I have several CDs of the same compositions(including Carmina Burana)for quite a few items in my collection and some have dozens of performances of their favorites, each being different enough to bring a new enjoyment.
What did astonish me was your statement that you didn't listen to orchestral music. Naughty Cam! There's a whole world of great music out there waiting for you to give a listen.
