Moving to Music...

[Hawk Henries]

I am curious as to why an audience would sit practically motionless during a highly energetic performance of music??? I recently viewed a video of a work by Mozart. Sitting in front of the computer I could not contain myself (nothing new for me) but the audience looked stiff as stiff can be.

It seems natural to move when there is music that makes you want to move/dance. Is this a recently developed protocol? Would it be seen as inappropriate if at a concert I would sway my head with the music??

 

[dll927]

As far as Mozart is concerned (same for Haydn), you have to remember he was essentially an indentured servant. Haydn was employed by the Estherhazy family precisely to provide music for entertainment, and that became "classical" music.

Maybe they did dance, who knows -- nobody from the 1780's or so is still around.

Modern day concert halls aren't exactly set up for dancing, so a 'minuet' might have to get by with just listening. But it seems that is the accepted procedure in most cases, anyway. Are you supposed to dance in an opera house???

 

[marval]

I must admit if I was in a concert hall, I would probably stay as still as I could. When I am at home that is a different matter, no-one to watch me make a total fool of myself by pretending to conduct or just moving to the music. I believe music is meant to stir the soul, why not the body too.


Margaret

 

[Dorsetmike]

I suspect it's partly due to "accepted behaviour" for want of a better term, at a classical music concert a slight swaying of the upper body, maybe subdued tapping of the figers on the knee or arm of the seat or subdued "conducting" would probably pass without comment but anything more would most likely invoke frowns from others.

However at the other end of the scale, if you want audience participation, try these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufuW3-f_Vp0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdMdGAH23Hw&feature=related

The last night of the BBC "Proms" from the Albert Hall, apologies for it being a bit nationalistic, but it is fun.

 

[marval]

Thank you for those Mike, a tradition at the last night, where people join in. Here's me at home conducting and generally joining in, it is certainly great fun.


Margaret

 

[JHC]

Nothing would be more annoying at a concert than to have people conducting or waving their arms around as Dorsetmike say it is a matter of good behavior and consideration to others, I have just remembered one of my music teachers would not let me even tap my foot when playing

 

[rojo]

Personally, I like the idea of people feeling free to move to the music. I don't know if it would disturb others though. Some might find it distracting? If I were in the audience, I wouldn't object to it unless it was obviously a display just to get attention. The focus must remain on the music. It's nice when one knows others are enjoying the music as well as ourselves. A little head-bobbing or finger tapping etc. is fine by me.

Humming, whistling and singing along are definite no-nos. lol

 

[Dorsetmike]

Humming, whistling and singing along are definite no-nos. lol

Except at the last night of the proms?

 

[Hawk Henries]

So I guess I shouldn't bring my oboe to play along with the orchestra - :grin:

I realize that dancing would not be appropriate in part just because of the physical restrictions of a concert hall/venue and quite possibly what we see today might be an evolutionary product of the concert hall.

The very few concerts I have attended left me with the impression that the audience feels sitting still is the way to show appreciation for what the orchestra is doing. Does the orchestra actually feel this way? Have they learned to expect this type of seemingly expressionless behavior from the audience or do they secretly desire to see some movement?

I also wonder if too much movement would distract the musicians?

 

[Dorsetmike]

Accepted practice is to keep silent and fairly still during the performance, then to show appreciation by applause at the end of the work.

I would think it would be difficult to distract a good experienced musician from concentrating on their performance; having watched the Proms videos linked in my previous post, the orchestra seem to manage to keep focused well enough apart form a few grins here and there, I would think they enjoy it whilst maintaining a professional approach.

I would add that the Last night of the proms is an annual UK tradition so the horn toots and flag waving have come to be expected. In the first half of the concert behaviour is much as one would expect at a concert, it's only during the second half that exuberance takes over, particularly during the Fantasia on British sea songs, and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March which includes "Land of Hope and Glory" (again something Nationalistic so more excuse to wave the flags)

Note how many of the younger generation attend too.

 

[dll927]

This sounds like the New Years concert in Vienna, where "Blue Danube" is a hallowed tradition, and they fully expect it.

For a few years that was broadcast on PBS with the late Walter Cronkite as host of the program (in the U. S.!!)

 

[Dorsetmike]

The Proms run for 8 weeks, typically around 75-80 concerts, one, sometimes two, each evening at the Albert Hall plus others ranging from lunch time recitals to late evening chamber music at other venues. All broadcast on radio, evening concerts also televised, and available on line for 7 days after the original broadcasts.

This year from 16 July through 12 September, full programme usually available in April.

Last year's programme here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009/whatson/season/

 

[rojo]

Except at the last night of the proms?

There are always exceptions, so Proms and New Year's concerts aside then.

Some more no-nos; using one's Jew's harp, kazoo (although I seem to remember some event with those at some point,) spoons...

 

[marval]

Here is a no-no then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhlm232KRlQ&feature=related

 

[Dorsetmike]

Very no indeed

 

[Hawk Henries]

More like an "Oh No!!!!" The way the kid in the grey jacket wiggled his leg - no shame!!

 

[rojo]

Hmm. How about when at the opera. Would it be acceptable for audience members to lip-synch along with the arias?

 

[marval]

I am sure there are some people who would disapprove, but I might be tempted to do so. Then again it could trouble my concentration, so perhaps I shouldn't.


Margaret

 

[Contratrombone64]

lip-synch is not problem as there's no noise being emitted. I once told a woman sitting next to me, at the opera, to "shut the hell up as I paid good money to hear Joan Sutherland sing not her" - ah, Sutherland certainly made an excellent sleepwalker.