Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Roussak
Not to clap, because it obviously distracts the performer. Any piano concerto ( and any other solo performance, for sure ) requires an immense concentration of a soloist. Help him to do his job!
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I quite agree. As a solo performer on organ the erratic applause between quiet movements of an organ piece are rather unnerving - almost breaks my concentration.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhnbrbr
Applause can be quite a problem at organ recitals held in churches, especially if (as has been known to happen) the audience is small, and they feel (quite wrongly in my opinion) that they shouldn't clap because they're in a church. For myself, I absolutely hate it if the end of a piece is met with stoney silence, so I usually take it on myself to begin the applause, but it's quite a responibility if you're not familiar with the music, almost to the point where it can stop you enjoying it!
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I've only encountered the "silent applause" on one occasion - it was at an all black SDA church years ago ... they didn't clap, rather a very loud "Amen" was heard in unison at the end of the piece. At times, I heard "Hallelujah" and "Amen" shouted out loud during the piece ... it was a most strange experience, but the people were very very appreciative of the music I played.
I've not had to initiate the applause ... yet. That would be quite different and yet an awkward situation.
For some programs I play, I request that any applause is held until just before the intermission or at the end of the program ... saves all that bowing and smiling stuff ... For an organ concert, as a performer, I prefer to remain planted on the bench between numbers if at all possible.