“If you’ve ever attended a classical concert, you’ve probably experienced that awkward, hesitant half-clapping that sometimes occurs at the end of a symphonic movement: The music stops, the hall falls silent and, whether out of nervous habit or honest enthusiasm, a few audience members start to clap,” writes Katie Womack in Tuesday’s (3/18) Dallas Observer. “What results is a sort of flaccid, uncertain response that leaves everyone feeling awkward (‘Eek, I shouldn’t have clapped!’ or ‘Argh, those idiots don’t know when to clap’). … Two simple ‘rules’ can clear up this problem: Listen. Enjoy. And Respond/Clap Whenever and However You Want…. This is not school or a court of law. This is a concert. … Watch the Conductor. A good conductor is communicating to the entire room with every part of his or her body. If you’re not sure whether or not a piece is over, watch the conductor. … Sometimes I love it when someone claps at the ‘wrong’ time…. So let’s quit worrying about etiquette and focus more on enjoying the music.”
Posted March 20, 2014
