"Happy clappers" counterblast: J. Duchen on "how to be a nice audience"

[Resurrection Man]

Bu isn't the extreme behaviour of some caused by fear? Fear that as there is no clear code of conduct, the only way to create equilibrium is to intervene personally in an understated, yet aggressive way?

In the two instances reported, EA, it is just downright boorishness on the part of those men. It all comes down to respect for others. And this is where I come down firmly on the side of those advocating applause at the end and not between movements. Applause between movements shows no respect for the conductor, the orchestra, the composer (unless applause is scored!) and fellow audience members. Either that or pig-ignorance.

I'm just so glad that I'm promming next weekend although will be seated for Eine Alpine and woe betide anyone clapping before the end. EA will hold 'em down while I jump on 'em

[Resurrection Man]

It will serve you right if one or more of those showing the approbation move on from clapping to boxing your ears.

They can try but they will only do it the once.

[JohnSkelton]

Applause between movements shows no respect for the composer (unless applause is scored!)

I've never seen a score where applause is "scored!" after the final note, so why doesn't applause after all the movements have moved show no respect for the composer?

[MrGongGong]

The "no respect to the composer" argument is nonsense IMV
having recently sat through a performance of a 25 minute orchestral piece that I wrote I was more relieved when there was applause between the movements
but (and sorry for saying it AGAIN )
it IS all about context
and conductors are usually able to "hold" a stillness if necessary or desired

I wouldn't expect applause at late night Feldman in Huddersfield but the Proms is not that ........

http://www.artsjournal.com/sandow/2012/07/repertoire-final-post.html

[vinteuil]

pig-ignorance.

:

... not "pig ignorance" at all.

Once usual, this applause is now snobbishly disliked.

I refer Resurrection Man to prokkyshosty's excellent posting #54 above.

[Flosshilde]

Applause between movements shows no respect for ..., the composer (unless applause is scored!) and fellow audience members.

Nonsense, as has been shown in previous posts. In the past composers expected it, & indeed if it didn't happen were rather worried that they might have a flop.

[JohnSkelton]

Her's Alex Ross's piece on the history of applause http://www.therestisnoise.com/2005/0...se_a_rest.html

Of course, because something was done in the past doesn't mean it has to be done now (though the idea that applauding between the movements of a symphony is like watching a public execution or going to the bear baiting seems a bit unhinged) and at a stretch I suppose you could say it would have been "pig-ignorance" not to respond audibly while the music was being performed in the C18 first half of the C19 but is now "pig-ignorance" to do so. Which would suggest "pig-ignorance" isn't an absolute quality .

Is it happens I'd take exception to anyone souring the atmosphere thus

I detest inter-movement clappers. At least I am in the Arena next weekend and so can join in the baleful stares.

though I'm not a during the performance clapper myself. (I must admit the charm bracelet referred to in Ross's piece might drive me mad. Though I suppose if everyone was applauding, demanding the good bits be played again, fainting away in overcome raptures etc., it might not be that noticeable).

[Lateralthinking1]

Genuinely I think that they should place less emphasis on profit and introduce very wide armchairs.

I don't mind at all standing close to people in crowds, as long as they are the right people (and even that has become more difficult now that there are so many frankly dangerous toffs and chavs, tribes that other than in demeanour are identical in crucial respects), but communal seating arrangements - concert halls, cinemas, aircraft, trains - are just too close. I have to be by the aisle.

That is the joy of buses. It is only one person next to you rather than two. And good manners mean that I never make distinctions there, my rucksack always placed between my knees. If only others were raised similarly.

[salymap]

And after all theatre going habits have changed, thank goodness. I believe ladies in crinolines often had 'potties' under them for convenience, men were no better, oranges and other foodstuffs were eaten and the skin, remains were thrown if the play went badly.

We have a lot to be thankful for

[Lateralthinking1]

And after all theatre going habits have changed, thank goodness. I believe ladies in crinolines often had 'potties' under them for convenience, men were no better, oranges and other foodstuffs were eaten and the skin, remains were thrown if the play went badly.

We have a lot to be thankful for

But they kept their kneecaps.

I am not sure that what you describe salymap would worry me unduly. I've slept in fields etc. It is when people either side of me do absolutely nothing that I feel unnerved.

[Flosshilde]

And after all theatre going habits have changed, thank goodness. I believe ladies in crinolines often had 'potties' under them for convenience, men were no better, oranges and other foodstuffs were eaten and the skin, remains were thrown if the play went badly.

We have a lot to be thankful for

& during rehearsals for The Messiah ladies were asked not to wear their hoops & gentlemen were asked to leave their swords at home. Now, if some on this thread had their swords with them applauders might not live to see the end of the performance

[bluestateprommer]

A recent volley in the whole applause between movements situation is from Christopher Morley in the Birmingham Post:

http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/whats-on/music/clapping-classical-music-concerts---5682554

"I am totally against the applause-syndrome. The whole idea of a symphony is the subtle progress between movements – think of almost any of Beethoven's.....

There’s an easy answer. If you’re a newcomer to concert-going, don't put your hands together until the others do. With luck they will be more experienced, and know the ropes."

[Bryn]

A recent volley in the whole applause between movements situation is from Christopher Morley in the Birmingham Post:

http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/what...erts---5682554

Claptrap indeed from the stuff-shirt Morley, who apparently can't hold a musical idea through applause, though I suppose he can through re-tuning, coughing, spluttering and general shuffling about. Time he and his kind paid more attention to the music and less to how their fellow audience members show their appreciation between the separate movements of performance.

[Sir Velo]

Claptrap indeed from the stuff-shirt Morley, who apparently can't hold a musical idea through applause, though I suppose he can through re-tuning, coughing, spluttering and general shuffling about. Time he and his kind paid more attention to the music and less to how their fellow audience members show their appreciation between the separate movements of performance.

Quite right. What right have the majority to ruin the evening of a self indulgent minority?

[Resurrection Man]

Claptrap indeed from the stuff-shirt Morley, who apparently can't hold a musical idea through applause, though I suppose he can through re-tuning, coughing, spluttering and general shuffling about. Time he and his kind paid more attention to the music and less to how their fellow audience members show their appreciation between the separate movements of performance.

Seems a well written article to me. I agree with him 100%. Happy clappers should be asked to leave.