Proms audience behaviour

[french frank]

Indeed. Not during the music, but by all means between movements and at the end (unless specifically requested, whether verbally of by the actions of the conductor, to refrain until the end). I

That seems like a non "compromise": i.e. you go on doing as you prefer rather than what other members of the audience might prefer.

However, I presume you whole-heartedly approve of your hero in urging his audience to 'clap when they like' and egging them on to do so at the end as if trying to send the Clapometer spinning out of control. It isn't only one side which has 'fixed views'.

[MrGongGong]

Wouldn't that impy that all ways are equally valid, including being quiet at particular key moments? And wouldn't it be recognised that in a concert hall it isn't possible to have audible responses and silence simultaneously? And wouldn't a compromise be to encourage enthusiastic applause at some moments, and limit it at others?

No, it doesn't imply that at all.

[Bryn]

That seems like a non "compromise" ...

Certainly it's a compromise: that between clapping whenever (like opera lovers and balletomanes) and only at the very end. What could be clearer?

[jean]

But could the pleasure one person takes in clapping ever be equal to the pleasure another person might take in listening to music uninterrupted?

It's nothing to do with not liking people; I enjoy the excitement at the end of a really good performance as much as anyone, and have been know to join in the odd standing ovation.

It reminds me a bit of my local open-air swimming pool. Some people clearly feel that their desire to have music played while they swim outweighs mine to listen to the skylarks. Fortunately apart from a few awkward confrontations, I've usually prevailed.

Even though I wouldn't mind a bit of Vivaldi (say) I wouldn't press for it; I think the default position in a swimming pool should be silence.

[Don Petter]

I think the default position in a swimming pool should be silence.

As with pubs and restaurants (and it's always that screaming woman).

[french frank]

Certainly it's a compromise:

I think not. What have you conceded, given that presumably even you wouldn't welcome applause while the music was going on?


Gongers, does it imply, at least, that the rights of those who prefer silence are equal to the rights of those who prefer some sort of noise (clapping, whooping, whistling or whatever form it might take)?

[Bryn]

It's not my compromise, but it is most certainly a compromise as regards those who, like the 'yeehoo' man, interrupt the sound producing part of a performance. I did not claim it as my compromise.

For those who demand relative silence between movements, there is a technological solution. Buy a set of ultra-efficient noise cancelling headphones and pop them on,, sans input, for the duration of the hiatus between movements while watching the performers closely for clues as to when they will resume the performance. It might even aid concentration on the performance.

[french frank]

I did not claim it as my compromise.

My mistake - I should have been clear that I meant a compromise between those who favoured applause and those who favoured silence. Allowing those who favour applause to have their way while asking those who don't to buy an (expensive?) pair of noise cancelling headphones would provide a solution of sorts ...

For my part, I am quite resigned to putting up with noise in all sorts of situations, including "Quiet Coaches", libraries and eateries [/QUOTE]

[Serial_Apologist]

It's not my compromise, but it is most certainly a compromise as regards those who, like the 'yeehoo' man, interrupt the sound producing part of a performance. I did not claim it as my compromise.

For those who demand relative silence between movements, there is a technological solution. Buy a set of ultra-efficient noise cancelling headphones and pop them on,, sans input, for the duration of the hiatus between movements while watching the performers closely for clues as to when they will resume the performance. It might even aid concentration on the performance.

A sort-of personal anechoic chamber, in which the only interruptions to external stimuli are ones blood supply and nervous system in operation...

[teamsaint]

A sort-of personal anechoic chamber, in which the only interruptions to external stimuli are ones blood supply and nervous system in operation...

Life in the Fast Blaine.......

[Flosshilde]

You can be sure someone will ignore him, though.

How can you be sure? Only by asking those people who clapped between movements during the full performance if they attended the season preview & heard the conductor ask them not to.

[jean]

I'm working on it.

[MrGongGong]

A sort-of personal anechoic chamber, in which the only interruptions to external stimuli are ones blood supply and nervous system in operation...

Wot John said innit (except it wasn't strictly true )

[Serial_Apologist]

Wot John said innit (except it wasn't strictly true )

OT but there was a copy of "Silence" going for fifteen quid in the Whitechapel Gallery last week, so it must have had a reprint. I have a copy, but should have bought another for a friend who claims he gave me mine 40 years ago!

[MrGongGong]

OT but there was a copy of "Silence" going for fifteen quid in the Whitechapel Gallery last week, so it must have had a reprint. I have a copy, but should have bought another for a friend who claims he gave me mine 40 years ago!

Bargain
you should have snapped it up !
It's had several reprints as far as I know
Classic text and essential reading , you could have sent it to our old academic chum