OR SO WE BOTH VOWED
My wife and I attended a concert
a classical concert
(we often do)
and what a pleasure it was.
Each work was described
(with dignity, professionally)
by a real compere.
From the very first note
the audience
(they were civilised)
(they were respectful)
made no interruptions
no clapping or shouting
(we heard every note).
And when a work finished
they waited
until the last note
(drifted away)
before applauding
(appreciatively)
(spontaneously).
They were never invited:
to ‘give it up for’
or to ‘ put it together’
and never again
(or so we both vowed)
would we go to a concert
(or so we both vowed)
of popular music
(or so we both vowed).
-
Author:
Michael Edwards (
Offline) - Published: July 14th, 2018 00:08
- Comment from author about the poem: I really do hate the way audiences behave ay popular concerts - a singer starts singing, the audience recognises the song and they start clapping and shouting during the performance. Why do they do that? I go along to hear the music - perhaps my wife and I are the only refined and respectful people who go to concerts - Perhaps we are just odd. Perhaps my tongue is in my cheek.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 32
Offline)
Comments7
Very true we need to be able to hear the music at concerts. I go to jazz concerts and there the norm is slightly different as each solo played is normally given a short round of applause.
One of the most telling concerts that I have been to though was a performance of the St Matthew Passion that Joyce was singing in with Rochester Choral Society, the audience was asked not to applaud at the end, you probably wouldn't have been able to hear the applause over the tears.
I'm with you where each player is applauded before a solo but I really do hate the whooping and shouting and inappropriate clapping that attends most concerts these days. I also hate it when a compere treats the audience like children: are you having a good time? and this sometimes even before the concert is under way - well no I'm not having a good time not yet.
Very good indeed, you're not only my friend with this!
Thanks PD - a revolution is called for
So you don't tune into 'common' things like The X Factor? Far too common for you!
I understand - as Goldie says too. At some churches they request no applause, not even at the end of recitals.
But - either applaud or not. Not some feeble applause, as if clapping is just too much effort.
I'm too stuck up Orchi - a member of the genteel race lol
You a Gentile/genteel? You must be, unless you are a Jew. We're all one or the other.
I understand though - the 'whooping' and such like is horrible - so unrefined for us ones, tally ho!
1 more comment
I agree. There is a time to applaud after the show. Otherwise it takes away from the performance. Great write.
So pleased you are with me - why are today's audiences so rude?
I don't know. Manners are part of their life I guess.
Thanks MICHAEL ~ Love the abstract it conjured up Chopin's Revolutionary as performed by JOHN LILL on our BECHSTEIN GRAND @ College ! I totally agree My Dad is an Amateur Concert Pianist & Church Organist and several of my Extended Family are classical musicians. I attended Classical Concerts @ Liverpool Philharmonic Hall when I was Young and my Dad always insisted I went dressed in my Sunday Suit and when "To Clap or not to Clap ~ that was the question !" My Dad was born in the 1950's but is a touch Edwardian like my Great Grandad (who died when I was a child) who was born in 1903 ! Pop concerts are wild (I blame Elvis & the Beatles) ! When we have JAZZ Concerts @ College there is an OPEN BAR and people walk in and out with a PINT which I deplore ! last time I visited the OPRY (Nashville TN) it was the Johnny Cash Memorial Concert (2003) orchestrated by KRISS KRISTOPHERSON ~ there was some Whoopin' & Hollerin' but also great respect and reverence because of the occasion. Country Music Concerts are generally more modulated than POP CONCERTS. Folk Music Concerts and Open Mic Concerts & Karaoke are CRAZY ! Yours Musically Nephew Brian ~ Please check my TIME BOMB (sorry POEM !) ~ Thanks B !
I'm a little surprised to learn that I'm not alone in this - I'm with your Dad.
For an experience, try out a 'concert'/gig where caribbean or reggae music is played. You'll find a wholly different approach to audience participatiion. Mostly referee type whistles ae blown in rythmn and appreciation by enthusiastic fans whilst the band is still playing.
Joyous music which encourages one to moves ones body.
Yes - great fun - that's the difference between a performance and an event inviting audience participation - thanks dusk.
Cooeee - you done that gardening?
Yeeeh and I'm knackered. Cutting back ivy. Just been out washing windscreens - couldn't see a thing in the low sun - it's a miracle I got home - windscreen wipers didn't seem to shift it.
You cut back ivy? Was she being a nuisance?We had some that crept in to our office if we had windows open. the Day of the Triffids!
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