Classical Music

» Sarah Canice Funke - Concert Etiquette

Have you ever applauded enthusiastically after the first movement of a particularly passionate rendition of a Beethoven sonata or Rachmaninoff concerto only to receive cold stares from fellow concert-goers? When is it appropriate to cry "bravo" as an expression of admiration for an opera singer's talent? Should the audience applaud at times other than the close of the performance? Classical concerts are run by formalities that are rarely expressed explicitly. Instead, learning concert etiquette must be done in the field, as fellow classical music lovers correct our mistakes with the appropriate frown or stare. What are the rules of thumb for the particular scenarios above? Because the smaller units of larger classical works are generally meant to flow continuously from one to the next, don't applaud until the performer has finished all the movements of a sonata. The same rule of restraint applies to the symphonic work or the song cycle. The Italian term "bravo" is masculine, so it must be applied to a male singer. To express admiration for a female singer, use the feminine "brava." To cheer for multiple singers, use the plural "bravi." Finally, it is generally considered polite to applaud the conductor when he appears on stage as well as to applaud the entrance of any special guest performers. If the guest performer leaves at any time during the performance (to signal a break in the program), the audience should applaud every time the performer re-enters the stage. Have you gleaned any further knowledge of concert formalities from your own concert attendances? Please share your experiences with us here.

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