Klarinet Archive - Posting 001003.txt from 1998/03

From: David McClune <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Intermovement pauses
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 06:24:57 -0500

I concur that the mystical religious response we expect at "classical"
concerts is misplaced. Only at the Opera is there applause after major
arias. This has never ruined my appreciation of the Drama! Why not have
the audience gleefully applaud after a particularly well played slow
movement, or invigorating fast movement. It actually is exciting for me
when that happens. A spur of the momment response to something exciting.
It is so human!

I agree that at pop, rock, country, jazz, etc. concerts it is expected that
having a good time is part of enjoying the concert. The audience is
quiet(ish) for the ballads and abit more vocal for the up tempo pieces.

When was the last time we (you) relaxed and just enjoyed a classical
concert. Or was it a purely personal emotional experience? Music is a
social art.

The Canadian Brass seem to have a great time and yet are humbling to hear.
Have we allowed ourselves to actually become the stuffed shirts we thought
we weren't?

Dr. David McClune
Professor of Clarinet
Director of Bands
Union University
Jackson, TN 38305
901-661-5294-office