Klarinet Archive - Posting 000243.txt from 1999/07

From: Mark Gustavson <mgustav@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] APPLAUSE
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 15:42:53 -0400

Bob Yoon wrote:

> I know that at Bayreuth they most certainly hold by this. Maybe it's just a German or a European thing. With Mahler 9, I know that conductors hold up their hands for a minute or so longer in deference to the tradition, and then allows the audience to applaud. Someone mentioned Turandot. In Italy, I think at La Scala, they sometimes observe the anniversary of Puccini's death with a performance of Turandot ending on the very last note that Puccini wrote. Toscanini first did this. After the note, he walked out. No applause. I'm just stating what I know/what I've heard, not necessarily my opinion. Theoretically, I think it might be a good idea. Realistically, I think it's ridiculous to expect everyone to hold by this. I do recall someone telling me that on occasion, this tradition would be mentioned in the program guide when it was expected to be followed.
>
> Bob Yoon
>
>

When I was a Fellow at Tanglewood in 1979, Bernstein conducted Mahler #9 and there was no applause from an audience of thousands. It was chilling if not haunting. There was a program note asking for no applause.

--
Dr. Mark Gustavson
Composer
Clarinetist
Instructor, Brooklyn College Prep Division

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