Muzyka i oklaski, czyli jak to się robi w filharmonii
Music and Applause: Rituals Enacted in Philharmonic Halls

Summary/Abstract: The connection which is created between the audience and the artist during a classical music concert is ritualistic in its form. The appearance of the artist on the stage launches a series of ritual gestures and behaviours which last until the artist leaves the stage before the encores. The artist bows towards the comfortably seated audience and is rewarded with applause which can tell the artist what type of people have come to listen to the concert. Obviously, the best situation is when the concert is performed in front of genuine music lovers and not an incidental or snobbish audience who have come to the event just because it is fashionable. Although the artists are in a specific trance while performing they are usually very sensitive to the audience’s reactions. Separated from the listeners by the podium, they still need to establish contact with them because only then does the music truly become alive. Without the necessary wave of emotion the whole artistic event would be extremely impoverished. The emotions of the audience can be expressed in a multitude of ways. These are often determined by local customs. Artists from Central and Eastern Europe can be quite shocked when, for instance, they play in London for the first time where a positive response to their performance can be expressed not only by enthusiastic applause or even standing ovations, but also by whistling and stomping of the feet which in their home countries are associated with the most negative of reactions. Another important element is the interaction between the orchestra and the soloist: the tapping of the music stands with bows and the sounds of shuffling or quiet footsteps can significantly affect the atmosphere. During a classical music concert both the artists and the audience become involved in the marketing of the event. The exceptional power of the music may be undisputable, but economic conditions and local tastes have a strong effect on what goes on on the stage.

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