Concerts
If you have ever tried to do anything with your eyes shut – such as tie
your shoe laces – you will know just how much we depend on our eyes. In fact
we are so used to using them that it means that when we need our ears to
guide us we have to try very hard. This is why audiences at concerts
normally sit quietly and the hall is usually darkened – it makes it much
easier to listen to and enjoy the music.
People are sometimes afraid of clapping in the wrong place in a concert.
This is really nothing to worry about, musicians are always pleased when the
audience are enjoying themselves. Sometimes, though, pieces of music are
divided into sections called movements and it is usual to wait until they
have all ended before anyone claps. The reason for this is that noise
between movements makes it harder for the musicians to concentrate on
playing the music.
If you are in any doubt as to when you to clap, the programme should say
how many movements a piece has. Failing this there is one simple guide: wait
until other people do!
Although we do not understand very well how the language of sounds - or
music - works, we know it is very powerful. It brings people of all kinds
together and gives pleasure to millions of people around the world.
Orchestral music is just one of many different kinds. We hope that this
guide will help you to enjoy music and that you will want to learn more
about how orchestras work and the huge variety of music they play. |