Give That Author A Big Hand

Time Out London's classical music editor, Jonathan Lennie, has some spot-on words for that most obnoxious of classical music concert audience members: the early and otherwise inappropriate clapper.

You know who you are: the one who insists on applauding at every opportunity and the clear winner of that solo competition to be the first to clap the moment a piece is over. Now, I’m not averse to audience members showing their appreciation, but this isn’t about the music or the performers, is it? It is all about you – showing off your apparent expertise, reflected by your knowledge of exactly when a work has ended, while others demure [sic], lacking your certainty.

It’s good you have such knowledge, but don’t you realise that the music is not over when the conductor places the last down-beat? There is a silence that concludes the experience, both musically and emotionally.

RTWT here.