Concert Homework

Posted by Sarah Canice Funke Jun 7, 2006

The latest poll at Suite101 asks whether folks like to do a little research before going to a concert or whether they like simply to be surprised by the performer. There are certainly advantages to either position. If the music on the upcoming program is somewhat complex, a little preliminary footwork with a couple of good recordings will help the listener pick out and follow the main themes. Reading the program notes also helps highlight some of the important aspects of the work and usually sets it in a historical context. Perhaps the notes might even explain a performer or conductor's particular choice in arrangement: is a Bach prelude, for example, being performed on a harpsichord (an instrument more authentic to his time period) or on a piano (an instrument capable of more artistic nuance)?

However, there are certainly advantages to hearing a piece of music fresh, with as few prejudices as possible. I sometimes like to read the program notes after a performance as a kind of comparison test: in other words, was I able to hear the same things that the writer did?

Concert listening is easier and fuller if preceeded by a little research, but more indicative of aural skill if approached with a fresh pair of ears.