Thread: Live recordings. Cough and applause. Can you stand them?

I don't have a problem with coughing or applause.

Originally Posted by SanAntone

There is no question in my mind that the best performances are the result of the interaction between a performer and the audience, coughs and all.

Which is why I am particularly angry that we are living under a regime of fear of what is essentially getting a cold. Populations of people who cannot think critically are accepting petty tyrants to dismantle our society right before our eyes - with one casualty being live concerts. Stupid people are "virtual signalling" about how vigilant they are and riding their high horse, admonishing others to "mask up" and informing on their neighbors. It is disgusting to witness.

And don't tell me your covid "horror" stories. People die. That is a fact of life. People with compromised health die from relatively minor causes - everyday. This was reality before covid. Only now we are being programmed to accept lockdowns, stay at home orders, masks, and the whole social distancing bs. This is nothing less than a worldwide government takeover of free societies using a fake pandemic as their rationale.

You and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum on this issue - I'll say no more.

An otherwise excellent video of The Rite of Spring is ruined by a man shouting "Bravo!" just before the last note faded.

That being said, live recordings are sometimes worth it.

Originally Posted by Bulldog

You and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum on this issue - I'll say no more.

I meant to edit that post, which I have now done. It was a mistake to bring that issue into this thread.

I'll also say no more.

Originally Posted by mbhaub

I will never understand why anyone who is ill would go to a concert and spread their disease. Flu, cold, now Coronavirus. And these people who cough all the time? Quit smoking. Drink plenty of fluids. Take care of yourself, but quit exposing the rest of us to your rude behavior.

Most people I know who attend classical concerts purchase their tickets well in advance, some times as part of a subscription. As such, it might be very difficult to countenance missing a concert one has already paid for.

I suppose the more liberal the exchange/refund policy, the more likely people would be to stay home with a cough.

Originally Posted by MatthewWeflen

I suppose the more liberal the exchange/refund policy, the more likely people would be to stay home with a cough.

And miss their chance to be immortalized on record???

Originally Posted by ORigel

An otherwise excellent video of The Rite of Spring is ruined by a man shouting "Bravo!" just before the last note faded.

That being said, live recordings are sometimes worth it.

Oh the 'Bravo' man. He's not actually appreciating the music. He's just waiting for it to (almost) finish so he can be the first to get his 'Bravo' in!

Originally Posted by SanAntone

Using the advantage of the studio environment for multiple takes and even splicing parts of performances together is not a performance as I think of it. It is a recording, and no doubt can and does produce enjoyable listening experiences. But .... I am looking for more than that.

For me, a performance is a singularity, a spontaneous creation, with the inherent risk of mistakes and pressure of not getting a second chance. It is that crucible which I think extracts the best music-making from talented musicians.

One thought is that a musician may try ideas out in a concert and lay down his considered artistic view in the studio. Both studio and concert recordings valuable in different ways.

Originally Posted by Flamme

I dont see it that way...Perhaps he was just unable to contain his excitement any longer!!!

so, as he heads for the bathrooms before everyone else does.

Originally Posted by JAS

so, as he heads for the bathrooms before everyone else does.

Sometimes I shout "bravo!" while being next in line at the urinal, so....

Originally Posted by Skakner

What's your opinion?
Is coughing and/or applause, deal breaker for an otherwise excellent live recording?
For me, absolutely. I just can't tolerate both.
I don't own many live recordings just for these two reasons. The moment I detect either of them, the recording will go on the shelve for ever. I will never listen to it again. Thankfully, there are too many choices for good recordings.
In the Concert halls there is no alternative but in my private listening, when I am in my favorite composer's musical universe, there is no need to suffer the "noise pollution"...

Glenn Gould's humming is something different...

The only problem I have with applause is that it wakes me up at the end of the recording.

Otherwise, it can really add interest to recordings of 4'33".