Aconcert program (inAmerican English) orconcert programme (inBritish English) is a selection and ordering, orprogramming, ofpieces to be performed at an occasion, orconcert. Concert programs can be organized into a booklet. In some occasions the programs might be simpler, and will be put on a piece of paper. Programs may be influenced by the availableensemble ofinstruments, by performer ability or skill, by theme (historical,programmatic, ortechnical), by musical concerns (such asform), or by allowable time. For example, a brass ensemble may perform an "all brass" program, the pieces of which may be chosen by a theme, such as "all Bach", and the chosen pieces may be ordered so that they build in intensity as the concert progresses. Concert programs may be put together by ensembles,conductors, orensemble directors, and are often explained in program notes. The structure of modern concert programs can be traced back to the contributions ofFelix Mendelssohn while he was director of theGewandhausorchester in Leipzig. Mendelssohn's programming style consists of an overture (or other short work), aconcerto orsuite, an intermission, and then a larger work such as asymphony or operatic movement.[1]
Program notes orannotated concert programs are common wherecontemporary orclassical music is being performed. These were introduced in Edinburgh and London in the 1840s, first forchamber music concerts, notably byJohn Ella and hisMusical Union, under the name "Synoptical Analysis". They became common in symphony concerts in the 1850s. In 1862, the Viennese criticEduard Hanslick considered this particularly necessary for the English middle class: "Feeling usually uncertain about things aesthetic, the English listener loves direct instruction."[2] Program notes arrived later in continental Europe.
With his program notes for the Saturday Concerts at the Crystal Palace,[George] Grove created a model for the concert culture of the second half of the century in Britain and abroad. He personified what was considered a musical guide for his Victorian contemporaries.
Program notes serve two purposes: to provide historical and background information on the piece, and to give the audience some sense of what to expect, providing what to listen for during the concert. Also provided, if necessary, is information about the conductor and performers of the ensembles, and especially featured soloists. With the presentation of contemporary pieces, it is common to include notes provided by the composer. Program notes may include information about, and quotes or commentary from, the composer, conductor, or performers, as well as provide context regarding themusical era. Programs may also include information about the programmatic or absolute content of the music, includinganalysis, and may point out details such asthemes,musical motifs, andsections ormovements.
Notes
edit- ^Coherence in Concert Programming: A View from the U.K., International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music, vol. 45, no. 2, 2014, p. 3. Gothan, Mark.
- ^abChristian Thorau, "'What Ought to be Heard': Touristic Listening and the Guided Ear" inThe Oxford Handbook of Music Listening in the 19th and 20th Centuries,ISBN 9780190466961, January 2019,doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190466961.013.9
See also
editExternal links
edit- Guide to writing program notes forUniversity of Wisconsin–Whitewater students
- Guide to writing program notes forUniversity of Melbourne students
- Automatic Classical Music Programme Note Generator
- Archive of program notes for use by orchestras of educational and community arts organizations
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