I learned today that the lack of applause between movements in a classical music performance is a 20th century convention, and it is the result of snobbery.
In Beethoven, Mozart, or Bach’s day, applause between movements was standard and expected. But in the early 20th century, arrogant, elitist jackasses began withholding their applause in order to demonstrate their familiarity of the piece. Knowing that the piece was not finished, they would remain silent, waiting for the next movement to begin, making those who might be applauding the movement appear foolish.
Doesn’t that make you want to reverse this elitist convention? Start applauding between movements? I seriously want to stand up and cheer between movements at all future classical music concerts. Make a huge scene.
Is anyone with me?
