Clapping music


Does applause between movements at concerts detracts from the music? Yes, according to 71% of my readers in a poll that was voted on by a representatively large sample. So, if you are one of the serial clappers at the BBC Proms and elsewhere it is worth remembering that your aural contribution is spoiling the music for almost three quarters of the audience.

Steve Reich wrote his Clapping Music in 1972. It is not on the Warner CD Maximum Minimalists but other music featured here recently is, including one of the movements from his Different Trains. There are also works by Philip Glass (String Quartet No 5 complete), Terry Riley and John Adams. An excellent budget priced minimalist sampler for those who haven't yet grasped that less is more.

Now listen to some new music for bells.
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Comments

vp said…
What spoils concerts for me is retuning between movements. I'd rather hear a soloist complete the work even if slightly out of tune!
3:42 pm
Adam Solomon said…
What can I say? The video IG linked of Clapping Music (not to mention this bit of unbridled brilliance) puts Beethoven's Ninth to shame. I suppose less really is more.
6:31 am
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