Boo! Yay! Hiss! The Classical Audience and Its (Im)proprieties

The world of classical music, often perceived as staid and formal, has a history of surprisingly passionate and sometimes tumultuous audience reactions. This episode delves into the spectrum of audience behavior, from "brawls in the concert hall" and "flying dentures" to "uncontrolled cheers," exploring the question of when expressions like a "boo" are acceptable. The discussion takes place live from Vienna's Blickle Kino, bringing a unique, performative element to the topic.

Historical incidents, such as the infamous 1913 "slapping concert" (Wiener Watschenkonzert) at the Wiener Musikverein, serve as stark examples of how music can provoke extreme reactions. This event, which involved physical altercations and flying objects, not only captured the attention of music critics but also the court reporters, illustrating the potent emotional impact of musical performances.

Katrin Nussmayr and Wilhelm Sinkovicz, hosts of the podcast "Klassik für Taktlose" (Classics for the Tactless), navigate through different eras, from Wagner to Stravinsky, examining calculated scandals and inappropriate applause. They attempt to establish a "moral boo-compass" and discuss the etiquette surrounding applause and expressions of enthusiasm. The episode acknowledges that despite concert hall conventions, emotions often run high, and strong reactions, whether positive or negative, are part of the shared experience between performers and the audience.