Concert#Recital

{{short description|Live performance of music in front of an audience}}

File:Dülmen, Dülmener Sommer, Open-Air-Konzert, "Bounce" -- 2018 -- 0051.jpg

A concert, often known informally as a gig or show, is a live performance of music in front of an audience.{{Cite book|title=Analytic Philosophy and the World of the Play|last=Bennett|first=Michael Y.|publisher=Routledge|date=14 July 2017|isbn=978-1138239920|location=London|pages=88}} The performance may be carried by a single musician, in which case it is sometimes called a recital, or by a musical ensemble such as an orchestra, choir, or band. Concerts are held in a wide variety of settings and sizes, spanning from venues such as private houses and small nightclubs to mid-sized concert halls and finally to large arenas and stadiums, as well as outdoor venues such as amphitheatres and parks. Indoor concerts held in the largest venues are sometimes called arena concerts or amphitheatre concerts.

Regardless of the venue, musicians usually perform on a stage (if not an actual stage, then an area of the floor designated as such). Concerts often require live event support with professional audio equipment. Before recorded music, concerts provided the main opportunity to hear musicians play. For large concerts or concert tours, the challenging logistics of arranging the musicians, venue, equipment, audience, and tickets are handled by professional tour promoters.

History

While the first concerts did not officially appear until the late 17th century, similar gatherings had been around throughout the 17th century at several European universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. Officially, though, the first public concerts that required an admission were created by the English violinist John Banister.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Banister|title=John Banister {{!}} English musician|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2019-03-27}} Over the next few centuries, concerts began to gain larger audiences, and classical symphonies were very popular. Finally, after World War 2, these events changed into the modern concerts that take place today. An example of an early, post-WW2 concert is the Moondog Coronation Ball.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/concert|title=Concert {{!}} music|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2019-03-20}}

= 17th century =

File:Bernardo Strozzi Kontsert.jpg artist Bernardo Strozzi, {{Circa|1630–1631}}]]

The first known occurrence of concerts where people are charged admission took place at violinist John Banister's home in Whitefriars, London in 1672. 6 years later in 1678, a man by the name of Thomas Britton held weekly concerts in Clerkenwell. However, these concerts were different. Before, there was an admission that people paid upon entering the building where the concert was held, but at Britton's concerts, patrons purchased a yearly subscription to come to the concerts. At 10 shillings a year, people could see as many concerts they wanted to.

In addition to holding concerts at certain venues, concerts also went to the people. In 17th century France, concerts were performed in the homes of the nobility, for only the nobility. Organized by Anne Danican Philidor, the first public concerts in France, and arguably the world, were the Concerts Spirituels. These concerts were held on religious holidays when the Opera was closed and served as a model for concert societies all over the world.

= 18th century =

In the late 18th century, music from the likes of Haydn and Mozart was brought and performed in English concerts. One notable work from Haydn performed at these concerts was his set of 12 symphonies, also referred to as the London Symphonies. Concerts reflecting the elegance of England during the time period were held at the gardens of Vauxhall, Ranelagh, and Marylebone. The musical repertoire performed at these events ranged from works composed by young Mozart, to songs that were popular in that time period.

Types

File:Lappeenranta Big Band - 60v juhlakonsertti.jpg, Finland]]

The nature of a concert varies by musical genre, individual performers, and the venue. Concerts by a small jazz combo or small bluegrass band may have the same order of program, mood, and volume—but vary in music and dress. In a similar way, a particular musician, band, or genre of music might attract concert attendees with similar dress, hairstyle, and behavior. For example, concert goers in the 1960s often had long hair (sometimes in dread lock form), sandals and inexpensive clothing made of natural fibers. Regular attendees to a concert venue might also have a recognizable style that comprises that venue's scene.

=Recital=

A recital is a solo concerto, i.e. a concert by a soloist or small group which follows a program. It can highlight a single performer, sometimes accompanied by piano, or a performance of the works of a single composer, or a single instrument (organ recital). The invention of the solo piano recital has been attributed to Franz Liszt.{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/10/22/141617637/how-franz-liszt-became-the-worlds-first-rock-star/ |title=How Franz Liszt Became The World's First Rock Star |newspaper=NPR.org |date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=17 January 2014}} Also, a recital may have many participants, as for a dance recital. A dance recital is a presentation of choreographed moves for an audience, usually in an established performing arts venue, possibly competitively. Some dance recitals are seasonal.

=Theatrical=

File:Bjork - Paris 2023 (375202948).jpg in 2023]]

Some performers or groups put on very elaborate and expensive shows. To create a memorable and exciting atmosphere and increase the spectacle, performers frequently include additional entertainment devices. These can include elaborate stage lighting, electronic imagery via (IMAG) system and/or pre-recorded video, inflatable sets, artwork or other set pieces, various special effects such as theatrical smoke and fog and pyrotechnics, and unusual costumes or wardrobe. Some singers, especially popular music, augment concert sound with pre-recorded accompaniment, back-up dancers, and even broadcast vocal tracks of the singer's own voice. Activities during these concerts can include dancing, sing-alongs, and moshing.

= Classical =

File:Classical spectacular10.jpg concert in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005]]

Classical concerts embody two different styles of classical music — orchestral and choral. They are performed by a plethora of different groups in concert halls or other performing art venues. For orchestra, depending on the number of performers and the instruments used, concerts include chamber music, chamber orchestra, or symphony orchestra. Chamber orchestra is a small-scale orchestra containing between ten and forty members, mostly string instruments, and likely led by a conductor. Symphony orchestra, on the other hand, is a large-scale orchestra that can have up to eighty or more members, which is led by a conductor and is performed with instruments such as strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/orchestra-music|title=Orchestra|last=Gaur|first=Aakanksha|date=2015-04-28|website=Interlude.hk|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-21}} For choral style pieces, concerts include Choral music, Opera, and musical theater. Each encompassing a variety of singers who are organized by a conductor or director.{{Cite web|url=https://www.naxos.com/education/enjoy1_kinds.asp|title=Kinds of Concerts: How To Enjoy A Live Concert|website=naxos.com|access-date=2019-03-20}}

=Rock=

Rock concerts are those where rock musicians perform in front of audiences which may vary from small to huge stadium concerts. Mosh pits are often a feature of modern rock concerts. Rock concerts are often conducted at extremely high volume levels, near the threshold of hearing loss.

Venues

File:20090814 Pritzker Pavilion on Beethoven's 9th Day crop.JPG, a bandshell at Millennium Park in Chicago]]

There are a wide variety of concert venues that can range in size, location, and the type of music that is hosted at that particular venue. A concert hall is a concert venue which hosts mainly classical music such as a symphony, and they are often a part of a larger performing arts center. One of the most famous concert halls is Royal Albert Hall located in the United Kingdom. This venue hosts a wide variety of genres of music from classical concerts to pop concerts. An amphitheater is an uncovered circular or oval-shaped venue with tiers of seats surrounding the stage. Amphitheaters such as the well-known Red Rocks Amphitheatre,{{Cite web|url=https://www.aimm.edu/blog/top-10-music-venues-in-united-states|title=Top 10 Music Venues in the United States|website=Atlanta Institute of Music and Media|access-date=2019-03-20}} located in Colorado, hosts mainly rock and pop concerts. Rock and pop concerts, however, are mainly held in sports stadiums and arenas such as Madison Square Garden because of the tendency for these stadiums to have a larger capacity.

Formats

=Festivals=

File:Donauinselfest.jpg is the world's largest music festival according to Guinness World Records]]

Concerts involving a greater number of artists, especially those that last for multiple days, are known as festivals. Unlike other concerts, which typically remain in a single genre of music or work of a particular artist, festivals often cover a broad scope of music and arts. Due to their size, festivals are almost exclusively held outdoors. New platforms for festivals are becoming increasingly popular such as Jam Cruise, which is a festival held on a cruise ship, as well as Mayan Holidaze, which is a destination festival held in Tulum.

=Tour=

File:Beyoncé - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - 1st June 2023 (25 of 118) (52946287590).jpg on her Renaissance World Tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in 2023]]

A concert tour is a series of concerts by an artist or group of artists in different cities, countries, or locations. Often concert tours are named, to differentiate different tours by the same artist and associate a specific tour with a particular album or product. Especially in the popular music world, such tours can become large-scale enterprises that last for several months or even years, are seen by hundreds of thousands or millions of people, and bring in millions of dollars, or the equivalent, in ticket revenues.

=Residency=

File:Katy Perry Play at Resorts World, Las Vegas (51809222946).jpg performing during Play]]

A concert residency{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/09/14/forget-vegas-new-york-city-has-become-the-new-go-to-city-for-concert-residencies/#13400f474962|title=Forget Vegas, New York City Has Become The New Go-To City For Concert Residencies|first=Hugh|last=McIntyre|website=forbes.com|access-date=4 December 2017}} or musical residency{{cite web|url=http://ew.com/music/2017/03/14/las-vegas-residencies-summer-2017/|title=Las Vegas Residencies: Here's Your Guide to Summer 2017|website=ew.com|access-date=4 December 2017}} is a series of live music concerts similar to a concert tour, but only performed at one location. One will have fewer shows than a concert tour. Theaters generally serve as the venues for them. Concert residencies are usually associated with the city of Las Vegas. Bands and individuals might embark on one since it's easier than touring. Examples of concert residencies are Britney: Piece of Me and Play by Britney Spears and Katy Perry, respectively.

Revenue

While admission to some concerts is free, it is common practice to charge money for concerts by selling admission tickets. Before the advent of recorded-music sales and mechanical royalties in the early 20th century, concerts were the primary source of revenue for musicians. Revenue from ticket sales typically goes to the performing artists, producers, venue, organizers and the brokers. In the case of benefit concerts, a portion of profits often go towards a charitable organization.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Additional revenue is also often raised through in-concert advertising, from free local concerts for local sponsorships to sponsorships from corporations during major tours e.g. 2009's "Vans' Warped Tour Presented by AT&T". Both Vans and AT&T would have paid significant amounts to have their company names included at the forefront in all marketing material for the Warped Tour.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Concessions and merchandise are also often sold during and after concerts; often by the venue in the case of the former, and by the performing band or artist in the case of the latter.{{Cite web|url=https://audiotheme.com/blog/tips-for-selling-more-band-merchandise/|title=Tips for Selling More Band Merchandise|last=Ditommaso|first=Anna|date=7 November 2018|website=AudioTheme.com|access-date=6 November 2019}}

The global live music industry revenue stood at 28.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.org/ifpi-global-music-report-global-recorded-music-revenues-grew-10-2-in-2023/|title=IFPI Global Music Report: Global Recorded Music Revenues Grew 10.2% In 2023|date=21 March 2024|access-date=20 April 2024|website=www.ifpi.org}} Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in 2023 was record-breaking, generating $1.04 billion in revenue, averaging $17.3 million per show.{{Cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/12/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-breaks-record-as-highest-grossing-music-tour-ever-762285|title=Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour breaks record as highest-grossing music tour ever|date=12 December 2023|access-date=20 April 2024|website=www.guinnessworldrecords.com|last=Atwal|first=Sanj}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/taylor-swift-the-eras-tour-1-billion-dollars-1235659296/|title=Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ Grosses Over $1 Billion In 2023, The Biggest Haul For Any Act Ever|date=8 December 2023|access-date=20 April 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Tapp|first=Tom}}

Attendance

File:Modena Park 2017 veduta elicottero.jpg's show at Enzo Ferrari Park in Modena, Italy, which set a new world attendance record in 2017]]

The term "full house" is used to designate full occupancy by the audience of every seat or place at a venue. It also applies to theatrical productions and cinemas.{{cite book| url=http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/assets/ckeditor/attachments/85/full_house.pdf?1296980004| title=Full House: Turning Data into Audiences| first1=Roger |last1= Tomlinson | first2=Tim |last2=Roberts | first3=Vicki |last3=Allpress| date=2006| ISBN =0-478-18554-5| publisher= CreativeNZ| quote=A revised and updated edition of Boxing Clever written by Roger Tomlinson and originally published by Arts Council England in 1993.| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101055232/https://www.creativenz.govt.nz/assets/ckeditor/attachments/85/full_house.pdf?1296980004| archive-date=1 November 2012| url-status=dead}}{{cite web | title=full house | website=Cambridge English Dictionary | url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/full-house | access-date=22 March 2022}}

{{As of|2017}}, Italian singer Vasco Rossi holds the record for the biggest attendance of a ticketed concert with a total of 220,000 tickets sold for his show at Enzo Ferrari Park, Modena, Italy on 1 July 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.it/news/vasco-modena-park-record/|title=Vasco Rossi, Modena Park da record mondiale: 220.000 paganti|date=24 May 2017|website=vh1.it|access-date=4 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pollstar.com/article/rossi-sets-record-in-italy-132226|title=Rossi Sets Record In Italy|work=Pollstar|first=Gideon |last=Gottfried |date=29 June 2017|access-date=9 December 2017}} The record was previously held by Paul McCartney's 1990 concert with a paying audience of 185,000 in Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=50502|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060525134623/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=50502|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2006|title=Arts and Media/Music Feats & Facts/Solo Rock Show Crowd|date=25 May 2006|access-date=9 December 2017}} Rod Stewart also holds the record for the biggest attendance in a free concert, with an estimated audience of 3.5 million during his 1994 New Year's Eve concert in Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro.{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=53418|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060525134411/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=53418|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2006|title=Arts and Media/Music Feats & Facts/Huge Free Gig|date=25 May 2006|access-date=14 December 2017}}

Concert psychology

Many musicians performing in large venues or to a mass audience through electronic media experience stage fright or performance anxiety. The psychological stress of maintaining performance at a high level over a long concert tour is associated with depression and substance abuse.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

In some concert settings, such as classical music, the audience participates passively. In other concert settings, especially folk or rock concerts, the performers encourage and engage with an active audience response. The intensity of the sound environment and the crush of the mass audience can induce a trance-like psychological state in some audience members, and beyond the music itself, functions as an entry point to achieve an altered state of consciousness. Vocalists and other musicians (if their instrument permits this) will often dance or strut on stage as they perform, and the audience will often dance or sway in response (space permitting); this can also be considered a manifestation of crowd psychology.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

References

Category:Music performance