Peter Harzem <[log in to unmask]> replies to me:

>It seems to me that the movements of a work involve essential continuity,
>both in the work itself and in the effects on the listener.  Intervals
>between them do (don/t they) provide moments for reflection, continuity,
>etc.  Applause in those intervals would be an intrusion, an unwelcome
>disruption of all that.  One of the precious practices that survive, even
>if precariously, in classical music performances (but few, if any, other
>situations) is regard for others' feelings, comfort, etc.  This, I believe,
>is something that needs to be protected as jealously as possible.

Had Mozart attended a concert of one of his concertos and nobody had
applaused the 1st and 2nd movemnts, he had disappointed went home and
written a new 1st and a new 2nd movement, had he cared to work more at
such a lousy work at all, I tell you.

Mats Norrman
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