Nick Jones speaks eloquently and concludes:

>I wouldn't go so far as to encourage inter-movement applause in print,
>but if others are bursting with enthusiasm, then the *least* the
>performers can do is smile and nod their thanks.

But what about the concentration of the artist?  Shouldn't this be
respected as well?  If a pianist is deeply engrossed in not only the
technical challenges but the mood s/he is creating in a difficult piano
concerto, is it a favor to break this concentration with applause then
expect the soloist graciously to smile and nod thanks?

I don't really know the answer -- perhaps the show of appreciation helps
the soloist understand that the audience is with him/her.  However, is
generally seems to me that the scowls I see, not just from soloists but
from orchestra members when a work is interrupted by applause, indicate
that they mind the interruption.

Jane Erb