Richard Pennycuick wrote:
>I've often thought that CM performers would be far more comfortable
>playing a concert in the sort of clothes they would wear to rehearsal.
>It seems to me that the wearing of formal evening dress is an anachronism
>which does nothing whatever to enhance the quality of the performance but
>has much to do with maintaining the perception that classical music is an
>activity for the rich.
I heard that the reason CM performers still wear tuxes and such formal
evening wear is from the tradition of musicians being seen as servants.
At formal functions (say a cocktail party), the caterers will also wear
tuxes. Musicians were considered to be in the same class as servants.
Personally, I like dressing up for performances. and I think it has
everything to do with how I will perform, because by dressing up, I am
making an event out of the performance. I want to show that I take this
performance seriously, and am paying more attention to how I present
myself than usual. May be it's just me, but when I wear something nice,
it also helps me play better ^_^ (or may be it's because psychologically,
I feel better about myself, and so, with the added confidence, I play
better).After all, if I spent so much time practising/rehearsing for this
performance, then I'd want to also look my best when the time comes. Of
course the formality of the dress also depends on the occasion. If it is
an informal gathering, of course I will not wear my bright red evening
dress. vice versa; if it is a very important concert, then I will feel
extremely uncomfortable in jeans and T-shirt. It is also out of respect
for the audience that I wear the appropriate clothing, showing them how
much I care about this performance.
I think it boils down to this: clothing has everything to do with the
quality of the performance. it's about comfort. and the appropriate
clothing (not overdressing or underdressing) will put both the musicians
and audience at ease, thus, enhancing the performance and musical
experience.
Miaomiao
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