Standing ovations are rare in Britain so that, when they do occur, they are
regarded as significant.  I was surprised at a concert at the Concertgebouw
when the audience stood and applauded after every item.  What do they do
if they wish to express particular enthusiasm? But other countries, other
customs.  I heard a soloist on the radio say that at the end of her first
concerto performance in Japan she took a bow and, to her surprise, the
whole audience bowed back.  And why not?

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