Miguel Muelle: >I don't think the "problem' of the standardized standing ovation is >limited to small orchestras. I don't know if the original poster was >speaking of an American orchestra, but I bet he was. I think this is >an American phenomenon. We see it in Europe too. Sometimes I feel that the standing originates because a few people towards the front wish there to be an ovation (or might I suggest that occasionally they might wish to leave the hall before the traffic gets too dense...) and as the visibility behind becomes impossible, other people rise. I know, that really is too wicked of me - some standing ovations remain highly justified. >[...]one sort of ends up feeling like a curmudgeon, or certainly like >a grump, by sitting firmly It may be difficult to sit tight but it is possible, and preferable if the standing ovation is to retain some meaning. The contrary is very difficult - I have felt the urge without daring to stand for fear of embarrassing my neighbours or blocking their view. But I can applaud to near-exhaustion... Regards, Christine Labroche