Comments on: Is it necessary to give Classical Music a facelift? (part 1)

By: Marion Harrington

Marion Harrington — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:41:10 +0000

Being that I have shared my life with one of your French compatriots for the last 13 years, I had to smile when I read that you feel relaxed in a suit as I feel totally the opposite!

It has to be said that the French have always had a certain “je ne said quois” in so many things when it comes to matters of style. Whilst I do admire that, it is something that is natural and, like true Spanish Flamenco, cannot be imitated.

As for society and rules – well, I certainly draw the line at delivering a performance naked – lol!

By: Pierre-Arnaud

Pierre-Arnaud — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:36:52 +0000

Oh dear, I had to re-read what I wrote, I couldn’t remember Well, first something funny : I rarely wear a tuxedo on stage. And I totally agree with you when you say you want to feel comfortable, relaxed and “you” while playing. But I feel really comfortable, relaxed and “me” in a suit (Lucky me!). I just feel weird when dressed casual on stage. I feel like I’m rehearsing, not playing. Maybe my mistake is to completely forget people feeling uncomfortable while wearing a suit (or a long dress).

I’m not an integrist of the suit-or-dress, everybody can wear what he wants in order to feel comfortable and enjoy the concert. “Do we have to have rules?” I guess it’s a consequence of living in society, ideally we shouldn’t need them but it’s only an ideal… Ideally also, only the music should count. But “live and let live” should be possible !

By: Marion Harrington

Marion Harrington — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:33:38 +0000

Well – you asked me on Twitter to comment so here goes: I am in complete disagreement with your argument but then it seems I have always naturally been unconventional my entire life. It’s just how I am, period.
For me personally, dress has nothing to do with “making a statement” or “making classical music cool”. If I’m to give of my best, I want to feel comfortable, relaxed and “me”. I agree with Chantelle in that my most rewarding musical experiences have been in front of a non-trad audience.
But just as I wouldn’t go to a BBQ in my pyjamas, neither would I deliver a concert in torn jeans and a dirty blouse – now that’s a lack of respect, not the fact I choose not to wear a full length dress.
In the end, why can’t the audience and performers wear whatever they like? Do we have to have rules? I went to a New Years Concert in an opera house a couple of years back and along with the jeans and jumpers brigade (myself included!), the audience was a complete mix of ladies with tiaras, smart casual and dinner jackets.
Live and let live, say I. It’s the music that counts. Just don’t ever ask me to wear a penguin suit

By: Pierre-Arnaud

Pierre-Arnaud — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:41:29 +0000

Mary, Chantelle : Don’t put too much pressure on me I’m glad you appreciate my writings !

By: Chantelle

Chantelle — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:06:40 +0000

Interesting, argument. While I agree that the notion of “making classical music cool” is ludicrous, I do feel that the audience should feel a certain level of comfort. I will agree that from the stage (I’m a mezzo ) a well groomed audience is infinitely more appealing to look at than a rag tag assortment of barely clothed people; the best crowds in my experience have included a broad mix. My most rewarding concert experiences have been in unconventional spaces with a motley crowd. Besides any audience is better than no audience. I can’t wait to read your thoughts on programming.

By: Mary Kunz Goldman

Mary Kunz Goldman — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:54:46 +0000

Pierre-Arnaud, I love your line “When when knows how easy it is to slip into a dress or a suit, it would be a shame not to do so.” I agree! This “making classical music cool” business is all we hear about over here and it is driving me crazy. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on this!