GMG Classical Music Forum

Attended the first NZSO subscription concert last night which featured Dame Kiri Te Kanawa singing a selection of Mozart and Strauss arias in the first half and Mahlers #4 in the second half. It was a 'celebrity' concert and had been sold out for some time so I'm assuming there were audience members who don't usually attend this sort of performance.

Anyway during the Mahler symphony the audience applauded after both the first and second movements promting my wife to tell the the old guy sitting next to us off  :P ;) ;D They couldn't clap after the third movement 'cause there was no pause leading into the fourth.

Personally I feel Irritated and Embarrassed because it 1. interrupts the 'flow' and 'mood' of the work and 2. it displays an ignorance of concert etiquette and respect to the performers and international conductors and soloists.

Fire away  :)

Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on April 13, 2007, 12:57:14 PM
Personally I feel Irritated and Embarrassed because it 1. interrupts the 'flow' and 'mood' of the work and 2. it displays an ignorance of concert etiquette and respect to the performers and international conductors and soloists.

Embarrassed because of what you said in #2.

Sometimes it doesn't bother me. It certainly does bother me during things like Mahler.

It depends. In opera, applause after a particularly good number is standard accepted etiquette. Yet in symphonic repertoire for some reason it is not. Obviously between two attacca movements you can't clap, but otherwise, if the performance merits it, why not? Last Saturday here in Chicago, the audience spontaneously clapped after a fantastic first movement of Mahler's 1st conducted by Dudamel. I thought it was a nice gesture. Of course, if it's just one guy who is doing it out of ignorance in a mediocre performance, it can be irritating. Though I suspect in the case of the Te Kanawa performance mentioned above it was genuine admiration and not so much ignorance. Again, she's primarily an opera singer and in opera, clapping after an aria is completely normal.

BTW, musicians have mixed feelings about this. Some love it, others hate it. Hilary Hahn has been asking this question of every one of her interviewees on her website (http://hilaryhahn.com/opinions.shtml).

I know what you mean about someone 'doing it out of ignorance' (although this wasn't a mediocre performance). At the end of a part of Tosca - a part that wouldn't even be considered a big number (not like 'Vissi d'arte') - some idiot spotaneously started clapping. About two seconds later, after he realised no one was joining him, he stopped suddenly. I thought it very funny to be honest.

It depends on how the movement ends.  Many first movement endings are as exciting and applause-drawing as finale endings; I don't feel applause is out of place there.  But it's nearly always out of place after the last chord of a slow movement evaporates...

I know what you mean, jochanaan. I hate it when people try to be the first to get their applause in.

Quote from: O Mensch on April 13, 2007, 01:37:15 PMThough I suspect in the case of the Te Kanawa performance mentioned above it was genuine admiration and not so much ignorance. Again, she's primarily an opera singer and in opera, clapping after an aria is completely normal.

Yes, I expected it after each of the short arias but during the Mahler symphony?  :o

Quote from: jochanaan on April 13, 2007, 01:52:28 PM
It depends on how the movement ends.  Many first movement endings are as exciting and applause-drawing as finale endings; I don't feel applause is out of place there.  But it's nearly always out of place after the last chord of a slow movement evaporates...

True, on the odd occasion when this happens its usually after the first movement which, like you say, can have a conclusive sound to the ending which can elicit applause.

concert venues should display a sign reading...'clap all you wish.  the composers, living or dead, want your support and the players have egos.'  ;)

dj

Clapping through ignorance annoys me. Especially when it's during the middle of the music, let alone merely between movements. I really hate it when people have clapped at the end of the exposition, or one or two chords early at the end of a slow piece that ends by fading out... I don't understand why some people are so desperate to clap as soon as the piece is finished anyway! Especially when it's a slow piece, I like to wait a few seconds after it's over just to let the music subside.

As for between movements, I'd say it's ok after the end of a particularly well-performed, conclusive sounding first movement as others have mentioned in this thread so far. But not through ignorance, and more than one additional time is just too distracting.

I don't care. And it allows the musicians to rest a little.

But I became irritated, years ago, when, under the frenetic clapping, Franco Corelli started again "Recondita Armonia". One time is enough, PLEEEASE!

Strange thing. I never heard any clapping between Webern's opus 9. Even performed by the LaSalle.

Generally, I get irritated by any inappropriate sound that breaks up the flow, and that includes prolonged coughing or sneezing as well applause.  (Those who are choking to death in a concert hall should excuse themselves, go outside, and call for emergency help rather than staying and ruining everything for just about everyone in the hall.)  I infrequently hear applause between movements in the concert hall; when it occurs it's usually during a work that is very unfamiliar to the audience.  However when I was very young, I saw a televised concert in which they had a lot of celebrity soloists doing solos in individual movements after which the audience applauded because the soloist would leave the stage, and another would come out.  That was so much of a break that it seemed almost natural to applaud.  Of course I was so young, I also didn't know any better.

Of course the great exception to this is the opera and ballet, where singers (or dancers) receive their applause as soon as they finish an aria/solo, as well as applause at the end of the acts.  I've even seen dancers taking bows after a particularly great solo or pas de deux to thunderous applause and bravos.

I would immediately agree that the answer to this question is hardly universal. Between the first and second movements of a classical period symphony, like that of Hadyn or Mozart, especially if it was of a paricuaily stunning variety, would be tolerable. A more organic piece like that of Mahler or Tchaikovsky would be more than irritating. It would also, I suppose depend upon the nature of the maestro and the solosists highlighted in the particular movement. Some, as it has been previously mentioned here, are less likely to appreciate this sort of applause, while other seem encouraged by it. I would never dream of interrupting Haitnik, but alluding to Gil Shaham's performance of Elgar's Violin Concerto, I found it difficult to keep from applauding his virtuoso effort in the first movement. As with most ill defined matters of ettiquete, it's all subjective.

I've been at concerts where there is a spattering of applause between movements which is then ignored by the orchestra (and soloist).  The worst thing about that is that the orchestra has started the next movement during that applause and it really detracts from the music.  I think the rule of thumb would be to wait and see if the conductor pauses for a bow.  If he's not turning around and pausing, then I'm not applauding.

Clapping between movements doesn't bother me regardless of whether it's due to enthusiasm or ignorance.  I have more important things to grouse about.

Clapping between movements is not standard etiquette, but when it happens it normally doesn't bother me. Of course sometimes people try to get their hands in between the third and last mvt. of LvB 3, and that can be irritating.

Prolonged coughing (it's always the usual suspecs) is really annoying.

Quote from: Valentino on April 14, 2007, 12:09:54 PMProlonged coughing (it's always the usual suspecs) is really annoying.

Who would that be?

Yes, lots of good responses so far. The coughing can be a pain; I notice it offens comes from the back of the hall. Old ladies with boiled sweets in noisey wrappers ::) Babies at classical concerts?! I haven't seen that but I've seen a few restless kids which is annoying because theres kid-specific classical concerts put on where that can make all the noise they want and the parents can still feel pleased because they are still exposing them to higher culture.  ;)

Quote from: Egebedieff on April 14, 2007, 07:08:02 AM
Some of those things deserve a little patience. Coughing more than sneezing, and at a certain point you expect the coughers to have to good judgement to excuse themselves. Unforgiveable are talkers, and worstof all are people who bring babies to concerts. Taking a baby to a concert (unless is it a childrens concert or outdoor thing), is like taking a handgrenade to a concert. There is such a likelihood that it will go off, that even if it doesn't, you are distracted by the antiicpation.

Some mother once had the poor judgement to bring her baby to a Tokyo Quartet concert I attended and sit on the front row. The baby began expressing its opinions a few measures into the first movement of one of Beethoven's late quartets. The players stopped and gently asked her to leave. Which bring us back to the main theme of this thread. Was the audience's applause appropriate when the woman left?

Egbdf

Yep. Baby at a performance of the Eroica started protesting from the opening chords.

On another occasion, a toddler snoozed through 3/4 of the St John Passion to then wake up and start hyperventilating. Just as well the guardian (looked like a grandma) ushered him out - and this after a looong period of cajoling and proffering of fruit juice - before my favourite 'Ruht wohl' chorus.

I'd rather hear babies crying than old people dying.

Quote from: oyasumi on April 14, 2007, 07:04:13 PM
I'd rather hear babies crying than old people dying.

:o

Quote from: oyasumi on April 14, 2007, 07:04:13 PM
I'd rather hear babies crying than old people dying.

I saw a lady collapse in a performance of Mahler. Mahler can do that to you, or maybe it was the Webern before the intermission that wore her down. She didn't make much noise though.

She collapsed in her seat?

Quote from: oyasumi on April 15, 2007, 07:22:17 AM
She collapsed in her seat?

She collapsed onto the floor :(. Her companion dragged her along the ground by her arms for a few metres, then gave up, and left her lying there for a few minutes. She sat up, someone brought her a glass of water, but then they all left half way through anyway. And all in open view because they were in the organ gallery. Poor lady.

Addendum to my post: clapping between movements is OK. Clapping during a movement is irritating as hell.  >:( I just went to a performance of Magic Flute where the clueless audience clapped after the initial climax of the overture (before the shift to minor).

The worst are the people who think they have to be the first ones to clap. You won't get a cookie for starting the applause.

They are usually the ones that start clapping before the piece is really over - before the conductor rests. At the last LA Phil concert I went to, Salonen conducted his own piece, and apparently wanted some silence after the music had finished, but some in the front rows started clapping when Salonen was still in position. He looked kind of dissappointed turning around to bow.

It's the risk we take going out into the world!

But we either take the good with the bad or hole ourselves up in our little listening rooms!

It can't get any worse than the time a ten year old sitting behind me (at opera) decided the back of my chair would be the perfect target for kicking exercises.

After while I turned and gave him a look but not one of "Die, scum!!" It just wouldn't do to act that nasty. After all, putting such a youngster off classical music permanently is not something I'm willing to shoulder! ;D

Quote from: Don Giovanni on April 13, 2007, 01:22:37 PM
Sometimes it doesn't bother me. It certainly does bother me during things like Mahler.

100% agreed.

Quote from: Bunny on April 14, 2007, 05:44:16 AM
...Of course the great exception to this is the opera and ballet...

Hmmm...Seems to me that orchestral and chamber concerts are the exception in the larger musical context.

The clapping, coughing, etc. don't bother me at all.  I used to be very particular about these things, and then I had a John Cage moment.  I realized that the concert wasn't just the music on the stage, but the very human experience of being at the concert.  Imagine, it would feel incredibly weird to go to see a great soloist or orchestra at one of the best concert halls in the country and be alone.  The people around you add to the experience, clapping and coughing and all.  After this I found my concert going experiences were much more enjoyable.  I am only distracted by obviously annoying behavior or other problems which should have been fixed.

Quote from: donwyn on April 16, 2007, 06:32:20 PMAfter all, putting such a youngster off classical music permanently is not something I'm willing to shoulder! ;D

I dunno. Saving future concert goers the torture of having their chair kicked etc would surely be a good deed  ;)

I am angered, there ought to be a law to prohibit such foul behavior.

Quote from: Catison on April 17, 2007, 05:00:31 PM
The clapping, coughing, etc. *cough*don't bother me at all.  I used to be very particul*hhrraaack*ar about these things, and then I had a John*hackhack* Cage moment.  I realized that th*blararhh*e concert wasn't just the music on the stage, but the very human experience of being at the *scrpppptt*concert.  Imagine, it would feel incre*wheeeeze*di*cou-cough*bly weird to go to see a great soloist or orchestra at one of the best concert halls in the country and be alone.  The people around you add to the experience, clap*clapclapclap.....lap*ping and coughing and all.  After this I fou*hraaaaaaaack*nd my concert going experiences wer(*cough*e much more enjoyable.  I am on*cccouuuggghhhh*ly distracted by obviously annoying behavior or other problems which should have been fixed.

Quote from: MahlerTitan on April 17, 2007, 05:29:47 PM
I am angered, there ought to be a law to prohibit such foul behavior.

Using laws to proscribe violations of etiquette? Now there's a slippery slope. What might be the punishment be? A ban?  ;D

The big bother: clapping before the music has ended. The worst of all is any opera. It's absolutely unbearable. People act like once the singing stops, that all the music is over. I hate, hate, hate that. It's the #1 reason I have never been to see a live opera. I've had opportunities and refused because of this very thing. Many operas, I think some of the best music of all are the very last measures; I love big, dramatic, loud endings with full orchestra.

If they can make those people shut the hell up, they'd get more money, at least from me. They can clap all they want as long as no notes are being played.

Quote from: Steve on April 18, 2007, 08:15:52 AM
Using laws to proscribe violations of etiquette? Now there's a slippery slope. What might be the punishment be? A ban?  ;D

there also should be laws to prohibit the listening of classical music.

maybe people will start to like it, i dunno....

Quote from: JoshLilly on April 18, 2007, 10:13:06 AM
The big bother: clapping before the music has ended. The worst of all is any opera. It's absolutely unbearable. People act like once the singing stops, that all the music is over. I hate, hate, hate that. It's the #1 reason I have never been to see a live opera. I've had opportunities and refused because of this very thing. Many operas, I think some of the best music of all are the very last measures; I love big, dramatic, loud endings with full orchestra.

If they can make those people shut the hell up, they'd get more money, at least from me. They can clap all they want as long as no notes are being played.

I know exactly what you mean, and this is one of my pet peeves, too.  (Although I hasten to add: it doesn't keep me from going.)  Just recently I had this complaint at the Met's Eugene Onegin, in which one of the acts ends very softly.  The final blissful notes were completely drowned out by "bravos" (deserved as they may be). 

When that curtain starts falling, the applause begins, no matter what is happening.  Frankly, the solution might be: hold the curtain until the final notes have sounded, rather than beginning to close it while the music is playing. 

Another snapshot, from when I saw Wozzeck a few years ago: the opera has brilliant interludes for orchestra alone, but of course since no one was singing, conversations cropped up during most of them.  A couple next to me started chatting during the first one, so I turned, put my finger to my lips and smiled, and (thankfully) they stopped.  But things don't always end that happily.

--Bruce

I get angry at their ignorance, and irritated to a point, that I walk out of the concert, I often did.

Quote from: Harry on April 18, 2007, 10:43:47 AM
I get angry at their ignorance, and irritated to a point, that I walk out of the concert, I often did.

I would and do get angry; but I don't walk out if the musicians are doing a great job.  Then I just lob hard candies and spit balls at the applauders.

Quote from: Bunny on April 18, 2007, 02:45:36 PM

I would and do get angry; but I don't walk out if the musicians are doing a great job.  Then I just lob hard candies and spit balls at the applauders.

Good advice Bunny, I certainly will do the same thing as you suggest.
You made me laugh at the thought though. ;D

Quote from: Harry on April 18, 2007, 10:42:40 PM
Good advice Bunny, I certainly will do the same thing as you suggest.
You made me laugh at the thought though. ;D

At many of the concert halls in NYC they give out free ricola candies so that anyone who needs to cough has something to suck on.  I actually threw one of them at a man in the box next to mine one night when his snoring got too loud.  I suppose he didn't care for the music, but it was Mahler, so I was very, very irritated.  Unfortunately, he didn't wake up, which really got me angry.   >:D

Quote from: Bunny on April 18, 2007, 11:45:23 PM
At many of the concert halls in NYC they give out free ricola candies so that anyone who needs to cough has something to suck on.  I actually threw one of them at a man in the box next to mine one night when his snoring got too loud.  I suppose he didn't care for the music, but it was Mahler, so I was very, very irritated.  Unfortunately, he didn't wake up, which really got me angry.   >:D

We are much alike Bunny. Next time throw a brick! That is bound to wake him up.
Boy that would be the top of angryness, if I were confronted with that.
Would have loved to see you doing that though. Throwing candies! ;D

Harry, I though of throwing my playbook but realized that it would make more noise than the snorer.  ;D

Sometimes you have to put up with noisy neighbors, it's just too bad in the theater (movies or play) or the concert hall.  At least there haven't been any cell phones lately.  Nowadays, if your cell phone goes off, you could be facing a lynch mob from the angry audience. :o

Harry, talking about cellphones, when I went to see the revival of Cabaret a few years ago, there was a group of noisy Russians behind me who were chattering away to each other and on their cellphones during the whole first act.  The actors became so annoyed with them that at the intermission, the theater manager actually came out and asked them to leave the theater.   When they got up, the rest of the audience erupted in applause.  That was probably a lot worse than the occasional burst of applause in the wrong place. ;D

Quote from: Bunny on April 19, 2007, 12:19:08 AM
Harry, talking about cellphones, when I went to see the revival of Cabaret a few years ago, there was a group of noisy Russians behind me who were chattering away to each other and on their cellphones during the whole first act.  The actors became so annoyed with them that at the intermission, the theater manager actually came out and asked them to leave the theater.   When they got up, the rest of the audience erupted in applause.  That was probably a lot worse than the occasional burst of applause in the wrong place. ;D

You have a lot of good stories too, like Mike, so maybe we should make a Bunny thread too. that would make good reading material.
I enjoyed reading the above.
And by the way Russians are noisy people, and certainly when they are abroad.

Quote from: Bunny on April 19, 2007, 12:15:36 AM
Harry, I though of throwing my playbook but realized that it would make more noise than the snorer.  ;D

Sometimes you have to put up with noisy neighbors, it's just too bad in the theater (movies or play) or the concert hall.  At least there haven't been any cell phones lately.  Nowadays, if your cell phone goes off, you could be facing a lynch mob from the angry audience. :o

That's true, the people here in Holland are also much irritated if that happens, cellphones ringing!
I would not like to be the one having it in my pocket. ;D

Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on April 17, 2007, 05:21:03 PM
I dunno. Saving future concert goers the torture of having their chair kicked etc would surely be a good deed  ;)

You may have something there! ;D

I have read all comments to this thread with great interest as I have, in other forums, opined thereon.

I agree with almost all of the comments, which I believe to be (in the main) very reasonable.

The one new point I would make is this. All of us responding (myself included) are now regular concert goers. Once it was our first and, speaking for myself, as a late vocation I was unsure as to etiquette. Did I get any hint of what (not) to do on entering the concert hall...of course not...!

So I say that I agree with everything but would suggest that concert halls announce (as they do for smoking, telephones and emergency exits) that "...many concert goers would prefer if you did not clap between movements..."; or, less obtrusively, a note could be taken up by people on admittance to that effect - always, of course, not preventing anyone from responding with applause to a world-class performance.

Anyone agree?

Quote from: Tom on April 20, 2007, 11:07:03 AM
So I say that I agree with everything but would suggest that concert halls announce (as they do for smoking, telephones and emergency exits) that "...many concert goers would prefer if you did not clap between movements..."; or, less obtrusively, a note could be taken up by people on admittance to that effect - always, of course, not preventing anyone from responding with applause to a world-class performance.

I disagree with that. If a concert is really electrifying, why shouldn't the audience express its enthusiasm by clapping between movements? It doesn't bother me the least.

Quote from: Tom on April 20, 2007, 11:07:03 AM
...The one new point I would make is this. All of us responding (myself included) are now regular concert goers. Once it was our first and, speaking for myself, as a late vocation I was unsure as to etiquette. Did I get any hint of what (not) to do on entering the concert hall...of course not...!

That reminds me of a very clever blurb that used to play in movie theaters.  In the blurb, a young guy is constantly talking during a (supposedly) classic Western, undeterred by others hissing "Do you mind?"  Finally one of the onscreen gunslingers turns to our talker, yells "Hey!" and shoots a tub of popcorn out of the guy's hand. ;D Classic!

There was no positive option in the poll!

I like clapping between movements and I join in with the rest of the crowd! :D

The gmg groupthink has declared clapping to be an abomination, well phooey on that! :P

Quote from: DavidW on April 26, 2007, 01:57:13 PM
There was no positive option in the poll!

I interpreted "amused" as positive.

Quote from: O Mensch on April 26, 2007, 02:07:41 PM
I interpreted "amused" as positive.

Well that had a tone of disdain, I was hoping for enthusiastic. :)

Quote from: DavidW on April 26, 2007, 01:57:13 PM
There was no positive option in the poll!

I like clapping between movements and I join in with the rest of the crowd! :D

The gmg groupthink has declared clapping to be an abomination, well phooey on that! :P

I hope your post was meant to be satirical!  Otherwise, don't be surprised when you find yourself pelted with Ricola cough drops or spit balls some evening. :P

This is not a matter of group think.  Go to any concert, and you won't hear applause between the movements 99% of the time. 

The absence of applause between the movements is a mark of respect for the musicians who don't need to have their concentration broken.  Applause at the wrong time also can prevent others in the audience from hearing the opening bars of the next movement as the orchestra is not going to stop, wait for the applause to end, and take a bow then.  The time for applause is when the work is completed.  Then you and the rest of the audience are free to clap as loud as you wish, standing or sitting.

Quote from: Bunny on April 26, 2007, 02:19:49 PM
The absence of applause between the movements is a mark of respect for the musicians who don't need to have their concentration broken...

Hmmm...Seems to me it's a little misplaced, then.  I for one like to break my concentration a little in between movements! ;D

Quote from: jochanaan on May 02, 2007, 05:05:24 PM
Hmmm...Seems to me it's a little misplaced, then.  I for one like to break my concentration a little in between movements! ;D

Yes, but what about the rest of the musicians and the conductor?  Too many times, there is so little time between the movements and if no one is waiting to take bows and acknowledge applause, the sound can drown out the opening bars of the next movement. 

I think the only appropriate time for applause between the first and second movement might be if you are hearing Mahler's 2nd and the intermission is being taken after the first movement.  Then again, who knows whether the orchestra will linger?  A polite smattering might be in order then.

For a lot of symphonies there is an architectural plan, the conductor is often 'seeing' the final movement right from the opening of the work. Silence is best between movements so that the work can have its accumulative effect.

The silence can be part of the performance, not just a lack of music.

Though; people do not have to be noisy to be antisocial. Recently I watched a whole little block of expensive seats at the Wigmore Hall empty to leave one very smelly individual in soul possession of about £250 worth of seats. One woman spent the first half of the concert with a polo neck pullover pulled up over her nose, and held there. The only time I did have a go at anyone was someone who jiffled constantly and that meant my seat vibrated along with his. I asked him to cut it out, he did, then during the interval moved, presumably so he could continue his St Vitus Dance and annoy someone else.

Mike

Quote from: knight on May 10, 2007, 11:47:25 AM
For a lot of symphonies there is an architectural plan, the conductor is often 'seeing' the final movement right from the opening of the work. Silence is best between movements so that the work can have its accumulative effect.

The silence can be part of the performance, not just a lack of music.

Though; people do not have to be noisy to be antisocial. Recently I watched a whole little block of expensive seats at the Wigmore Hall empty to leave one very smelly individual in soul possession of about £250 worth of seats. One woman spent the first half of the concert with a polo neck pullover pulled up over her nose, and held there. The only time I did have a go at anyone was someone who jiffled constantly and that meant my seat vibrated along with his. I asked him to cut it out, he did, then during the interval moved, presumably so he could continue his St Vitus Dance and annoy someone else.

Mike

Distractions seem to exist all over!

the hygienically challenged neighbor has sat next to me too often in the movie theater; or someone (male or female) is wearing an intolerably strong scent.  I can't even begin to talk about the awfulness of the woman who starts spritzing herself with a purse sized spray!  Excusable only when she's sitting next to someone with BO.

And, while we're complaining, let's not forget the fidgeter behind you who can't move without kicking all of the seats in front of him; or who insists on swinging his crossed leg into your chair for minutes at a time. 

AArrrgh!!! I hate them all. >:(

We've got them on our list
We've got them on our list,
And none of them be missed,
No, none of them be missed.

Mike

Quote from: knight on May 10, 2007, 11:47:25 AM
For a lot of symphonies there is an architectural plan, the conductor is often 'seeing' the final movement right from the opening of the work. Silence is best between movements so that the work can have its accumulative effect.

The silence can be part of the performance, not just a lack of music.

Though; people do not have to be noisy to be antisocial. Recently I watched a whole little block of expensive seats at the Wigmore Hall empty to leave one very smelly individual in soul possession of about £250 worth of seats. One woman spent the first half of the concert with a polo neck pullover pulled up over her nose, and held there. The only time I did have a go at anyone was someone who jiffled constantly and that meant my seat vibrated along with his. I asked him to cut it out, he did, then during the interval moved, presumably so he could continue his St Vitus Dance and annoy someone else.

Mike

I find myself far to accepting of these sorts of social faux pas. Often, I wish that I could muster the strength to tell the person seated behind me that his whispers do not suddenly become inaudible because he leans to his friend seated next to him, or chide the person near me who cannot stay-put in his seat! Thankfully such behavior is generally absent from CSO concerts. When I've shelled out a fair amount to see Haitink, I don't expect to be irritated. Now if I could only get them to get rid of that obnoxious radio personality who comes on briefly before the concert begins to warn us against cellphone use or photography! Ah, such annoyances shall forever abound!  :'(

Quote from: Bunny on May 10, 2007, 12:42:51 PM
Distractions seem to exist all over!

the hygienically challenged neighbor has sat next to me too often in the movie theater; or someone (male or female) is wearing an intolerably strong scent.  I can't even begin to talk about the awfulness of the woman who starts spritzing herself with a purse sized spray!  Excusable only when she's sitting next to someone with BO.

And, while we're complaining, let's not forget the fidgeter behind you who can't move without kicking all of the seats in front of him; or who insists on swinging his crossed leg into your chair for minutes at a time. 

AArrrgh!!! I hate them all. >:(

The overuse of perfume can be positively horrid! I'm allergic to chemicals, so these smells I'm particularly sensitive to, so they really get 'up my nose'. Guys heavy handed use of aftershave is also repulsive; do they really think the babes will go for that? ???

Yep, fidgeters can be irritating too, especially if they are seated behind you and knock your seat. At a recent concert, Mahler #5, there was a women near me with noisey material on her dress so her constant moving around was distracting.

What about the old ladies with their noisey lollie wrappers?!  ??? ::) >:D

The woman next to me fell asleep and started snoring this evening ...

Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on May 10, 2007, 03:24:34 PM
The overuse of perfume can be positively horrid! I'm allergic to chemicals, so these smells I'm particularly sensitive to, so they really get 'up my nose'. Guys heavy handed use of aftershave is also repulsive; do they really think the babes will go for that? ???

Yep, fidgeters can be irritating too, especially if they are seated behind you and knock your seat. At a recent concert, Mahler #5, there was a women near me with noisey material on her dress so her constant moving around was distracting.

What about the old ladies with their noisey lollie wrappers?!  ??? ::) >:D

Only the ones with the purse spritzers. >:D

Quote from: Novitiate on May 10, 2007, 03:41:52 PM
The woman next to me fell asleep and started snoring this evening ...

Do what I do: throw Ricola (or other hard candies) at them.  You can also elbow the snorrer in the ribs or kick them "accidentally" on the ankle. It's the snorer who's close but not accessible who is most irksome.