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How German musicians say ‘well played’

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norman lebrecht

July 21, 2016

According to this video report, they shuffle their feet.

Comments

Max Grimm says:

July 21, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Musicians in orchestras from many countries shuffle or stomp their feet to show appreciation for a colleague, soloist or conductor, not just musicians in German orchestras.
I.e. musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyeR-gPakWo (from time index 1:10:03 on)

Bruce says:

July 22, 2016 at 12:40 am

We do it in my orchestra all the time, for well-played solos or when the conductor says something like “Here we are at the last concert of the season.”

Rich Patina says:

July 22, 2016 at 1:13 am

It is very common to do this and it is a practice taught very early to young orchestral musicians. Why? Because the musicians can’t readily put down their instruments to applaud with their hands.

Dr Gradus says:

July 22, 2016 at 8:47 am

I’m a British musician and I’ve been shuffling since i was taught to show appreciation that way at music college in the 80’s.

Kai says:

July 22, 2016 at 11:37 am

In the Mannheim Orchestra the conductor stopped the rehearsal (!) after the new, young solo flute player played for the first time the solo in “Rosenkavalier” 1st Act and told him : ” Now you surpassed my greatest expectations”