I think it is possible to connect with an audience on a personal level during a performance. The performance is about more than just creating sounds from the stage. Performance also includes any way the performer communicates with the audience. Introduce some dialogue, talk about a piece, why you’re playing it, not just the program notes of the composer (that could certainly be part of), but also why you as the artist chose to work on this piece. Some comments about challenges during the process that go beyond the technical aspects that we seem to focus on as musicians.
Visual elements can also be introduced that could include lighting affects, where you position yourself, coming out from behind the music stand or eliminating it all together, if that’s feasible can reduce barriers between audience and performer.
I realize now my initial response was all performer driven in that it is “me” telling the audience “stuff”. While this is all well and good, it doesn’t elicit anything from the audience (that significant “other” part of the performance).
Perhaps asking some guided questions or thoughtful considerations, directing the listeners look into their own experience (musical and otherwise) could provide more connection in a recital environment.
I’ve been to rock concerts where the artist had the audience use our mobile phones to take a short survey or vote, the results of which determined a later portion of the concert. Christopher Bill did this in a holiday concert to choose what pieces to finish the program with.
Technology, once shunned in concerts, has the potential to enhance the experience.
I think it is possible to connect with an audience on a personal level during a performance. The performance is about more than just creating sounds from the stage. Performance also includes any way the performer communicates with the audience. Introduce some dialogue, talk about a piece, why you’re playing it, not just the program notes of the composer (that could certainly be part of), but also why you as the artist chose to work on this piece. Some comments about challenges during the process that go beyond the technical aspects that we seem to focus on as musicians.
Visual elements can also be introduced that could include lighting affects, where you position yourself, coming out from behind the music stand or eliminating it all together, if that’s feasible can reduce barriers between audience and performer.
I realize now my initial response was all performer driven in that it is “me” telling the audience “stuff”. While this is all well and good, it doesn’t elicit anything from the audience (that significant “other” part of the performance).
Perhaps asking some guided questions or thoughtful considerations, directing the listeners look into their own experience (musical and otherwise) could provide more connection in a recital environment.
I’ve been to rock concerts where the artist had the audience use our mobile phones to take a short survey or vote, the results of which determined a later portion of the concert. Christopher Bill did this in a holiday concert to choose what pieces to finish the program with.
Technology, once shunned in concerts, has the potential to enhance the experience.