A concert is a live musical performance in open environment in front of an invited audience. The performance can be by a solo artist, sometimes known as a soloist, or by an ensemble, including a band, choir, or instrumentalists. Most commonly, the word “concert” is used to refer to a combination of musical instruments played in one huge concert. Most popular music concerts are large and complex affairs, with well-known musicians playing multiple instruments and many audience members needing to be accommodated for. Other types of live performances include chamber music concerts, open air concerts, wedding concerts, and carnivals.
The term concert comes from the Greek word concertes, which means “assemblage.” The first type of music concert mentioned above was in the late eighteenth century, when concert halls and public meetings were regularly used for political and social gatherings. ” Concert” also has roots in the French term concert de musique, which means “composition for music.” The term concert was further popularized by eighteenth-century composer Alexander Mozart, who used it in his operas, and it has since become a standard term for any kind of musical event or concert.
Concerts vary widely in genre and subject matter. They can be formal chamber music concerts held in large halls or public parks, or they can be more loosely organized concerts that are sometimes held in schools, churches, or other venues. Many people attend concert venues for chamber music concerts; these can be both contemporary and traditional chamber music performances. Popular examples of chamber music concerts include chamber music concerts held during International Music Festivalivals like the Vienna Festival, which is held from late August to early September. Other types of concert include concert flamenco, concert guitar, and concert orchestra.
One of the most popular concert activities of the 20th century was the development of what would later be called the concert hall. This structure was used for both chamber music concerts and for large scale rock concerts. These large hall type venues often had multiple levels and were decorated with paintings and other decorative elements. A concert hall generally incorporates at least one balcony, as well as the stage itself, which can contain additional effects such as light effects and dance floor lighting. Some concert halls also feature bars and lounge areas that can accommodate drink sales and other additional alcohol-related activities.
Throughout the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, there were a number of innovations to the concert arena, including the development of stereo sound systems for larger venues and better hearing acoustics for those who would be attending concerts on regular bases. These innovations sparked a number of changes to the way music and sound are presented. Some of these changes included the creation of many new music festivals, such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s famous Summerhill Festival, and a number of highly popular chamber music concerts held in the US, the UK, and elsewhere around the world.
Throughout this period, there was a greater focus on preserving quality of sound for future concert attendees. One way this is achieved is by carefully recording the performance and the score beforehand. This allows a musician or choir to revisit the concert experience numerous times over without worrying about the quality of the sound. As well, if a pianist or conductor wishes to play back a concert, it is sometimes possible to simply listen to the recording and use the pre-recorded audio tracks to practice and rehearse. In some cases, all that is necessary is a computer and speakers.