A concert is a musical entertainment in which many voices or instruments take part. It may or may not have a theatrical staging, but it does usually involve the performance of music by a group, often for an audience. A concert may be an informal affair, such as a jam session, or it may be a public performance of an orchestra or other ensemble. It may be a single piece of music, or it could be a selection of songs arranged in medleys or with introductions or other special effects. A concert can also be a single act, such as a singer or musician, or it can be a series of acts over a period of time, such as a festival or a tour.
The word concert has several meanings in English, including the following:
1. To agree in design or plan; to coordinate. 2. To form a united or coordinated action; to agree as a body; to concur. 3. A concert of voices or instruments; a symphony; a theatrical performance involving many actors, singers, or musicians. 4. To perform a song or piece of music in unison; to sing or play in harmony.
The concert evolved as a social institution in the 17th century, and its development was influenced by the changing attitudes towards performance, listening, and interpretation. It is now regarded as a cultural activity in its own right, with a high status comparable to literature, painting, or opera. Its influence extends beyond the music conceived for it, and concerts are considered to be important forums for the communication of ideas.
It is argued that the concert as we know it today has emerged from a particular tradition of performing, and that this has affected the music conceived for it. The acoustic, architectural, and lighting conditions of halls, the ritualized behavior of audiences, the professionalization of musicians, and the programmatic and didactic aspects of performances all contribute to the concept of the concert as an aesthetic and social experience.
The concerts of a given musician, band, or genre often attract concert goers who share similar dress, hairstyles, and behavior. They will attend a concert of the same artist or group at the same venue, and they might even go to many of the same ones.
Some performers are known to be particularly captivating live, and it is worth going to a concert just to see them. For example, Sam Smith’s eloquent and haunting voice can leave listeners without dry eyes. The same can be said for Adele, whose performances are guaranteed to inspire passion. And then there’s Bruce Springsteen, who can make stadiums rock. His latest tour featured a hologram projection of Tupac Shakur, and it’s safe to say the crowd was moved. Even the best recorded recordings of music are not as moving as a live performance, so it is well worth the effort to go to a concert if you can. It’s a memory you won’t regret.