A concert is a musical performance given by a musician or group of musicians. It may be a single performer, sometimes referred to as a recital, or a group of musicians such as an orchestra, choir, or band. Musical concerts are often held in a variety of settings, from private homes and small nightclubs to dedicated concert halls and entertainment centres to outdoor festivals or large indoor arenas such as sports stadiums.
The concept of the concert as we know it today is relatively recent, and took some time to develop. Initially, concerts were informal occasions where music was played in the context of religious or dramatic events, but from around the 17th century, they became more formal and structured. The development of the concert coincided with a change in musical composition, as composers began to write pieces specifically for such performances. The concerts of this period tended to be more about the performance of written works than about the socialising or drinking that might accompany them, and they were usually attended in silence.
In a general sense, the word concert has also come to mean an agreement or unity of purpose or feeling. This usage is perhaps most pronounced in the phrase in concert with others, which has become a way of saying that someone agrees with or supports something done by someone else. This meaning is probably less common in the musical sense, although it has been used to describe certain types of performance that involve acting out a story or using theatrical staging.
Many different kinds of music are performed in concerts. These can range from classical music to rock and pop. Depending on the type of music, concerts can be very informal or very formal and they often use lighting and special effects to add to the experience. A concert is usually a one day event based around a single band, but some do have support acts.
Food is often available at concerts, though it tends to be limited in choice compared to what you would get at a festival. The big difference is that a concert doesn’t usually include camping, which is a key part of many festivals.
Music can be very emotive and this can be reflected in the crowd at a concert. Whether they are cheering or crying, the audience can really bring out the best in the performers. They can really make a concert feel like a special occasion, which is why people love going to see their favourite musicians in person. The music is often more impressive in a live setting, so that makes concerts well worth attending. In a large venue such as Madison Square Garden, a concert can be a truly thrilling experience. The music can be heard for miles and the sound system can really amplify the emotions that are being felt. This is why people travel all over the world to attend a concert by their favourite artist.