A Night at the Symphony

[alexthebird]

I recently had the pleasure of watching the Philadelphia Orchestra performing Brahms' 3rd Symphony (the other part of the program, an orchestral suite of Gotterdammerung was less enjoyable but I'm not a big fan of Wagner). While listening/watching, I thought of a few things that we've discussed here recently.

The visual image of 100+ musicians in UNIFORMS (well, isn't that what the tuxes and black dresses are?) was pretty powerful. If the viola section decided that it wanted to express itself sartorially, I don't think that the overall effect would have been as strong. There are a couple of things going on, I think. First, the repetition of black and white across the stage adds an element of gravitas. I also think that the consistent visual image helps focus our attention on the music, and not the clothing style of the musicians.

Except that this isn't true for women. All of the men were dressed in black tuxes with white shirts, vests and ties. This was truly a uniform. The women musicians, on the other hand, could dress as they liked as long as it was black and formal. Some in pants, some in dresses, some in suits, some with sleeves, some without, some with cleavage, some with necks, and so on and on and on.

This meant that in a sea of 100+ musicians, one's eyes were drawn to the distinctions in the clothes worn by the women. The men (probably about 2/3 of the total) all looked alike. The women didn't. It created an element of raggediness to the total visual image.

It also highlighted the women whose physiques were less than perfect. Since all the men were dressed alike, you didn't notice what they looked like. Since the women were not dressed alike, you did notice that this one had a tummy, that one had flabby arms, this other one's hair seemed to be a strange color, etc.

I think sometimes uniformity is a good thing.

[Colin]

I can see that there was the old theme of strict dress code for men but more freedom for women. It's the old problem, rearing it's head in a different setting.

[SkirtDude]

deleted

[crfriend]

I recently had the pleasure of watching the Philadelphia Orchestra performing Brahms' 3rd Symphony (the other part of the program, an orchestral suite of Gotterdammerung was less enjoyable but I'm not a big fan of Wagner).

Good stuff, both. I candidly admit to liking Wagner on occasion, but I think he's just a wee bit too bombastic for everyday listening. That said, one of my favourite memories is having been in the audience hearing the Boston Symphony perform Beethoven's Ninth backed by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. (Trust me on this, it was better than sex.)

I think sometimes uniformity is a good thing.

The nice thing about concerts is that (if they're "safe") one can close one's eyes and grab the full effect without the "distraction" of fashion.

I think the chap who could comment on this thread most forcefully is Steve(ie) D who is a clarinet player with a small orchestra in the UK. He might have some interesting input on this thread as, if I recall correctly, he's worn (long formal) skirts on stage whilst performing with said ensemble.