Navigating the Challenge of Critiquing a Bad Classical Music Performance

Have you ever attended a bad classical music performance? As students at the Conservatory of Music, I have experienced many subpar performances. However, the most memorable moments were often during those carpool discussions where we debated on how to handle the performance critique. This article will explore the challenges of giving critical feedback in a polite and professional manner.

The Psychology of Critiquing and Consequence of Kindness

Letrsquo;s face it, attending a bad classical music performance is always disappointing. For me, these moments often sparked conversations with my carpool friends about whether and how to address the experience in a way that wouldnrsquo;t impair our relationships or hurt anyonersquo;s feelings. Critiquing performers, especially renowned ones, comes with a set of challenges and ethical considerations.

Post-Performance Critique Dilemma

Post-performance, the dilemma for both the audience and the performers can be quite complex. One typical scenario is attending a reception where an unsatisfactory performance has just ended. Regardless of our hunger, we often feel the need to make some comment. Think of the typical waiter, cueing the group to discuss the performance:

"Do any of you ladies and gentlemen have any comments?"

In such situations, the urge to say something positive can be overwhelming, but pinpointing the exactly right wording can be difficult. Here are some of the challenging conversations we encountered:

A Polite Lie or a Truly Meaningful Statement?

One incident involved a performance of Shostakovich, where our group had mixed feelings. The conductor's interpretation was mediocre, but we felt that if we were to say anything, it should be something positive. A proposed solution was to say:

"Maestro Shostakovich is what you do best!" "We have learned so much from you!" "You have set a new standard!" "You have exceeded all our expectations!"

These statements are often used in contexts where the speaker knows the truth but feels the need to say something nice to avoid hurting the performerrsquo;s feelings. However, in reality, such comments can often fall flat or be misinterpreted.

The High Stakes of Critique

Another challenge is the high stakes associated with criticizing a performance. For younger musicians and students, providing a candid critique can be risky. Performers, even those with lesser skills, often have significant public and personal reputations, and criticism can be received poorly. Some strategies to avoid these situations are:

Quickly stashing instruments and exiting the venue. Avoiding lingering in the reception room where performance critiques are often shared.

However, for those who must stay and give feedback, it is crucial to choose words wisely. We often turned to memorable quotes passed down from renowned conductors, such as George Cleversquo;s lore about Sir Thomas Beecham:

"I've never heard anything like it before!"

"Incredible..."

These phrases are powerful because they are genuine expressions of surprise and admiration. They convey a sense of wonder without diminishing the critique that underlies the comments.

Conclusion: Balancing Politeness and Constructive Feedback

While the challenges of critiquing a bad performance can be daunting, finding a balance between being polite and offering constructive feedback is crucial. Whether you are in the audience or involved with the performance, remember the importance of your words and consider how they might be perceived. In these situations, being truthful yet diplomatic can make all the difference in maintaining respect and fostering a positive environment for performance and critique.