We were at the Brewery in Kendal to watch a celebrated, exciting band. The place was packed but we managed to find a suitable spot half-way back from the stage. The band came on and – wow! – they were good!
Then I noticed, despite the gorgeous sounds from the stage, some chap talking loudly behind me. I turned, and a group of folk were happily conversing, having a couple of drinks – and ignoring the band. They were not just listening, then briefly sharing their feelings about the music.
I turned back and mentally switched off that background sound behind me, just immersing myself in the joyful music.
Afterwards I reflected further on this. Why had the chaps bought tickets? Spend extra money so you can go to a bar and have drinks and a chat? Have background sounds with your social evening? Add background sounds to the music?
I used to knock around with a chap who also loved music. We would chat about all sorts of music, but when he put on a record, we had to be absolutely silent. If I coughed, he would look pained. If I wanted to discuss or show appreciation for aspects of the music I had to remember “bars 49 to 54; the changes and impact" and raise it afterwards.
Something else to consider then is, might there be a difference between situations of listening; between the live and the recorded experiences? Plus one's involvement.
Ahem.
In January 1978 we went to see Frank Zappa at Hammersmith Odeon. We sat somewhat to the left of the stage and part-way up the slope. The band were fabulous (of course!) and loud. I was totally engaged and happy.
Then a chap sitting in front of me turned, and with an annoyed expression, said “Be! Quiet!” I was singing along to the tunes and slapping my hands on my legs following the percussion rhythms. What was wrong with that? The band were loud and easily heard. I was just participating. Who wouldn’t do the same?
Hmmm. That was completely different from the group that were unengaged and talking in the background of the gig in Kendal, no?
And of course I am in the right, no?
Perhaps one answer to the question “Should one be silent, listening to music?” is “It depends on the circumstances”.
If one is in the kitchen, making the dinner one might have the radio on with some lovely music playing. Conversation with one’s companions is part of the dinner-making process. The music accompanies this activity and is a fine complement thereto.
On occasion one might need to lean into the radio and catch the name of the tune, silently register for future reference, then continue peeling the spuds.
Or one might pause and say to one’s companions “Hey! Listen to this!” Or, having just bought a new record and excitedly playing it? One might make a quick aside to one’s companion “Ooh! Listen out for the string section coming in – now! Ahhh!”
So - Perhaps engaging at different levels would seem to be a good way forward.
And yes, it may be "No talking while we listen!" On occasion we must fall silent and be there - beyond the reach of verbal concepts.
Note - one might, at some point, consider “Muzak” and my engagement therein.