I don't care so much about concentrating on music listening to it on earphones, but I've a big thing about going to concerts and concentrating (following my falling asleep in the middle of a performance of the four seasons several years ago, and snoring, and, as punishment for falling asleep and snoring, my concert-going partner didn't wake me up!); so always a full-night's sleep beforehand and, ideally a zero-pressure day. Maybe have something light to eat an hour before going.

Even then I think a 70% concentration-rate would be as most as I'd optimistically hope for in a recital of several works; many occasions (though not to any way the same extent since I've put strict precautions in place) considerably less).

For me it depends on the concert. Anything with comic value can be very much enhanced in company.  But usually I go alone, yeah.

I will occasionally show people a snippit if I think they'll like it myself.  But yeah, there's a lot of room for awkwardness I find generally.

Saying that, I don't mind playing the odd piece of music myself to another individual, and generally think that's quite a good way of showing someone else music; when there's a definite personal connection it can help a lot (this also applies to listening to recommendations from friends).  Saying that, personal exploration has its joys as well


Also known as "varicose" concerts....

I agree Kitty.

Of course for a detailed exposition of the thread title, see Senor Cassidy's avatar...

Hope nobody minds my resuscitating this rather interesting thread.

Tony (missed and lamented as he is) rather reflects my own current attitude to listening here, especially in terms of personal physical and mental space. I like to stand while listening too - not so's to be able to dance, but so that there is at least the possibility of physical movement beyond the uncrossing and re-crossing of ones legs. So, concerts increasingly are becoming associated for me with unsatisfactory listening experience. Which is a shame, because live concerts, as we know, can be miraculous, energising, magical and revelatory things. No idea what the answer is, or whether an 'answer' is possible for what I'm attempting to describe here...

Any further thoughts?

I'm less and less interested in the traditional concert hall type of concert these days. I used to go to Symphony Hall regularly in the early 90s after it opened, I had subscriptions and probably went once a week at least. In the last year I've been to a few of Thomas Trotter's lunchtime organ recitals - and that's it! martle refers to personal physical space and I find more informal venues which have unreserved seating, so that I can choose where I want to sit and don't find myself squashed up against complete strangers, far more enjoyable. I like the 2 halls in Birmingham Conservatoire and the Barber Concert Hall at Birmingham University and go to lots of concerts there.

As far as listening to recordings (music and speech) goes: I listen to the desktop more than anything else. I use minidisc a lot, either on the player which I have by my bed so I can play speech programmes such as Clue and the News Quiz when I'm dropping off to sleep or wake up early, and when I'm travelling on bus/train I listen to music and drama on MD. Last of all comes the audio set-up in the living room.

I don't stand up to listen though I might hop around the room a bit if I've had enough to drink and I'm listening to an old punk favourite

Ooh, sorry tinners! That does read a bit morbid, doesn't it. It's only that Tony hasn't posted in a very long while. 

Very good to see you around again, btw!