In music, a concert is a performance by a group of musicians. It is usually held in a large venue and can attract thousands of people. Some concerts are part of a tour, where the same band performs at several locations. Others are one-off events, where the band plays for a specific audience. Some concerts are accompanied by light shows, such as those used by Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, which add to the experience of listening to the music.
In the context of classical music, a concert refers to the performance of a set of works in a particular sequence and within a certain period. The works selected are chosen with the aim of building a relationship between them, which can be historically situated or more general (a common theme or idea, instrumental or generic characteristics, genealogical relations, formal inspiration, etc.).
The term is also used for performances of a particular musical type, such as a solo piano recital or an organ concert. It can also be applied to performances of other types, such as a dance recital, where there is an emphasis on the particular genre being performed. It is also a term used for a particular kind of performance, the “concert spirituel”, which was established in the 1720s and which was characterized by an adherence to religious beliefs and practices.
A concert may also be used to describe a performance of an opera, which is often presented as a staged production with sets and costumes. However, it is also possible to produce a concert version of an opera without any theatrical staging, in which case the singers stand and sing and there is no movement around the stage.
There are some differences between a concert and a show, in that a show usually features more than one artist or performer and is typically held in a theater or auditorium. The difference in the definition of a concert is more about whether the event is primarily focused on music or if there are other features that make it unique.
The word concert derives from the Latin word for “togetherness,” and it is generally accepted that a concert is a performance where a group of musicians play or sing together. The term has also been used in the context of football teams, who make a concerted effort to win a game.
For many classical music lovers, a concert is the ideal way to experience live music. This is because a concert provides the opportunity to hear great artists in a wonderful setting and at an affordable price. Moreover, the concert experience is often much more personal and intimate than watching a film or seeing a television broadcast.
The concert is a great way to discover new musical styles, but it is also an opportunity to enjoy the work of some of the best known bands and orchestras. In addition, the acoustics of the venue and the lighting help to enhance the performance.