Top critic: Let’s hear it for classical happy clappers

A leading music critic has called for audiences to be allowed to clap between movements at classical concerts.

Alex Ross of The New Yorker said the tradition that restrains applause could damage the genre. "The underlying message of the protocol is, in essence, Curb your enthusiasm. Don't get too excited.'

"Should we be surprised that people aren't quite as excited about classical music as they used to be?" he said.

Speaking at the Royal Philharmonic Society's annual lecture, he added: "I would much rather prefer to hear a smattering of applause than be subjected to that distinctly unbeautiful, unmusical, coughing, shuffling, rustling noise which is quite literally the sound of people suppressing their instincts."

Ross, author of a history of 20th century music, The Rest Is Noise, also suggested concerts should become more communal with talks and gatherings before and after the performance.