
It’s easy to feel awkward and intimidated at the symphony. Symphony Hall is imposing and grand, you’re squished into rows, and everyone onstage is in fancy duds. What if you cough, or commit a blunder of protocol? What if you’re a classical music newbie, and think a “score’’ is just for sports?
“It’s possible a lot of members of the younger generation are thinking ‘it’s not targeted for me,’?’’ said Daniel Bauch, the BSO’s 35-year-old assistant timpanist. “[They think] ‘It’s meant for upper-class, wealthier people playing music by old or dead white guys.’ ’’
This is one reason why the BSO is trying to make performances feel less exclusive and more welcoming, and “to create an easier access point for people who have never been before,’’ said Bauch. Earlier this month the BSO launched “Casual Fridays,’’ providing iPads and digital content to patrons that explains what’s happening onstage. Still confused? Bauch offers this guide for the (symphonically) perplexed:
1Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to work hard to enjoy classical music. “Complexity isn’t necessarily what makes music beautiful,’’ said Bauch. “The harder you look for the secret message, the more you might miss what’s meant to be appreciated on the surface,’’ such as the sheer beauty of sounds. “Let your mind make connections in a relaxed way without worrying that you’re not in on the secret.’’
2Do your homework. Make unfamiliar music more understandable by checking the program ahead of time and studying up a bit. “If you’re hearing a piece for the first time, know the lineage and what school the music is from,’’ advises Bauch. For example, if the orchestra is performing a work by French composer Pierre Boulez, who died earlier this month, it would be helpful to listen to some music by Claude Debussy to become acquainted with the French style of classical music.
3Patience is a virtue. A lot of people are afflicted by applause anxiety, fearful they’ll clap at the wrong time and look silly. The main rule is: Don’t clap between movements. But if you zone out and forget which movement they just finished, “the easy answer for when to clap is to wait until you hear a bunch of other people clap,’’ Bauch said. “Don’t be the first one in.’’
4Chain reaction. It happens at almost every concert, especially during cold and flu season. “Someone starts to cough and it becomes contagious and spreads,’’ said Bauch. “It’s almost a psychological contagion, where everyone seems to feel the itch in their throat.’’ He suggests keeping a cough drop in your pocket, and stop worrying about it. The musicians are used to it, and “someone is going to start a chain of coughing, even if it’s not you.’’
5Bang the drum slowly. What audience member hasn’t wondered how timpanists pass their time during long stretches with nothing to play? “Ideally I am listening and immersed in what’s happening onstage,’’ Bauch said. “I will not admit to you that I am going over my grocery list in my head.’’
BSO “Casual Fridays’’ concert series: Feb. 12 and March 18; $25-$45. At Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. 888-266-1200 or www.bso.org
linda matchan
Linda Matchan can be reached at linda.matchan@globe.com.