Concerts

A concert is a live music performance in front of an audience. The performance can be by a single musician, sometimes called a soloist, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band. Concerts are held in a wide variety and size of settings, from private houses and small nightclubs, dedicated concert halls, arenas and parks to large multipurpose buildings, and even sports stadiums. Indoor concerts held in the largest venues are sometimes called "arena concerts" or "amphitheatre concerts". Regardless of the venue, musicians usually perform on a stage.

History

Concerts have a long and rich history that dates back to the concerts of the ancient Greeks, where music and poetry were often combined. During the Middle Ages, concerts were held in churches and during the Renaissance, concerts began to be held in the large rooms of castles and palaces. In the 17th century, public concerts began to be held in public houses and concert halls.

Types of concerts

Concerts can be categorized by the type of music performed, the performers, the choice of venue, or the audience capacity. Common types of concerts include:

• Recitals - A recital is a concert by a soloist or small group which highlights a single performer, the performer's manager, or the performer's teacher.
• Chamber music - A chamber music concert is a musical ensemble consisting of a small group of musicians, typically the kind that could fit in a palace chamber.
• Symphony orchestras - A symphony orchestra concert involves a large ensemble composed of various instrumental sections that perform classical music.
• Rock concerts - These concerts feature performances by rock bands or solo artists. The atmosphere at these events can be energized, with fans often standing, dancing, or moshing.
• Benefit concerts - A benefit concert is a type of music performance organized with the purpose of raising funds for a charitable cause.

Concert tour

A concert tour is a series of concerts by an artist or group of artists in different cities, countries or locations. Often part of a promotional campaign for a new album, these tours can vary significantly in scale and can include "stadium tours," which are among the largest-scale concerts in terms of attendance and revenue.

Live recording

Many concerts are recorded and sold, either as a different product or as a bonus feature of a studio album. This recording can capture the live performance and atmosphere of the event, which is often very different from the studio version of the songs.

See also

• Music festival
• Live music
• List of concert tours