Breaking my own rule

I don't play encores, but I'm about to prepare one for a recital.

Encores have gotten out of hand. There are some pieces – MANY, actually – that need no encore after them. So don’t play one. Any time I hear a downer of an encore played after a major upper, I'm, well, DOWN after that. If a piece ends with a big, fat period, then that should be the end of the sentence for that recital. If they really want more, then they should re-invite the performer back sometime.

I once heard a huge recital end with the Vierne Sixth. No encore is needed after that piece. But the performer played one, but even he said that it is difficult to find something to follow such a monumental piece. And so I say, "Don't! Leave them wanting more." The last encore I played was about 3 years ago, only at the pleading of my host.

But I'm about to prepare an encore. I'll be prepared to play it, but I won't force it if the applause doesn't warrant it. That's another point that needs to be made: encores should be played after at least the second or third curtain call, not the first. Encores are earned, not forced!

Anyway, I'm closing a recital with the entire Symphonie Romane. That is not the easiest listening, especially when a person sees the name Widor and expects something as tuneful as the Fifth or Sixth or the Toccata. So, I'm planning to add the Mulet Carillon afterwards, but only if the audience begs for it with tumultuous applause for the Widor. If they seem exhausted after that, then we should move on to the reception.

The moral of the story is that if you're reading this and plan to attend my recital in Greensboro (see the sidebar to the right), AND if you want to hear the Mulet Carillon, then you should clap the night away and glare at anyone who doesn't!