FIGHTING THE CLAQUE
As far back as 1927 it was resolved to start a campaign against the vociferous " claque " at the State Opera, but the undesirable practice still persists (says the correspondent of the Observer at Vienna)., Now the director and a number of the singers have resolved to take steps against the claque and ask the audience to refrain from applause or demonstrations in the middle of a scene. The members of the claque, both male and female, are led by a " chief," who gives the sign for applause, in order to "bring down the house." For the sake of this unpleasant disturbance, which is supposed to enhance the reputation and the fees of the singer in question, they are supplied with free tickets. So far they have proved unconquerable, and their " chief " is convinced that they cannot be abolished. He says that they are indispensable to the more important stars, and points out that the claque existed even in the days of Gustav Mahler, who was a very severe director, but could not eliminate it.
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Bibliographic details
Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3303, 30 May 1931, Page 7
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177FIGHTING THE CLAQUE Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3303, 30 May 1931, Page 7
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