An odd question. Something I have observed many times is a curious phenomenon.
I see this attending symphony concerts, but I’m sure the basic setup occurs many places. After the performance the soloist, and usually conductor, are presented with a bouquet of flowers. If the presenter and presentee are of opposite sex there is usually a kiss on the cheek with the presentation.
During the presentation the audience is usually applauding like crazy (if we have just had a concerto, the usual deal is to get them to perform an encore, so we do keep clapping.) However, at just the instant where the presenter and presentee do a little kiss there is a very distinct pause in the applause. Almost like a simultaneous intake of breath across the entire audience. Just for that moment. Then the applause continues as if nothing had happened.
So: any others observe this phenomenon? Might it even have a name? Or even someone have any clues as to learned ideas on why?
Tonight I attended Tasmin Little playing with our local orchestra. Apart from the brilliant performance (conduced by Jeffrey Tate, which certainly helped things along) she is attractive and wore a long evening gown. The intensity of the pause in the applause was probably the most deep I have heard. But it happens essentially every time there is a presentation, even when it is to a resident conductor by a random member of house staff. Just not so noticeable.
I have never seen this. But if it is an accurate observation, I would suggest that it is because humans often empathize when they see what other humans are doing. This has been studied by brain scans, noting brain activity in an observer in the same part of the brain engaged by the actor. So people probably vicariously empathize with the kisser or kissee, causing a possibly unconscious pause, since it’s hard to clap and imagine yourself kissing/being kissed at the same time.
I have noticed this effect as well- not always a complete hush, but definitely a slow-down and an upwelling afterward of the applause.
I agree with this guess as the applause does not similarly decrease when a performer goes to a microphone to speak where they often have to wait for the din to go down. The other time that I’ve noticed it was during (rock) concerts when an overzealous fan jumps up on stage and the crowd will often settle down in anticipation. I think similar to the empathy for the kiss, people are empathizing with the stage jumper’s adoration of the band while also waiting for the hammer to drop on the guy. I tried to find a video briefly but not surprisingly most concert videos focus on the music itself. But I absolutely believe that I have repeatedly observed the applause effect.