EncoreEdit
An encore is a performance completed, in whole or in part, at the end of a show at the explicit invitation of the audience. Traditionally, it is an additional selection or two added after the formal program has concluded, delivered at the will of the artist and often shaped by venue policy, contract, and the expectations of the crowd. The practice spans genres from classical recital and opera to rock concerts and stand-up comedy, reflecting a long-standing relationship between performer and listener in which audience energy is acknowledged and rewarded with extra material. In many settings, an encore is not necessary but is considered a courtesy that can reinforce the bond between artist and audience.
The word encore comes from the French encore, meaning “again” or “more." Its use spread through European concert culture in the nineteenth century and beyond, becoming a recognizable ritual in many art forms. In some contexts, what counts as an encore can vary: a single piece, a brief reprise, or a more substantial extension of the concert. Modern programming often treats encores as a hybrid of spontaneity and planning, with some performances structured to include a deliberate extra segment and others relying on the audience’s spontaneous insistence.
Etymology and early usage
The term encores the idea of returning to perform again. It was popularized in European concert life as audiences learned to respond with applause and shouted requests after a scheduled ending. Over time, encores evolved from informal queuing for “more” to a formalized component of many performance traditions, with artists and venues negotiating when and how an encore should occur. In some eras and locales, encores grew into standard practice, while in others they remained occasional, dependent on the mood of the night and the stamina of the performer.
Practice across genres
Classical and recital settings: In orchestral, chamber, and solo recitals, an encore is often a brief, well-chosen piece that serves as a coda to the evening. It can offer a final opportunity to showcase technical mastery, interpretive personality, and crowd rapport. In many halls, the encore is separate from the curtain call and is framed as a genuine extension of the artistic statement already delivered. See also curtain call and standing ovation.
Opera and musical theater: Operatic and musical productions may occasionally incorporate an encore element, especially in gala evenings or concert versions, though these contexts differ from the standard staged performance. When they occur, an encore in these formats tends to align with the work’s thematic closure or a celebratory mood for the audience. For related concepts, see opera and musical.
Popular and contemporary genres: In rock, pop, and other contemporary formats, audiences commonly effect an encore through sustained applause and crowd signaling, sometimes prompting a reprisal of a well-loved song or a quick set of additional pieces. In this space, encores can be as much about market dynamics and fan engagement as about traditional ritual. See also concert and live performance.
Theater and stand-up: Comedy and stage performances may feature post-program encores or extended finales, particularly in venues that prize a sense of spontaneity or audience participation. The logistics and expectations around these finales vary with the venue, the performer, and the contract. See stand-up and live performance for related discussions.
Economic and cultural dimensions
Encores reflect a healthy interaction between marketplace signals and artistic judgment. When an audience rallies for more, it communicates enduring interest in the performer’s artistry, encouraging artists to extend or restage material that resonates most. From a management perspective, encores can influence scheduling, venue capacity, and revenue, while still requiring sensitivity to the performer’s stamina and the integrity of the program. In practice, the decision to grant an encore balances artistic desire, audience demand, and contractual or institutional constraints.
Critics sometimes frame encores as a symptom of entertainment culture run amok—an expectation of constant extra content that crowds out a deliberate, culturally substantive finish. Proponents counter that the encore is a legitimate, time-honored way for audiences to acknowledge outstanding craft and for artists to connect with listeners on a shared, communal moment. In that debate, supporters argue that recognizable audience agency—expressed through applause and requests—helps preserve a performance’s vitality and honors the time and money audiences invest in live events. See also audience and economics of live performance.
Contemporary discussions also touch on how encores interact with technology and media. Recorded performances can alter the traditional enclosure of a live encore, as streaming and on-demand access change expectations around a “final word” moment. Yet many performers still view the live encore as a distinct, unrepeatable interaction—an opportunity to read the room and respond in real time. See streaming media and music industry for related topics.
Controversies and debates
Tradition versus spontaneity: Advocates of preserving a traditional encore argue that the ritual reinforces a clear arc to a program and respects the audience’s experiential investment. Critics sometimes view enforced or pre-announced encores as diminishing artistic spontaneity, turning the finale into a manufactured climax. The balance between a rehearsed encore and genuine, unscripted response remains a live discussion in many venues.
Artistic merit and audience expectations: Some commentators worry that the pressure for an encore can push performers toward material that is crowd-pleasing but less musically challenging, potentially diluting artistic integrity. Proponents counter that a well-chosen encore can crystallize a night’s peak moment and leave audiences with a memorable impression of the artist’s range.
Labor considerations: For touring artists, extended performances mean longer hours and greater physical demands. Critics from various angles have highlighted the need for sensible scheduling and fair compensation when encores extend work without proportionate rest or compensation. Supporters emphasize voluntary participation and audience consent as core to a free-market, performance-driven culture.
Cultural and accessibility concerns: While encores are a feature of many Western performance traditions, the form is not universal, and some cultures emphasize different ritual closures. The contemporary landscape also raises questions about accessibility, ticket pricing, and the inclusivity of live experiences within the encore framework. See cultural differences and labor rights for broader perspectives.
Notable practices and examples
Some artists build encores into the program from the outset, signaling a planned closer and using the encore to close with a high-impact piece or medley. Others respond to the room’s energy, delivering a spontaneous encore that reinforces the unique character of the evening. See also program.
In certain venues, an encore might be used to showcase a signature piece or a fan favorite, serving both artistic expression and audience satisfaction. The specific choice of piece can reflect the artist’s catalog, the venue’s acoustics, and the night’s momentum.
The etiquette of encores—whether to applaud, to shout, or to remain silent—varies by genre and locale, and it often shapes the dynamic between performer and crowd. See audience behavior for related conventions.