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Origins in Opera (18th Century)
The birth of the encore can be traced straight back to bustling 18th-century opera houses, where the audience didn’t just sit quietly—they shouted for more. The word “encore” is French for “again,” and opera fans weren’t shy about demanding another round of their favorite arias. This wasn’t just a polite request; it was a joyful insistence that made it clear when a performance had hit the mark. Sometimes, the excitement was so contagious that singers would step forward and repeat whole scenes right on the spot. The tradition took root, making the encore a living proof of how audiences could shape the show. It was more than just a musical repeat—it was a way for people to show their passion for music, and for performers to bask in that adoration. The roots of the encore in opera remind us that the relationship between artist and audience has always been a lively, two-way street.
Mozart’s Time
In the days of Mozart, encores became almost an expectation. Certain arias, like those from “The Magic Flute,” were such crowd-pleasers that performers were prepared to repeat them mid-performance, often with a twinkle in their eye. Accounts from the era describe audiences who were so moved, they erupted in demand for more, refusing to let the moment slip away. Mozart himself was known to compose with encores in mind, understanding that his melodies would spark this kind of excitement. At times, the repeat performances added a special, unscripted magic to the evening, making every show a little different. The encore was a reward both for the artist, who received instant feedback, and for the audience, who got to savor their favorite moments twice. This practice helped solidify the encore as an essential part of live music culture.
Early Resistance
Not everyone was a fan of this newfound tradition. Composers like Beethoven and Wagner famously disliked encores, arguing that they broke the emotional spell and ruined the narrative arc of their carefully crafted works. Beethoven, who was notoriously serious about his artistic vision, saw the interruption as an obstacle to the emotional journey he wanted his audiences to experience. Wagner, ever the dramatist, felt that the flow of his operas should remain unbroken for maximum impact. These composers weren’t against audience enthusiasm—they just wanted it expressed at the right time, usually at the end. Their resistance highlights a key tension in performance history: the push and pull between the artist’s intentions and the audience’s desires. Even then, the power of a passionate crowd was hard to ignore, proving that the encore was here to stay.
Royal Interventions
At various points in history, European monarchs decided enough was enough and tried to rein in the encore. In some royal courts, strict rules were imposed to maintain decorum and keep performances from dragging on into the night. For instance, in Vienna and elsewhere, rulers banned or limited encores, hoping to bring a sense of order and predictability to cultural events. These bans were not always popular, but they reflected the broader social attitude of the elite, who preferred structure over spontaneity. Despite these royal interventions, the desire for more music proved hard to legislate away. Audiences found ways to express their wishes, whether through applause, foot-stomping, or whispered pleas. The persistence of the encore, even in the face of authority, shows just how deeply audiences value the chance to ask for more.
Virtuoso Soloists (19th Century)
The 19th century saw the rise of the superstar soloist, and with them, the encore became an expected part of every show. Touring virtuosos like Niccolò Paganini and Franz Liszt were showered with applause, and encores became their calling card. Liszt, in particular, was known for dazzling audiences with technical feats during his encore pieces—sometimes improvising, sometimes selecting sentimental favorites. The encore became a badge of honor, proof that the artist had truly wowed the crowd. Newspapers of the day reported on the number of encores performed as a measure of the concert’s success, turning these moments into a kind of competition. This period cemented the encore as a regular ritual, not just a spontaneous gesture, and helped elevate the status of solo performers to that of legends.
The Romantic Era
Romanticism in music was all about emotion, and the encore fit perfectly into this new mindset. Audiences were swept up in waves of feeling, and performers responded with deeply personal, often improvised encore selections. These were not just repeats—they were moments for the artist to speak directly to the audience, to offer something intimate and unscripted. The emotional bond between performer and listeners was at its peak during these encores, making them the highlight of many concerts. Sometimes, the encore became a space for experimentation, with artists sharing new compositions or favorite pieces from different genres. The unpredictability of these moments created a sense of anticipation that kept audiences coming back for more. The Romantic era made the encore not just a tradition, but a cherished, emotional climax of the evening.
American Vaudeville
When vaudeville took off in America in the early 20th century, the encore became a tool for crowd control and energy management. Performers would use encores to keep the house buzzing, often segueing into new material or following up with punchlines and extra songs. The structure of vaudeville—rapid-fire acts and constant variety—meant that performers had to be quick on their feet, responding to the mood of the crowd. Encores in this context were more than just music; they were about keeping the audience engaged and wanting more. Entertainers like Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker became masters at reading the room, using encores to build rapport and keep the applause rolling. This tradition of interaction and flexibility helped shape the encore into a dynamic, audience-driven part of American showbiz.
Jazz Age Interpretations
During the roaring 1920s and 1930s, jazz musicians took the encore in creative new directions. Jazz is all about improvisation, and encores gave artists a golden opportunity to stretch out and experiment. Legends like Louis Armstrong would surprise audiences with spontaneous solos and playful call-and-response routines during encores, making each show feel unique. These moments became a test of both technical skill and audience connection, as musicians riffed on familiar tunes or introduced new ones just for fun. For jazz fans, the encore became the most eagerly anticipated part of the night—the place where anything could happen. The playful spirit of jazz encores continues today in clubs and festivals, where the tradition of “one more song” remains alive and well.
Ballet and Dance
While ballet and dance companies don’t always embrace the encore, there are famous exceptions. In the early 1900s, prima ballerinas like Anna Pavlova received such thunderous ovations that they would repeat their solo dances, much to the audience’s delight. These encores were rare but precious, often reserved for truly exceptional performances. The physical demands of dance mean that encores can be as challenging as they are rewarding, so they’re typically only granted when the response is overwhelming. In recent years, some contemporary dance troupes have revived the encore, using it as a way to connect more directly with fans. The tradition may not be as common as in music, but when it happens, it’s a powerful gesture that leaves a lasting memory.
Encores in Classical Recitals
In modern classical recitals, encores are almost always planned, even if they appear spontaneous. Pianists and soloists often select short, crowd-pleasing pieces to perform after the main program, offering a final burst of virtuosity or sentiment. Audiences have come to expect this ritual, and performers use it as a chance to break the ice and show a different side of their artistry. Sometimes, encores are announced; other times, the artist simply returns to the stage, basking in the glow of applause. According to a 2023 survey by Bachtrack, nearly 70% of classical recitals included at least one encore, underscoring how ingrained the practice has become. The encore continues to be a way for classical musicians to connect with modern audiences, even as traditions evolve.
Rock and Roll Era
By the late 1960s and 1970s, the encore became a theatrical staple in rock concerts. Bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin would leave the stage after their “final” song, only to return moments later as the crowd erupted in chants and cheers. This ritualized encore was no longer a surprise—it became an expected climax to the night. Fans learned to save their loudest applause for this moment, creating a feedback loop of energy and excitement. Some artists began saving their biggest hits for the encore, ensuring that the show ended on a high note. The structure of the modern rock concert owes much to this era, where the encore became as much a part of the act as the songs themselves.
Staged Encores
As encores became increasingly popular, some artists started to stage them deliberately. Theatrics and lighting cues signaled the “end” of the show, only for the band to return moments later as if responding to an unscripted demand. Pop and rock stars like Bruce Springsteen and Madonna perfected this art, using the encore to deliver show-stopping hits and elaborate finales. For many fans, the staged encore became the highlight of the night, a shared secret between performer and audience. While some critics argue that this predictability dulls the magic, the sheer excitement of the moment keeps people coming back. The staged encore remains a beloved tradition, blurring the line between genuine spontaneity and carefully planned spectacle.
Refusing the Encore
Not every artist plays along with the encore ritual. Bob Dylan, famously unpredictable, has at times refused to return to the stage, regardless of how loud the crowd gets. His decision to skip the encore is a statement in itself, challenging the expectation that every show must end with a bow to audience demand. Other artists have followed suit, either out of a desire to protect the integrity of their performance or simply to avoid formula. This refusal can spark controversy, but it also reminds audiences that the encore is a privilege, not a right. For fans, the possibility of being denied an encore only heightens the drama of the live experience.
The Phantom Encore
In the current era, some artists have flipped the script entirely by playing continuous sets and announcing the “encore” as just another song. This trend, seen in acts like Radiohead and certain indie bands, eliminates the break between show and encore, blending everything into a seamless musical journey. For musicians, it’s a way to sidestep the ritual and keep the focus on the music. For audiences, it’s a reminder that the encore is about more than just tradition—it’s about the energy exchanged between stage and seats. The phantom encore is a subtle nod to the past, even as it points toward new possibilities in live performance.
Orchestral Traditions
In symphony orchestras, encores are reserved for truly special occasions. Conductors and soloists typically offer a short, showy piece if the audience’s applause is especially enthusiastic. This tradition is particularly strong at major festivals and high-profile concerts, where the encore serves as both a reward and a thank-you. According to a 2024 poll by the League of American Orchestras, more than half of surveyed conductors include encores in their season’s programming, especially for gala events. The orchestral encore is usually carefully chosen—sometimes a light-hearted piece, sometimes a virtuosic display. It’s a reminder that, even in formal settings, the bond between performer and audience remains vital.
Encore as a Reward
For performers, the encore is the ultimate compliment. It’s a sign that they’ve truly touched their audience, that the energy in the room is so electric it can’t be contained by a simple curtain call. Many musicians describe the encore as the most satisfying part of the night—a moment of pure connection, unscripted and joyful. The tradition also serves as motivation, pushing artists to give everything they have on stage in the hope of “earning” that extra round. The encore is less about repetition and more about recognition, a symbol of mutual respect between artist and audience.
Encore Abuse
Not everyone is a fan of how encores have evolved. Some critics argue that the tradition has become too predictable, turning a once-spontaneous gesture into a formulaic part of the show. When setlists are leaked ahead of time and encores are built into the schedule, the thrill of surprise can be lost. This “encore abuse” has sparked debate in the music world, with some calling for a return to the days when encores were a genuine response to audience enthusiasm. Despite these criticisms, most concertgoers still cherish the encore as a special moment, even if they know it’s coming.
Digital Age Impact
Today’s digital world has changed how audiences interact with encores. With setlists widely shared online and fans discussing “best encore moments” on social media, there’s less mystery than before. Some concertgoers even plan when to start chanting based on what they’ve read online. This new transparency hasn’t diminished the excitement, though—it’s just changed the rules of the game. Artists have responded by mixing up their encore choices or finding new ways to surprise fans. The digital age has made audiences more informed, but it hasn’t dulled their appetite for “just one more song.”
Audience Empowerment
The encore remains one of the few moments in live performance where the audience truly holds the power. When the final notes ring out, it’s up to the crowd to decide whether to demand more or let the night end. This feeling of empowerment is part of what makes concerts so thrilling—a reminder that live music is a conversation, not just a one-way performance. The louder the cheers, the more likely the band will return, turning the encore into a celebration of community and shared excitement. Whether in a grand concert hall or a tiny club, the power of the encore puts the audience at the heart of the action.
Why It Still Works
Even after centuries, the encore hasn’t lost its magic. It’s the moment where the script falls away, where emotion overrides routine, and where performer and audience meet as equals. Despite being ritualized and sometimes predictable, the encore continues to deliver a jolt of excitement, a spark of connection that can’t be faked. The tradition endures because it taps into something universal: the joy of asking for more, and the thrill of being given it. The encore is proof that, no matter how much the world changes, the desire for one last song will never fade.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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