When did the practice of exiting-reentering during applause in classical concerts start?

Question

As the title suggests, I'm looking for some information on when the practice (concerning soloists and directors) of exiting and reentering the stage during an applause after a classical performance started. I have tried searching on the web, but to no avail. There seem to be many articles and general documentation on why we don't clap in between movements (a rule I personally find abhorrent) but none on this end-of-concert practice.I can see that ego of the performer and/or director is showered with renewed applause is this way, but was there a period in which this coming in and out started being mainstream?

Answer 1

The practice of this "formality" within classical music became established with Richard Wagner (1813-1883). Wagner heavily believed that his operatic and musical productions were the culmination of sophistication and pure art. Not only did the composer have concert halls specifically for him, but he installed all of these formality rules in order to essentially make the audience receive the art as he wanted. Wagner was also a very religious composer and he wanted his music to be taken as seriously as those who attended Church. After Wagner's time, a lot of his practices with "audience manners" and customs stuck around to what we see as this formal, untouchable atmosphere today (including this stingy no clapping between movements).

Before Wagner, classical music was shared more casually. Just like Shakespearian theatre time, audience members were rarely quiet, still and sitting in the dark and the experience was all around more enjoyable and collaborative as a whole!

I hope this helps! I would definitely look into Wagner as well. While he was a brilliant composer, he was rather racist and an intricate fellow.