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Bouncing Performers, Part 2

Yesterday, I raised the subject of Classical musicians who put on a show on stage and I suggested that it was up to you, as an audience member, to determine how much was too much.  Today, I thought I'd get personal. For me, the definition of too much is like the famous definition of pornography.  I Know it when I see it.  When I feel myself distracted from the music, when I feel the performer's movements are aimed at showing off how wonderful, or beautiful, or sexy, or passionate the performer is, simply showing off, in other words, that's when I feel a line has been crossed.  I enjoy striking stage personalities and dynamic performances as much as the next person, but every bow stroke doesn't require a moan of ecstasy and every piano bench shouldn't require a seat belt.

A Minute with Miles- a production of SCETV Radio, made possible by the JM Smith Corporation.

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Miles Hoffman is the founder and violist of the American Chamber Players, with whom he regularly tours the United States, and the Virginia I. Norman Distinguished Visiting Professor of Chamber Music at the Schwob School of Music, in Columbus, Georgia. He has appeared as viola soloist with orchestras across the country, and his solo performances on YouTube have received well over 700,000 views.