Classical Music

Classical music competitions pit [performers:informers] against each other. Obviously, the most important criterion for judges is sound. But that assumption needs a new...hearing. Because a player's passion may be the best predictor of victory.In a new study, nearly 200 novices had to choose the winners of 10 [classical:formal] music competitions. Some heard a music clip of the top three performances. Others saw a video with sound. Still, others watched a silent video. And the [participants:judges] were more likely to choose the winner if they watched the silent video, in all 10 of the competitions.Then professional [musicians:dancers] gave it a try. These judges also only reliably selected the winners from the silent video. Musicians selected the winner more [frequently:oftenly] even when all they saw was an outline of the motion of the performers.The researchers say the findings show that novices and experts make quick [judgments:decisions] about musical [performances:tests] based on visual cues conveying involvement and passion. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. So next time you see a live concert, don't close your eyes to focus on the music. You might be missing the most important part.