Many people love classical music. But it is precisely where one can enjoy it in a live performance—in a concert hall—that some feel uncomfortable. This is not least due to traditions and rituals, which amateurs understand and accept with great difficulty. The famous violinist Daniel Hope constantly faces numerous questions from listeners at his concerts. Why are instruments tuned to the oboe's tone? Why does the conductor shake hands only with the accompanist before starting? Why do musicians play sometimes with notes, sometimes without them? Where did the tailcoat come from as the orchestra's uniform? What does a violinist do when his string breaks? And who, in fact, decided that applause should not be given between movements of the symphony? This book answers these and many other questions.