Diurnal variation in performance by orchestral violinists – pilot study.

ABSTRACT

Human physiological parameters and performance depend on circadian rhythm. However, no information exists about diurnal variation of musicians’ performance characteristics. In a pilot study 6 professional violinists (aged 38–57 years) presented a standard piece of music (Johann Sebastian Bach, Partita Nr. 2 a-moll, BWV 1004, 4. Satz „Gigure”) and were assessed for body temperature, vital signs and musical performance criteria at 8.00 H, 12.00 H, 16.00 H and 20.00 H. There was no uniform variation but artistic presentation appear to have an optimum between 12.00 and 16.00 H, sound instability being most pronounced in the morning hours.