I think this kind of exclusion is a big part of what turns ordinary folks off to classical music--the pretense that you have to know something about 19th century music to be able to enjoy it, or even be accepted by the audience at the hall. I know next to nothing about sports, but I'd be a little put off if one of my coworkers drilled me on teams/players/stats after I mentioned that I'm going to a basketball game that night. Does that make me a slave to social customs?

You're right about classical music having a strong association with aristocracy and royal patronage, but I think that hurts it a whole lot more than it helps it. I think a lot more people would be exposed to and benefit from classical music if there weren't such a strong perception that you need education, insider knowledge, wealth and power to enjoy it. If someone wants a good excuse to get dressed up, have a nice dinner and enjoy the whole concert hall experience, why should you stop them? After all, they're putting their money into the same orchestras that folks like you and me are, which allows them to keep performing that beautiful music. You shouldn't need any cultural credentials to enjoy or be welcome at the symphony.

This doesn't really reflect what I described though, it's more that their lack of knowledge reflects how they view the genre.

If you were going to the game to get laid or something, then the answer is yes.

I'm not stopping them. I'm just saying that their prevalence weakens your point of concert attendance proving classical music's relevancy. Also I find that kind of person to be annoying.

See this is actually why I don't want people to go see an orchestra for the reasons mentioned earlier: it reinforces the idea that you do need cultural credentials to be welcome at the symphony.

Also very happy to see a new member so willing to get into a deep discussion. Hope you stick around mate.

I see what you're saying--concert attendance is only a reliable metric of relevancy insofar as the music is relevant to the people in attendance. That's an important point, and one that I'd agree with. Apologies if it was lost on me.

I generally agree with you here, especially since the people who know the least about classical music are the most likely to dismiss it as an archaic, aristocratic, or irrelevant genre of music. Those kinds of people annoy me too. But, we should be more forgiving of people who are at least willing to give it a try, even if their intentions aren't totally pure. What better way to begin an education in classical music than at the concert hall?

It's easy when it's folks who are as thoughtful and intelligent as you! Thanks for the warm welcome :D

I have written two books on music, creation, science, language and theology. It is my confirmed belief that the entire Creation event was musical in nature-----that is the Creation commands were SUNG by God, the Creator. Science is now claiming that without vibration, frequency and SOUND, the entire universe would collapse. That puts an entirely new spin on the origins of music---and even the origins of everything. I am anxious to get responses. aviatrix1932

Please remain on this forum.

I'm a lover of classical music, and I listen to it virtually all the time. I remember the "C-Music" channel that was on "DSTV" a while ago, it was my go to channel. Then one day I switch my TV on and it's no longer there...
This is the story of classical music (and will be the story of every kind of music as time goes on)
One day it's the new rave and everyone loves it, then time passes by, people change, new genres show up... and soon it becomes even difficult to find a CD in the music store.

Lets be grateful for the internet, because as long as it exists (and cloud storage too), "WE" the select few who still love and appreciate good old classical and chamber music will always be able to find solace! *sits down*

May have posted this already but it's good enough for a reboot.



Got to see this live. Other than having babies, getting married, and meeting The Bat, one of the most amazing experiences of my life.



Centuries old classical is the origins of extreme heavy metal. If you disagree I will fight you.

Quite simply, one of the most incredible compositions.

The section that starts at 14:00 brings me to my knees and tears to my eyes.

Centuries old classical music is (one of) the origins of ALL western music with Blues being equally important in the realm of popular music.

Not to mention that the piece posted is not even one century old yet.....