Is classical music still relevant today?

Raskolnikov · 06-09-2017, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

It's a pretty common place for people to go dress up, be nice, and feel classy for a night. I've had workmates (I work in the mortgage industry in San Diego, so yuppies are abound) say they were going to to the orchestra and when I follow up with classical music discussion (which composer? what kind do you like?), they usually say something along the lines of "oh I just go because it's nice." These people are typically desperate slaves to social custom and would break their fingers if it was the socially correct/propelling thing to do.

I actually think it's becoming less common the more we move away from classical music being exclusively for kings and royal elite, but it's still present.

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.

**Frownland** · 06-09-2017, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov

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.

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

Quote:

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?

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

Quote:

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.

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.

Quote:

You shouldn't need any cultural credentials to enjoy or be welcome at the symphony.

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.

Raskolnikov · 06-09-2017, 02:41 PM

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.

Quote:

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

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?

Quote:

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

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

aviatrix1932 · 06-21-2017, 12:53 PM

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

Dharma & Greg · 06-21-2017, 03:32 PM

Please remain on this forum.

Sixty_9 · 06-27-2017, 05:53 AM

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*

~~Chula Vista~~ · 06-27-2017, 12:51 PM

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.

~~Chula Vista~~ · 06-27-2017, 01:06 PM

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

Gigantic Debaser · 06-27-2017, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chula Vista

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

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

**Frownland** · 06-27-2017, 01:39 PM

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

View Poll Results: Is classical music still relevant today?
YES	172	95.03%
NO	9	4.97%
Voters: 181. You may not vote on this poll

06-27-2017, 12:51 PM	#367 (permalink)
~~Chula Vista~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SoCal by way of Boston Posts: 10,663	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. Last edited by Chula Vista; 06-27-2017 at 12:58 PM.

06-27-2017, 01:39 PM	#370 (permalink)
Frownland #notmymoderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Atop of the Throne Posts: 29,596	Not to mention that the piece posted is not even one century old yet..... __________________ d e a f b o x

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06-21-2017, 12:53 PM	#364 (permalink)
aviatrix1932 Groupie Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Forest VA Posts: 2	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

06-27-2017, 05:53 AM	#366 (permalink)
Sixty_9 Groupie Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Africa Posts: 17	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

06-27-2017, 01:06 PM	#368 (permalink)
~~Chula Vista~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SoCal by way of Boston Posts: 10,663	The section that starts at 14:00 brings me to my knees and tears to my eyes.