Does Classical Music Still Matters?
Does Classical Music Still Matters?
Classical music is an artistic form of music that is rooted or produced as a Western music genre.
It includes both secular and religious (liturgical) music. Classical music is viewed to address
extraordinary events but it has recently raised the question of it being able to address the ordinary
life (Jorgensen, 2003). Presently, classical music which was highly appreciated before has got
people worried with its shaky state. The signs of classical music demise include having a wobbly
symphony orchestra and CD market struggle to get audiences to shows and money to sustain the
industry. The radio stations that played classical music publicly before have replaced it and
started broadcasting music that is more of talk, talk. The recording industry has lessened its
willingness to produce classical music at a subsidized rat for the sake of tradition and status
(Mitterschiffthaler, Dalton, Andrew, & Williams, 2007).
People have had different opinions on the state of classical music with most of them
claiming that it is still very relevant and that it has a very important role in the society today. In
this section, I will give a summary of what other people say about the imminent problem of the
possible death of classical music, various approaches that have been taken to solve the problem
and my thoughts on the problem. Moreover, to give an understanding as a whole for classical
music.
The author tries to explain about the status of classical music by claiming that classical
music is no dying but instead it is being faced by one major problem which is its practice in
musical schools (Maus, 2004).The world premier opera company which had been in existence
for over seventy years in 2003 went out of business due to its bankruptcy state arising from many
debts that they had acquired over the years. The consistent decline of Mp3 sales and CD’s in
classical music has been viewed as being enough evidence of the possible death of this type of
art. The interests of people in classical social events and music competitions that were very
famous before has become less and less relevant especially to the musicians careers. However,
Maus claims that many schools are to blame for the classical music death since they do not put
much value into programs that feature classical music majors. Music teachers have relayed their
reluctance in managing students whom are interested in learning and practicing classical music
as their careers (Sahl, 1986).
On international forums that have been hosted concerning what is wrong with classical music
especially in relation to the 21st century classical concert experience, there were several remarks
made on if image is the problem. People in the discussion claimed that the culture that we
currently live in is stimulated by thinking that it is significant to know what people are thinking
about during the concert (Kramer, 2007). The visual stimuli can be used as a ascendant in some
cases at the cost of sound. It is important to note that sound is no longer as relevant but music is a
pursuit that is worthy on itself and can be casually dismissed in most cases. Classical music can
be used to aspire and offer spectacle regardless of whether it can take a particular piece or not.
The strategy that is suggested is that performances should be lit and fun to attract more people to
attend the events. Thus it is evident that classical music is not dead but it just needs to be
revamped.
Some of the views concerning the problem that have come up in classical music are
related in a both sociological and physical manner. One view is that the nature of music and
experience intended should be closely analyzed since music plays an important puzzle in
people’s lives. To be simple, physical objects such as the instruments should be interpretive
enough for people to connect to more easily (Kraus & Chandrasekaran, 2010). Many
philosophers think that music is a central subject matter that is used to express emotions on an
abstract level form of art since it is a discipline that can cover a wide range of topics
consecutively (Kozbelt, 2008). The perspective of classical music is that it is firmly rooted in
giving inspiration in different directions to come up with a counter-productive outcome. To solve
classical dilemma is by having a platform for all people to access them and to attract more
audience.
I think that the views of the philosophers on the state of classical music and music in general
should be taken into consideration especially to revive the glory of the industry to its state as
before. Digitizing classical music is a very god approach that can be used to attract more
audience since musicians will incorporate visualization in their performances thus more people
will want to come see them unlike the normal way of just seating and listening to the music
without having any new experience from the previous shows attended (Chan, Qu, & Mak, 2010).
The views of the philosophers is a clear indication that classical music is still highly appreciated
as it tries to bring back the American culture and improve the perspective that people have on
slow music in particular the younger generation whom are influenced by trends and have
forgotten the importance of culture.
Greg Sandow’s argument on the future of classical music notes that the music is in a
crisis since the audience is growing older and he questions if classical music will eventually
disappear (Sandow, 2007). People who can get caught up in this predicament are the audience,
the music professionals, people who do not attend classical concerts but love classical music and
people who are concerned about culture’s current state. He notes that change needs to take place
since the old ways that were being used before are no longer working. The younger generation is
not interested in going for concerts as was in the previous generations(Campbell, Connell, &
Beegle, 2007`). This is a dilemma especially in the Orchestra world which is expected to have a
long term rising expense rather than the expected income especially with the combination of
tickets sales falling and donations falling so much as well. He suggests that music education in
schools should be restored so that people may regain their interest in classical music as before.
My view on Greg’s argument is that the younger generation is the influencers of music
since they use the internet more and to attract them into buying tickets to restore classical music
glory, the teachers should be encouraged to teach them about their culture and even encourage
them to attend events. With a generation that is self-conscious oriented on what other people will
think of them when they hear them listening to classical music, the musicians should try
modernize the music they produce regardless of using the main instruments that are needed in
classical music production (Kolb, 2001). Having promotional shows will improve the position of
the classical music industry as people will have a chance to meet up with their legend musicians
thus they are encouraged to attend more of the events in theaters. I believe that when a person
puts effort into their art, they are appreciated more and therefore the musicians and producers of
classical music should research more on modern pop music which seems to have overtaken
classical music.
In light to the discussion above on the position of classical music being dead or still alive,
I believe that classical music still exists and is not dead. My main reason is that it has only lost
its foot in the industry especially in regards to the sociological perspective that the people have
concerning classical music especially the younger generation. Schools should continue their
music programs to teach the young people about their culture which is well interpreted in
classical music. I believe that there is a very huge gap that has been created between classical
musicians and their audience which has brought about a disconnect leaving the older generations
being the only ones whom appreciate this art. Cultural difference on how music was brought up
in every part of the world are difference and I have not touch upon that much because there are a
lot of question needed to be answer. The question that needs to be developed and asked now is
what is the future of classical music in this generation that pop music is more famous?
Reference List
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