is classical music "dead"?

Question

sorry, let me clarify. is classical music, as in non-pop music(including piazzola, copeland, gershwin, mendelssohn, bach, beethoven, scarletti, mozart, hoffmeister.........) dead to this generation?

I would like to pose another question, do you think it is just the us in which inerest has declined, because appreciation for c.m. has gone up in Europe and Asia(there are certainly more viola soloists there)

Answer 1

For what its worth, nearly every time you hear an original movie score (for example, "Lord of the Rings" had a very distinctive musical score) you are hearing classical style music.

Not only isn't classical music dead, it is absolutely essential in modern filmmaking. It helps create mood, set location and tell the story. Try to imagine "Star Wars" without John Williams' memorable score!

Classical music was frequently used in conjunction with spectacle - typically, ballet or opera. Perhaps in 500 years, there will be concerts of John Williams music even after the movies have long vanished into history.

Answer 2

It depends, I think, on how you define "classical" and, for that matter, how you define "dead".

If you mean "no one writes classical music any more, therefore it's dead." well, then.... yes and no. True, no one really writes piano sonatas like Mozart any more. However, people do compose modern "classical" music all the time. Many (if not most) symphonies have a composer in residence.

Do you mean small 'c' classical or big 'C' Classical. "C"lassical refers to the music written between roughly 1750 - 1827 (death of Bach to death of Beethoven). On the other hand, the term 'c'lassical is often used to refer to the body of work spaning from the late rennaisance/early baroque to the end of the impressionistic era/beginning of the 20th century.

Dead? By what means? In that no one listens to it? In that no one plays it?

I think, sadly, contemporary popular music is loudly infiltrating the minds of our youth. Do I think modern music is bad? No, as music is constantly evolving. However, today's so-called "Musicians" wouldn't know Bach if he bit them in the butt.

I don't think classical music is dead. If it were, there wouldn't be symphonies still performing. Personally, just tonight, I was playing a Flute Sonata by Handel. Do I think it is in danger of dying? Yes. Sadly, yes.

Answer 3

No way !! If that were the case why are they still selling millions of classical CD's every year. I've loved classical musical since I was nine years old, (and I grew up in the sixties), I loved it all, rock and roll and at the same time I loved the violin concerto's of Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. I also play classical guitar and buy tons of those a year. Have you every heard of Liona Boyd she plays great classical guitar, I bet if you heard her you would want more of her cd's, is classical music dead? I DON'T THINK SO !!!!

Answer 4

Well, I think the current situation looks rather bleak, yet it will definitely not die out.
Firstly, many students are still interested in pursuing classical piano courses currently, and they do show strong interest in classical music.
Secondly, the talent pool of musical enthusiasts is enlarging and not shrinking. Schools like Trinity, ABRSM and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (in Singapore) are blossoming with talents.
Thirdly, performing arts centres (like Esplanade in Singapore) do support classical performances. Media agencies in various countries also provide performing arts grants.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the popularity of classical music will decline (It isn't dead yet) since many youths are being exposed to genres of pop music. Some detest classical music, labelling it as boring, repetitive and old-fashioned etc.

In my opinion, I love classical music since it is very melodious, relaxing and enjoyable. However, I also find pop music enjoyable, except heavy metal because its too loud and unbearable. Therefore, I do believe that there can be a balance between classical and popular music, ensuring the survival of classical music.

Thanks for your question. Its very thought-provoking indeed.

jess

Answer 5

Not even close. I was at a concert this weekend--the house was packed!!!

There are also classical composers in all countries now and of all ethnicities (Joanne Shenandoah is one that comes to mind.) If anything, it's not as "European" anymore, rather something EVERYONE can and does enjoy.

Answer 6

As long as there are people who love and enjoy Classical music, it will never be dead.

Answer 7

Hell no! Music is about expression. When a composer really knows instruments and how to use them to get across what he is trying to portray it can be intensely moving and express at such a level that can't be achieved in many other ways.

Answer 8

Classical music will never die. No matter what there will always be people who plays, sing, and listen to classical music. (me being one of them)

Answer 9

Absolutely not. However, there is less and less emphasis on the importance and beauty of it in schools now, the government puts next to no funding into children's instrumental lessons (in UK) so the future is in danger. But right now....there is so much going on, just have to find it and immerse yourself!

Answer 10

theres a symphony in like every major city, with people going and paying money to listen.. so no