The beauty of classical music?

Question

Am I the only one who thinks that classical music is far more beautiful and entertaining than today's music? Nowadays anyone can just go and write a song, but before all this technology came along only people with real talent could write music. I think that people are really be gipped today because of the lack of being exposed to such wonderful music. Music of today is only written for money and commercialism. I think if the general population really learned and heard the music of composer's like Beethoven and Mozart, the music industry would be out of business. Why would anyone want to listen to Maroon 5 and Britney Spears whine when you can hear a gorgeous symphony by Mozart?

By the way i'm a 20 year old girl, not some old "fogey" or something. Most people think classical music is only meant for old people and that it isnt "cool"

Answer 1

a great question with no easy answers...

classical music is indeed an art...and as such, has to be listened to and not listened at (if you get my meanin')...and in this age of ever-shortenin' attention spans and instant gratification; many people are just too darn lazy to study and learn to appreciate classical music...

also...the lack of exposure is a problem...i mean, other than public radio and television there really is no true outlet for classical music nowadays...even when i came of age back in the 1970s, i had to listen and teach myself how to appreciate classical music (had to do the same with jazz as well)...

anyways...i have learned to overlook people who diss classical music ("forgive them ...for they know not what they speak of") and continue to enjoy listenin' to it...

and god bless you, kiddo, for havin' intelligent musical tastes and for tryin' to get the message out to the masses...

Answer 2

I hear your pain. I'm a classical guitarist, am early 30s and have been playing for 30 years. I've also been teaching for 10 years. I teach a Music Appreciation Class at a community college and I try to make the class as fun as possible. I usually play the greatest hits and will say 'You know, this piece should sound familiar, did you see this movie?' and their faces light up w/recognition. I get a lot of 'I didn't know that was classical music!'
I feel so happy when an entire class of students leave the semester more enchanted w/classical music (even modern 20th C music). They have to attend a concert & of course I get so many groans. But, in the end they ALL end up pleasantly surprised and disappointed that the concert ended.
Honestly, I get so frustrated about how much I get paid for concerts. All that work, even $1000 for a concerto is nothing compared to the millions rappers/rock artists/pop singers make. And the work put into learning a concerto or 1 hour's worth of classical music is huge!!
I rant to my husband and he always says 'the mass is not really educated.' The music industry gives what the masses want: crappy, half naked, loud, 'music.'
I think if the mass were introduced to music from early on in their childhood, there would be more of an appreciation for classical music. Unfortunately, classical music education is not part of the schooling system. Until that changes, you will get people responding to classical music w/negativity.
Oh, a personal side note: the best is when I tell people I play classical guitar and they respond 'Like Esteban?' sigh.
So, you're not alone in your frustration. Just be patient and do your best at educating other young adults. Bring them to concerts w/you or play a classical cd in the background while hanging out. Anything subtle you can do to bring people to your side is good. But, never throw it in their faces or belittle them if they listen to pop or rap. Better to gently introduce people to classical music than to force them.

Answer 3

Ah, YES I see your point. And many guitar players today just turn up the distortion and rip out crap, while MOST kids your age are listening to it, saying Beethoven and such are boring. They have no clue of the extreme talent and excitement that this music brings and do not appreciate it. On the same lines, there is a whole lot of GOOD, exciting music out there today that's just as good if not better. Yes, if you start sifting your way through the crap, occasionally you'll find a gem. Classical music is soothing to my soul and I love playing the stringed instruments I play or just listening to it, but at the same time, I enjoy the PUMP from rock n roll. It's not all bad and jazz is every bit as good, as is country etc.,etc., Do yourself a favor, keep the classical music, it's fantastic, but don't have blinders to other types of music, you're only cheating yourself. IT'S ALL GOOD!!

Answer 4

You ask: "Am I the only one who thinks that classical music is far more beautiful and entertaining than today's music?"

No, I think you are not. I personally like "classical" (Wrong word b.t.w. classical music is only part of the 18th cent.) music much more then pop music. I'm now 41 years old and this is as long as I can remember. When I had my 12th birthday, I bought a ABBA record, just because I didn't have any popmusic and wanted to invite some classmates. I then learned that popmusic is not only diffirent music but also a different culture. You don't just listen to popmusic, you dance on it sing along with it etc. Most of these things, you don't do with classical music.

I think the question should't be: "is classical music far more beautiful and entertaining than today's music?" but "Isn't there an enormous amount of bad 'put together' music" (I wouldn't describe this as composing)
Not all popmusic is bad, but indeed, anyone can write something. Success doesn't depend on quality, but on marketing.
When I listen to older popsongs, then there is really good music with it. But even then one shouldn't compare it with classical music.

I very much agrea with hartwell, in fact she says almost the same as I did in another answer. I won't repeat it, because it would make this answer a lot longer. You can find it here (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArsqJiJqE3IAXQ.zkv_VNpWp.Bd.?qid=20070510190001AAWSuSB ) if you want to read it.

Keep enjoying classical music, and even better, help spreading it. Not by building walls, but by building bridges.
Only this way we can be sure that Classical music is being played and enjoyed by a slinking group of relatively old people.
Edward

Answer 5

I am 17 years old, and would rather listen to Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, or Bach any day! I've been playing the flute for ten years now, and believe that is what has shown me the untimely beauty of classical music.
It makes me sad to think that these days, nobody can actually HEAR the beauty in classical music. God, how each note matters so much and is so critical to the music. It's so beautiful to me.
Mozart is my hero, and I can't imagine not listening to classical music, no matter my age. :) It's good to know I'm not the only young person who enjoys classical music so much.

Answer 6

I think the reason for this would be because classical music is an acquired taste.

In my opinion, classical music usually requires maturity from the listener. =)

In addition, as someone who has been playing piano for over ten years, I feel that I am able to appreciate classical music even more because I understand how hard it is to pull off a good performace, or even just to play a simple tune with the appropriate musical style.

Answer 7

If you like math you'll love Bach. !His music is almost "mathematical." an a joy to listen to.
And do you realize "The Ring" does not use one single instrument that has to be plugged in?

I'm with you, but I'm sure you realize Mahler is a test of endurance of a music lover's bladder.
PS Have tickets for Andre Reiu Wed night. He's a good intro to classical music for thosewho haven't experienced the joy of it.

Answer 8

Classical music to me is one of the closest things to magic we have on earth, it sounds corny, But consider this,,, Just one note hit right on the violin can evoke so much emotion and feeling. It can bring back memories, tell stories without words, most of the classical music that I enjoy has a very ethereal feel to it.

Answer 9

Yeah i think classical music is way more interesting than most music these days