Classical Music

» Sarah Canice Funke - Becoming Relevant

Does Western Art music seem to be confined to a smaller and smaller audience these days? If you go to a classical music concert, you are more than likely apt to see grey and white hair gracing the heads of the audience members. The demographic of concert devotees seems to be aging rather quickly. Why does Western Art music seem less than hip to the emerging generations? Perhaps it’s the associations of “old-fashioned” or “out-of-date” that classical music can convey. Maybe it’s the perception that classical music is not as relevant to current social issues as more contemporary idioms such as hip-hop or rock claim to be. Yet composers such as John Adams have commented on everything from former President Nixon’s political relations with China (Nixon in China) to 9/11 (On the Transmigration of Souls). Maybe contemporary classical music seems too abrasive or difficult to perform. Yet Aaron Copland’s later music utilized the familiarity of Western tonality, and even Philip Glass and Steve Reich remain tonal, if in less conventional ways. Is the way to make Western Art music appear more relevant simply to break down the barriers that have kept it separate from the popular “music of the masses”? In other words, should composers be concerned not only with writing for a concert hall but also with creating works that can be played at, for example, rock concerts?

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» mcrosbie - Becoming Relevant

In response to Becoming Relevant posted by scfunke:

This is a difficult question to answer. If you have ever watched Andre Rieu concerts featured on KCTS Channel 9 in Seattle you will notice the masses of people of all ages in Europe enjoying his concerts. I wonder if it is partly the approach of the conductor that makes a difference? Andre has great audience appeal and he invites the audience to participate in the music by clapping in time to it. My late husband, Michael Crosbie, was a conductor for a brief period in his colourful life of many talents. He had a style that invited audience participation. Due to ill health - manic depression, he was forced out of his career as a conductor and oboesit, which was always a source of grief to him throughout his life. I think it takes huge effort on the part of conductors to organize appearances in venues that makes them more accessable to the masses. Michael held a "Classical Rave" concert at the University of Moncton, New Brunswick in 2001 combining the music of youth with a bit of his classical piano performances. This was a fund raiser for the homeless and though it wasn't a huge smash success, he did raise awareness of the public to the plight of the homeless and also raised awareness of the students of classical music - mainly Chopin.

-- posted by mcrosbie

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» Sarah Canice Funke - Becoming Relevant

In response to Becoming Relevant posted by mcrosbie:
Thank you so much for these ideas, mcrosbie! Your husband's "Chopin Rave" sounds like an event that would have been well-worth attending!

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