Music is an intellectual and emotional pursuit always in all
cases, to some
extent, some more than others obviously, probably ever
since
cavemen started beating on whatever they could, I would say.
Hard to separate the two....
So I would have to answer yes.
Music is a common "yin" we all use to various
extents to help deal with our own individual
"yangs". |
"You guys all seem to be well versed in classical music, so can anyone explain the DIFFERENCE between the old stuff and 20th Century Classical music. Why does it sound different. What changed?"
I'll take a stab.
CLassical music prior to 20th century was more melodic and towards the end of that era richly romantic as well.
Classical music of the 20th century is a direct reflection of the great social upheavals and turmoil of the times in Europe, represented at its climax by the two world wars. In many ways,classical music of the 20th century preceeeded other popular forms like rock music in terms of providing an outlet for a lot of the angst and chaos experienced by many. Themes like atonal music arose early on. Then as other popular forms came onto the scene, other themes like minimalism got a certain amount of attention as a response to all the new and more daring forms that abounded.
No trend lasts forever. Music is always in the process of re-inventing itself in ways that continue to enable it to play as the "soundtrack" of peoples lives.
World music, and all the diversity that comes along with that, seems to be where things are heading at this point.
Will there be new kind of "global symphony" to go along with the new "global economy"? |
I've read where the public response at the time to bombastic new compositons from Shoenberg, Stravinsky and such early in the 20th century were the first public signs of teh phenomenon that eventually lead to rock and roll, which followed in the same revolutionary footsteps and registered with the masses at first in similar ways. |
..not to mention the similar very early influence of Mahler as a revolutionary modern day classical composer.
Also wanted to add that in addition to education and emotion, spirituality has always played a huge role in the most popular and enduring forms of music, classical music aside even.
In other words, the greatest works perhaps are those that register highly on a spiritual level with the audience.
Spirituality is also perhaps the hardest thing to quantify or measure in that some groups may have similar reactions to certain forms, but there is great variation person to person at this level based on individual circumstances.
Interesting stuff!!!! |
"As for any comparisons of these Ikons to present day rock composers, I think it is a stretch."
Frank Zappa?
:^)
One of my favorites who is way under the radar of many is former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, who has successfully been dabbling on the fringes of both rock and classical music now for well over 30 years and has many many excellent compositions under his belt.
Also much better known these days in Europe and Asia than in US. |
No doubt, attitude has a lot to do with it.
Lots of bad ones around these days. I won't judge why that is case by case. Some may be justified, others not.
One can only strive towards their own goals, have faith those are good ones, and hope maybe others manage to do the same as well.
I've been in a few swamps over the years. I've always considered them fascinating unique places and beautiful in their own unique way as well. Not good for running though. |
Along the "music is hostory" lines, the current information revolution going on, where anyone has acces to almost anything anytime if they so choose, represents a BIG event in music history. PEople are more swamped with information and sources of entertainment than ever before. The smoke is far yet from clearing, but it is the best time ever to be a proactive music fan.
I say proactive in that the fruit is there for the taking but only for those with teh initiative to do it. Living by the norms and standards of even 10 years ago is a bottleneck.
If another new composition were not created for another 10 years, I would still probably be over my head in potential things to listen to that I would never have had access to before, that also happen to sound very good.
Its overwhelming to a certain extent, and I think that is a reason why things might seem so stagnant creatively these days.
But with just a good pair of earbuds attached to a computer, using youtube alone, the treasures to be found by amateurs providing their own source material alone is mindboggling. Screw the record companies. WHo needs them really anymore? Know what you seek and you will probably find it, and it will probably also have better sound quality than ever before for a price that even a young child music lover might afford.
If you can find a way to save it and then play it back on your SOTA reference home system, then you are truly in audiophile heaven.
So I guess what I am trying to say is a little education along the lines needed to locate mine, and enjoy all the good sounding music, both old and new, out there today via various channels, will go a long way. An appreciation of history and how music correlates to it is just one dimension of learning that helps, A LOT!!!! |
Most who appreciate "higher forms" of art the most seem to be more educated about things in general, either via formal education or real world experience or both most often to various degrees.
I think there is a correlation there that cannot be ignored. |
"Classical Music
is the absolute apex of Western Civilization "
I've always tended to think of it that way as well.
Thing is music is more than that. Its something that most everyone can relate to in some way regardless of how civilized or not they might be.
Understanding that aspect of it as well helps diversify ones musical tastes. There is learning involved in that as well. |
True, but you have to walk before you can run.
Only a few ways to be the fastest or best but many paths are available to help get there. Where one starts from is a big consideration. PEople start from different places. That's part of the history aspect that only makes things more interesting!
ANd even the best runners still decide to take a nap or just walk slowly from time to time.....
Plus, Bach or Beethoven should sound even more illustrious when the opening act they follow say is Abba, The Black Eyed Peas, AC/DC, or say even Hank Williams.
Personally, I would enjoy each most likley on their own terms for different reasons, some of which have nothing to do with higher thougts or forms or being civilized. That's just my perspective though. Reality is everyone has their own when it comes to music, even if intellectually we may all strongly suspect that all paths eventually lead to the same place (or two maybe), given enough time. For some, toe tapping alone might = heaven.
I will say that in the end time tells all. That Bach still sits so well so many years after the fact speaks for itself and makes a strong case for him being the overall champion at least at this point in time. |
When it comes to music, I'd say the fewer rules, the better.
Just let it be, take it or leave it. It all works out in the end.
I was listening to some old Robert Johnson recordiI ngs last night and found myself mesmerized by his guitar playing and voice. Same happens with a lot of classical.
Each registers differently for me as it should, but the magnitude is hard to compare. Why bother? One is either moved or not by a particular piece. It can't be quantified why or how. So math for sure falls short in most things uniquely human. Spirituality included. |
Soldiers do the bidding of man, nothing else, right or wrong, and often have little choice in the matter I would think. |
Years ago, I recall a NPR program called "The Art of Fugue" which went into great detail explaining that particular work. My appreciation of the music of Bach went way up from that.
Some music is just fun though. Not much to think or learn about. Music can work so many different ways. Just one of the interesting things about it.
SW thanks for those kind words. |
