I got into classical music relatively late in life (age 26), just on a whim, and discovered I really liked it. Particularly the late 19th century Romantic composers.
I think that classical music will survive just fine. After all, numerous cities have orchestras that are well attended. There is a segment of the population that still enjoys those performances.
But most important, classical music is often in the background in our society. Sometimes subtly, but noticeable nonetheless. We hear it on elevators, in cartoons, commercials, malls, and TV shows. (The TV shows, especially sci-fi shows, such as some of the Star Trek incarnations, have original scores for each episode. I would classify that as modern classical music. Just imagine those TV shows without that background music.)
Classical music still has a following in the Western world. It's not the forefront in pop culture, nor should it be; that spot is limited to the new and cutting-edge. 50 years from now rap music will be in the same place that jazz is right now: Still has a following, though not in the forefront.
Michael
I think that classical music will survive just fine. After all, numerous cities have orchestras that are well attended. There is a segment of the population that still enjoys those performances.
But most important, classical music is often in the background in our society. Sometimes subtly, but noticeable nonetheless. We hear it on elevators, in cartoons, commercials, malls, and TV shows. (The TV shows, especially sci-fi shows, such as some of the Star Trek incarnations, have original scores for each episode. I would classify that as modern classical music. Just imagine those TV shows without that background music.)
Classical music still has a following in the Western world. It's not the forefront in pop culture, nor should it be; that spot is limited to the new and cutting-edge. 50 years from now rap music will be in the same place that jazz is right now: Still has a following, though not in the forefront.
Michael