Is Classical Music Really Classical?

This distinction is correct to the extent we define "classic" as that sort of musical

style that rests heavily on the response of the heart to the objective beauties of form, of order, of measure, number, proportion, and balance, the rational qualities to which humans respond with recognition and delight. These aesthetic qualities first appeared among the "classical" Greeks, by which we mean, the Greeks of the Golden Age of Athens, starting around 470 BC. Being lovers of thought, their idea of beauty was the rational. In this case, "classical" refers to a style of music.

They would not be correct, however, in excluding as classics those who, departing from the rationalism of an earlier period, charted a new course called romanticism. The advances of these later composers too, in due time, were finally assimilated and established as "classic". Like the classic composers, these composers forged new experiences that would withstand the test of time.

Today we call music of the 1950s, classics. The composers of that music would not have thought of themselves as classical music composers. Elves Presley, for instance, would have broken a hip had someone called him one of the classical music composers, but this is just what we mean when we say composers do not write classics, but, rather, the music they write becomes, after a time, after its techniques and intent have been assimilated by the music appreciating public, after withstanding the test of time, "classic".

The next time a music composer waves a disparaging hand at classical music composers, tell him that if he is so lucky, his adventure in music might someday be a classic too.

Is Classical Music Really Classical?

By: Mary Christine

POST COMMENT

Piano For All Rapidshare Piano For All Vs Rocket Piano Affordable In-Depth Music Lessons For Kids Now Available Dynamic Flashing Music T-shirts Beginners' Online Guitar Lessons: The Correct Position How To Learn Guitar Acoustic How To Learn Guitar And Get Laid How To Learn Guitar Alone Teaching Your Kids How to Play the Piano Music Theory For Guitarists - How Key Signatures Work How To Learn Guitar Scales Qualities of a Good Piano Teacher Carlos Santana The Musical Broadway