Why is it?

Ktrek · August 25, 2009, 09:08:13 PM

I was wondering if you guys can help me understand and get some insight into why most people do not listen to classical music? I have found that many people when you ask them if they like it will say they do but when you try and talk about it with them they get a blank stare. Others think classical music is for weirdos or something.

Is it because classical music demands something from you? Like say...your attention? Is it that the modern ADD culture cannot concentrate for longer than three minutes on any one thing before they need a change? Is it the perceived snobbishness of the artists, composers and conductors? Is it because it requires too much investment in time?

Why do people prefer a 5 chord verse, chorus, verse, bridge chorus structure and it has to be less than 4 minutes long?

I have listened to classical music (not exclusively) since I was 16 years old (I'm now 53). I have never found any music as enriching and enjoyable as classical music. There is so much it has to offer. Everything from the different styles and periods of music, to the different nationalities and the national influences, to the different genres like symphonies, chamber music, piano music, concertos etc. Also the longer I have been listening the more wonderful composers I have discovered who are not your mainstream drive home on the classical station composers. Composers who are gifted and have crafted music that takes you where no one has gone before (or very few anyway).

So what are your thoughts about classical music? Do you dig it? Who and what do you enjoy and why? I figured that geeks of all people should be the most savvy about classical but for the most part I have not found that to be true.

Kevin

cassious · August 25, 2009, 09:33:16 PM

I listen to classical, but really only stuff from the Romantic era. Mainly, Tchaikovsky(1812 overture FTW!!), Erik Satie(He seems somewhat lesser known, but if you haven't heard his music, you have to! It's just piano...Well, what I've heard...and very peaceful), Saint-Saens(I looove the organ stuff), if they count; loads of orchestral movie soundtracks(The Narnia soundtracks, Kingdom of Heaven, The Da Vinci code...Anything Hans Zimmer) and various operas that I won't list right now(Except Faust...I love Faust ♥).

I think people nowadays don't listen to it because they don't really have the chance. Most music you hear anywhere is the very mainstream stuff, classical isn't really played publicly, like in stores or such.. I only started listening to classical when I joined band because it was part of a project.

I also think people don't listen to it as much because it's so different from what's mainstream. If you go from listening to something like Soulja Boy(sorry but...*barfs*)to Bach's Goldberg Variations, they sound so different from each other, it's weird.

Also, this from personal experience, you can't really sing along with it(well, you can try to sing it). I know some days I won't listen to classical just because I feel like singing without sounding like a dying cow(me singing, not the professionals. Opera singers sing good, not me LOL) singing opera.

I *think* I was just rambling about there, but it's late and I'm tired. I tried though!

X · August 25, 2009, 10:13:40 PM

Quote from: Ktrek on August 25, 2009, 09:08:13 PM
I was wondering if you guys can help me understand and get some insight into why most people do not listen to classical music? I have found that many people when you ask them if they like it will say they do but when you try and talk about it with them they get a blank stare. Others think classical music is for weirdos or something.

Is it because classical music demands something from you? Like say...your attention? Is it that the modern ADD culture cannot concentrate for longer than three minutes on any one thing before they need a change? Is it the perceived snobbishness of the artists, composers and conductors? Is it because it requires too much investment in time?

Why do people prefer a 5 chord verse, chorus, verse, bridge chorus structure and it has to be less than 4 minutes long?

I have listened to classical music (not exclusively) since I was 16 years old (I'm now 53). I have never found any music as enriching and enjoyable as classical music. There is so much it has to offer. Everything from the different styles and periods of music, to the different nationalities and the national influences, to the different genres like symphonies, chamber music, piano music, concertos etc. Also the longer I have been listening the more wonderful composers I have discovered who are not your mainstream drive home on the classical station composers. Composers who are gifted and have crafted music that takes you where no one has gone before (or very few anyway).

So what are your thoughts about classical music? Do you dig it? Who and what do you enjoy and why? I figured that geeks of all people should be the most savvy about classical but for the most part I have not found that to be true.

Kevin

I think that it possibly comes off as insulting that you put classical music in a higher category than other music. I think by saying that other music is somehow inferior, you distance anyone that would have wanted to hold a conversation.

Another part is that people like, for the most part to talk about new things or exciting ones. These songs haven't changed in how long? After the first conversation extolling the greatness of some piece, how many more time in your life do you need to have that conversation.

I personally love all types of music and will refer to the emotions that they inspire when I do certain writing scenes. Those songs that inspire run a range of genres.

The way that you asked your question however would turn me off in holding a conversation about music with you. You don't need to insult another subject to bring attention to the one you want. I know that's not your intent, but it does answer the question of perceived snobbishness.

ElfManDan · August 25, 2009, 10:35:26 PM

I don't frequently listen to classical music, but I do listen and enjoy it. I spent most of last year hearing it very frequently since I was living with my Uncle who not only loves it, but performs and teaches a class on it. I would listen to them practice every few weeks when they came over to his house to do so. So I'd say I do enjoy it, but on most occasions I tend to listen to other types of music (most often being rock).

Bromptonboy · August 26, 2009, 03:26:44 AM

I frequently listen to classical. There is something to be said for all types of music IMHO. My tastes in 'classical' are really all over the place. Depending upon my mood, I may have Wagner, or Back - or even some medieval polyphony playing.
We make sure our kids get exposed to the classics as well as contemporary music.

Rico · August 26, 2009, 06:01:37 AM

Much of what you like or don't like is simple based on what you are exposed to when you are young. And many people never really get exposed to classical music at a younger age when it has a chance to take hold. I enjoy classical and all types of music. I was even in a classical music club for a time and have a small collection. I especially enjoy it when doing artwork. But, I also enjoy rock, pop, soundtracks, some metal, and even a little country at times. It all depends on my mood. I used to have a physics prof in college that started almost every class with a piece of classical music. So, it's really just all a matter of taste and exposure.

wraith1701 · August 26, 2009, 06:43:31 AM

Music is music; there's good and bad in all genres. I enjoy listening to some classical music, but not at the exclusion of other types, nor do I hold it above other types. What I listen to depends on what I'm doing and the mood I'm in at the moment.

Just because something is old doesn't make it inherently superior to something more recent. The classics that are still revered today were the 'pop hits' of their time. For each of these pieces, I'm sure there were a number of 'one-hit-wonders' and flops; works that didn't go over and have since faded from our collective memory.

Jen · August 26, 2009, 06:54:52 AM

My ipod is loaded with classics... new and old. I love the classical soundtracks from movies the most, but I also have a few operas loaded up as well. I also love jazz, blues, rock, heavy metal, punk, pop, country, adult contemporary, world music, blue grass, gospel, barber shop quartets...

Music is poetry of the heart and the sound can be as diverse as the poet who writes/orchestrates/plays or sings it. I have my preferences, but don't hold one above the other.

Ktrek · August 26, 2009, 06:46:06 PM

Quote from: Just X on August 25, 2009, 10:13:40 PM
I think that it possibly comes off as insulting that you put classical music in a higher category than other music. I think by saying that other music is somehow inferior, you distance anyone that would have wanted to hold a conversation.

Another part is that people like, for the most part to talk about new things or exciting ones. These songs haven't changed in how long? After the first conversation extolling the greatness of some piece, how many more time in your life do you need to have that conversation.

I personally love all types of music and will refer to the emotions that they inspire when I do certain writing scenes. Those songs that inspire run a range of genres.

The way that you asked your question however would turn me off in holding a conversation about music with you. You don't need to insult another subject to bring attention to the one you want. I know that's not your intent, but it does answer the question of perceived snobbishness.

REALLY? You would put Michael Jackson, Madonna, Brittany Spears, Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Radio Head, Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Nickeback, Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Black Eyed Peas etc. on the same par and footing as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Shostakovitch, Copeland, Schubert, Tchaikovsky etc.? Please! If you really think that any pop music can hold a candle to the geniuses in classical music I feel for you. I'm not saying that pop music doesn't have it's place but to try and put pop music on an equal par with classical is absurd to say the least. Most musicians in the pop music realm cannot even read music let alone put it down on paper.

And for those who imply that classical music is old I have to refute that because much of the classical music I listen to has been written in the last 50 years. Not the last 300 years! And even if it is old it does not invalidate their genius. Most Western music would not even exist without Bach, Mozart and Beethoven!

Kevin

Rico · August 26, 2009, 07:07:35 PM

You better feel for me then, because I consider several in your list as excellent musical talents and wonderful to listen to. Why is it that people must compare things all the time? This music is better than that person's music? This movie is better than that? Wouldn't it be better (and maybe more reasonable) to adopt the IDIC philosophy? Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations? I know what I enjoy and like. Really doesn't matter much to me if anyone else feels the same.

Jen · August 26, 2009, 07:42:38 PM

Quote from: Ktrek on August 26, 2009, 06:46:06 PM
REALLY? You would put Michael Jackson, Madonna, Brittany Spears, Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Radio Head, Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Nickeback, Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Black Eyed Peas etc. on the same par and footing as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Shostakovitch, Copeland, Schubert, Tchaikovsky etc.? Please! If you really think that any pop music can hold a candle to the geniuses in classical music I feel for you. I'm not saying that pop music doesn't have it's place but to try and put pop music on an equal par with classical is absurd to say the least. Most musicians in the pop music realm cannot even read music let alone put it down on paper.

And for those who imply that classical music is old I have to refute that because much of the classical music I listen to has been written in the last 50 years. Not the last 300 years! And even if it is old it does not invalidate their genius. Most Western music would not even exist without Bach, Mozart and Beethoven!

Kevin

Talent is talent... No one here has denied the influence of classical music. Classical music rocks...and so do the The Beatles, Nickeback, Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton and I'm going to toss Jars Of Clay in there...one of my favorite groups. ;)

Bryancd · August 26, 2009, 07:51:39 PM

Kevin, you may want to try asking a question about a subject you are actually open to discussing as opposed to one where you clearly have a bias and rare looking for a fight.

I enjoy classical music but don't listen to frequently. It's a choice, not a reflection on my intellect. Get over yourself, it makes life on an internet forum easier.

Ktrek · August 26, 2009, 08:08:14 PM

Quote from: Rico on August 26, 2009, 07:07:35 PM
You better feel for me then, because I consider several in your list as excellent musical talents and wonderful to listen to. Why is it that people must compare things all the time? This music is better than that person's music? This movie is better than that? Wouldn't it be better (and maybe more reasonable) to adopt the IDIC philosophy? Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations? I know what I enjoy and like. Really doesn't matter much to me if anyone else feels the same.

Talent and genius are not the same thing. I have known a lot of guys who have a talent for getting women in bed that does not make them geniuses at the activity.

I am not at all disputing the talent of those persons or groups I mentioned, and I could have listed hundreds more, but in my opinion to try and place those "talents" on the same level as the great classical composers (past or present composers) is beyond ridiculous!

Kevin

Bryancd · August 26, 2009, 08:18:35 PM

Quote from: Ktrek on August 26, 2009, 08:08:14 PM
I am not at all disputing the talent of those persons or groups I mentioned, and I could have listed hundreds more, but in my opinion to try and place those "talents" on the same level as the great classical composers (past or present composers) is beyond ridiculous!
Kevin

So you don't dispute their talent while lording the opinion that they are crap? Dude, move away from the keyboard.

X · August 26, 2009, 08:41:50 PM

Quote from: Ktrek on August 26, 2009, 08:08:14 PM
Quote from: Rico on August 26, 2009, 07:07:35 PM
You better feel for me then, because I consider several in your list as excellent musical talents and wonderful to listen to. Why is it that people must compare things all the time? This music is better than that person's music? This movie is better than that? Wouldn't it be better (and maybe more reasonable) to adopt the IDIC philosophy? Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations? I know what I enjoy and like. Really doesn't matter much to me if anyone else feels the same.
Talent and genius are not the same thing. I have known a lot of guys who have a talent for getting women in bed that does not make them geniuses at the activity.

I am not at all disputing the talent of those persons or groups I mentioned, and I could have listed hundreds more, but in my opinion to try and place those "talents" on the same level as the great classical composers (past or present composers) is beyond ridiculous!

Kevin

And you would be wrong, but I think that's the point. You're not looking for people to discuss music with, you're looking for someone to argue with. Your argument is built entirely on the fallacy that you opinion is the only correct one. What does it take to be an genius?

Prince has a huge catalog. He can actually play over a dozen instruments. Is that a genius or does the fact that he also writes vocals offends your sensibilities?