I wrote a blog post on the Mount Union site a while back, arguing in defense of Classical music, and its applicability to modern life. Wanna see?
Keep reading, then…
Some years ago, I presented a session to some prospective students. I was trying to explain why my field (Classical Music) is still relevant. Why it still matters. Why it’s not just for the elitist minds. Why it does apply to real life. Who still cares about Classical music? So I entitled my session “Who Cares about Beethoven?”
It turns out, the students and high school teachers in the room loved it. One of the points I made was about the deep interconnection between art forms. I played a couple of pieces by Astor Piazzolla with my duo-piano partner, Janelle Phinney. Piazzolla, who died in the 90s, was an Argentine composer who was musically educated by one of the most influential composition teachers of the twentieth century, Nadia Boulanger. His blood pulsing with the spice of the Argentine tango, the music of his homeland, Piazzolla fused tango with his classical training and his deep love for jazz to create compositions that transcend boundaries and appeal in a universal way. His music is Classically structured. It’s also free and sensuous, like the flitting dance movements of the Argentine tango and the unfettered tradition of jazz. And it marries two art forms that are inextricably linked: music and dance.
Let’s look at some widespread reasons many people in American society avoid Classical music.
”I don’t like it.”
”I can’t understand it.”
”It doesn’t relate to me.”
”It doesn’t relate to real life.”
”It puts me to sleep.”
”It’s elitist.”
”It’s boring.”
Relate that list to Piazzolla’s music, programmed with increasing frequency on “Classical” music concerts, like my own.
“I don’t like it.” Really? Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfjUqnr59UM .
”I can’t understand it.” Are you sure? Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fWpfP9dwWo
“It doesn’t relate to me.” Love? Relationships? Lust? Attraction? Beautiful movement/art? If you have never encountered any of that, you probably live in Elsa’s ice castle basement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0INlumRpL8
“It doesn’t relate to real life.” Hm…I met my husband at a ballroom dance studio. Let’s just say being able to dance is quite attractive.
”It puts me to sleep.” Sweet dreams you must be having with this music on your mind… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ha2ZM0L0g
“It’s elitist.” The tango stems from its roots in the brothels of Argentina. Doesn’t seem high-class to me.
“It boring.” Try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdhTodxH7Gw
Perhaps you’ll come “be bored” with me at a Classical music performance soon. Ok, so maybe you don’t yet care about Beethoven. How about Piazzolla?