I actually think classical music is MORE relevant with each passing decade. As each generation gets older it seems inevitably we all want to relax and listen to classical music --- how many times have you heard your parents listen to it? And we all get old, no matter how we try, so it's sort of inevitable that we will all, at some point, maybe not now or even soon, but at some point end up listening to Bach, Mozart et al, even if it's only on Snooze FM when we're 80! Can we say the same about any other genre? Think you'll still be listening to rap, death metal, nu-jazz or even prog at that age? Well I might be listening to the latter, but you know, those long keyboard solos might just send me to sleep at that age! :laughing:

Well, I vote YES it is relevant because a lot of people actively listen to it, both live in concert and in their homes. And many popular, and popular underground musicians (i.e. electronic and metal, and I presume you can find bits of it in Top 40 pop) employ it in the music that they make today.

It's what is currently selling the best, that's not the same thing as "being played by the majority of the people that listen to music". You're also completely ignoring live music as a way of consuming music, which is a huge part of classical.

Actually yes those genres you listed will be listened to by this new generation when they get up in their older age because it has more nostalgia value.

If you put the stats up for how many people consume classical music live vs. any other genres you will still see a large discrepancy.

Well I think when you get older, like really old, nostalgia doesn't come into it so much as relaxation and quiet. And when you put prog, metal, hip hop or any other genre up against classical, I really think that's the one most people will turn to in their old age. Don't get me wrong: not everyone will. There's always gonna be the "hip" grandad or "happenin'" grandmaw who'll listen to those genres, but in general, older people fall back on classical because it's mostly so much easier to listen to. There are no lyrics you have to remember and it's mostly quiet, though not all of course. And it will just appeal more.

Of course, I love it now, and have since my twenties or earlier, but when they shut me away in the nursing home and bolt the door I'm pretty sure it'll be classical I'll be listening to.
Yeah I wonder though. An awful lot of people still go to classical recitals, concerts, specials, proms...

It's the best bargain you'll find in live musical entertainment. We get season tickets for the Phil for just a little more than decent seats at one major name pop concert would cost!

lol i love the argument when ppl say "you need to listen more to classical more before you dismiss it"

like saying "you just don't get it.. YET"

What if i never get it? Does that mean idk sh*t about music?

For me ive always felt ppl tie classical music to like a cultural person, like its for smart ppl with a refined taste.. but if i don't like it how is it relevant to me? (Chances are it won't be)

I consider it relevant even though i don't like it because alot of ppl do like it and find it relevant and still draw influence from it.. also cause as a musician i need to give credit where credit is due even if its not my music of choice

Sure most pieces puts me sleep but some pieces pull my heart strings and move me (get it? heart strings?) and it moves me so precisely because IT IS classical music so just for that i think it will always be relevant cause no other music can replace it

i haven't voted yet but im voting 'Yes' for sure ^^

Any other genres? Really?

Nah..that's such a misconception. You're talking about the snobs that sit down in the expensive seats. They're there to show off their wife's new fur coat and for the most part don't really know $hit about the music. Come sit up in the cheap seats..it's surprisingly blue collar. That and you meet a lot of the struggling local musicians and college music majors..my peeps.

I have a couple of friends that study classical music and they have busted their ass practicing and working to pay their tuition fees.

young ppl too in fact younger than me so i don't think its an age or phase thing i think it ultimately comes down to taste

so i hear ya man, i have alot of respect for struggling musicians and i wish nothing but success for them (Even if their music does put me to sleep) lol