Is classical music still relevant today?

Engine · 08-19-2013, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

I can pull up billboard sales if you want to get technical and show that there aren't any classical releases in the top 10.

So top 40 listeners being in the majority doesn't matter their genres is what I was getting at are being played IN THE MAJORITY.

Okay, but I think saying that what is played on top 40 radio stations = what is most relevant is a huge stretch. This logic implies (in regards to the point of the thread) that all music, such as classical, that is not played on Top 40 radio stations is irrelevant. That's faulty logic.

djchameleon · 08-19-2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine

Okay, but I think saying that what is played on top 40 radio stations = what is most relevant is a huge stretch. This logic implies (in regards to the point of the thread) that all music, such as classical, that is not played on Top 40 radio stations is irrelevant. That's faulty logic.

Not that it is most relevant but it's what is being played by the majority of the people that listen to music.

Trollheart · 08-19-2013, 04:50 PM

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!

djchameleon · 08-19-2013, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

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!

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

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.

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.

Trollheart · 08-19-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

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.

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.

Quote:

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.

Yeah I wonder though. An awful lot of people still go to classical recitals, concerts, specials, proms...

CoolBec · 08-19-2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

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!

**Janszoon** · 08-19-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

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.

Any other genres? Really?

djchameleon · 08-19-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Any other genres? Really?

Yes any other genre as long as it is contemporary music. Strange why you guys are fighting this so hard and think that there are even close.

Below is the total revenue for live performances from a 2011 study

Ballet and Dance $59,164,135
Children's/Family $58,777,398
Classical Music $60,096,039
Festivals (Multi-Category) $9,890,881
Festivals (Single-Category) $96,453,486
Musical Theatre $246,792,376
Contemporary Music $539,274,481
Opera $47,305,786
Special Events $15,799,946
Theatre $65,880,712
Circus and Physical Theatre $55,865,945
Comedy $51,999,602

Source

**Janszoon** · 08-19-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

Yes any other genre as long as it is contemporary music. Strange why you guys are fighting this so hard and think that there are even close.

Below is the total revenue for live performances from a 2011 study

Ballet and Dance $59,164,135
Children's/Family $58,777,398
Classical Music $60,096,039
Festivals (Multi-Category) $9,890,881
Festivals (Single-Category) $96,453,486
Musical Theatre $246,792,376
Contemporary Music $539,274,481
Opera $47,305,786
Special Events $15,799,946
Theatre $65,880,712
Circus and Physical Theatre $55,865,945
Comedy $51,999,602

Source

I assume that number is the total for all contemporary music. That's not even remotely the same thing as saying any other genre is more popular than classical.

Also, why is Australia your case study here? Seems like an odd choice.

Engine · 08-19-2013, 04:52 PM

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.

View Poll Results: Is classical music still relevant today?
YES	193	93.69%
NO	13	6.31%
Voters: 206. You may not vote on this poll

08-19-2013, 04:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,996	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! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

08-19-2013, 04:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
Engine air quote Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pollen & mold Posts: 3,108	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. __________________ Like an arrow, I was only passing through.

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