Burning Down

In comparison with today's music (pop, rock, metal, electronica, etc). Does classical music still have a place amongst today's audience, or has it been relegated to more specific listeners (i.e. music students, people learning instruments, elderly people)?

WHY or WHY NOT?

I know there are not a whole lot of people on MB who are active listeners of classical music, at least not to the extent that I am. But I know you all have opinions on everything else music related, so I'd like to hear your answer to my question.

EDIT: I have included a poll to get a more specific consensus, but I really encourage you to discuss why you voted YES or NO in this thread and why.

Janszoon

I think it still has a place. I mean what else are cities going to do with all those outdoor amphitheaters?

But seriously, the simple fact that there are classical radio stations is evidence that it appeals to pretty large numbers of people. Obviously it's relevant to those listening and still informs how we as a culture think about music to a certain extent.

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CoolBec

Anything that far removed from contemporary culture always has been (and always will be) somewhat "relegated to more specific listeners". But I wouldn't agree that makes it irrelevant.

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Black Francis

Even though it's not my thing i do think classical musical is still relevant and i think it will always be relevant

i find it a little boring but i like it as background music for like a game or a movie score in fact i prefer it over some douchy rock testosterone soundtrack i think classical expresses a more genuine feeling way more subtle but clearer but again alone it bores me to death

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DriveYourCarDownToTheSea

In a sense, classical music (and jazz and some eastern genres) will always be *the* most relevant form(s) of music, because so much ultimately derives from them.

There will always be a sizable segment of the population who enjoys classical music, even if their numbers aren't what they used to be.

People who think classical music is boring, probably haven't listened to enough classical music.

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Paul Smeenus

I wouldn't wanna even live in a world where Bach, Beethoven, & Brahms weren't relevant.

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djchameleon

Tell Casper, Patrick Swayze and Slimer I said what's up.

Classical music is only relevant to enthusiasts and those that want to teach the history of music to others. It's like going into the history archives to dig up a lost art form.

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Paul Smeenus

I've never disagreed with anything you've said as vehemently as this, although I will say that ANY music is only relevant to enthusiasts, to that listener.

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xgngrpiratex

I totally agree with this guy, I mean your talking about some of the greatest artists the world has ever seen, and if they weren't relevant still to this day, I feel as if kids would be totally lost and there would be no more prodigies anymore, all the good artists would disappear because of "music theory". I love classical and I love the art that it brings to the world as well!

p-bo

My father used to force me to listen to classical music as a child. Besides the Messiah, and only at Christmas time, I rejected the entire genre. Then in my mid 20's I dabbled. Now in my mid 30's I'm completely immersed. I think the younger generations will come around in time, like so many things in life. Still, the farther you get from the flame, the less you feel it's warmth.