grindy

I'm pretty sure there was no point in history where classical music was the predominant and most popular form.
It still prevailed unfazed, having a steady stream of dedicated composers, performers and fans.
Nothing depressing or cynical here, unless you really try to bend it that way.

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A smell of petroleum prevails throughout.

chopinisawesome

Well... not really. It wasn't that long ago when other musical genres started to take hold. Before then, classical was the big thing. I'm pretty sure classical music spans more centuries than all other musical genres combined. Of course, by classical, I am referring to all periods (baroque, classical, romantic, etc.) not just the classical period. I wouldn't say that classical "doomsday prophets" who predict the death of classical are right, but there has been a decline in popularity in the last century or so.

grindy

Even in its heyday it was the music of the upper classes. A pretty thin slice of a population which mostly still prefered simpler, catchier folk music.
And even those upper classes probably listened to it more because it was hip and trendy, or as functional music for socializing (crowds at concerts back then were notoriously chatty and rowdy), relaxing and dancing. And you, as we know, wouldn't approve of that.
I'm not saying there aren't fluctuations in popularity, but the music is going nowhere. So sit back in a comfy chair, put on some relaxing Chopin and stop worrying about ridiculous stuff.

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A smell of petroleum prevails throughout.

chopinisawesome

I suppose it's not that big of a deal, and not worth arguing or getting mad about.