Should we continue patronizing the music of the past even we now have the modern music? Why?
Answers
Answer:
In a society focused on the latest technology, dance crazes, and what is trending on social media, it is easily understood why so many believe the art of classical music is in many ways irrelevant. However, with more music being produced in today’s era than ever before, and with many artist drawing inspiration from classical pieces, this old art form is long from dead. Over the centuries, classical music has transformed itself to become a building block, setting the framework for musicians of all types today. Many studies have even shown that music especially learning or listening to classical can have a wide variety of benefits.
Whether you are interested in rock, pop or even rap, the musical influence from classical composers, though sometimes hidden, can become clear the more you study music’s history. Further, classical composers such as Bach, Schubert and Mozart, despite how long ago their music was composed remains relevant because of how it played such a major factor into the evolution of music and its genres. An example of music’s evolution due to one of these composers was when Bach wrote the piece Prelude and Fugue Number 20 in A Minor, a composition that combined Bach’s classical style with a more modern approach, which was later deemed the first Jazz song. Also, the structure of almost every popular song in today’s musical era can be traced back to Schubert’s creation of the three minute, verse-chorus based song. Schubert, though he was a classical composer, wanted to create short melodic songs that everyone could enjoy, this lead him after writing hundreds of pieces to perfect the design of music, we are very familiar with today. Mozart similarly to Schubert came up with his own structure of music in which many of his pieces were simplistic in comparison to the earlier work of Bach. Mozart found that a four chord melody, similar to that of modern pop and rock music, though simple could be beautiful. This simple method allowed him to become one of the most well know composers of all time.
Though the roots of music is important, classical music’s reach extends further than just a step in music’s evolution. In fact, many popular artists in today’s music industry have a close relationship to classical music. A large portion of today’s musicians grew up playing some sort of classical instrument such as the piano or violin, because reading music is such a transferable skill in the music industry. The relationship between modern and classical music is especially shown with artists such as Onerepublic, Coldplay, U2, Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, Childish Gambino, Adele, Avicii and many more have used or adapted classical music into their works. I highly recommend watching Jon Bellion’s acoustic versions of his famous pop songs; or go check out how Childish Gambino worked with Ludwig Göransson on the song Redbone. After watching these videos you can clearly see how the musicians use their knowledge of major and minor chords or triads to create the base of many popular songs. If you still believe that classical music is irrelevant go see The Piano Guys or 2 Cellos youtube channels and watch how they deconstruct many popular tunes with classical instruments.
Playing or listening to classical music has a wide variety of benefits. Both playing or listening to music can be a great stress reliever. It has been proven that playing any type of music can increase a person’s intelligence, this is due to the fact that music can relate to so many other academic subjects. The way in which musical notes are written in a set of different fractions help with early on math skills because they help give real examples of how numbers can be broken down and even multiplied by a set tempo. As well, once you are able to play a piece or song after awhile, music gives you a sense of accomplishment and can boost your overall confidence. Also, playing music especially at high levels music can increase one’s creativity. Since music education stimulates your emotional and cognitive abilities, it can allow our brain to think in new and different ways.
Overall, whether you have learned several different instruments, or simply listen to music, the influence of classical music is undeniable. Though many believe classical music is a dying art form, its longevity allows for it to remain relevant in today’s society and in ones to come.
Answer:
Art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot function without one another. We have the burning desire to create, whatever it may be and however tiny or grand. The interaction with sound is unavoidable, either to make it or take pleasure in it. People have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the emotional response, performing, or creating. This is no different for classical music or contemporary concert music. Both musics have immense worth for our society; however, the problem we all know in this field is that this music is little known and hence underappreciated. As a musician and artist it is my responsibility that others can learn to enjoy the art for which I have utter passion.It goes without saying that in mainstream American culture, classical or concert music is not a huge part of people's lives. There are still stigmas that contribute to this, as well as the practices of the government in the last two decades (declining music education in schools on the local level, resistance to increased NEA funding and less visibility of the arts on the national level; let us hope that the Obama administration can start to reverse these trends). Many people may still believe that classical music is for the rich, older, and the well-educated. Others may feel awkward about going to classical music events because they feel as if they need to act and dress a certain way in order to enter the concert or recital hall. Even more, the pretentiousness and elitism that some artists exhibit is amplified by some television shows, commercials, plays, books, by people of influence and even themselves, which distance musicians from mainstream society. While some of this is true, as with nearly any stereotype, it is not entirely true. With the impression that concert music has on society, the majority decide that it is not "for them" simply because they believe it has no relevance or worth to their lives. This is further compounded by the past government's lack of interest in promoting and supporting the arts, whether it is to fund arts organizations or arts education. Now, the current government give us hope and we have seen evidence of its commitment; but most importantly our American society needs to believe that everyone can find worth and enjoyment in classical/concert music.The most common way one becomes involved with music is through listening or attending a musical event. Listening at home on a CD player, or in the car, on the computer, or on an iPod can be a very personal and fulfilling experience. Music, as we know, sets a mood and a vibe as we hear it in lounges, bars, parties, or other social events. Also, attending a concert is unique as it offers the excitement of hearing live musicians while providing the sound as it is meant to be heard (if it is acoustic music that is). Where else can one sit with other people, listen, and enjoy music in (relative) silence so that there are no distractions besides the music itself?Music can also stimulate the mind. There are many things in music, to which one can listen and bring attention. One can be mindful of the melodies or themes, the harmony, the driving or relaxed rhythms, the color of the sounds, the activity of a piece, how the sounds are produced, or how they all relate to one another, all while, possibly figuring out how the composer conceived the piece. Focused and attentive listening is an incredible experience that allows one to be lost in a foreign sound world.Concert music is the music that is not only pleasing to the ears and mind but also nurturing for the soul. It has been long said that music gives one an emotional response. Characters of varying degree that are found in music, can affect one’s mood. Music can raise someone’s mood, get them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Music also - and this is important - allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions that we experience in our lives. The possibilities are endless.One of the great things about music in general, and in particular concert music, is that playing it opens up a whole new world of experience that further enhances the mind, physical coordination, and expression. Music lovers, who are also amateur performers, may choose to play in community ensembles (orchestra, band, choir), take lessons, perform with others, compose, and nearly anything else a professional musician may do, while maintaining their regular lives.