In my attempt to cover all kinds of music genres while writing for the SeatGeek music blog, today I want to focus on classical music. Many people might say that classical music is a dying breed. Schools are continuing to cut music programs which are used to teach students about classical music, major composers of the past, and more. This is an extremely unfortunate situation because music means so much to people who are willing to take the time to learn it.
I have been learning, singing, and performing classical music for over 10 years and I have learned so much about this genre during my long tenure as a musician. I have performed songs in English, Latin, German, Spanish, French, and Italian and I also performed in Carnegie Hall with The University of Tennessee Choirs in 2007. Oh, and in case you are curious, my favorite composer is Maurice Duruflé who wrote my all-time favorite piece, “Ubi Caritas”.
Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Handel still reign as the biggest names in classical music today. Their movements have transcended centuries and continue to be favorites among musicians in the contemporary world. Beethoven completed “Moonlight Sonata” in 1801 and countless performers have dared to play it in venues all over the world. Mozart composed his “Requiem Mass in D Minor” by 1791 and we can see the lasting effect it has had on musicians everywhere. Classical music has left an imprint on the hearts of those everywhere who listen to and absorb it.
Why do many people think classical music is not as popular as it used to be? I believe it is a combination of several reasons: musical tastes have changed, classical music is being taken out of schools and other academic programs where children are exposed to it at a young age, and the biggest – people just do not care. I also believe there are stereotypes surrounding classical music, such as, “It’s boring,” or, “Only old people listen to it.” This could not be further from the truth. To give you a modern example, for all of you “Twilight” fans, Edward and Bella both listen to works from Claude Debussy. So you see, classical music really does seep into the present day!
I urge those who love classical music to continue to support this division of the musical world. You can support the art of classical music by visiting venues that continue to play the music, such as Carnegie Hall, for those of you who are in New York. Carnegie Hall also has its very own Twitter so you can keep up with its upcoming performances. If you are not in New York, seek out those places that have classical music. Go to choir or band concerts that are held by your local schools or colleges.
I would also like to leave you with a quote from Van Cliburn who won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958, “All people are the same the world over and all people need beauty, inspiration, art, and great music – the things that make life truly valuable.”
Photo courtesy of fanpop
