Home Music Lane

It's all about the music, dude! Sit down, relax and listen to some tunes.

plenty of marginalia

Despite the financial struggles encountered by orchestras in the past decade, here in the U.S. there are still many more orchestras performing than in any previous era in our country's history. In addition to the great city orchestras, there are mid-sized city orchestras, regional orchestras, community orchestras, university orchestras, summer festivals, and many occasions featuring smaller ensembles.

Yes, there are many "other deserving musicians" but they are greatly outnumbered by those of average talent making their way through the many opportunities available today. And in fact, although I do agree that there are many top tier musicians performing and recording today, the unceasing river of recordings that are of marginal quality is unabated.

Yes, I do believe there are supremely talented individuals who never quite make it to the top professionally. But is that really any different from any other undertaking? I think it is also true of arts and crafts, other performing arts, fiction and literature, teaching, whatever. But that does not mean these musicians have no avenue for performing. They just don't achieve stardom -- and other, less talented musicians receive accolades they don't deserve.

We can say it isn't fair, but I'm not sure there's much we can do about it. I sit through many hours of good but not notable performance, but occasionally am impressed by a real talent who deserves more than s/he has received. If I were really wealthy, would I find a way to promote their talent? Of course I would.

But that doesn't change the facts. The "average" ability of musicians today is very high. We can enjoy good music, well performed, often. It is all around us. It takes something more than that to get to the top, and the "something more" is often not talent.

"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)


This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Signature Sound   [ Signature Sound Lounge ]


Follow Ups Full Thread
Follow Ups

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.