In Reply to: No babes in the finals of the Tchaikovsky (piano section) either posted by Chris from Lafayette on July 2, 2015 at 15:32:16:
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)
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Follow Ups
- plenty of marginalia - Amphissa 16:59:40 07/02/15 (3)
- In general, I agree with what you say, but. . . - Chris from Lafayette 11:00:29 07/04/15 (2)
- RE: In general, I agree with what you say, but. . . - Analog Scott 13:08:47 07/04/15 (1)
- I suppose my post seemed ironic, considering. . . - Chris from Lafayette 13:37:17 07/04/15 (0)