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In Reply to: Maybe I'm a Luddite, but. . . posted by Chris from Lafayette on April 10, 2007 at 15:10:19:
There is no prejudice on my part against modern composers, other than I can't stand what I hear. My love of melody seems to keep me out of the club that idolizes modern composers. Please don't tell me I should like dissonance or wandering tonality. Show me the modern composers who are compatible with my Bach-Mendelssohn-Tchaikovsky-Franck-Gershwin-loving ears and I'll listen to them.I have yet to hear a modern opera that I can stand to listen to for more than 16 measures. Where is the variety that classical composers of the past offer? There are a few modern pieces I like, if mid-20th century counts as modern, but my ears object to most modern works. I am tired of being criticized as an audience member and having to apologize merely for liking melodic music. Surely all possible melodies have not been created yet. Yes, SE is right. Classical music needs to continue and grow, but perhaps it is modern composers who are killing it just as much or more than classical cavemen like me.
And I agree with you about new interpretations and recordings. There is much for modern musicians to learn from past masters and build on. Should we stop looking at the Mona Lisa?
Follow Ups:
It's a tough view, however. Unlike "knowing" what the past works are and picking and choosing, there is a pre-supposition(?) that one already knows everything that's being said either now or in the future in contemporary compositions: Unlikely. Think what life would be if the concept were applied more broadly.
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It completely shuts the door on progress, and denies a future but, as you say (and I TRULY agree): One cannot and should not be forced to appreciate that which they do not.The tough part of that view is that, unlike "knowing" what the past works are and picking and choosing, there is a pre-supposition(?) that one already knows everything that's being said either now or in the future in contemporary compositions: Unlikely. This is a very severe view. Think of it in the context of almost anything else in life.
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