Classical Music: Embrace Tradition, Not a Makeover

The Crisis of Classical Music

Classical music has been grappling with a sense of abandonment for decades. The dwindling interest among younger generations has left orchestras and concert halls scratching their heads, asking, "Why are we losing our audience?" The prevailing thought leads many to believe that the music itself is too lengthy, too foreign, and overall too dull for the contemporary listener. These assumptions urge institutions to bizarrely chop, remix, and almost mutilate the masterpieces that once captivated listeners.

Performance vs. Understanding

In the 1980s, Neil Postman famously critiqued the educational underpinnings of children's television shows, illustrating that just because kids learned to enjoy watching TV, it didn't mean they developed an affinity for mathematics. Similarly, recalibrating classical music into bite-sized pop culture pairings may attract an audience, but it seldom fosters an authentic appreciation for works by the likes of Beethoven or Mozart.

“To endure, classical music should be taught and experienced in its original complexity rather than be simplified or watered-down.”

Modern adaptations may introduce the younger ears to symphonies, but they'll leave many listeners none the wiser when it comes to understanding these timeless pieces. Instituting a format akin to reality television — that glomo-genation of art — not only disrespects the music but also undermines its potential impact on an audience's cultural literacy.

Redefining the Approach

We should focus on clearly showcasing what classical music has to offer, rather than attempting to force it into a mold designed to suit the distracted modern mindset. Take a page from the innovative intersection of animation and music: Disney's “Fantasia” was not just a flick; it functioned as a pedagogical tool that invited viewers to internalize both the complexity and beauty of classical music without the boundaries of tradition and ritual.

This principle was at the core of my venture, the Bach Store, which I founded in 2018. In a casual and approachable storefront setting, I played through Bach's complete works for hours on end, allowing attendees to wander in and out freely, immersing themselves in the music at their own pace. There were no dress codes, no ticket sales, just a raw and honest experience of the music.

Listening Beyond the Notes

Occasionally, I hear from listeners who confess that classical music was once an afterthought for them, yet they've developed a new appreciation for Bach through this intimate format of delivery. This underscores the real potential we have to connect audiences with genuine classical experience.

Educational moves like the Orchestrating Dreams program in Manhattan are also taking steps to enhance audience engagement by utilizing technology to dissect classical compositions interactively. This approach can make musical masterpieces comprehensible and provide the essential groundwork for appreciation before experiencing its live forms.

The Pitfalls of Abridgment

Despite progress, each year, we witness troubling trends where classical music is compromised in the misguided effort to court new fans. A recent production of “The Magic Flute” exemplified this perilous trend. The Metropolitan Opera cut it down to a mere 90 minutes to create a "starter opera," reducing the experience to what they believed would keep the audience engaged. However, this approach fundamentally undermines the essence of Mozart's work.

“Shortening the art not only dilutes its richness but sends a confusing message about its value.”

This model promotes the false notion that classical music should mirror what people already find appealing. Mozart deserves to be revered as more than a historical rock star; he's an architect of musical language, and his works are positioned to challenge and uplift us.

Celebrate Classical Music in Its True Form

Venues like Lincoln Center already stand as cultural beacons. They offer an experience akin to a pilgrimage for many attendees. As we invite these patrons to gather and engage, let's not insult their discernment by presenting them with palatable, overly processed versions of sublime art. Instead, let's give them the chance to engage with classical music — in its full, unadulterated glory.

Conclusion

In an era where the soundscapes of our lives are continually evolving, classic music remains a potent, yet unjustly sidelined force. The future doesn't lie in reshaping the music but in nurturing our connection to its rich history, ensuring it is experienced authentically and profoundly. It's time we reevaluate our approach, hold classical music to the high standards it deserves, and guide new generations back into its embrace.