Re: "How to Kill Orchestras" - NY Times


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Posted by Joe Baker on July 01, 2003 at 13:32:48:

In Reply to: "How to Kill Orchestras" - NY Times posted by dp on July 01, 2003 at 11:29:40:

Wow.

As for disappearing audiences, no amount of managing will solve that one. Classical music has only itself to blame. It has indulged the creation of a narcissistic avant-garde speaking in languages that repel the average committed listener in even our most sophisticated American cities. Intelligent, music-loving and eager to learn, such listeners largely understand that true talent and originality must find their own voice. What they do not understand is why the commitment to reach and touch listeners in the seats does not stand at the beginning of the creative process, as it did with Haydn and Mozart. This kind of art-for-art’s-sake has much to answer for.

It's wonderful to see a really good writer express so well what I've thought for so long.

Thanks for posting this, Dale. First rate stuff, beginning to end.

Joe Baker, who thinks this should go on the required reading list.


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