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PTMs as critics, or saving classical music

Yesterday’s article referred to part 1 of Ann Midgette’s piece originally printed in the Washington Post, and it provided some interesting insights into the role PTMs, or amateur musicians, play in the field of classical music. Today’s follow-on article offers Ms. Midgette’s thoughts on the role of PTMs, and the populace in general, as critics.

Lonely Violin

I have to admit to you that on my first reading, I didn’t get much out of this. But the second reading prompted several lightbulbs to go off over my head, and I’ll confess to thinking about it a great deal ever since.

I play many different types of music, but classical music has such depth and richness overall that I consider it my favorite. Overall. But to be quite honest about it (in homage to Ms. Midgette), I just don’t like modern compositions as a general rule. I’m painting with a broom here, so please grant me a bit of leeway.

There is a reason some classical compositions are considered classics, i.e. they endure and endear. Although many were considered to be a challenge to accepted standards when they were written, all of the works considered classics today have what an old friend of mine referred to as “toe tap-ability”. Simply put, the listener can tap their foot with the music as it is being performed…or walk out humming it, thinking of the great concert they just heard.

Many modern works seem to have been exercises in sound combinatorics rather than musical compositions. Many seem so focused upon showcasing the various sections of an orchestra that they forget music is performed for someone. And lest anyone think I’m advocating going “100% pop”, let me assure you that I am not…but music that is neither pleasant to play nor hear doesn’t press boundaries as much as it condemns the art form to irrelevance.

My tastes are not universal, and I’m very glad of that! What do you think? Does classical music need criticism to really thrive? Regardless of our individual tastes, should we just politely clap for it all? Continue with obligatory standing ovations? Or does that contribute to a growing detachment and/or dissatisfaction with classical music in general? Please leave us a comment with your thoughts; we’d love to hear them.

Keep playing,

Mark