I’ve often wondered whether classical musicians make those dramatic expressions primarily to convince us all just how profoundly serious the music is—perhaps it’s simply an essential part of the performance, or maybe just an old tradition we’re all meant to take quite seriously indeed.
I think that applies to both serious and popular music. It's just that there are probably more show effects on stage in popular music. Otherwise one would have to ask a choirmaster or conductor. :-)
I understand that every music performance comes with a certain amount of showmanship. In underground scenes, I actually appreciate this—it feels authentic, part of the atmosphere, and it adds to the experience. However, when it comes to pop music, I just don’t find anything in it that interests me, either in the sound or the spectacle.
With classical music, my interest is purely in the sound itself—the textures, the emotions, the artistry of the music. I have no patience for the formal presentation: the tuxedos, the overblown seriousness, the sense that what’s happening is more important than anything else in the world. To me, that kind of showiness feels unnecessary, even a bit ridiculous and artificial. I wish the focus could simply be on the music, without all the extra layers of pretense.
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5 comments
Boro said:
Don Sutherland said:
m̌ ḫ said:
Arlequin Photographi… replied to m̌ ḫ:
Next time, I'll get to the bottom of this.
m̌ ḫ replied to Arlequin Photographi…:
With classical music, my interest is purely in the sound itself—the textures, the emotions, the artistry of the music. I have no patience for the formal presentation: the tuxedos, the overblown seriousness, the sense that what’s happening is more important than anything else in the world. To me, that kind of showiness feels unnecessary, even a bit ridiculous and artificial. I wish the focus could simply be on the music, without all the extra layers of pretense.