Why do not as many people like classical music anymore?

Question

The people of today seem to be embracing new types of music: rap, pop, the list could go on and on. But why is are the people who listen to classical music dwindling? Is there a problem with it? We must remember that much of what one hears on the radio today was influenced by classical music. But is there some reason as to why one should listen to todays "modern" music instead of classical music? Is is considered bad, or something along those lines?

Answer 1

Classical music is also influenced by cavemen banging rocks and stones together, that doesn't mean it needs to be played on the radio.



I think classical music is truly great, as I think all styles are great and have their place. When you say "is there a reason why modern music should be listened to instead over classical" I don't see any reason why there is a yes or no answer. People should listen to what personally sounds good to them because that's what music is about-not technicality or being with the cool crowd. I believe everyone should embrace all genres of musics, modern or classical, because if you search deep enough you'll find something that you enjoy in any style.



As technology progresses over the years cultures will change. Classical musicians didn't have access to synthesizers, electrical instruments, microphones, amplifiers, digital effects and other sound modification software and hardware. In addition, as the 20th century started all music "rules" were lost, and artists began to freely experiment. Ultimately from the new technology and lack of boundaries in this modern age, new genres have fused and arisen which allows for more creativity and expression regarding the art of music. Both the listeners and music have evolved. Whether you interpet this as a something bad or good is your choice- but I'm thankful for the wider array of music available today whether it's classical orchestrations or synthesized electronica.



(I think I rambled on to much)



Why the thumbs down? I thought I answered the asker's questions fairly and in an unbiased manner...

Answer 2

Considering I've never been to an area where you can't find classical music on the radio, I'm sure it's still appreciated. Also, if you go to a symphony concert, you will notice that most seats are still filled. There was a great station I used to listen to when I lived in central Mass. It was called a folk music station (although it was really everything). You could hear a Glen Miller chart, 50 Cent, George Jones I, and Stravinsky all in a twenty minute period. It was sort of the way my iPod is I suppose. So yes, I would say it's still appreciated. I wish I still had the source... A couple years ago I attended a lecture on whether or not classical music is listened to more or less than it was 50 or 100 years ago. Large (very large) surveys show that classical music is listened to by more people now than it was 50 or 100 years ago. The difference is that there are many more ensembles and the overall appreciation is different. The audiences are usually older, and since there are more concerts and groups, there aren't enough audience members. Think about it: A larger orchestra may have smaller groups that put on concerts at least every day of the week. Who has the time to go to all of these? This affects perception.

Answer 3

I think it a misconception to say classical music is less popular than it was before. I would say it is probably the opposite.



There has always been music created by and for the masses. Think of it, you are a part of "the masses" and there is no such thing as radio or CDs, or MP3s, etc. You want to listen to some song, you probably do not have the means to listen to classical music. A small orchestra requires a lot of people and if you are just getting your three dinners, a few rags to wear, and a mean place to live, are you going to spend the effort to hear a piece of classical music?



So, why is it not wildly popular these days? I would say classical music suffers from the fact classical music aficionados often tend to large ponderous slow pieces, pieces that are boring especially to those new to classical music.



A person's intro to classical music should be to fast, light, and lively pieces. One of my first classical CDs was a CD of Vivaldi concertos and I found them so much against the stereotype of classical music and so refreshing.



It is up to us who appreciate classical music to break down the stereotypes. When with a friend find a lively easily likable piece to play. Play something they are likely to be familiar with and do not necessarily play the whole work, just the movement they will be familiar with.



The attitude I talk about is captured by something I was reading recently. The Wiki on the 1812 Overture. On the show Niles reminds Fraser when young he [Fraser] thought the 1812 Overture a good piece of music, Fraser than goes onto wonder if he was ever THAT young. The 1812 is a good piece, it is popular and that is what many who listen to classical music resent and that attitude holds back more widespread acceptance of classical music.

Answer 4

I believe it depends on your culture. For example, I am Peruvian and I went to an Italian School. In these kind of schools you are still forced to take Music lessons, to learn to play the piano, guitar, violin, or flute... You still take singing classes even if you have no voice. And you are forced to learn about Classical Music. But most of us have grown up listening to this music and have no problem with it. I love Classical music as much as I like salsa or maybe even more. Neither my friends or I seem to be bothered if somehow someone decides to play Gavotte or Liebestraum by Lieszt.

However, when I came to the US, I was surprised when I first listened to hip hop and Green Day because it isn't something that we listen to over there.

So I definitely think it has something to do with your culture and roots.

Answer 5

I think classical music is actually growing in popularity, especially with the advent of online music. The websites of orchestras that have begun offering downloadable concerts and recordings have been successful beyond the imagination of the people who designed them.



The line of what is "classical music" is also constantly blurred by the times. We think of Verdi or Puccini as classical music today, but at the time, the operas they wrote were wildly popular, and arias from "Boheme" and "Traviata" were performed and played on radio right alongside folksongs and popular tunes. We still hear popular songwriters and artists using themes from classical compositions, like Sting, Alicia Keys, and Tori Amos, to name a few. The thing that sets music apart to become "classical" is not what instruments are used or whether it's popular or esoteric. Classical music is music that has stood the test of time, on a scale larger than a human lifetime.

Answer 6

There are still fans, just not as many...i guess it's just as fun and heavy anymore (bear in mind we're going back to the days before even showing your legs was considered unruly) ... and i'm sure there's a fair few people hanging around in the private schools... but they're all *****.



Another thing to note is that despite it not being in the mainstream, a lot of it is still being used in the media, and people still recognise/know the longs.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons is recognised by people around the world of all ages, and that was composed in 1723, nearly 300 years ago. What are the chances of people remembering The Enemy or Madina Lake is 300 years time..

Think about the 40s, 50s, and 60s.... they weren't even 70 years ago and already very few songs and bands from those eras are remembered...

It may not be in the mainstream anymore, but it's still sure as hell more timeless.

Answer 7

Brian777 summarized it rather well. Now for something interesting yet scary. You will never guess the jondre of music the punks are presently studying (heavily)---yes, it's classical, especially pieces before 1900.

Answer 8

Most people's attention span is limited to about three minutes. People find it hard to listen to a piece of music such as a violin concerto which lasts for 30 minutes.



Also, people find it difficult to listen to music without drums and bass in the backing ; they have forgotten how to listen to melody. Simplistic rhythms are easier to listen to (house music or rap anybody?).



But classical music will live on .Many people such as myself desire to learn to play violin, cello, piano, oboe, flute etc. so that we may play this wonderful music.

Answer 9

Who says not as many people like classical music anymore? Please give the source of your information and I'll try to put together a response.

Answer 10

classical music is much better. its the real music. I think all those musicians of the modern genres aren't musicians at all. they just produce a senseless assortment of sounds without much of melody.

but everyone can't be expected to understand classical music. people are just being made fools and made to accept whatever today's so called musicians produce. today's so called music is just mass produced. I don't think its much of music. classical music is the real music.

Answer 11

i like classics...all kinds of music

Answer 12

I like a lot of classical music, but for one thing, it's hard to talk about it, because though I know the melody I don't know the titles often, so it's like, "Hey, you know that one song, ba da da dum la la" if it were easier to learn what is what I think more ppl would like it, and not feel dumb trying to talk about it.

Answer 13

Hey i reckon classical is great and all of this rmb stuff is really annoying for school i have to dance to classical and i am having a ball!!!

Answer 14

Its a dead form of music. No one writes classical music anymore. Its 2008 and we have new modern instruments and technology that help people create different sounds and styles that weren't possible before. Most people like these sounds and styles better than classical music.



You either move with the times or get left behind and classical music has been left in the dust.

Answer 15

I like jazz a lot.

Answer 16

It makes me VERY nervous!

Answer 17

It's gone with the wind.

I like Rock And New Wave.

Answer 18

it does not have as much spazz anymore and it aint danceable HARDCORE DANCING ALL THE Wei

Answer 19

it gets boring after a while

Answer 20

ITS LAME