Or is it? The dying of the classical recording industry, which began in the 1990s, is indeed a cause for despair. There seem to be, sadly, other harbingers of the death of classical music in America:
- The recent labor disputes of American orchestras due to decreased budgets and donor support.
- The reduction or outright cancellation of Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic tours and concerts in the parks.
- The demise of classical music radio stations across America.
- The increased media focus on rock and pop superstars, while classical music managements have difficulty booking concerts for their artists.
Invitation to a Dialogue: Saving Classical Music
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/opinion/invitation-to-a-dialogue-saving-classical-music.html
To the Editor:
A schoolboy recently asked me if Richard Wagner was a pitcher for the Yankees. At that moment I feared that classical music in America was doomed.
Or is it? The dying of the classical recording industry, which began in the 1990s, is indeed a cause for despair. There seem to be, sadly, other harbingers of the death of classical music in America:
• The recent labor disputes of American orchestras due to decreased budgets and donor support.
• The reduction or outright cancellation of Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic tours and concerts in the parks.
• The demise of classical music radio stations across America.
• The increased media focus on rock and pop superstars, while classical music managements have difficulty booking concerts for their artists.
Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope that classical music can be saved. The New York Philharmonic has just announced a partnership with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The Metropolitan Opera introduced live telecasts of its performances nationwide. New venues are springing up to accommodate the excellent classical ensembles and soloists emerging from music conservatories. Symphony orchestras have at least temporarily settled their labor disputes.
The future of classical music lies with the younger generation, which must be weaned away from the cacophony of rock and the neon glitter of “American Idol”-type TV shows. Instead of dragging children to concerts, where they squirm with boredom, rent some old movies featuring soundtracks of classical music.
Even toddlers can be exposed to classical music through animated films like “Fantasia” and “Peter and the Wolf.” Elementary schoolchildren would love “What’s Opera, Doc?” (1957), with its thrilling Wagnerian soundtrack as Elmer Fudd chases Bugs Bunny. Tell them the great music is by Richard Wagner. At least this audience will not think that he pitched for the Yankees.
LES DREYER
New York, Nov. 16, 2012
The writer is a retired violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.