Is classical music inherently elitist?

[justnotcricket]

Hitler enjoyed Wagner and Strauss. So I can't. I like that logic.

That's hardly the fault of the music, is it? Yeah, Hitler was a waste of space. No argument there. But he clearly also liked the colours red and black, and everyone with blonde hair and blue eyes - by your logic, we have to dislike all those as well? 0_o

Classical music is not inherently elitist, some of its fans are. And as for the stuffy culture, well, it does exist, but every genre has one, they just wear different clothes.

Also, I play in an orchestra - we play mostly classical music, but sometimes also do collaborations with local rock groups and put on childrens' concerts. In all of these we try to introudce an ever-wider kind of audience to the awesomeness and beauty of classical music - sharing it, not turning up our noses at people. The biggest barrier to this sharing is actually the people who have written off classical music as 'stuffy' and 'elitist', based on (probably) something they've seen in movies, since they've never been to a concert or played a classical piece (on any instrument). That sort of 'reverse elitism' is the single biggest barrier we face.

Besides, loads of stuff is classical music in disguise - all of John Williams' music, anyone? How is that stuff elitist? =D

 

[Klarinette]

No way, man!! I'm a classical musician, I listen to, play and went to school for it, and I'm definitely not stuck-up. People who treat it like it's for elitists need a slap, anyway. Everyone can enjoy it. Watch the movie "Amadeus" and tell me it's only for the stuffies.

 

[scotth266]

I am of the opinion that some of the elitism is deserved, primarily because classical style music as a medium seems to be largely ignored these days. I mean, you'd go out and buy the latest Slipknot CD, but when's the last time you bought a piece of classical music?

Of course, that doesn't justify people acting like pricks. I listen to anything with a good beat, even the most far-out types of music.

 

[teutonicman]

Probably because the culture surrounding the music was very decadent.

 

[Erana]

Sometimes its not the music people are enjoying at the concert...

I love it when she hip thrusts to Vivaldi. XD

 

[zen5887]

*Snip*

I agree whole heartedly.

I've always found classical players rigid in their playing, as in, unless they have some sheet music they can't play.

And jazz guys are just cool =D