Re: Re: Re: "How to Kill Orchestras" - NY Times


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Posted by Socialist on July 02, 2003 at 15:29:58:

In Reply to: Re: Re: "How to Kill Orchestras" - NY Times posted by Doug on July 02, 2003 at 10:35:05:

You have struck two key questions. Why fund orchestras when not everyone makes use of them, and why not fund all music.

Well, the poster above me linked symphony orchestras to museums. If that analogy is correct then the death of the New York Philharmonic would be akin to the closing of a Smithsonian. Now what about all the modern "crap" (Some of it is mind you, but some is very important). Modern music is very much influenced by the past, yet points us in a new direction. Think of modern music as a Science Mueseum. It is a story of how we got here and where we might be going. Americans support museums with taxes, yet not all use them. Does this give reason to shut them down. In my mind, no. The land would be a lesser place without them.

Now, you second question is the most difficult one and is usually where this argument falls in on itself. The problem is that there is no black and white answers, but instead a lot of gray. Well, I like to think of it like this. Some music is not intended to be "just for your feet". There are types of music (not all classical mind you) that have very important things to say to about culture and the world we live in. This "provocative music" is something that needs to be preserved. Now pop music that has cultural value (Elton John, Beatles, Eminem (to an extent.) etc.)is of no danger of being lost. Despite problems in the industry, it is still stable and still provides the cash to support its artists. Beethoven (and others) on the other hand is in danger. (At least in his original form, as played by a live orchestra) This kind of music has changed the course of history and has very important things to say about human civilization. Is it our duty as citizens to step in? Opinions differ but I say a resounding "yes".

I wrote this rather quickly so an dubious reaches in logic will be pointed out I'm sure. This is one of the rare times I have enjoyed tube-net. This debate has been most invigorating. Thanks!


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