malik@delphi.DEC (Karl Malik ZK01-1/F22 1-1440) (09/23/84)
Subj; modern classical music Here are some recent comments and my response(s): "I would regard the work of Mannheim Steamroller as "modern classical" if there is such a thing." There definetely is such a thing; your unfamiliarity with it is probably the reason for assuming that Manhein Steamroller belongs in that catagory: It does not. "After re-reading the last few notes on the pop vs. classical music debate, I thought I might suggest a new angle on the subject. Where do contemporary groups that mix classical forms and instruments with more "modern" rhythms and instruments fit into this disscussion?" They don't. "The sound seems quite "pop" to me but the instruments and forms are old. I would say this is "classical" music by the "amount of mental effort required to listen to it" argument. What do you think? Re; the 'amount of mental effort required to listen to it' argument - given a sufficiently inexperienced listener, ALL music would be 'classical'. Much contemporary classical music IS difficult, but that, in itself, does not make it 'classical'. "Also, what do you do with groups that are more "commonly" thought of as "pop" yet (on their early albums at least) worked from a strong classical base such as the Electric Light Orchestra (aka E.L.O.)?" I would say they are the worst of both worlds; attempting to create life by grafting on bits and pieces of a dead past. Contemporary classical music is alive and well - sporting thousands of composers. It is a tradition of change and innovation which has very little to do with the forms and techniques you learned in Music History 101. My point; Comparisons with what pop music IS, should be made with what classical music IS; not with what classical music WAS. - Karl