malik@delphi.DEC (Karl Malik ZK01-1/F22 1-1440) (04/30/84)
Subj; creation of net.music.classical OK, so now we have net.music.classical. I wasn't for it, but I'll subscribe to it. However, I'd like to make a statement regarding the name-calling that's accompanied this split. I've been subscribing to net.music for about 6 months now. In that time, I seen enough name-calling and elitism (from BOTH the classical and rock people) to last me a lifetime. I, too, used to rant and rail - after all, the music that I liked HAD to be the best - Didn't it fit all of MY criteria for what makes great music? With time, I've come to my senses. I enjoy what I listen to, period. There are NO commonly accepted standards for any kind of art. But my main point is that while both my roots and my current tastes are predominantly contemporary CLASSICAL, I don't feel/think that the stuff I like is better (except in the sense that I LIKE it better) than any other kind of music. I mention this for 2 reasons - 1) Some classical music lovers DO believe that classical music is better in some absolute, objective sense, and sneer at other kinds of music. I do not want to be identified with these people. Nor do I like the idea that many non-classical music types may be scared off/repulsed by this kind of elitism. 2) I suspect that some non-classical types also buy into the incredible hype surrounding classical music. Hence, their over-reaction (anger, name-calling) to being criticized for their tastes. Most likely, they also are under the delusion that what they like is the BEST. Faced with another BEST, their entire musical value system is threatened. How can there be two BESTs?! Two LIKEs confronting each other rarely have this kind of problem. Since this may be the last classical music related article that some of you will see, I simply wish to close by giving you my best wishes and support in anything you like. - Karl ...decvax!decwrl!rhea!star!malik
nxs@fluke.UUCP (05/02/84)
Your statement number 2, sounds a lot like the fuel used over in net.religion to keep the flames burning bright. And its a good point. Those who degrade and snivil at the music choices of others are usually the least knowlageable about music. In other words, go ask Andre Previn what he thinks of rock music, or ask Peter Gabrial what he thinks of Mhaler. Bruce Golub