On-Topic: MySpace and Classical Music

[IcedNote]

I'm a 20-something, so I know all about the online phenomenon MySpace. Now I know many of you are older, and I don't mean this condescendingly, but have you all seen all of the classical music stuff on here?

For example,

http://www.myspace.com/kronosquartet (23,000+ friends)

http://www.myspace.com/johnadamsmusic (4,600+ friends)

http://www.myspace.com/stevereichmusic (13,000+ friends)


Not only is MySpace helping promote these "big names," but there are thousands of lesser known classical composers and groups on here as well. You can go to these sites and listen to up to 4 songs by the artist, get concert dates, news, and communicate with other fans.

I have to wonder if this MySpace phenomenon is truly helping bring classical music to a younger generation.

Thoughts?

-G

[Ralph]

I have no idea whether these sites do attract younger classical listeners or, for that matter, whether young classical aficianadoes use MySpace and FaceBook like others.

It's an interesting question.

[BrianB]

Judging from the numbers, it would certainly seem that MySpace is attracting more audience for 'classical music.'
I've always said that if you get rid of some of the formality (er, stuffiness) associated with classical music, most of these composers will continue to attract a new audience. The L.A. Chamber Orchestra, for example, has started a 'casual dress concert day.'
(This is what the folks at the premier of Bolero had in mind, no?)

[Nashvillebill]

www.myspace.com/naxoslabel

Naxos has a myspace site that we're starting to update with all of our new releases and video clips as well as podcasts.

[Ralph]

Judging from the numbers, it would certainly seem that MySpace is attracting more audience for 'classical music.'
I've always said that if you get rid of some of the formality (er, stuffiness) associated with classical music, most of these composers will continue to attract a new audience. The L.A. Chamber Orchestra, for example, has started a 'casual dress concert day.'
(This is what the folks at the premier of Bolero had in mind, no?)

*****

In New York, casual dress, including jeans, is the rule at all concerts and even the Met Opera. On week nights the only people in business attire are those coming from work. While some still dress up, they are clearly in the minority these days.

[Werner]

That is true, at least to some extent, as far as the audience is concerned, and I have noted the trend to dressing down in terms of formality for some years. I remember many years ago, when I was still dressing up in a suit and tie (hardly do that any more) that people in the lobby at the Met went all the way from formal wear to torn jeans. (well, maybe that's a BIT much.)

But I would not suggest dressing down too much on stage. There is, in my mind, an element of celebration and a spacial atmosphere in the presentation of the great masterpieces. Stuffiness doesn't express it, and that's not the essence of living up in a physical way to the level of the music. But there is an element of respect for where you are and what you're dealing with that needs to be considered when you are in a performing spot.

[Corlyss_D]

http://www.myspace.com/kronosquartet (23,000+ friends)

http://www.myspace.com/johnadamsmusic (4,600+ friends)

http://www.myspace.com/stevereichmusic (13,000+ friends)

I have to wonder if this MySpace phenomenon is truly helping bring classical music to a younger generation.

Thoughts?

-G

The Kronos is a fine ensemble. The other two are incredibly boring and if the younger generation thinks that's "classical music," the genre has more to worry about in terms of survival than bastardizing on myspace.

[Pomveil]

I think this is fantastic. I think one of the best things that has come out of the online communities has been the amazing exposure for bands and music, of any type.

As a younger person who is a huge classical fan and supporter, I'm glad to see any place that people my age can be exposed to the music in a way that might get them to see past the stereotypes.

This is one of the reasons I really enjoy Ten O'Clock Classics, and Ronnie Segev. Ronnie started the group out of Juilliard, and plays all over New York. They do a lot of great classical pieces in places like Studio 54 and little indie cafes. www.tocmusic.com, www.myspace.com/ronniesegev , www.myspace.com/tenoclockclassics if you guys are interested.

[burnitdown]

MySpace is the most incompetent website programming ever.

[slofstra]

The other two are incredibly boring and if the younger generation thinks that's "classical music," the genre has more to worry about in terms of survival than bastardizing on myspace.

Corlyss_D, Stop holding back and let us know what you really think. From what I've heard minimalist music is deceptively difficult to play well, not that this would make much difference to you. I've invested some time and money in Adams' CDs, and kind of concur. When I listen to him, it's - yeah I get it but it doesn't do much for me. I do enjoy Glass, Andriessen and Reich though.

My concern with 'myspace' is that the fidelity of a computer speaker or even an ipod is not the greatest.

Regarding performance, I'd like to see large video monitors on stage to provide close-ups of the pianist's hands or the lovely cello player's face. Is this being done? I've suggested it to the KWS here, to no avail.

[Corlyss_D]

The other two are incredibly boring and if the younger generation thinks that's "classical music," the genre has more to worry about in terms of survival than bastardizing on myspace.

Corlyss_D, Stop holding back and let us know what you really think. From what I've heard minimalist music is deceptively difficult to play well, not that this would make much difference to you.

You're right. If minimalist music has a paramount flaw, it's that it is not impossible to play. People keep composing and playing it. To me it's criminally ugly noise that gets its support mostly from the deconstructionists and arts patrons who think novelty=genius and modernity needs to be protected from people like me who won't pay to listen to the insulting trash.

Regarding performance, I'd like to see large video monitors on stage to provide close-ups of the pianist's hands or the lovely cello player's face. Is this being done? I've suggested it to the KWS here, to no avail.

You want to scare the poor sensitive artists out of their minds and into investment banking? I think we'll see large video monitors a week after we see cameras in the Supreme Court.

[slofstra]

You want to scare the poor sensitive artists out of their minds and into investment banking? I think we'll see large video monitors a week after we see cameras in the Supreme Court.

I think I just had an epiphany as to why my suggestion was ignored.

[burnitdown]

If minimalist music has a paramount flaw, it's that it is not impossible to play. People keep composing and playing it. To me it's criminally ugly noise that gets its support mostly from the deconstructionists and arts patrons who think novelty=genius and modernity needs to be protected from people like me who won't pay to listen to the insulting trash.

I agree here. But it's not unique to minimalist music.

There are some highly-praised classical composers who are obvious garbage.

In simpler music, one smart person has an idea, and millions of morons emulate and turn it into hash.

For every one Jim Morrison, there are millions of Jon Bon Jovis.

[david johnson]

now be nice, comrades. i like some minimalist music.

dj

[burnitdown]

now be nice, comrades. i like some minimalist music.

dj

Me too, but I acknowledge that most of it is garbage, just like there's one Led Zeppelin for every 400,000 incompetent garbage rock bands.

[IcedNote]

Well I see this thread has been officially hijacked!

-G