There’s no such thing as a classical music expert simply because the subject is far too big. Wonderful people like BBC journalist John Suchet, have devoted much of their lives to studying and writing about just one composer. In his case, Ludwig van Beethoven. I doubt he would say he knows all there is to know about this one master. Now think on; there are thousands of composers who, over several hundred years, have composed tens of thousands of pieces of music. The Strauss family between them; dad and three sons’, composed about 3,000 dances; waltzes, polkas, operas. Who could possibly be arrogant enough to claim expert status?
There is also a commonly held belief that classical music is for the pretentious, an affected and conceited elite. Do try to remember that this is a false image; concerts are an opportunity to dress and behave elegantly but it is all part of the charm. How often I have smiled to see a youngster in jeans chatting amicably with a dinner-suited aficionado, or sat next to a lady in a cocktail dress. Think of such social engagement as a plus, not a minus. It is all part of the overall appeal. If you’re new to it, say so. People in the world of quality music love to engage with newbies for they too get bored with know it alls.
When enjoying concerts at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, many in the posh bar were there to be seen; they were not there to see the concert. Have you noticed that the really grand boxes at great opera houses are the worst place to be in if the occupants actally wished to see the show? This was a puzzle to me until I visited Riga’s Opera House, where it was explained. ‘The titled set had these boxes designed so they could be seen.’ Okay, I have got it now.
What is classical music? The purists’ notion is that the term classical stretches between 1750 and 1820. Might it not be better then to drop the term ‘classical music’ and opt instead for the term, ‘quality music?’
In my view the term quality music identifies any music that has stood the test of time. It was Elton John, a pop musician who I think summed it up best: ‘I regard all pop music as irrelevant in the sense that people in 200 years won’t be listening to what is being written and played today. I think they will be listening to Beethoven.’
My son’s reply made me question Elton’s view. ‘In 200 years time much of today’s more memorable film scores will be being played.’ I think he has a point. You see what I mean? Let’s not go down that road; quality music is so omnipotent that no one person will ever be able to scratch its surface. Let us think of another take on it. What is the difference between good and bad music? Answer: If you like it then it is good music; if you don’t, then it is bad music.
Leaving music aside spare more than a thought or a handclap for the musicians; not just the composers but the members of the orchestra; there can be as many as 96 of them. That is what I call teamwork. Think too of the individual artistes’; the singers, individual musicians, dancers of goodness knows how many dance forms from tango to ballet, cultural, waltz, polka.
All artistes are individuals who work very hard to share their gifts. They too have personalities; friends, family, likes and dislikes. If you are genuinely interested in quality music then do more than clap a performance. Get to know them; they are not a race apart. Enrich your musical experience further by getting to know the artistes better. Adopt a harpist or a percussionist; help to fund their training; watch them practice; take an interest; buy them gifts; remember their birthdays. You will fill your lives not just with good music but with friendship and love.
In my experiences performing artistes are the most wonderful personalities. I can think of no other professional community as personable, empathetic, and endearingly loveable.