1.       Classical music - Intimate meanings

I was raised in a sea of classical music. There were detours from time to time, but in the main, I knew mostly Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Wagner, Rachmaninoff, and so forth. Listening to such material became a primary intellectual pursuit. Even during childhood, understanding the music, its message and emotion, was the reward to concentrating on this artform. 

In my dotage I appreciate and re-appreciate it. Watching artists perform classical music absorbs my attention. Emotions soar. Heartbeat slows or advances according to the music’s demand. Artistry of the performer creates the fresh context of hearing, seeing, and feeling the music. They are always different and evolving depending on the who and where of the reproduction. Amazing, really. Think of it: a pianist shuts out the audience and world to engage only the notes. This is the composer’s message within, and the pianist interprets it solely from within. The result is startling, moving, creative. And powerful.

Most people do not understand this. For them, their attention and investment of time is in other artforms. I get it. It makes sense to them on that basis. For me, it does not. This has nothing to do with social snobbery. It has everything to do with mental absorption of the artform in question. 

Social media mostly offers contemporary art: music, drama and graphics.  It is there for all to see. But classical art? No so much. Today, YouTube makes it easy to find great music and performances. Instrumental, orchestral, voice, chorus, and performing groups of all sizes. Wonderful, really. Inspiring. Not so much toe tapping, but intellectually engaging. What a great gift music is!

May 10, 2024