Ignorance of classical music - does it matter?

[Wheels of Cheese]

As someone who WAS ignorant of classical music until well into his 30s, I find this discussion especially interesting. I didn't necessarily feel that I lacked anything per se, but I did feel that there was a huge field of human endeavour, enjoyed by many intelligent people, that I had no understanding off, or natural inclination towards. Having dipped my toe in, I quickly became obsessed. In cultural terms (rather than personal) I think the great unexplored benefit of classical music is that it forces a degree of concentration (of slowing down and focussing) that is absent in most other fields of endeavour, and certainly in the general aspirations of our culture.

[Serial_Apologist]

As someone who WAS ignorant of classical music until well into his 30s, I find this discussion especially interesting. I didn't necessarily feel that I lacked anything per se, but I did feel that there was a huge field of human endeavour, enjoyed by many intelligent people, that I had no understanding off, or natural inclination towards. Having dipped my toe in, I quickly became obsessed. In cultural terms (rather than personal) I think the great unexplored benefit of classical music is that it forces a degree of concentration (of slowing down and focussing) that is absent in most other fields of endeavour, and certainly in the general aspirations of our culture.

Oh I think its as much personal as cultural, WoC, maybe even a personal precondition of a much needed kind of cultural change. Slowing down and concentrating is the Buddhist way of spiritual observation, all maybe that's left of original religious practices, though it could be argued that the role of ritual is that of focussing the attention.

In Zen Buddhism the attention to the moment applied in meditation (za zen) is recommended for as many of the other everday activities one is engaged in. As a Zen master has said: "Spirituality does not reside in thinking of God while peeling the potatoes; it consists in peeling the potatoes".

Close attention to music, whether playing or listening to it, is thus but one possible way.

[salymap]

Oh I didn't hear anything more advanced than Bartok PC No 3 until I was at least 16, GG (ie. in 1961) Fwir "Le Marteau" was first broadcast in the UK in 1964. Richard Rodney Bennett and Cornelius Cardew in the group. I taped a re-broadcast of that original broadcast a few years ago.

Watch it S_A. You mention your age almost as much as I do mine.

[Bryn]

Are you sure RRB was involved? It was the first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, and was directed by John Carewe. Cardew, whose main instruments were piano and 'cello, actually learned to play the guitar specifically for that performance. I recall listening to a repeat broadcast on a transistor radio one evening during my AOSB back in mid to late '60s. I got out of the Army very shortly after that. Sorry if this gives and impression of deja vu.

[Serial_Apologist]

Watch it S_A. You mention your age almost as much as I do mine.

Am I bovvered???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSNK-9v7_JI

[heliocentric]

I recall listening to a repeat broadcast on a transistor radio one evening during my AOSB back in mid to late '60s. I got out of the Army very shortly after that.

Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?

[Hornspieler]

Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?

[Bryn]

Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?

No, I was on an S-type engagement and seized the opportunity of a free (and honourable ) discharge from the Army. I had been tipped off that the trick was to lead your allocated squad over the assault course, rather than send the 2IC over first and follow up the rear. My essay on army traditions was not exactly complimentary, either.

[heliocentric]

an S-type engagement (...) send the 2IC over first

That means very little to me but well done. Is a recording of that broadcast performance floating around anywhere?

[Bryn]

That means very little to me but well done. Is a recording of that broadcast performance floating around anywhere?

2IC = second in charge

I did have a cassette of an anniversary re-broadcast, but it has gone missing. As it was the very first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, I feel sure there must be a copy in the Radio 3 archive. There again, perhaps someone hear has a recording of it.

[Serial_Apologist]

2IC = second in charge

I did have a cassette of an anniversary re-broadcast, but it has gone missing. As I was the very first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, I feel sure there must be a copy in the Radio 3 archive. There again, perhaps someone hear has a recording of it.

If we're still talking the '64 Boulez Marteau re-broadcast, I have it on cassette.

[Bryn]

If we're still talking the '64 Boulez Marteau re-broadcast, I have it on cassette.

We are indeed. The creation and making available of a FLAC or high data rate mp3/m4a of that would be most welcome, I feel sure.

[Serial_Apologist]

We are indeed. The creation and making available of a FLAC or high data rate mp3/m4a of that would be most welcome, I feel sure.

Aaaagh - don't have the means unfortunately, Bryn. Should've just kept me trap shut.

[heliocentric]

Damn. Still, I do have four other recordings of it so I guess I'll manage (never to be conscripted).

[LeMartinPecheur]

2IC = second in charge

Second in command, surely?

Or aren't we allowed to use such fascist language any more??