jhallmanmusic

Davidson’s adieux

Justin Davidson bids farewell to his job at Newsday with a ringingly hopeful overview of the state of classical music. A generous shout-out notwithstanding, I agree with most every word. I especially like this thought: “I’ve never been sure why the appetite for apocalyptic stories about classical music seems to be unquenchable. Maybe it’s that in populist America, we take pleasure in the thought that democratic culture can expunge an ancient tradition associated with the aristocratic.” Hence the American media’s love for the death-of fable. These days, ironically, mega-rich pop stars are more aristocratic in their values and habits than anyone involved in classical music.

* Love this idea. The love of destruction in societal context: “we take pleasure in the thought that democratic culture can expunge an ancient tradition associated with the aristocratic”.  Super!  and this: ”These days, ironically, mega-rich pop stars are more aristocratic in their values and habits than anyone involved in classical music.”  This past weekend, I had the pleasure of hangin’ with some friends who are UK-ers (and fine musicians).  They introduced me to the concept of a “chav“.  It seems mega pop-stars most emulate the chav-ery stateside.  We now have the Beckhams as the crowned King and Queen/Ambassadors. The idea of visible money trumping class, taste, etc. humors me.

The friends also discussed an idea of musicians as the new -and only- middle class.  Another interesting idea.  We are stuck in the middle- no huge financial backing, but educated to the hilt, in most cases.  Talk more later- off to deliver paperwork!