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Fri, 14 May 1999 13:27:24 PDT |
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D. Stephen Heersink wrote:
>While it's true that classical music can be enjoyed by those who have
>not been trained in "listening skills," there's no question that having
>been taught these skills in college greatly improved my ability to
>appreciate the art. Classical music is not as readily accessible to the
>general population as is popular music, and that some training, self-taught
>or not, is almost always a prerequisite to its fullest enjoyment.
I don't really want to downplay the merit of "training", particularly since
I received a great deal of it as a youngster. But, since the bulk of the
world's population veiws music as an enjoyable diversion from the rigors
of life, keying on this aspect of listening appreciation will only insure
a tiny classical audience.
When I'm talking to possible future classical fans, I stress the emotional
enjoyment, power, melody, etc. - aspects which most humans lean toward.
I stay away from the logical, mathematical, and educational aspects -
these folks do not want to hear that; it just turns them off quickly.
Concerning the fullest enjoyment of classical music, I keep hearing that
"training" is a prerequisite to reach this level. People don't care
about that, and even I am not sure what brings an individual to "fullest"
enjoyment. Each of us needs to decide that for our own maximum benefit.
So, I don't really disagree with anything Stephen wrote. I think it's
just a matter of emphasis and the particular audience involved.
Don Satz
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