Overview

This book set out to answer frequently asked questions about the future of classical music. It addresses the question of whether popular music has taken its place and if so, how much this matters; and explores the origins of the split between classical and popular music, the rise of youth culture and the concept of elitism, together with the consequences of these changes. The phenomenon of 'crossover' music is addressed, and the arguments in favour of, and against, its use as an introduction to classical music for new audiences are put forward. In a wide-ranging discourse, the author tackles many of the issues that divide music lovers, including audience behaviour and the place of music in schools. A major focus is on the problems of opera: the accusation that it is inherently sexist, the question of original languages as opposed to translation, surtitles, amplification and production styles. This book is essential reading for all those interested in how music plays an essential and informative role in everyday life.

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9781845192761

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I've stood in front of audiences, including at the Sage (Gateshead), and you just see a sea of white hair. When I watched the final on TV, I could see only a few people who were my age -- and they were mostly my friends. It annoys me so much that classical music is pigeonholed as something aristocratic and uptight, snobby and above itself. Ultimately things will have to change, because once the current group of concertgoers are dead, no one will be listening. -- Mark Simpson, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2006, Guardian, 17 July 2006.

I've stood in front of audiences, including at the Sage (Gateshead), and you just see a sea of white hair. When I watched the final on TV, I could see only a few people who were my age -- and they were mostly my friends. It annoys me so much that classical music is pigeonholed as something aristocratic and uptight, snobby and above itself. Ultimately things will have to change, because once the current group of concertgoers are dead, no one will be listening. -- Mark Simpson, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2006, Guardian, 17 July 2006.

"""I've stood in front of audiences, including at the Sage (Gateshead), and you just see a sea of white hair. When I watched the final on TV, I could see only a few people who were my age -- and they were mostly my friends. It annoys me so much that classical music is pigeonholed as something aristocratic and uptight, snobby and above itself. Ultimately things will have to change, because once the current group of concertgoers are dead, no one will be listening."" -- Mark Simpson, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2006, Guardian, 17 July 2006."

Author Information

Carolyn Beckingham received her masters in French and Italian from the University of Oxford. She currently works as a freelance researcher and legal interpreter (French). She has contributed articles to Everywoman, and has translated several works for Oxfam (to and from French) and SOAS (from French).

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