Comments on: Is Classical Music Really Guilty of Snobbery?

By: Erk

Erk — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:13:08 +0000

This is a topic that has been on my mind quite a bit. I have learned to appreciate classical music almost independent of any outside influence or “scene”. Consequently, I have very little knowledge of the correct forms and etiquette. On YouTube I find a lot of snobbery. Watch what happens when some uncultured barbarian says “I love that song, he plays with such emotion!!”, when speaking of Clair De Lune, the William Tell Overture, or a performance by Evgeny Kissin. The elite immediately jump on that person, calling them an idiot etc for not knowing the correct term. Then they proceed to say why the “playing with emotion” is not necessary, is all for show and anyway he missed a note at 3:09 as well as three bars from the end. As if it matters. In general, its an understandable urge to get a little frustrated with newbies but this does a lot of damage and fuels the elitist stereotype. So folks, please refrain from looking down on those with less of a background in classical music and instead offer helpful suggestions and encouragement. Thanks!

By: Bill Marvel

Bill Marvel — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:00:11 +0000

Beneath the charge of snobbery is that ancient American disdain for anything “intellectual’ or smacking of “elitism.” While a lot of classical music was composed for the salon and drawing room, a lot of it was performed in coffee houses and the equivalent of piano bars and auditoriums. It was middle-class music.

By: Rawlins Gilliland

Rawlins Gilliland — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:04:56 +0000

People in this century who decry the ’snobery ‘ of any ‘dress code’ in a venue are showing one of two things; their own snobbery, …reverse or otherwise…. and/or their own insecurity. This kind of ‘protest’ is about as modern as a Nixon-Agnew campaign button considering that dress codes…. even ‘black tie’ ….has become so subjective that anything short of nudity is commonly seen, whatever the venue. Bottom line, if anyone in 2009 feels that any event’s perceived or actual ‘dress code’ is their cause de resistance, he or she doth protest too much.

By: Stephen Becker

Stephen Becker — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:17:14 +0000

Sometimes I wonder if the problem is more that people who are unfamiliar with classical are kind of scared of it? I’ve definitely talked to people before who have been worried when going to the symphony that they will some how “mess up” by not knowing the lay of the land – clapping at the wrong time, etc. I don’t think they mind the fancy dress, per se, but it can be sort of intimidating if you don’t feel that you are already of that culture.
The irony, I think, is that as the price of big arena rock shows rises ($150 for Clapton at the AAC anyone?), classical is becoming MORE accessible than pop.

By: Alan

Alan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:40:38 +0000

I don’t think the music is inherently snobby, although it often requires a bit more attention to absorb. But I agree that the scene around the music can often get a bit over the top, and it doesn’t help that concerts, recitals and other events are still marketed in some circles as being elite, upper-crust types of affairs.

The Dallas Symphony and FW Opera seem to be among groups nationwide who have done a lot to try and shatter that myth, the DSO through its casual and parks concerts and the FW Opera through its overall marketing strategy.