Im kinda tired of the stuck-up attitude being stereotypically ascribed to classical music as if classical is the sole culprit. They are condemned for (possibly) considering themselves part of a superior or more sophisticated aesthetic. The thing is, many punk musicians had a very smug, stuck-up attitude about their own authenticity and rawness. The myth was they werent phony, they werent overly trained, and therefore more real (well, not really: many played down their musical virtuosity to stay consistent with the DIY punk ethos) and therefore the music was superior. But it doesnt seem people feel as threatened by the self-righteousness of punk musicians. Maybe thats true or not, I dont know. But classical carries that reputation more than many other genres where that exact same smugness exists. I want to know why music aficionados in the know feel so much more threatened by classical smugness than punk smugness. If its the smugness thats bothersome, why is the emphasis placed more on the more virtuosic brand of music? Have we forgotten about the eye-rolling ego-maniacal moves of rock singers (Bono, etc.)? That the Beatles are bigger than Jesus? Miles Davis grade-A irascibility? And, as far as superior tastes go, the self-satisfaction of listeners in the universal condemnation of disco? And, not to go post-modern with it, but isnt there a hefty dose of pretense in dictating what is holier-than-thou or not? Or at least, dictating how other people should reflect and broadcast their own tastes and sensibilities? Theres an element of policing there that is uncomfortably self-oriented. (Im also willing to entertain that attitudes like this - demanding humble music and humility from musicians and listeners live a non-self-important and always-self-aware existence - are generation-based. They will - like attitudes about folk and blues and punk and baroque - fade and evolve like innumerable preceding fads and trends in music and art.) If theres anything Ive learned about taste and self-importance, its these two things: (1) It takes self-importance and a well-maintained conviction to perform and create to begin with. Those convictions may change and minds may bend, open, and close at whim; however, I at least personally find performing and creating absolutely absurd when my self-esteem is in its occasional pit, and that the converse is true. And (2) taste should be treated as a guide into the music of yourself. Your taste is merely your gut and your mind hinting to you what paths can be followed to get closer to your own artistic essence. In my experience, this attitude is healthy and ought to be embraced. Its best to assume strong opinions from others arent about you. Peoples opinions dont exist to condemn you; in fact, their opinions likely formulated in a context from which you were totally absent. Taste anchors ones inner journey, which is a nice tool in a sobering, confusing world. Interpreting it as non-threatening is difficult, I know. But what a fascinating conversation can spin out of this approach when discussing taste. And this conversation is destroyed when accusations of pretense preclude burrowing deeper, when dont judge me reigns over tell me more. So, we can accuse each other of aloof superiority all we want, but we lose so much information about music, each other, and ourselves.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:36:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015