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An observation about "Modern" classical music.

As I sat in my car, waiting for my wife as usual, I listened to a local classical music station which happened to be playing some "modern" music. I don't like it, being an old fart who likes Mozart and his ilk. But, as I had nothing else to do, I tried to appreciate what I heard. No luck, but I did notice something I have experienced before but never thought about. At the end, there was a dead silence of 3 to 5 seconds before audience applause. This never happens with, for example, Mozart where the final notes never get a chance to decay before the applause and Bravos. Obviously (IMHO) the music was so hard to "follow" that the audience were not sure it was over until nothing happened for a while.

I know that some guys like this music, but haven't you noticed this dead time? How do you explain it?
eldartford
robm321
932 posts
 
John,

I have listened to Speigal and agree with you. I think I like the minimalist movements the best. Thanks for the Vasks recommendation. I'll check it out.

I have to say though that I was unimpressed with Crumb - he might do well in a Hollywood sound effects studio, but I don't consider that music. Or course I've heard only one song of his (hummingbird or something).

Rob
eldartford OP
4,262 posts
 
A funny thing happened yesterday. A radio station that I often listen to was playing some of "that" music. I was in my car, and parked it to go into a store. When I came back the radio program really grabbed my attention. It was just an awful noise, sounding much like a CD that is skipping, combined with a radio being quickly tuned from one station to another. "AH", I thought..."This is really over the top. I will stay tuned, and find out what the name of this piece is so I can tell you guys about it".

After about a minute an announcer came on and apologized for the network technical problems. For what? It sounded like new music. You could have fooled me.

True story.
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lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1
286 posts
 
Says a lot more about you as a listener than about "'that' music", as you so degradingly call it...
eldartford OP
4,262 posts
 
Lousyreeds1...I can agree with that. It says that I am not too proud to admit that I can't appreciate most modern music. I could pretend, as many seeking acceptance do, but that would not be me.

By the way, the sounds resulting from the "technical difficulties" really were not far from some compositions that I have heard. I am not the only one who could be fooled.
lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1
286 posts
 
Please, Eldartford. You're quite proud of the fact that you can't understand most modern music, and have made it quite clear that you consider yourself an expert in the sociology of musical appreciation.

As I've asked so many times, to which pieces are you refering? Be specific for once. Convince those of us who are interested in modern music that your assertions are based in some sort of knowledge and experience, rather than unsubstantiated drivel. We've gone round and round in this thread, yet you keep coming back to your vague anecdotes. What gives?
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