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A philosophical question.

I want to pose a sort of philosophical question about our listening to music.
The obvious answer to the question is that we should listen to whatever we damn please. But the query is: should we be happy listening to our favorite composers and compositions, or should we feel guilty about not exploring new horizons and music we’re prone to hate?  For me, the obvious bitter pills are such as Liszt, Neilson and Bruckner, not to mention the Second Viennese school.  We run the risk of close-mindedness by ignoring that which we don’t know and missing out on what what glories might be out there.  On the other hand, we only have so much time, and there is a universe of more accessible music available.
I just wonder if this dilemma has crossed anyone else's mind.
rvpiano
erik_squires
16,884 posts
 
or should we feel guilty about not exploring new horizons and music we’re prone to hate?  


Guilty, no but intellectual curiosity and artistic restlessness are part of a healthy cultural mindset.

We are all seeking different things from our music. Cultural connection, being soothed, and satisfying our need for exploration. Who am I to tell anyone else which reasons they should listen to music for?

Best,

E
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,182 posts
 
Of course
some people have a passport and run a groove to Cabo only. I have a 90 year old friend who visits 2 new countries a year.

a Tidal, Qobuz or symphony subscription will humble all but the most self centered - there are worlds beyond worlds out there...
gs5556
1,250 posts
 
This is why a subscription to Tidal or Qobuz is worth the money -- you can explore music that you never knew existed or would not go out and buy or download. There is so much at my fingertips that I rarely walk over to my CD rack or access the digital storage already paid for.
erik_squires
16,884 posts
 
You should also read the replies in this thread, which I think show the range of opinions on this topic is quite large.

To some, the idea you can learn to appreciate music you don't already appreciate is anathema.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/help-me-understand-john-coltrane-seriously
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
As Groucho Marx quipped to the guest on You Bet Your Life who had just informed him she had ten children, I like my cigar too but I take it out sometimes.
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