I've got myself started on music now, and I may not be able to stop.Being a fan of classical music is a lonely business, at least in my generation. I rarely admit to my enthusiasm, almost as if it's alcoholism, or some deviant sexual behavior, because when I do own up people usually react as if I've just admitted to alcoholism, or some deviant sexual behavior. You can see the physical revulsion even if they don't actually say, "Oh, I see. You're one of those people."
The most popular alternative is "Really?! You listen to classical music? Good for you!"
It's not oatmeal; I don't do it for the vitamins.
I've spent most of my life reminding myself that many, if not most, people don't like classical music, but I've never quite become convinced.
I was bantering with a friend once about the minutiae of Bill Evans vs. Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday vs. Ella Fitzgerald, Miles vs. Coltrane, etc., and he waxed so cartoonishly enthusiastic, I was forced to say, "You know, Geoff, there are people who don't like jazz," to which he replied, eyes twinkling,
"I've heard that, but I don't believe it."
All it takes, though, is one piece and whoosh, you're down the rabbit hole. I've been on a Shostakovich kick lately, and it all started with this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhZVqODYsI
If you're right, I'm surprised at educated youth of America. If nothing else, what do they do to impress others? Video of the week?
ReplyDeleteAlso, to split a hair, you/we do do it for the vitamins; we just like our vitamins. You even know how they work.
Nice light touch here, Barbaro--you could easily have gotten bombastic.
Keep nagging me about 32 steps, OK? I just keep forgetting to order it.
funny, I was brought up on classical music and am incredibly ignorant in terms of current stuff, or anything popular, really. That's wonderful that you're passionate about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...Jazz, not so good!
The lovely thing about classical music is how broad it is - orchestral, solo, chamber music.
You're a fan of Glenn Gould?