Classical Music: Bach in Style

Savannah

2017 Honors Performance Chamber Choir at Carnegie Hall (photo from author)

For many people, classical music conjures thoughts of grandeur: full orchestras and men and ladies dressed to the nines in tuxedos and evening gowns; or maybe thought of an eccentric movie villain in a big leather chair, listening to Mozart and nefariously plotting. Even operas conjure thoughts of old men in monocles and women in a viking hats howling and shattering glasses with their voices. It may seem like it’s outdated, some pieces being hundreds of years old. However, it turns out that it may be more popular than you might think.

Even if classical music isn’t being broadcast to mainstream audiences, it still holds plenty of relevance in today’s society. As stated in an article for ArtsCultureTheatre.com, “...much of the popular music that is currently being produced uses similar beats, harmonies, and melodies as those that were used in some of classical music’s best works.” There are similarities in time signatures and general rules of music theory that carry from the oldest classical works into today’s music. The same article states, “Classical music and opera are the very foundation of what our modern music is based off of, and there are references to it throughout pop culture.” Symphonic orchestras perform many new pieces for the soundtracks of movies that are loved by the masses along with older classical pieces that elicit the same feelings now that they did decades and centuries ago.

On the subject of whether or not opera is dying, a retired violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra told the New York Times, “It doesn’t look to me as if opera is losing its audience at all. Maybe it’s even gaining new devotees.” They mentioned that when performances at the Metropolitan Opera are simulcast at their local movie theater, the venue is packed and it’s hard to find a seat if you don’t arrive early. Opera still appeals to many, because it has the power to evoke such strong emotions through its beauty. Unfortunately its perception in society’s eyes deters many from even considering going to the opera.

If you think you’re not a fan of classical music, take a listen around the next time you’re at the movies or watching television. You will undoubtedly hear an orchestra, or some brilliant classical piece. It’s not as old and dusty as many think, and if you give it a chance you may even realize just how beautiful it can be.

MSU's production of Puccini's A Room With A View

Through writing this article I noticed just how prominent opera and classical music actually is. I didn't know that there were live streams of operas at movie theaters. I didn't know how deep my own stigma against classical music was until I realized that when I was thinking about classical music I was thinking about things that are old or eccentric, even though I know that's not true.