Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa.Kinzer
The one with the cannons is 1812. You'd probably also like Marche Slave. The Frenchman might be Saint-Saens.. Incidentally, even "serious" music academicians recognize the genius of John Lennon. Most university schools of music even offer courses on his compositions now... As far as how to acquire the background/academic knowledge. I have no idea, most of us just suffered at our parents' insistence that we learn something musical, and now we get to pretend like we know what we're talking about... Personally, I spend about 90% of my time listening to classic rock. But I will always love classical music and wish that I had the talent/discipline to be performing with a symphony somewhere.
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Oh I hate to be picky, but it is the "1812
Overture." For some reason, this piece is almost always paired with "Marche Slave" on recordings, at least back in the day, lathough nowadays you are as likely to see it with the nutcracker suite as naything (which I don't get; a ballet with a celebration of a victory in war? ANything to sell a cd, I suppose).
As to the French guy, I would agree that it is probabyl Saint-Saens. Not too many other French guys get much push here. In fact, right now I can't think of any, but I know there are some.
I agree that Lennon (as well as Lenin, but that is another category) had a certain genius, but I disagree that many music academicians would put his body of work anywhere near the category of great music like Bach or Mozart, etc. Lennon, IMobvioulsyNsoHO, was noteworthy for his creative approach to pop music, his combination of meter, instruments, etc., and some very catchy tunes while avoiding the sappy lyricism of McCartney (but also probably not achieving the same level of success with melody) but he did not advance the form or content of music in any truly significant way and, after all, was simply writing pop tunes. I think most schools "study" the Beatles for the same reason they "study" other facets of pop culture, becasue it puts butts in the seats, generates some PR and keeps people supporting their departments. Geez, am I becoimng a grouchy old fart or what?
Don't misunderstand; I love the Beatles and have defended them many times, but they ain't Beethoven.
As to Arch's question, I have no idea how to learn this stuff. I am not even sure how I did. I guess I really didn't so my opinions should be taken with little seriousness.
Arch asks if music is intellectual, political, emotional, sonic or something else. The answer is an unequivocal Yes. It is all those. Understanding how or why is part of the fun of learning more abotu it, as well. Most of all, however, it should be enjoyed. As wiht all things, the more you learn about it the more of it you will enjoy. So, enjoy!