Yes, I think it's symptomatic of much of this popularizing of 'classical music' that the spectacle and noise of each seems to be rated as giving the performed pieces their perceived value.
Hmm. Interesting opinion, Den, but personally I largely approve of the so-called "popularising" of classical music. If it draws in first-time attendees to classical concerts, there is a chance that such people may go on to explore other works in the genre. Having put on two classical shows myself, I chose - on both occasions - pieces that I thought would appeal to a middle-of-the-road audience. Popular, melodic pieces that even first-timers may have heard in the background before (such as the "BA advert's" flower duet, for which the RPo came up with an instrumental arrangement), whilst unaware that it was written years ago by the long-dead Delibes for his opera Lakmé. My daughter (aged 10) is just coming up to grade 3 violin and I have tried hard to get her enthusiasm going by introducing her to some of the best, and if necessary showy, examples of classical works. I was amazed the other day to find her listening to Handel's Sarabande at high volume! When competing with the X-factor, every little helps.
Incidentally Miss Nickbat will be playing Bizet's Habanera from Carmen at a music assembly next week, which is how I stumbled upon that great Aussie tongue-in-cheek video. Desiree Regina may not be the world's greatest mezzo, but she can sing better than me and she appeared in Phantom in the West End for many a year, so good on yer Sheila!
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Topic: Ode to Andre Rieu (Read 2500 times)