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From: elf@utcsrgv.UUCP (Eugene Fiume)
Newsgroups: net.music,net.music.classical
Subject: Re: Why classical music isn't popular: new theory!!!
Message-ID: <4942@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 18-Jul-84 15:48:56 EDT
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.4942
Posted: Wed Jul 18 15:48:56 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 18-Jul-84 17:23:29 EDT
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Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
Lines: 30

This discussion has the potential of becoming exceedingly stupid.  Nevertheless
I have to point out the obvious: classical music is often found in very
popular pieces.  Sometimes they are quoted directly (very often without
credit--listen to the Bach ripoffs in old Procol Harem and Jethro Tull and
lottsa jazz groups).  Sometimes the borrowing is less direct (e.g. early
Genesis vs. various Bach preludes).  And why is it that synthesiser versions
of classical pieces become so popular (e.g. W. Carlos, Tomita, Synergy, ELP)?

Popular music throughout this century has made a practice of borrowing
classical music themes.  Sometimes the results are nice, but other times
it's so offensive it causes nausea (e.g. a recent popular song called
"Midnight Blue" or some such craziness, which is a horrible vocalisation
of the best-known movement from Beethoven's best-known piano sonata).

The best rock borrowing of classical (well, baroque) music I have ever
heard is by an Italian group called RDM, who, in an album translated as
"Contamination", work wonders with some Bach pieces.  (It's on RCA (ugh);
buy the import if you're interested.)

It was pointed out elsewhere that classical pieces aren't necessarily long.
Great examples of pieces that say what they have to say in 4-6 minutes are
Chopin's nocturnes.  A touch sentimental, perhaps, but much more interesting
that your standard MOR/AOR ballad.  For something more modern, try George
Winston's Autumn or December albums.  It's not exactly classical or jazz or
pop, but it is just the stuff to open a few ears.  I've recommended only piano
works in this paragraph because it's one of the few "crossover" instruments.


	Eugene Fiume
	U of Toronto