I thought I'd see if I can start a discussion on this, or about classical music in general, after reading comments about BBCRadio 3 in Channels and Programming forum, suggesting that it (and therefore, by implication, classical music) is "elitist", and appeal mainly to wealthier older people.
That may well be the general perception, but there is no reason why it should be. It is true that buying and learning to play an instrument, such as the piano or cello, is more likely an option open to the better off; but I think that says more about the inadequacy of music education and provision in our schools and communities. But of course, you don't necessarily need to be able to play, to enjoy listening (irrespective of genre).
Music speaks to the heart and is a universal language. You don't need to be wealthy or a toff to enjoy classical music, in addition to enjoying eg. pop or rock. There's no reason why a Mozart piano concerto should be any more elitist than a Beatles song.
The popular success of snippets of classical music presented via popular mass media outlet, such as tv advertising or film soundtracks, theme tunes (Nessun Dorma a good example - I think it even made the top 5 on TOTP), or the recent Opera flashmob tv show, or even the annual Proms, proves that there is no elitist barrier to appreciating and enjoying classical music. I won't even go into the use of classical music melodies as inspiration by pop songwriters.
I suspect the unfavourable perception comes down mostly to ignorance of the music waiting to be discovered. Maybe they should do a Classical Idol...?
That may well be the general perception, but there is no reason why it should be. It is true that buying and learning to play an instrument, such as the piano or cello, is more likely an option open to the better off; but I think that says more about the inadequacy of music education and provision in our schools and communities. But of course, you don't necessarily need to be able to play, to enjoy listening (irrespective of genre).
Music speaks to the heart and is a universal language. You don't need to be wealthy or a toff to enjoy classical music, in addition to enjoying eg. pop or rock. There's no reason why a Mozart piano concerto should be any more elitist than a Beatles song.
The popular success of snippets of classical music presented via popular mass media outlet, such as tv advertising or film soundtracks, theme tunes (Nessun Dorma a good example - I think it even made the top 5 on TOTP), or the recent Opera flashmob tv show, or even the annual Proms, proves that there is no elitist barrier to appreciating and enjoying classical music. I won't even go into the use of classical music melodies as inspiration by pop songwriters.
I suspect the unfavourable perception comes down mostly to ignorance of the music waiting to be discovered. Maybe they should do a Classical Idol...?