by Mortia Valentine

Created on: June 23, 2009

Is classical music dead? That is a question that covers a broad spectrum. When it comes to such things, I have to think hard to find an answer. And the answer I discovered was yes. Classical music is, in fact, dead. The reason I say this is simple. No matter how many people in the world say that they listen to it, I still find that in band class, they are playing more modern music anymore.

In the high schools and junior highs, and even in the elementary schools, you don't hear kids talking about some awesome song they heard by Beethoven. Instead, you are hearing about new songs by Eminem, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. I have nothing against these artists, but they are what the media is promoting, so of course it is what people will listen to.

The closest to classical I think the world has right now is probably the metal bands that have orchestras behind them. But they too are fading from the limelight and into the background. Ever so slowly, our world is turning away from symphonies and towards mix machines.

The world has graduated from such things. A while back, I remember when the world was trying to bring classical music back by saying that letting your fetus listen to classical music makes them smarter. I don't know if this statement is true or not, but I do know that not many expecting mothers actually bought such tracks. They just kept with their normal listening.

Classical music is wonderful. In fact, I think that more people should listen to it as a general rule. But the fact remains that our society does not listen to it. You can find millions of stations playing the popular hits, but I had to search for a while to find the classical station on my radio. CD sales will show us that the stores don't have to restock their classical section very often, and when they do, it is because they are rotating products.

I think that the most classical music I have heard lately is perhaps in movies. But people will more often buy the soundtracks with other genres rather than the ones with predominately classical music; unless they are anime fans. But those guys are a whole other kettle of fish.

As much as we would love to say otherwise, the world has moved on from the cliques that held Mozart and Hagel in such high esteem. The media does not focus on it, so those that are our future don't even bother with the entire genre. I mean, it took sparkly vampires to bring interest in Claire de Lune.

What does this say to you?

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