The death of classical music?

The Editorial from Musical Opinion magazine.

In an era dominated by the transient allure of pop music, the enduring legacy of classical music often finds itself unjustly relegated to the shadows. This dismissal isn’t confined to casual listeners unfamiliar with this cultural domain, but extends even to leaders and influencers, perpetu­ating a trend that undermines the profound depth and cultural importance of classical music.
It’s disservice being done to a genre that stands as a testament to human artistic achievement, and as such, amounts to nothing less than a betrayal of humanity itself.
Leaders and influencers are expected to possess awareness and knowledge across crucial domains of human endeav­our, which includes culture. This is due to their substantial responsibility and influe­nce in shaping cultural narratives. Never­theless, it is unsettling and surprising to witness their astonishing unfamiliarity with, their indifference and even lack of appreciation for classical music. Instead of cherishing it, they often pander to the lowest common denominator, favouring the immediate gratification of pop music over the timeless excellence of classical masterpieces.
While exceptions certainly exist, the majority of them, likely aware of the potent emotional impact of music, often gravitate towards towards the familiarity and broad appeal of pop music in their pursuit of popularity and relatability, a tactic which is perfectly aligned with the strategy winning favour with the audience, not through substantial, rational argu­ments but by tugging at their emotions and primitive instincts.
Who knows, they might secretly hold a disdain for pop music and be avid list­eners of Bach and Gregorian chants. Yet, they dare not unveil their genuine musical preferences to the potential pool of voters! However, this inclination comes at the cost of neglecting the rich heritage and enduring significance of classical music.
By yielding to this temptation and openly endorsing instant gratification, leaders myopically contribute to a cultural land­scape that values popularity over artistic depth and legacy.
The adverse consequences resulting from this inclination are also observable within the field of education. Education systems worldwide, influenced by mod­ernity’s fixation on instant gratification and under the guise of false cultural inclusivity, often sideline the study of classical music in favour of more accessible genres. This shortsighted approach deprives students of the opportunity to cultivate a discerning ear, a sharp intellect and a profound appreciation for the subtleties that define this rich tradition. This predilection for immediate accessibility perpetuates a cycle of cultural neglect that diminishes our shared comprehension of artistic excellence and hinders the potential for genuine artistic, intellectual development and collective awareness.
When leaders endorse pop music at the expense of classical excellence, they send a distressing signal about their prior­ities regarding cultural standards. This implicit endorsement of mediocrity erodes the expectation of excellence in the arts, contributing significantly to the shaping of a cultural environment where surface-level appeal is celebrated while the pro­found substance, embodied by classical, is undervalued.
This cultural disposition places a prem­ium on easily digestible, immediate grati­fication, often neglecting the deeper em­otional, spiritual and intellectual experiences that classical music offers. It fosters an atmosphere in which the pursuit of true artistic mastery and enduring cultural significance may be overshadowed by the pur­suit of quick, momentary satisfaction. In essence, the tacit endorsement of medi­ocrity risks eroding the very foundations of a thriving, culturally enriched society.
In a world seemingly governed by technological and scientific advance­ments, some may argue that the concept of a culturally enriched society holds limited importance. However, the subtle acceptance of mediocrity is not confined to the realm of culture alone, as one might initially assume. It permeates, almost like an osmotic process, into all other domains of society, given that society is comprised of individuals. It is crucial to acknowledge that technology and science, when harnessed by individuals with a narrow perspective, devoid of cultural depth, and solely motivated by the pursuit of imm­ediate gratification, can pose substantial risks and become potentially perilous.
It is imperative for the future leaders to not only acknowledge but also advocate for the priceless importance of classical music. This endeavour entails cultivating a shared appreciation for enduring excell­ence and nurturing a forward-thinking, long-term perspective. By taking these steps, our leaders have the potential to serve as catalysts for cultural unity, as well as drivers of progress in knowledge, creativity, and intellectual capacity within our society.