Is Classical Music Dead?

After reading Mr. Daniel Wakin's article in the New York Times entitled "High Notes and Low Points for Classical Music" (12/22/2011), I felt it necessary to comment on this state of affairs. In his editorial, the writer lists the top news stories from the Classical music world. Unfortunately, one cannot miss the terrible financial distresses in which many orchestras find themselves today. Mr. Wakin particularly mentions the disasters that befell the Syracuse, New Mexico, Louisville, Utica, and even the Philadelphia orchestras. Then, there is also the Detroit Symphony, which only recently has been struggling to regain its footing.

For years, naysayers have been predicting the death of classical music. Many cite graying audiences, "expensive" tickets (never mind that pop concerts and sports games can cost much more), and a general lack of interest among the public in quality music.

It is also certainly easy and comfortable for us to put up our hands, shrug, and blame the difficult economy for the woes of the above orchestras. Yet, I find it necessary to dig deeper as we examine why this has happened.

Wedding Ceremony Music - The Benefits To Using Classical Music

The selection of appropriate music to complement the style of wedding ceremony is vitally important to the success of the day. Many traditional church wedding ceremonies are considered to be quiet and solemn in their style, this can be contributed to the ceremony being viewed as a religious rite or sacrament. The music used does not have to be used continuously throughout the entire ceremony but rather at key points to compliment the significance of that part of the ceremony. In most traditional weddings the use of classical music is opted for as this helps create the solemn atmosphere to highlight the serious nature of the wedding ceremony.

Classical music is ideal to be performed at wedding ceremonies because it has the ability to set various moods to directly target the part of the ceremony it is being used.The use of various instrumentation and songs from various time periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic) can all be effective ways to cause diversity and compliment specific moments.To create a romantic atmosphere the use of violin, piano, and harp are highly effective. For a spiritual and solemn mood, you may choose songs arranged for the instrumentation of organ and strings.  During the exchanging of vows, lighting of the candle, and wearing of rings, flute or piano can be played as background to add serenity and solemnity, it is important that this music does not overpower the people speaking otherwise it will become a distraction that will overpower the most important part of the wedding ceremony.

The inclusion of classical music at the wedding reception can add a degree of style, class and elegance to your wedding reception. Hiring musicians such as a string trio or quartet to play as guests arrive or even throughout the dinner would leave a lasting effect on your family and guests for many years to come. The use of a classical ensemble in this way would work well if used in conjunction with other entertainment, such as a live band (either jazz or popular) or a disc-jockey. This increased diversity in entertainment throughout the night manages to provide the ideal musical backing for every part of the evening from the entrance to the first dance and cutting of the cake right through to the bride and groom's departure at the end of the evening.

Classical Music Serves As A Welcoming Transition

What better way is there to welcome a brand new, fellow human being into the world than with the resonance of beautiful and temporal classical music? Numerous studies have proven time and time again that classical music is capable of providing the most calming of all environments - not only in the workplace or in schools, but also in the home and nurseries across the nation. The curious aspect of this phenomenon of course, is why.

From soft slow melodies gently pouring from a violin solo - to upbeat tempos played by a simple stringed quartet, the human heart naturally beats in rhythmic harmony with each note, each pause, and each vibrato of this musical genre. To the newborn, these classical rhythms simulate the rhythmic beat of mother's and father's heart, while the synthesis of stringed instruments emulate the partnership between mother and father - bonding as one - effectively validating the birth of this music's youngest audience.

Classical music is on one hand, a manifestation of mathematics - a series of numbers arranged in such a way that manipulates the physics of our environment to a state that's comforting through prediction and repetition. With regular use, it will ultimately generate familiarity within the environment with calm and validating trust. On the other hand, classical music is an arrangement of fun, playful and creative melodies - an inviting playground for the imagination of a newborn to flow from past ethereal experiences to a new world physical sights and sounds.