Klarinet Archive - Posting 000706.txt from 2004/10

From: Tony Pay <tony.p@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] Appealing to the superficial
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2004 17:39:34 -0400

On 24 Oct, Adam Michlin <amichlin@-----.com> wrote:

> At 09:11 PM 10/24/2004 +0100, Tony Pay wrote:

> > Yes, I think that it wouldn't help even one kid to come to 'appreciate
> > Mozart'.
> >
> > Given what you say, I don't get the impression that you have a clear idea
> > of what it means for a kid to appreciate Mozart.
> >
> > Actually, I don't think you even understand what is *important* about
> > Mozart -- or, dare I say it, what is important about kids.
> >
> > Of course, I may be wrong. But that is my impression from what you have
> > posted here.
>
> Are you suggesting there is one unique answer to these questions?

No.

> I must be misunderstanding you.

You *have to* misunderstand me.

> I would never dare dictate how another should define their appreciation of
> Mozart. I only argue it is rather difficult to develop such an appreciation
> (whatever form it may take) without *hearing* Mozart.

I wrote previously:

> > Actually, I don't think you even understand what is *important* about
> > Mozart -- or, dare I say it, what is important about kids...

...and add -- or about what 'hearing' Mozart is.

(Could it even be you singing the tune, perhaps?)

> > There are many other musical things that people may appreciate other than
> > Mozart. I do play Mozart, and these other things too.
>
> And it may well be you only play Mozart (and those other things) for the
> appreciative.

I suppose, if you want to put it in these sorts of terms, I play it for the
'generalised' appreciative: those who will appreciate it from the beginning,
but not excluding those who will come to appreciate it in the process of
listening to it.

> If so, I cannot accuse you of being wrong since only you can speak to your
> motivation. I can, however, feel sad. Not for you, but for the people who
> have not and never will get to hear you play music.

Nah. I'm not so sorry for those who won't get to do that.

But I have to say that, if I chose the option to try to 'sell Mozart' (wrong
to start with) -- 'at a discount price' (even more wrong) -- I'd be even less
sorry for them.

Tony
--
_________ Tony Pay
|ony:-) 79 Southmoor Rd tony.p@-----.org
| |ay Oxford OX2 6RE http://classicalplus.gmn.com/artists
tel/fax 01865 553339

... If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

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