Why New Music is Indispensable Despite Plenty of Old Music

It's often argued that there's an abundance of old music that we have yet to discover or appreciate. However, most of that old music may not be of interest to the general audience. The question remains: why must there always be new music being created, even when there is already an extensive repertoire of old music?

Bounds of Historical Music

How far back do you wish to delve into the history of music? Going far enough in the past, say to the early 20th century, you won't find genres such as jazz and hip-hop. Even further back, especially to classical-era music, you might encounter periods where music was recorded or performed in different ways. For example, the music of composers in the 18th century, such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, could lead to the assumption that there was no need for new music after them. Yet we have seen the works of composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, and John Williams emerge in the centuries following their era.

Copyright and Discovery

Moreover, there are copyright issues to consider. For instance, a song written in 1930 might still be under copyright protection until 2070, depending on the laws in place. This underscores the challenge of accessing older music, even if it exists. If you're interested in exploring old records, CDs, and handwritten music, these are endeavors you must undertake on your own.

Choice in Music

The choice of music you listen to is a reflection of your own tastes and preferences. It's fascinating to observe how people gravitate towards different music, both old and new, which is a testament to our diverse interests. One reason for the creation of new music could be the desire to generate hype and demand for it, positioning it as the "next big trend." Listeners often want to stay current, engaging with what is fresh and popular.

Music as a Momentary Experience

Music exists in the present moment. While pieces are written out or memorized, they become music only when they are performed. Whether it's a live performance, a recording, or even a digital playback, the music is always new to the listener in that moment. In this sense, music is constantly in the process of being freshly presented, even if it is based on previously created scales, chords, words, and notes.

Impermanent Nature of Music

Even music that is improvised has foundations rooted in pre-existing structures. Thus, even what we call "new" music is inherently tied to the past. Imagine if the musicians of the late 18th century had believed that no new music was needed after Bach and Handel. This scenario would omit the contributions of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and many others, and we wouldn't have the rich tapestry of music we enjoy today.

The Imperative of Creating New Music

Enjoying music from the past does not negate the need for new music to be created. Music is an innate human expression and a means of surviving beyond just being alive. We thrive not just on survival but also on various forms of cultural expression, including art. Each generation leaves its unique imprint on music, reflecting their values and realities.

Empathy and Current Realities

As listeners, we need to connect with our contemporaries and share our current situations and aesthetic values. The music of great masters from the past continues to teach us, but our world has changed significantly since the times of Palestrina. The music we create and listen to today speaks to our contemporary realities and can communicate these experiences better than any other form of communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the creation of new music is a perpetual necessity. While there is indeed an immense wealth of old music, the need for new music arises from the very essence of human expression and the constant need to reflect and celebrate our present realities. It's a testament to our culture and creativity that we continue to produce and appreciate both old and new music.