Why People Hate Contemporary Classical Music, and How Perceptions Are Shifting
Contemporary classical music often receives criticism and even outright rejection from listeners. This article explores why some people find it difficult to appreciate or understand, and how perceptions are evolving among different generations.
The Role of Expectations in Music
Music, at its core, is about engaging the listener's intuitive expectations. When contemporary classical music subverts these expectations, it can be challenging for listeners to 'make sense' of it. Some of this music is inherently complex and difficult, while other pieces may elicit a random and unpredictable sense of progression that can deprive them of emotional depth and narrative.
Dissonance and Aesthetics
Every dissonance sounds the same to some listeners, and the random progression of contemporary music can make it seem devoid of light and shade. This absence of a traditional musical journey, with its heightening and relaxing of mood and tension, can leave listeners feeling unmoved. For these individuals, contemporary classical music often lacks the emotional intimacy and accessibility of more familiar styles.
Audience Perception and Labeling
The labeling of music as 'contemporary' often confuses the boundaries between different eras and movements. Many classical music lovers still apply the term 'contemporary' to composers who died centuries ago, such as Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. This confusion is partly due to the shift in musical styles from a reliance on tonality to a more dissonant and dissonant sound world.
Furthermore, the use of terms like 'avant-garde' and 'experimental' can be misleading. These terms are often abused, with dissonant and rhythmically complex music being branded as avant-garde and experimental. However, many of these works are not experiments but are composed with a clear intent and method. The audience frequently perceives this music as unpleasant or even ugly, leading to strong negative reactions.
Commitment to Understanding Contemporary Music
The rejection of contemporary classical music is often a result of a lack of engagement and effort. It is emotionally and intellectually demanding to stretch one's perception of what sounds 'good,' but many listeners prefer to label music they dislike as 'bad' or not 'real music'. This avoidance comes at the cost of missing out on the depth and innovation of modern music.
However, there is a growing trend among younger listeners, including non-Western audiences, to embrace contemporary classical music. This shift is partly due to the increasing exposure to film, television, and video game music, which often features dissonant and experimental elements. Many younger listeners are more willing to engage with and appreciate the complexity and nuance of contemporary compositions.
Changing Generational Perceptions
While some traditionalists still grapple with contemporary classical music, a significant number of young listeners and even some older generations are welcoming this new sound. The younger generation, including those from various cultural backgrounds, is growing in number and is more open to complex musical experiences. This trend is further strengthened by the accessibility of music through digital platforms, allowing for a broader and more diverse engagement with modern classical music.
The embrace of contemporary classical music by younger audiences is a promising sign, suggesting that the field is evolving, and audiences are expanding. This shift towards a more accepting of contemporary music will continue to challenge and expand the boundaries of what we consider 'classical' music.