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From: wjm@whuxj.UUCP (MITCHELL)
Newsgroups: net.music.classical
Subject: Re: Re: Modern Music
Message-ID: <260@whuxj.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 4-Jun-84 10:01:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: whuxj.260
Posted: Mon Jun  4 10:01:05 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 6-Jun-84 00:56:49 EDT
Organization: Bell Communications Research, Inc.
Lines: 25



Some thoughts on the recent articles about modern music (and some replies to myy 
comments).
First, the discussion is great ... proving that those of us who wanted net.music
.classical read the tea leaves properly in estimating the need for this 
newsgroup...
Second, I'm not going to say that the 12-tone and other modern schemes are
*BAD*, whatever that means (I'm not sure how one would make the objective
judgement that that implies), I AM going to say that after several attempts
to listen to it with an open mind that I don't like it, and will, as much as
possible vote with my ticket-buying wallet against it.
Third, I agree that most music of ANY age was mediocre, and that the great
are what have survived from earlier ages - although frankly I happen to like
Beethoven's early symphonies - especially No. 4, which I feel are neglected
in favor of the BIG odd numbered ones (3,5,7 & 9).  The only even Beethoven
symphony that receives much hearing is the Pastorial (which is also one of
my favorites).
Fourth, I suspect the socio-economic support of composers has encouraged many
modern composers (especially Schoenberg, Berg, and Cage) to create music with
minimal regard for public or patron support.  Perhaps we should return to the
patron system of old, with corporate bodies being the patrons, certainly this
is more to my liking than using government funds to support artists.
Regards,
Bill Mitchell (whuxj!wjm)