Sexy Beethoven 5th - Good or Bad?

[Sorrano]

Each generation has it's share of distractions. Not as many people were literate at that time, the "freedom" to choose one's occupation was often limited, there was a lot more poverty per capita. While I do agree that there is an image problem for the youth, I do see, as well, that there are some very good and capable musicians in the rising generation. Are you familiar with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra? I believe it is made up of youth and has done well. I don't think that CM is in trouble.

[Preston]

Earlier, I erroneously mentioned a program, "Over the Top". It should have been "From the Top", sorry about that. Here is a link to that and I think there should be a good sampling of some of the upcoming musicians:

http://www.fromthetop.org/

Yes, I listen to this. It is not a bad program. Other than news (which is no doubt important - yet kind of terrifying, ) NPR does have some good programs.

...there was a lot more poverty per capita.

I do not know the statistics though that surprises me. The poverty rate in the America alone is very much so. I guess that classical music sources are more easily available though - because of technology and the unimaginable increase in population?

I don't think that CM is in trouble.

Neither do I - unless it turns into some strange popular culture, as we have seen in the video. Then yes I do think it is in danger, .

[Peter]

Each generation has it's share of distractions. Not as many people were literate at that time, the "freedom" to choose one's occupation was often limited, there was a lot more poverty per capita. While I do agree that there is an image problem for the youth, I do see, as well, that there are some very good and capable musicians in the rising generation. Are you familiar with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra? I believe it is made up of youth and has done well. I don't think that CM is in trouble.

Yes I agree there is much good being done and the SBO is a terrific example - we could do with more schemes like that! My point simply is I think that in early 19th century Vienna there was a real musical culture where virtually every household had a piano and someone could play, this certainly isn't so now. Also there was a real demand for contemporary music and not much interest in the past which is perhaps the opposite of today as far as the mainstream classical music world is concerned.

[AeolianHarp]

Utterly ridiculous. This music should be performed with the dignity which befits it.

God they were so awful I couldn't watch it to the end. A travesty and insult to Beethoven's music/vision.

[Decrepit Poster]

Thanks for reviving this thread AH. I watched the video three times. It is what it is. Folk have been updating the "classics" for centuries. Such things are almost always done to make the work(s) in question more palatable for modern sensibilities. I suspect we members of this discussion forum are not the intended audience.

Does this sort of thing generate an interest in classical music? In my experience, no.

I feel it wrong to label this "SYMPHONY No 5 - BEETHOVEN" as is done on the video. This to me implies a more or less literal transcription, which is not the case. I have dubbed it "Syphilitic Metamorphosis on a Theme by Beethoven".

As for Infinity String Quartet vs Talich when marooned on a desert island, I'm not greedy and will settle for Julia Fischer thanks.

[Michael]

This thread is a cautionary reminder that everything you post is out there for ever!

[AeolianHarp]

I have dubbed it "Syphilitic Metamorphosis on a Theme by Beethoven".

LOL, you do have a way with words DP!

[AeolianHarp]

This thread is a cautionary reminder that everything you post is out there for ever!

I was looking for something else and came across it Michael. I have a vague sense that I have seen the title of this when on your tube looking for Beethoven's music- they are truly awful.

[grace65]

I read some of the posts and they are very good points, but I'm looking at this at another angle. There are so many gifted musicians out there trying to make a living and there is so much competition. I suppose these girls feel that the only way they're going to make a name for themselves is by being different, trying to stand out by strutting there stuff, and unfortunately using sex to attract an audience. Very sad.

As for the music I personally don't like it. It sounds to artificial to me and found the overall performance BORING!!!

[AeolianHarp]

I read some of the posts and they are very good points, but I'm looking at this at another angle. There are so many gifted musicians out there trying to make a living and there is so much competition.

That being the case, why not make a name for oneself by working at being a good musician and perhaps specialising in HIP? There is a growing interest in HIP and it is in many cases better to hear accurate renditions of 18th/19th century music. Disco-ing classical music is not only an offence to the composer's works but an offence to the ears. There is plenty of S-T music in the "pop charts" already without trying to dumb down esteemed works of earlier centuries.

In addition, musicians could work with music therapy, get together with artists and play music that illustrates their works,provide music to live poetry readings- the list is endless!
You see despite me being a plink plonk beginner I have such good ideas! It is such a shame I never got the chance to learn music/to play when I was a child.....

I suppose these girls feel that the only way they're going to make a name for themselves is by being different, trying to stand out by strutting there stuff, and unfortunately using sex to attract an audience. Very sad.

They are just bimbos- if a plonky old beginner like me can come up with some good ideas off the top of her head (see above) and who can barely sight read, they have no excuse. They want to be Queens of the Night. They like the cheapness.There is nothing "different" about that.

As for the music I personally don't like it. It sounds to artificial to me and found the overall performance BORING!!!

They are boring and cheap.I couldn't even stand to watch it all. And back in the day, they wouldn't have even been good enough to be Beethoven's servants (as in scrubbing his kitchen floor!)
I am quite tempted to upload one of my plonkings as I think it is more interesting LOL.