Hows and whys of classical

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

By Matthew Irwin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Attempts to make classical music palatable to new listeners, however sincere, often seem to me as patronizing and elitist.

But despite my good sense to preview the 2009 Grand Teton Music Festival, beginning July 1, for folks who have already “bought in,” I can’t ignore my instinct to ask what classical might have for the every-listener – the person who would no more expect a rock musician to tell them why they should attend his show than they would expect him to explain how to listen.

The perception of classical music as the domain of dedicated musicians and wealthy listeners is largely perpetuated by the industry itself, according to Roger Oyster, the principal trombonist for the festival.

Oyster will also host two Inside the Music performances, a free series GTMF offers on Tuesdays throughout the season that attempts to illuminate classical works without classical attitude.

Classical music, he said, is a part of the fabric of American life, from pop and indie music composition (Portishead, St. Vincent, I might note) to movies (if you saw Star Trek, you’ve listened to classical music, recently). Moreover, the music that falls under the banner “classical” is wide-ranging, including piano sonatas, six-piece chamber orchestras and full symphony orchestras of 100 musicians – these are why explanations.

The hows, Oyster explained, are that listening is more important than trying to understand, that every emotion you have is right (so long as you have an emotion), and you don’t have to feel uncultured if you don’t like a particular piece.
“The music doesn’t ask you to like it, and it doesn’t make a judgment about you if you don’t,” he said. “It just asks that you listen.”

But this is the last time you’ll see JH Weekly asking you to listen to classical music.       If you’re curious, take advantage of the many free and discounted shows GTMF is offering this summer, many listed in our calendar and at gtmf.org, including the ever-popular 4th of July show at Alpine Field.

And during the rest of the seven-week festival, we’ll dedicate this spot to highlighting a few of the more interesting performances for folks who already know what classical’s worth.

“There are so many ways to experience music,” Oyster said, “but there’s no substitution for the experience of hearing live music.” JHW

The String Quartet of the GTMF performs Music in Nature, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., July 1 at the Craig Thomas Visitor and Discovery Center at Grand Teton National Park; free. Visit gtmf.org for additional dates.
 The Time for Three trio performs the same day at 8 p.m., July 1. at Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village.
For tickets call the GTMF Box Office at 733-1128 or visit www.gtmf.org.

Courtesy photo
The GTMF summer season begins July 1.

PERMALINK:
Hows and whys of classical | Planet JH News Article: General Music Arts and Culture

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