I suspect it might be the extinguishing effects of a Jeffersonian, can-do attitude being bred completely out of populations everywhere that result in mass hysterias (pop-culture) and the subversion of art.
When an audience member, at the conclusion of a performance, commented on the beautiful sound of the performer's violin, Itzhak Perlman put his ear close to his priceless Stradivari violin: "that's funny, I don't hear a thing...".
We owe a debt of gratitude to those who design and build fine musical instruments and those who spend their lives coaching them into life. Taken separately they are mainly based on physics, but together they make magic.
Well-said again, and appreciate that Itzhak Perlman story.
I tend to not extrapolate what I see in privileged Western populations to other countries or to the impoverished communities of the West. After all, during lockdown, we had certain service professions running themselves ragged trying to meet demand, like the delivery drivers for amazon and other such online services, while getting paid poorly, being monitored for performance, and supposedly risking their health and lives during a pandemic. As always, the working class is expected to sacrifice on behalf of the country and demonstrate that can-do attitude while the privileged get a pass and get to be hysterical and demanding.
I say this as a product of farming, construction, and small business people who used to be the backbone of this country but have faced a crushing tsunami by big business in cahoots with government. My dad used to write long letters to the editor about how small local business was being betrayed by local government in favor of corporations, and later research by a dogged master's student proved him right. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't win.
Same with musicians. I enjoyed this Bob Lefsetz rant today (even though I don't always agree with his politics) and will be including some of it in my next post, thought you might have a reaction - https://lefsetz.com/wordpress/2025/03/01/dont-look-to-music/
I like Charlotte's approach better. Lamenting the redundance of performing arts is not likely to strike a chord with the performing artists, who are very much alive and well.
But yes, overexposure to a two-dimensional world will rob one of the intimacies of live performance and its vast well of mystery.
Well-said and very reassuring about the unextinguishable role of music in our lives.
I suspect the music industry as it now operates will implode of its own accord, just looking at the trends.
I suspect it might be the extinguishing effects of a Jeffersonian, can-do attitude being bred completely out of populations everywhere that result in mass hysterias (pop-culture) and the subversion of art.
When an audience member, at the conclusion of a performance, commented on the beautiful sound of the performer's violin, Itzhak Perlman put his ear close to his priceless Stradivari violin: "that's funny, I don't hear a thing...".
We owe a debt of gratitude to those who design and build fine musical instruments and those who spend their lives coaching them into life. Taken separately they are mainly based on physics, but together they make magic.
Mybe that's what the tyrants fear the most.
Well-said again, and appreciate that Itzhak Perlman story.
I tend to not extrapolate what I see in privileged Western populations to other countries or to the impoverished communities of the West. After all, during lockdown, we had certain service professions running themselves ragged trying to meet demand, like the delivery drivers for amazon and other such online services, while getting paid poorly, being monitored for performance, and supposedly risking their health and lives during a pandemic. As always, the working class is expected to sacrifice on behalf of the country and demonstrate that can-do attitude while the privileged get a pass and get to be hysterical and demanding.
I say this as a product of farming, construction, and small business people who used to be the backbone of this country but have faced a crushing tsunami by big business in cahoots with government. My dad used to write long letters to the editor about how small local business was being betrayed by local government in favor of corporations, and later research by a dogged master's student proved him right. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't win.
Same with musicians. I enjoyed this Bob Lefsetz rant today (even though I don't always agree with his politics) and will be including some of it in my next post, thought you might have a reaction - https://lefsetz.com/wordpress/2025/03/01/dont-look-to-music/
https://charlottependragon.substack.com/p/it-aint-all-glamour
I like Charlotte's approach better. Lamenting the redundance of performing arts is not likely to strike a chord with the performing artists, who are very much alive and well.
But yes, overexposure to a two-dimensional world will rob one of the intimacies of live performance and its vast well of mystery.
Good to know about that substack. Thanks for sharing it.
I was really moved by this it is a beautiful vtribute to musicians who remain authentic at any cost
Jennifer, I'm just glad to have you in here reading, since this as well seeks only an audience.
Stop in often, let us know you're there. Be sure to read the comments since it gets interesting in here.