Classical music? A higher form?

[rimv2]

true

but the point is that, the majority of those people that have the capacity to comprehend and enjoy more complex music, will do so.

Have you taken some sort of sample to prove this. Most intelligent people, especially in America, do not listen to classical music - from my experience.

[meisel]

Its true that people composing often want to make more complex music. However, as they make advanced music they also often change the feeling that the music express. Certain moods demand simplicity. But i think that the reason people try to make more complex music is because of the need to evolve, change territory, to challenge themselves. Not because complex music is "better". Unless you judge music by complexity of course.

It seems that many people whos listening to classical sees music in a hierarchic way, with classical on top, while pop and a bunch of other genres are lower. The reason for doing this, is supposed to be because classical music is in general more complex than other music. I dislike this kind of thinking, because it can easily be translated to the idea that people listening to classical is mentally privileged. I actually find this kind of thinking among metal people too. Music is subjective, it is supposed to make you feel something, thats the essence. Different genres express different feelings, not different mental capacities. Since when is music all about math? (if that was the case then dream theater would be great   )

Also, even though composers might be good at writing complex music, its doesnt necessarily mean that they are equally good at writing simple music. Ive seen that many times, people composing more and more complex music, until they at one point decide to make more easy music again. Many people fail miserably.

[steve jones]

Have you taken some sort of sample to prove this. Most intelligent people, especially in America, do not listen to classical music - from my experience.

That may really be explained by a study of peoples motivations (in listening to music). Maybe most intelligent people work so hard with their minds that they find 'challenging' music to much to stomach?

Pop music is geared to be easily 'swallowed', and I guess this would appeal more to a NON music enthusiast regardless of intelligence.

Infact, I think it could be argued that culture would play a much greater role in influencing peoples musical tastes than their quality of intelect.

[stevie]

Have you taken some sort of sample to prove this. Most intelligent people, especially in America, do not listen to classical music - from my experience.

no, you misunderstand me, i mean 'musical intelligence', which is completely independent from general intelligence, it basically means the level of cognition the aural cortex is capable of.

i am actually primarily talking from my own experience, i love much popular music, but i listen to it and classical music in completely different ways.

[zheer]

I would say classical music is intellectual music ( spelling )

[emmdoubleew]

Honestly, I think you can make that claim objectively. Technical and theoretical aspects can be quantified and as such, the claim that one piece or style is technically more advanced or 'better' is semi valid.

Oops, that was my bad wording. Of course some music is more technically demading. What I meant is that anyone who thinks he can prove that some music is better than another using facts has got to get over himself and his musical tastes.

People like heavy metal, people like classical, so why would either be "better" than the other?

[steve jones]

Ahh, gotcha.

Yeah, I agree totally. Art is art, there is no better or worse.

[johnny-boy]

Does the complexity of music determine its value? I think not. Because a Beethoven sonata is much more complex than the simple tune "Greensleeves", does that mean "Greensleeves" is of much less value? 

I don't think one piece of music can be judged to be of less value than another without answering the question: “Of less value to whom"?

Music ignites emotion. It's an emotional art. To many, "Greensleeves" would spark more emotion than a Beethoven sonata. Does that in turn mean "Greensleeves" is of more value?

I think the question of value in music is one that can only be answered by each person individually. I don't think there will ever be a universal method to determine the value of one musical composition over another. 

Music has the power to touch us intimately in a way no other power on Earth can.

The bottom line; music need not be judged at all. Each piece of music will exist in its own layer of emotion for each individual to determine his/her emotional satisfaction.

Best, John

[lisztisforkids]

I've been thinking about this for a while now... Classical music and other forms of music especially pop are totally different..... Different goals, different philosophys, they are practically opposites in my view.. So I guess we cant really judge between the to..

What am I thinking?! ofcourse Beethovens 9th symphony is better than some Black eyed peas song... And when the black eyed peas are forgotten, Beethoven will still be well alive...

Really we cant judge the Classical vs. non-classical... Because Classical and pop are completely diffferent as a bannana and a orange...

[johnny-boy]

"What am I thinking?! ofcourse Beethovens 9th symphony is better than some Black eyed peas song... And when the black eyed peas are forgotten, Beethoven will still be well alive..." - Lisztisforkids

Greensleeves is over 400 years old - and still going strong. Beethoven's 9th. Symphony is under 200 years of age. Hmm...

John