Chris: If I understand you correctly, someone might tell me something about
Beethoven, the times in which he lived, the structure of his music/whatever
and then I might say: "Oh, now I like the Pastoral Symphony". I can't
imagine this happening. I could learn to answer questions about the music,
harmonics, orchestration - yes. And you think that that could lead me to
enjoy it in a way I don't now? I'm with Mando. You enjoy something or you
don't.
Music/art appreciation training - as an intellectual exercise - yes, but I
wouldn't expect my enjoyment of the aesthetic experience to change.
It is true that, at 20, I was bored by Debussy's "La Mer". At 60, I felt
that it was a marvellous work. No musical education having anything to do
with Debussy (or much else) in between.
Geoff C
From: "Chris Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Improving taste
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:55:02 GMT
Not necessarily a musicologist, Geoff (William just reminded us that even
an
expert in historical facts about something might not have a taste for it)
But maybe someone could -- someone you respected who could say the right
things and point you toward the best examples.
And --of course -- you don't *need* such a person -- you could do it on
your
own -- but it might help -- which is important -- since our lives are so
short.
It's a kind of mentoring -- a mentoring in taste.
Apparently William is completely unfamiliar with such an activity -- which
is
a terrible shame since he spent so many decades as an art teacher.
******************
Chris: A quibble: I think you might improve your appreciation of Beethoven
by
talking to more knowledgeable persons than I (am). But you enjoy Beethoven
or
not, I would say. You have a taste for Beethoven or not. Could a
musicologist
get me to enjoy Mozart or Cosi Fan Tutti. Nope. Do I need a musicologist to
enjoy/have a taste for Steve Reich? Nope.
Geoff C
_____________________________________________________________________
Get Freebies & Coupons -- Free of Hassle at FreeInternet.com!
Visit http://offers.netzero.net/TGL1211/?u=http://www.freeinternet.com
