For me, nothing is more powerful than the opening of “Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.” The sense of power the orchestra and piano create is simply unparalleled. Classical music, like the “Tchaikovsky Concerto,” is written and performed for the enjoyment of everyone. Although we tend to think of classical music being performed in elegant court settings in palaces across Europe, it was not exactly like that. Opera houses in 18th and 19th century Europe were certainly not a place for a solely elite crowd. The atmosphere at the performances could almost be compared to that of a large sporting event today. The crowd was loud, and people of all social classes came. Even today at Milan’s La Scala Theatre, the crowd is notorious for booing performers. The lower classes occupied the section on the floor while the upper classes sat in the box seats.
However, through the centuries the crowds at opera and orchestra concerts have grown smaller. Many companies are having financial troubles or even filing for bankruptcy. The musicians of the Atlanta Symphony are currently locked out of the Woodruff Arts Center, thus not receiving their salaries, because of failed negotiations between the musicians and the ASO administration. This summer, the Colorado Symphony boldly took a step forward with their BYOC (Bring Your Own Cannabis) “Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series.” The series began with small performances at an art gallery in Denver and ended with a final large performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Colorado Symphony also began another series, “Beethoven and Brews.” Like the “High Note Series,” it consisted of smaller ensembles in more intimate settings than a large concert hall, and obviously, guests were served beer.
While the Colorado Symphony has possibly taken making classical music to a younger and more diverse crowd to an extreme, many orchestras are starting similar programs. Many orchestras, including the Mobile Symphony, have “Beethoven and Blue Jeans” concerts where casual concert attire is acceptable. There certainly is not a formal dress code at the University of Alabama’s School of Music concerts.
Yes, there are certain formalities that should be followed when attending classical music concerts. For example, do not cough, do not enter while music is being performed, do not talk during a performance, etc. These formalities are not set to make you feel intimidated or unwelcome. Rather, they are observed to avoid distracting your fellow audience members and the performers. Furthermore, you are experiencing the music. Music has the power to transport its listeners to another world, and checking your Twitter feed will only prevent you from feeling and experiencing that power.
There are so many concerts each year through the University’s School of Music that even music majors are not able to attend them all. Performances from UA students, faculty and renowned guest-artists are performed throughout the year, and admission is usually free for students. Classical music on the whole, was and is not written for an elite minority, but for the enjoyment of all. While you may not be able to go to Moody for concerts often, consider attending the Opera Theatre’s Performance of Patience on Oct. 10 and 12, or The Huxford Symphony’s next performance. Classical music is a way to learn about yourself, society and other cultures while still being enjoyable and quite entertaining.
John David Thompson is a sophomore studying piano performance. His column runs biweekly.
