I am a sophomore in high school, and most of my peers have probably heard of Beethoven and Mozart. Ask them about Bach or Chopin, however, and some will start to look at you strangely. Talk about Brahms or Haydn, and you will certainly get blank looks.
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My family and I recently went to a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Most people know it for the famous opening four-note motif (“Da-da-da, Daaaah”). My favorite part comes in the fourth movement. The finale finishes resoundingly in C major, an explosion of color contrasting the soft end of the third movement. The cadence from the horns provides a triumphant finish to one of the gems of the 19th century.
The night resonated with me — a glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.
Beethoven’s most famous symphony was a sellout, but there were a few factors that were alarming. First, I couldn’t ignore the sea of white hair. Along with my sister who is in elementary school, we were by far the youngest people there — even my parents were on the younger side.
Next, the experience was frighteningly serious. The atmosphere felt stuffy. During the performance, my sister whispered something to me, breaking the unspoken “concert etiquette.” A handful of dirty looks ensued. My sister left the concert discouraged and deflated.
I appreciate classical music, but the experience of classical concerts is alienating for younger people, including my generation. In an age where the musical experience is about social interaction as much as the music itself, classical music couldn’t be in a worse place — an environment where you are expected to dress formally and barred from coughing, sneezing or even applauding between movements. These rules work against engaging new audiences and can feel outdated.
I understand classical music works in subtleties and cannot be grasped without careful attention. However, in today’s short-attention-span world, most music has become streamlined to hold maximum attention for a brief period of time. All of the songs in my playlists rarely go over four minutes.
I can’t deny that Drake is more “exciting” than the 20-minute-long second movement of Beethoven’s Fifth with its intricate development, complex harmonies and multiple countermelodies. During performances, this gap becomes more glaringly obvious. While one includes a stuffy atmosphere with strict rules, the other is a dance festival — people reveling in the blaring lights.
Music genres today are being created and left behind in the blink of an eye. Classical music faces huge challenges to compete with for attention. To survive, it must be open to some reinvention. I am no expert. But my criticisms come from a place of support and love.
Open-air music venues like Ravinia are an example of a sensible step in the right direction. The atmosphere is inviting, and it shows in the attendance. People my age frequently show up with friends and family. Along with the traditional formal seating, there are picnic lawn areas where kids like my sister are free to move around. Audience members can drink wine, play games and share laughs while enjoying world-class music.
I don’t want to be part of the generation that killed classical music — or stood idly by as it died from neglect. I don’t want this to end as a history lesson, like when another spoken language disappears forever. This is the music that has stood the test of time. It’s a language that can project a million emotions and thoughts — without uttering a single word.
Most importantly, classical music brings joy. Joy that comes from connection, subtleties and art. I couldn’t imagine a world without it.
Winston Chu is a sophomore at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview.
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