A word about music

There is a basic rule:

If you want to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding of a subject, you have to give adequate attention and devotion to it. Experts can help you there or you can figure it out alone. The first way is easier and more effective, because it takes you directly to your aim. The second way is more demanding, but often it is this way that provides a deeper and more thorough understanding of the subject.

Music is like a language. The best way to understand it is to first learn the words and then step by step start to build phrases. That way it becomes possible to understand the intentions of the composer and realize the basic theme and the time of classical music. The statement might be surprising to some, that someone who has a good understanding of classical music is also much more able to comprehend and appreciate popular music and Jazz. Accordingly, it becomes much less likely for someone to admire a poor performer who himself is unable to really understand music.

In the times of Baroque and Classic musical education was typically common for high-born people. Lessons were usually private and a lot of domestic music was played. In the course of time it became possible for members of lower classes to obtain musical instruction, too. Today practically everyone has access to musical education.

In history there have been numerous "commented" concerts with complementary explanations, a lot of books and films have been created to elucidate music. An example is the Russian composer D. Kabalevsky who used to describe a lot to young people about music, which was later published as a book. The American composer and conductor L. Bernstein made a whole series of concerts with complementary explanations, in which remarkable soloists and the New York Philharmonics performed. There are recordings of this series.

One might ask: "Why do we actually need classical music?" A citation of the German composer, theoretician and teacher D.G. Speer might be the appropriate answer to that question. In the 17th century he published a book named „Grundrichtiger, kurzer, leichter und nötiger Unterricht der musikalischen Kunst" or „Das Vierfache musikalische Kleeblatt", which is a unique guide for private lessons in singing, piano, strings and brass and composing. Once you have finished the first three volumes, you reach the forth which is an introduction to the principles of composing, and all for the sole purpose to "indulge the soul". What G.F. Händel said about the effect of music is perhaps the most accurate statement: "My aim in music is not only to amuse the audience but also to make them better people."

Alexander Jablokov