NationStates Jolt Archive

In terms of the music world of late, there is a growing trend amoungst those who produce more urban and R&B styles of music to demand equal recognition for the work they do and that of classical musicians. Classical music is indeed a more established form of music but R&B does I agree deserve a level of respect for its style and genre of itself. What I do not agree with, are those who would claim that people must accept R&B and classical music as being "Equally good". There seems to be this idea that the quality of music between the two is somehow equal. This is something that Postmodernism seeks to proliferate, the idea that quality of the music is somehow equal. The same is true of modern art and art. The idea that people should consider Tracy Emmin's unmade bed just as good as the Mona Lisa. What are your thoughts on this trend. Personally I believe all art forms should be granted respect, but it does not mean they are all the same quality. Or maybe you think I'm over exagerating and this trend doesnt exist at all. Opinions? Thoughts? Discuss...

In twenty, thirty years from now the vast majority of R&B/Pop/Heavy Metal/Punk/ NewCountry artists won't be remembered. Especially those who use good looks and gimmicks to sell albums. Those who will be remembered, mainly because their music will be influencing future generations of musicians, are the ones you compare to Mozart, Beethoven etc.

ie. When you look at all the movie scores and albums Quincy Jones has produced I would definitely say that his music is on par with anything by Handel or Bach.

I would value art and music regarding their current influence and relevance first.
A piece of art/music can have great influence in its time, by being critical, by showing a certain aspect of life, a certain current problem etc.
In that respect, R&B may even get a higher rating than classical music, and some pieces of modern art be more influential than the Mona Lisa.

The second criteria for me is historical relevance, i.e. how will this piece be considered ten years from now, one hundred years from now?
And in that respect both the unmade bed and R&B will most likely loose. Mondrian and Jackson Pollock both had great influence on art in their time, but their relevance today is little more than purely aesthetical. Mozart will still be listened to in one hundred years, but Alicia Keyes? I doubt it.