A cry for education
TobiasIn an open and honest speach, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Associate composer for the LSO and recognised to be one of the leading creative forces of today, has lashed out at the british educational system in his speech at the Royal Philharmonic Society. He claimed musical teachers were often incapable of reading notes and unfamiliar with the world of classical music. Cutbacks in government spending were one part of the story, but television the main cause for concern. As its main inspiration seems to be "to make as much money possible out of as many people possible in the shortest possible time", only the lowest intellectual information found its way to viewers. The same went for Pop music, according to Sir Peter. It had grown out of proportion and drugged creative thinking. In his vision, a "thriving classical scene" need three factors: Education, resources and new music.
Even though at first sight, these remarks seem like typical progress-averse rhetoric, the actual wording of Davies speach is much more subtle. Sir Peter does not want Classical music to be elitist and he even remarks that some snobs will not accept him, a "working class boy from Salford", entrance to their holy halls. To him, Classical music should be abailable to all. And even though he can hardly be characterised as a lover of rock, his stance is never too simplistic - he acknowledges a "history of pop".
The only thing we are suprised about is the simplicity of his demands. Education, resources and new music is what many have been asking for times and times again, but one thing has to be clear: These three ingredients will not save Classical music.
And now decide for yourself.
Source: The Royal Philharmonic Society