On Fireworks, Bastille Day, Backstreet Boys, and Classical music

[Otokichi]

Mogger, "Indiepixie," traveling through France during Bastille Day, wonders about the state of Classical music in the U.S.:

http://mog.com/music/Chuck_Berry

("I See London, I See France, I Saw Bastille Day & Wonder Why Americans Choose Backstreet Boys over Beethoven")

I recognized George Gershwin's "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" as the first music+fireworks selection, but the second one is unfamiliar to me.

So, is Classical music (NOT Classic Rock!) a musical endangered species?

Edited July 27, 2008 by Guest

[Farin]

personally, I really doubt that that's the case, it would be a shame too

[Foolonthehill]

Theres a big debate in Canada right now over the CBC's decision to cut much of their classical programming. While "classical" is a very fluid concept, it seems that Canadian fans of orchestral music are completely unwilling to acknowlegde the existence of other types of "art" music.

I personally think that "classical" as a genre, while certainly enjoyable at times, is no more artistic or worthy or airplay than any other. I'll just be annoyed if they replace it with "smooth jazz" (emotionless crap) or talk radio.