Classical Music vs. Information Technology

Transcription

1 Classical Music vs. Information Technology Yu-Chi Wang, D.M.A. Assistant Professor National Tainan University Diwan College of Management What is classical music? Classical music is a term with three distinct meanings: The European tradition of music which is associated with high culture, as distinct from popular or folk forms (narrow definition). European traditions and non- European traditions of music in contrast to popular or folk music (broad definition). A particular stage in the development of the European art music tradition, centered in the late 18th century. 1

2 History of classical music Origin: chant tradition of the early Christian era (i.e., monophonic music). 15 th century: the early Renaissance polyphony music was becoming popular. The late 16 th century music: core opera (Caccini, Peri ), e.g., Monteverdi. 17 th century: instrumental music, sonatas, concertos, etc. 18 th century: baroque music (e.g., Bach and Handel). Late 18 th century: the Classic style of Haydn and Mozart Beethoven. 19 th century: romantic style such as symphony, program music, absolute music; grand opera, lieder (e.g., Schubert). Late 19 th century: New Viennese School of Schönberg, Berg, and Webern. Early 20 th century: Stravinsky. Market of classical music 2

3 Is classical music doomed? So, who s listening to classical music? 3

4 Is classical music for older folks? (Julie Lee, 2003) ( Is classical music for social elites? (Julie Lee, 2003) 4

5 Is classical music for riches? (Julie Lee, 2003) Music vs. Information Technology Is technology the angle or devil for classical music? 5

6 Does technology help? CDs break constraints for listeners (we can listen to music performed by artists far away from our place or time). Recording makes it possible for performers to preserve their legacies. Performers can produce perfect music by means of digital recording. Does internet help marketing? Marketing is one of the most essential factors in music industry. Newer generation of media (e.g., internet) is not the major pathway. 6

7 What is Web 2.0? In short, Web 2.0 = connectivity map of web-based platforms Web 2.0 7

8 Impact of Web 2.0 Get the information faster. Get more information. Increased user control. Everyone can have immediate feedback to the information providers. Resources can be more equally distributed to the world. Remote collaborations become more efficient. Authorities are easily challenged. Copy right is still threatened. One of the examples for users to help promote CDs of classical music. 8

9 Everyone blogs! 9

10 Virtual symphony orchestra Imagine you can play as a soloist with a full orchestra and professional musicians without leaving your own room. Example: In the chair program Distributing music and sheets via internet 10

11 Youtube A whole wide new world for music and video: Youtube! Does technology also hurt performers? When people are used to the perfect music reproduced from the studio, will they still go to the live concerts? When CDs are so accessible, is live performance still attractive? 11

12 Trend of getting music CD sales are declining; largely thanks to ipod. Illegal downloads 12

13 Who owns the music? If Mozart were born in our time His fans would build a website for him: His music would be distributed through Napster or itune around the world (he would be easily an international celebrity by the age of 12). He would have explained why he wrote the mysterious requiem in his blog. All of his works would be digitally saved. 13

14 How can Web 2.0 help classical music? Independent studios can survive. On-line concerts. Brings musicians and listeners closer. Distant collaborations are possible (e.g., conductor from New York Philharmonic can work with Taiwan s National Symphony Orchestra without traveling back and forth). Can classical music rock? Rock and roll music can be classical (e.g., Pinkfloyd, Beatles). Charisma does not exclusively belong to rock stars (e.g., Nigel Kennedy). Kennedy s live performance 14

15 New forms of classical music? In the digital era, people seem to be more willing to try different things. Hybrid of classical and nonclassical music may attract more people. Conclusions Classical music may benefit from technology, especially information technology. Resources of information technology may be associated with the profit of music industry. The Web 2.0 era may provide new opportunities for classical musicians. New platforms for information sharing/distribution may stimulate new forms of performance and music. Copy right will still remain a critical issue. 15

16 Acknowledgements Special thanks to Dr. Ping-I Lin (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA) 16