How is that a certain piece of music can sound so completely different when performed by different musicians?
When and which critics have majorly missed the mark when it came to the great composers? What was the impact of those reviews? Can reflecting on critique in the art world shed light on our lives more broadly? What do conductors do exactly, and how did this become their role? And why are there so few female conductors? Speaking of which, what has been the role of gender in classical music across history, and which heavy price was actually paid by the men? How do economics, politics, and sociology affect the music world? And, most importantly, is it possible for classical music to be funny??
Classical Music: Undressed offers an original and updated look at the world of classical music. It invites you to embark on a deep exploration of the three main components in the concert hall: the audience, the musicians, and what goes on backstage.
Gleaning from her expertise as a conductor, soprano, and lecturer, Cherni offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into classical music, one that is both professional and personal. She manages to explain this abstract musical world clearly to readers and listeners, and to draw practical, enriching insights about music as a body of knowledge. As one side of the composer–performer–listener triangle, the audience finally gets its proper due in this book, as it clarifies the audience’s critical role in the cultural arena.
The book also offers tools to help us be critical listeners – tools that inspire us to listen to classical music and gain a complete musical experience. The essence of musicians themselves – although they subdivide into different categories as composers, performers, etc. - is addressed with personal warmth and sensitivity. And what happens backstage? Well…
