An anonymous conductor has published his / her reckoning with the classical music business in a fascinating longread. I never came across a piece like that from an insider, such a candid, ruthless, and courageous disclosure of misdevelopments during the last decades. It is not actually a lament but, as the subtitle more aptly claims, an analysis of the decline of a whole industry which, in my opinion, everybody concerned with the future of professional music practice and education should care about. I don’t agree with every aspect—in particular, ›greatness‹ does not qualify as an appropriate touchstone, just as little as the questionable concept of a ›masterpiece‹—, but in its essence, this critique is of overwhelming relevance and plausibility. The author has persuasively stated why he / she cannot disclose his / her identity (please also read the interview), but I for my part fully acknowledge the article’s position and will readily advocate its conclusions. The business is rotten to the core, and some things will have to change significantly.
Decline of the Classical Music Industry
28 Friday Feb 2020