"Popular . . .Schmopular. . ." (presented together with William Westney)

Description

This presentation examines the schism between popular music and art music. Hallmarks of musical quality such as virtuosity, harmonic sophistication and melodic poignancy are rife on both sides of this often questionable divide. By the same token, any style of music can be derivative, clumsy or trite.

Examples from the history of the debate will be performed at the piano with an eye (ear!) to challenging assumptions regarding standard classification of repertoire. Relevant background from the philosophy of music and the history of ideas will be brought to bear on the discussion.