It was only recently, while attending Western classical music concerts in Britain, that I realised how enthusiastically such performances are still received today. Nearly three thousand people had gathered in a large concert hall to listen to a Western classical music performance—one of Mahler’s symphonies.
Western classical music has permeated almost every sphere of our lives today, including film music and advertising. We are surrounded by Western music to such an extent that there is hardly a moment in our daily lives when we do not hear it. Yet, we are often unaware of it. For someone who is properly introduced to it, Western classical music can open the door to an immense new world. It can also become a profound experience that lasts a lifetime.
Western classical music cannot be truly understood merely by listening to it. One can enter this world only by first becoming familiar with its history, its various forms, the philosophy embedded within it, and its fundamental grammar, and then developing an ear for it through sustained listening. For anyone who thinks deeply and wishes to understand modern life, it is an essential part of one’s cultural education. Today, it is almost necessary even for someone who considers themselves modern.
Modern Western music is, in many ways, a fusion of Western classical music with various other traditions. It has evolved through the intermingling of Western classical music with African, Asian, Arab, and many other musical traditions. An understanding of Western classical music therefore provides the foundation for appreciating modern Western music as well.
The Western classical music classes conducted by Ajithan provide a foundation for entering this musical tradition within a relatively short period. Recently, these classes have also begun attracting the attention of scholars abroad.
This is one of the foremost music education programmes conducted in Tamil. It is not training in performing music, but training in listening to and appreciating music—a form of education in musical culture.
These classes have already been conducted three times, with more than 150 people participating. They are now being offered once again.
This time, Wagner’s operas, among the highest achievements of Western music, will be introduced. To understand Wagner is to enter Western classical music directly at its very centre.
Those interested are welcome to participate.
September 18, 19 and 20
Contact: [email protected]
