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Topic: Just what IS Classical?

11th Aug 2014, 8:30 PM
	Magic Marmalade If you're not lost... It's not an adventure! Member since Jun 2014 3735 Points Moderator	Perhaps what is needed is a kind of diagnostic system, like an algorithm whereby, if, after a process of asking particular questions agreed on by the community here ( Let's say a ten question point system say), an item, maybe a CD, agrees with 7 out of the ten, or even a minimum of six questions out of the ten (giving a sixty per-cent agreement, or point score), it is deemed admissible as a "classical" item. If an item meets the minimum requirement in any permutation of six of the ten questions, then it can be admitted... perhaps even allowing for the possibility that it meets the standard for categorisation in both the classical world, *and* in the general catalogue by format, perhaps a rule could be created whereby the performing artist(s) general background, according to their back- catalogue, places them predominantly as a classical artist, or a popular artist performing in a classical style... As the Paul McCartney example shows, I'd say his background, and back catalogue would generally determine where any work he has done "in a classical style" should go... that, in my view, placing it alongside his body of other work for the sake of grouping, by format... but in the instance where a generally considered classical artist like... erm,,, Placido Domingo say, decides to recreate the Led Zeppelin IV album, it goes with the rest of his catalogue in the classical world, as a classical item. Questions on the point scale might include: 1. When the piece was written or composed (before the advent recording technology or instruments using electricity (Definitely Classical) 2. Regardless of the date or style of original composition, is it rendered in a classical style, using classical instruments (non electric at least, and who's design predates modern recording technologies(the principle enabler of popular music)) ... Can't think of others off the top of my head just now, but I'm sre you get the gist, and can add a point or two. (off topic for a moment...Should William Shatner have his own world? ... he certainly defies categorisation!)