Articles

Why I Write What I Write

by Eric Ainsworth

Many of the old styles are wonderful and expressive styles, and I want to try my hand at them. One would be mistaken to assume everything has already be done.

Since novelty is perhaps the least important of musical values and tastes, and to pit one's wits against the old masters is challenging and exhilarating, I'm giving it a try.

Without an anything goes-no precedent novelty to lean on, the neo-classical composer's music draws a direct comparison with masterworks of the past---which is illuminating, daunting, and if one is possessed of a mighty ego, could be terrifying!

You will be judged. It takes balls (or ovaries). Also, there is no better way to learn about the forms, styles, and sensibilities than to try it oneself.

At the very least one gains a heightened respect for the venerable geniuses of yesteryear.

I ask this question: Are music lovers today tired of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, or Rachmaninov? If a lost symphony of Mozart's is discovered , will it be assumed to be boring and be condemned to sit on a shelf unplayed? The musical world clammors as if it found a priceless treasure. I rest my case.

So much standard rock 'n roll, blues, R&B, soul, Motown, disco, etc. (3-chord stock pop styles) are so chock-full of musical cliches and so devoid of originality, the artists responsible should hang their heads in shame.

I'm not even considering the lyrics which could be assembled by a Capuchin monkey from a grab-bag full of words such as: baby, love, yeah, heart, feelin', you make me, alright, get down, etc. (and not much else). Boring!

Why are typical pop songs only three minutes long? Two reasons: The subject matter is exhausted after two minutes, and a third minute allows for a guitar solo, fade-out loop, etc... And three minutes is the attention span of the average consumer of such fare. These songs are like Twinkies or cocktail weiners. A symphony, on the other hand, is a four-course gourmet dinner.