Orch Dork

Abstract

Over the past few hundred years, classical music has developed its own society, which has become more and more separate from the day-to-day society that we all live in. This is a complex society, with its own rules, language, and a hierarchy of values that would seem silly in a more practical world. These different standards can often make classical music seem inapproachable to those outside of this world. In addition, the music itself can seem so foreign to those who are used to listening to popular music. Through these essays I will provide an explanation of conductors' and musicians' behavior, our attachment to our musical instruments, and how we can derive such passion and meaning from completely abstract music with no lyrics or explanation. In doing so, I hope to remove to some of the stereotypes, though only the false ones, and open up the doors to this world, so that more people can freely enter and exit.