An observation about "Modern" classical music.

I agree with previous posts that modern classical music needs deeper understanding and "gettin' used to".

For those who wants to get a starting point of modern classics I'd recommend Michael Nyman.

Modern classical music should be considered as a result of let's say derivative or even evolution of so known to us Mozart, Bethoven, Lizst, Chopin etc...

In many works of Pat Metheny very often you can hear instead of improvisation the strict musical order that is more belong to a classical music than jazz. Hence some of his pieces you can also relate to a modern classics. Check his "Secret Story" album where you won't ever miss Mozart...

You should also check the solo works of Roger Eno who I think took a lot from post-classical pianist Skryabin.

Rob your point is easy to understand:

A classical music as well as modern classical music and also many sophisticated types of rock, jazz is harder to understand and digest than a simple mambo or Beatles or another words pop. Hence the popularity could be waged accordingly.

Centuries ago there also were ministrels and street musicians that had been fare less complicated than Pastoral symphony.
Take in consideration Strauss who's music was simple compared to the composers of his time...
Can you compare Strauss to Kronos Quartet?

If you start researching Russian post-classical composers you will definitely feel an evolution i.e. progressive development and even to say enterprenurial movements that hadn't been thought of in the era of the classical music...

A basics of a music grammar for all music lovers could make a large improvement on understanding and appreciating classical music and modern classical music as well.

One fench piano teacher said:

"Music should not come fgom fingers it should come fgom ze hart"
(This phrase is from the movie "The Man Who Wasn't There")

So what kind of structure we're talking about?

Eldartford,

We're in the world of different events and subjects. We're in the world of a different languages.

Music is also a language or sonic form of such. Every tact is a word and every group of such may be a "phrase" or "sentence" not neccessarily sonic exploration or an exersise. There's not only the Blue Danube or Nutcracker, there's an industry, machines, trains etc...

I personally like when I can distinguish "phrases" or "sentences" there; reprising in musical compositions is a big +. For example Phillip Johnston's music to the movie "Unknown" falls onto that category. Despite its being played by 6-piece band I wouldn't categorize it to a jazz since there's too much order rather than an improvisation or blasting solos of every musician.

Start understanding Prokofiev and Shostakovitz first and than try Alf or Gorecki...

Chad...
durin' munch?
I wasn't stoned and was enjoying but I admit a great idea...

To me Bach is best appreciated stoned + wine and cheese and crackers:-)

Once in BAM I and my other 2 friends had 2 tickets extra to sell for the concert & video show of Phillip Glass "Koyanisquatsi".
We sold these 2 tickets with enough profit to be on this great concert for free...
Couldn't book myself for Michael Nyman concert and tickets on the outside were upto 4x original price.

Yep, Tanglewood is certainly different from New York.