The "Lexicon of Musical Invective" is a collection of critical reviews on well-known composers' works since Beethoven. All texts are shown in their original language, then translated. Contained in this Lexicon are pot shots like this one (about the overture to Beethoven's opera "Fidelio") "... all impartial musicians and music lovers were in perfect agreement that never was there anything as incoherent, shrill, chaotic, and ear-splitting produced in music. The most piercing dissonances clash in a really atrocious harmony, and a few puny ideas only increase the disagreeable and deafening effect" (August von Kotzebue - in Vienna, Sept. 11, 1806). This book, compiled by Nicolas Slonimsky and published by Norton in 2000, offers a rather hilarious view into the sometimes not-so-great reception what are now thought to be great compositions. Mr. Kotzebue apparently got especially riled up in the previous description. So, what to do? Find a copy and read on!
If the great Beethoven himself could receive such blasting criticism, surely that's an encouragement to songwriters and composers alike today. Sometimes critics get it wrong, but aren't we glad that Beethoven didn't listen and kept on writing?
ReplyDeleteListen! The commentator speaks TRUTH!!! If you're out there and people are bashing your music, take their serious advice into account, but keep on keepin' on. ;)
ReplyDeleteJust curious, what do you suggest about being able to take into account advice that you disagree with completely? Where do you, as an artist, draw the line between accepting helpful critique and staying true to your voice?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question...
ReplyDeleteBasically, for me, it comes down to a "gut" feeling. When someone gives you advice that is directly against something that you have thought about at length and made a firm decision about, you can disregard it. However, be careful with disregard. I have disregarded advice before only to realize, after a time away from a piece, that it might have been a better idea to heed the advice.
Now, a word to the advisor: all advice should be given out of love and respect for the one you are advising. The point at which loving advice is set aside in favor of "invective" (outright and agressive criticism,) is the point at which one has gone too far. Basically, keep it clean. No "low blows." People respond to low blows with nasty right hooks. And believe me, composers have some nasty right hooks at that ;)
Have a wonderful evening.