History and where we are going...

I find it interesting to think about where music has been and where it might be going.

Consider some of the great pieces of classical music which we esteem because they have stood the test of time thus far: the works of Bach, Brahms, Beethoven (our common practice composers), Mozart, and many more. Sometimes I hear a piece of music and think about what it might have meant to people of a different generation. What might those audiences have felt and thought about upon their hearing of it? Fascinating to ponder upon.

But my real question is this: will the works of the great composers still be performed in 100, 200, or even 300 years? Will people still want to hear Brahms 4 or Beethoven 5? Will the repertoire lists be narrowed even further? Will orchestras one day simply play only "Classical music's greatest hits" over and over again? What will it take to bring us to a point like this--and are we already there? Will the popular art music overtake the fine art music?

Hmmm...