In Thursday’s (3/7) Cincinnati Enquirer, John Faherty writes, “It can be difficult to remember that classical music used to be just music. During the 17th century, composers like Monteverdi and Scarlatti and Purcell were creating popular music. In the 18th century, Bach and Handel and Vivaldi were rock stars. … In 2010, the League of American Orchestras laid bare the truth. It said, in summary: ‘The live classical music audience in the United States is declining across three metrics—participation rate, unique audience and attendance.’ Which is why it makes perfect sense that on the second Sunday of every month, this music comes back to the people at the Northside Tavern. The price is zero, the beer is cold and the crowd sitting at the tables in the expansive back room is decidedly not aged. This is the work of Classical Revolution Cincinnati, which has the simple goal of bringing classical music to regular people in irregular settings. … When the music started, it was evident that bringing classical to this type of setting can take some getting used to. People at tables sat quietly and watched intently, as if they were at a concert. … Things began to loosen. The clapping after performances became a little louder, the chatting between sets a little more animated, the clinking of glasses a touch more prominent.”
Posted March 8, 2013
