When it comes to music, Obama's OK

[Anne]

..... details about the Jan. 20 inauguration are starting to emerge. The Associated Press reports that the day will feature performances by singer Aretha Franklin, as well as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
Security will be tight with more than 11,000 U.S. troops on hand for the ceremonies.         

[Dundonnell]

You know, I just wish that one day a politician somewhere would admit to knowing nothing about and disliking so-called 'popular music'!!

This is NOT a dig at Obama. I don't know what his musical tastes actually are but I am sick and tired of British politicians(with whom I am more familiar) claiming to like particular bands! Gordon Brown 'likes' the Arctic Monkeys but can't name a single one of their songs, David Cameron likes the Smiths!

I would cheer(and maybe even vote for ) a politician who said something like "I don't listen to any pop/rock music, I only listen to(for example) Sibelius and Shostakovich"

[Florestan]

I would cheer(and maybe even vote for ) a politician who said something like "I don't listen to any pop/rock music, I only listen to(for example) Sibelius and Shostakovich"

There was one, not so long ago, who listened only to Wagner and Bruckner. 

[Dundonnell]

Very, very true

I think that he liked Beethoven and Lehar as well, did he not?

Ok....I would draw the line somewhere

[Opus106]

There was one, not so long ago, who listened only to Wagner and Bruckner. 

But that was only in public. He listened a lot more in private.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/aug/07/secondworldwar.germany

[Florestan]

Very, very true

I think that he liked Beethoven and Lehar as well, did he not?

He did.

Also, Goebbels was very fond of Schubert, whose piano music he played frequently. And Stalin is said to have requested before dying to be played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21.

[Dundonnell]

But that was only in public. He listened a lot more in private.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/aug/07/secondworldwar.germany

Ah yes, I remember that bit of news recently.

(Sorry Anne, I have derailed your thread. My apologies!)

[Florestan]

(Sorry Anne, I have derailed your thread. My apologies!)

I too apologize .

[Opus106]

..... details about the Jan. 20 inauguration are starting to emerge. The Associated Press reports that the day will feature performances by singer Aretha Franklin, as well as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
Security will be tight with more than 11,000 U.S. troops on hand for the ceremonies.        

I came across that pieceof news this morning in a blog. The author apparently thinks those musicians whose names are in bold as jokers.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2008/12/17/gabriela-montero/

[Dundonnell]

I suppose that I am bound to add-more seriously-that I don't deny the right of anyone to like a particular type of music...so long as their publicly declared taste is genuine.

What I detest is the fact that some politicians feel it necessary to court public popularity by claiming an affinity for an aspect of 'popular culture' in which they have no real interest at all.

[adamdavid80]

Yup, as soon as I read the thread title, I said, "wonder how long it'll take some idiot to turn this into a thread comparing Obama to hitler...because both listen to music."

Sure enough, three whole posts. 

[Todd]

What I detest is the fact that some politicians feel it necessary to court public popularity by claiming an affinity for an aspect of 'popular culture' in which they have no real interest at all.

In a democracy it only makes sense for elected politicians to try to show they are one of the people.  Helps them get votes.  Politicians have to do all manner of silly things to get elected.  I personally couldn't care less what type of music any politician likes.  Policy stances, that's something else.

[bhodges]

During his recent appearance on Meet the Press (for non-U.S. readers, a popular political interview and discussion hour broadcast on Sunday mornings), Obama specifically mentioned bringing more jazz and classical music into the White House.  Then just yesterday I saw this press release from Oberlin College, about two musicians included in a chamber ensemble that will perform for the inaugural luncheon.

Playing for the President: Michael Lynn and Marilyn McDonald to Perform at Inaugural Luncheon
Marci Janas '91 - Dec. 16, 2008

"Up on the balcony of Statuary Hall in what used to be the Old Senate Chamber, overlooking the Washington glitterati gathered for the traditional bi-partisan inaugural luncheon—this one in honor of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States, on Tuesday, January 20—will be Professor of Violin Marilyn McDonald and Professor of Recorder and Baroque Flute Michael Lynn. They are members of a small chamber ensemble that has the distinct honor of presenting a program of music for the historic event."

Here is the whole article. 

--Bruce

[Josquin des Prez]

He did.

Also, Goebbels was very fond of Schubert, whose piano music he played frequently. And Stalin is said to have requested before dying to be played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21.

A great civilization can only produce great individuals, even great villains.

[Todd]

A great civilization can only produce great individuals, even great villains.

Huh?  I would think a great civilization can also produce mediocre or next to worthless individuals, as well as great ones.  What evidence do you have that a great civilization can only produce great individuals?

[imperfection]

A great civilization can only produce great individuals, even great villains.

So you either think George Bush is a "great individual", or you think the Americans are not a "great civilization".

Both completely moronic notions. Take your pick.

[Josquin des Prez]

Huh?  I would think a great civilization can also produce mediocre or next to worthless individuals, as well as great ones.  What evidence do you have that a great civilization can only produce great individuals?

Ouch, hasty wording from my part. Let me rephrase then. A great civilization is able to imbue its individuals with greatness to the point where even its worst villains are affected by it. 

[Josquin des Prez]

So you either think George Bush is a "great individual", or you think the Americans are not a "great civilization".

Both completely moronic notions. Take your pick.

I would think that ''America'' is no longer a great civilization. Is this notion really that moronic?

[eyeresist]

David Cameron likes the Smiths!

And heaven knows he's miserable now

I would cheer(and maybe even vote for ) a politician who said something like "I don't listen to any pop/rock music, I only listen to (for example) Sibelius and Shostakovich"

I would withhold my vote until he specified which recordings he preferred.

And, of course, liking Russian music might become something of a political issue in the near future

[Brian]

Yo-Yo Ma played Bach solo cello suites for the fake President in The West Wing...I'll bet he'll do the same for a real President now.

The soloists chosen are a bit of a cliche though (not counting the fine ensemble Obama is having for lunch!  ).