The Music-Cycle Theory
Will music revert back to classical in the not-too-distant future?
Tom Bukowski
Issue date: 4/21/05 Section: Op-Ed
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The thread revolved around a theory, one that every poster on the thread agreed or completely disagreed with. The theory was this: now that America has gone through the musical eras of boy bands, Britney Spears, the Latin Invasion, and today's mish-mash of alternative-punk-rock, American music will cycle back to classical and jazz music. "Where else, musically, would there be to go?" is the question that anchored this theorist's argument.
Analyzing America's musical history opens up the possibility of some kind of massive back-to-the-roots musical revolution. Similar things have happened before. Let's backtrack a little, and take a look at the last century's musical progression.
Everything began with orchestral and opera, which can be derived from America's European roots. Under the influence of the Great Depression, African-American music began its penetration on the industry with the introduction of danceable swing and big band music. By the 1950's African-American music's influence came in full with the introduction of rock and roll. After rock and roll became edgier in the 1960 under the influence of the Vietnam Conflict and, ehem, a lot of illegal stimulants, disco/dance music emerged in the 1970s thanks to new computer technology. The 80s techno/electronic music evolved from disco and the much abused synthesizer. The 90s returned to rock and roll, but much angrier, at the advent of grunge and alternative rock. Then came pop music in its purest, most deadly form - music so commercialized and artistically devoid, it would make John Lennon turn in his grave.
Some music enthusiasts claim that the entire recording industry had first hit bottom during the 70s and 80s, and never recovered. Some call those enthusiasts old fogeys and would tell them that they aren't looking hard enough. Whichever your view on the subject, one thing remains clear - the recording industry has hit a snag, which some industry insiders reluctantly admit.