The end of the year also brings the time for the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert. I know that many consider this a ‘pop’ concert compared to others, and indeed, many snob it as ‘light’ music for the tastes of avid classical music listeners. But is that really the case? Allow me to argue against this view.
During the 19th century, the waltz and all other dance forms written by the Strausses and composers of the same era were an extremely popular genre. That’s how people entertained themselves. But since when should entertaining music be considered of inferior quality? If you observe the famous “Blue Danube,” perhaps the most popular piece of its kind, you will discover that it is a work where one can count 4 or 5 impressive themes that Strauss manages to develop sufficiently and artfully throughout its duration.
If we turn to operetta, then we will realize that it is a somewhat misunderstood genre. It is the precursor to musical theater, even the musical, but it does not lack musicality. I understand the argument about the librettos being somewhat naive, but isn’t the same true for many opera works based on far-fetched plots? How many improbable coincidences can occur in an opera work, especially those we hear again and again and don’t classify as ‘light’ music? Operetta was a genre that flourished in Central Europe and has given us monumental melodies. Let’s not be so strict. Let’s look at the musical possibilities of, for example, “Die Fledermaus” with a sober mind and then judge. I assure you it has many. As do other operettas, even some of the 1000 Greek operettas that have come and gone without flourishing all these years.
Ultimately, why must we only seek the ‘serious’ and ‘heavy’ in music? Why not start looking for the entertaining as well? Why should we consider this kind of music ‘touristy’? It’s not something that orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic, which – if you’ll allow me to say so – is the best orchestra in the world, need to know. After all, the New Year’s Concert is a phenomenon of the 20th century, not something that carries a heavy legacy. And this orchestra made it fashionable.
What is my point? Let’s enjoy this concert without guilt, thinking we are falling victim to a commercial arrangement. I know there are people from all corners of the world who go to Vienna during the holidays and try to win a lottery to gain access to this concert. Those who go, even for selfie photos, certainly have a better chance of also attending a concert in their city where the local orchestra will play Brahms. Familiarity plays a big role, and it only takes being enchanted once by the orchestral sound to want to go again. If this happens at a concert with waltzes by Strauss and his companions, let that be the concert that introduces them to this magical world.
May 2026 be a good year, with music, joy, and above all, health! We here at classicalmusic.gr will continue to believe in the power of this music and all that comes with it.
