Beethoven Didn’t Compromise—and Neither Should You!
Have you noticed how some pieces of music just seem to grab everyone? Works like Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto or Holst’s The Planets connect with both classically-trained musicians and average music lovers.
But why? What makes them so universally appealing?
Well, for one thing, they’re filled with catchy tunes and noticeable contrasts. Shifts in texture, dynamics, articulation, instrumentation—these are things EVERYONE notices, whether they have a music degree or not.
Look, I get it.
If you’re an unestablished composer, sometimes it’s hard to value those things. Particularly when we feel insecure about our work, we think, “Oh, but my music must be rigorous and intricate if it’s going to be valuable!” So we focus on creating subtle motivic development and complex formal designs, thinking these are the keys to artistic value (and hence our career success).
But when we do this in our music, we forget that these details often go over casual listeners’ heads. Sometimes, we become defensive about it, saying, “I refuse to pander! Listeners should be more sophisticated!”
But I have good news for you. This adversarial aesthetic is outdated—and unnecessary. You can write rigorous music that’s also highly appealing.
As in many musical things, Beethoven is a great role model. No one would accuse Beethoven of being a musical lightweight.
Yet Beethoven understood this truth about audiences well. While being structurally rigorous, his music is filled with obvious contrasts anyone can appreciate.
Beethoven did not comprise his music by filling it with these kinds of textural, dynamic, and orchestrational landmarks. In fact, these landmarks make it easier for amateurs and connoisseurs alike to notice the clever things he’s doing in his music.
So here's the deal: If you want your music to resonate with a wide audience, you have to tap into your inner amateur. Play to the strengths and limitations of the untrained ear.
Both lay audiences AND trained musicians will love you for it.
