Comments on: Saying they like classical music

By: Nathan Lambert

Nathan Lambert — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:50:48 +0000

Funnily, I can be quite snoblishly Parisian, in my self-proclaimed love for culture, but my pride was always found in loving the unknown pop bands from Norway and Iceland rather than claiming a love for classical music. As I grew up, I gradually saw all of my melomanic friends claiming that they loved classical music. Whatever, the facade of Parisian culture is too important to be laid waste. The show must go on.

By: sophie

sophie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:41:04 +0000

I have been living in Paris for five months now, and discovered your blog a couple of weeks ago. Have been reading it like crazy, and it is amazing how everything fits.
Makes me think about the Parisians obsession with Henrik Ibsen and Strindberg etc. I had a conversation with a norwegian friend yesterday, who has gotten to know a “smart” or authentic parisian. He just got a part in an Ibsen play and told her over the phone about his first rehearsal and how he had talked to “that Ibsen-guy” that day.
Henrik Ibsen died in 1906.

True story!

By: Olivier Magny

Olivier Magny — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:29:14 +0000

Thomas… Ouch. keep hearing Boston is fun though!
Steven… Thank you for such a nice compliment. It is a bit excessive I reckon but thank you so very much. Your comment came up on my phone while I was out and a tad drunk for New Years. No doubt you sure helped me transition into the New Year!
Accidental Parisian… Merci!

By: Accidental Parisian

Accidental Parisian — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:34:42 +0000

BWAHAHAAH! Hilarious.

By: Steven Burns

Steven Burns — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:57:31 +0000

Man, you have a gift.
They way you write, you are awesome.
You paint with words the troubles of the soul in such a way that’s absolutely impossible not to laugh and smile.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:47:40 +0000

Reminds me of traveling to Boston MA in the early 1990s. I wondered why classical music was played in every establishment in the downtown area. I assumed that the citizens of this city must be extremely cultured … then I actually talked to one.

By: Olivier Magny

Olivier Magny — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:46:01 +0000

NC… Merci
Erol… Funny, I haven’t read Stuff White People like in quite a while – didnt even know he had a post on classical music. I guess this one works for both communities! Doing well Erol – Thanks! Hope your wine venture is expanding.
Peter… Good news is, it’s so cold in Paris these days that blushing goes unnoticed. Merci beaucoup Peter.

By: Peter Newman-Legros

Peter Newman-Legros — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:21:05 +0000

I can only concur with Anne.

By: Erol Senel

Erol Senel — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:31:10 +0000

This is terrific. It makes me think of the blog “Stuff White People Like” here in the states. I think this quote can transition to what you are saying (it is a little wordy):

“There are a number of industries that survive solely upon white guilt: Penguin Classics, the SPCA, free range chicken farms, and the entire rubber bracelet market. Yet all of these pale in comparison to classical music, which has used white guilt to exist for over a century beyond its relevance.

Though white people do not actually listen to classical music, they like to believe that they are the type of people who would enjoy it. You can witness this first hand by going to any classical performance at your local symphony where you will see literally dozens of white couples who have paid upwards of $80 for the right to dress up and sit in a chair for hours reading every word in the program.

After leaving the concert hall, white people will immediately begin telling everyone they know about how much they loved the performance and how they plan to “go more often.” This is because white people see little to no value enjoying classical music without recognition from other white people. This can be seen first hand by looking at the plaques and bricks around all opera houses: they are covered in white person names.”

Great stuff. Funny thing is, I actually DO enjoy classical music.

I hope you are well Olivier!

By: N.C

N.C — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:31:42 +0000

SO True ! “Non, mais surtout le romantisme indien du 24ième siècle… tu vois, CES tonalités.” Come On !