Classical Revolution

The Classical Revolution is an accessible and informative polemic for music lovers with an interest in the meaning of classical music in general, and the classical tradition in particular which seems to be re-emerging in the 21st century. It should equally interest academics, music directors, promoters, programmers, musicians, and music students alike since here, a wide field of new musical experience opens itself up, with a hopeful perspective on the future of music.

John Borstlap (b. 1950) studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory and has a masters from Cambridge University. His "Violin Concerto" won prizes at the Prince Pierre Competition in Monaco and the Wieniawski Competition in Poznan (Poland). He received commissions from various institutions including the Johan Wagenaar Foundation, the Dutch Government and the Culture Company. His chamber music and symphonic works have been publicly performed and recorded for radio broadcasts by Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de Montpellier, the Kammersymphonie Berlin, the Deutsch-Niederländische Kammerphilharmonie, the Wiener Philharmoniker and the Wiener Kammersymphonie. He is one of three founders of the Composers Group Amsterdam.

Introduction Classical Music - a Dying Culture? Chapter 1 The Classical Revolution: The Shock of the Old Chapter 2 The Fallacy of Modernism, I Chapter 3 The Fallacy of Modernism, II Chapter 4 Temples of Delight: How Not to Build a Concert Hall Chapter 5 The Enduring Presence of the Past Chapter 6 The Search for Meaning Chapter 7 The Cultural Shopping Mall: Pluralism and Choice Chapter 8 Conclusion: The Debate about Beauty Chapter 9 Some Composers Further Reading