Article Analysis Essay on Unfulfilled Dreams: Violinist at a New York Philharmonic Concert

Introduction

The article describes the events that took place at a concert that was graced by a renowned violinist and conductor. The music director played a central role as the music director of the New York Philharmonic that was usually well attended. The article describes the spirited fight that the violinist had to persevere in a bid to secure the New York Philharmonic. He was, however, unsuccessful in the move and this move gives the article the title "When the Fire Fades." The author begins by describing how the renowned music conductor built a reputation that made him be regarded as a firebrand in the music industry. Gilbert made his career building on American music and concepts of modernism artistic styles.

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Modernism is characterized by the irony of social and literary traditions and self-consciousness which leads to creativity and experimentation. The artistic movement rejected the ideals of realism and instead adopted the work's previous works through the use of recapitulation, rewriting, revision, parody, incorporation, and reprise (Sabra, 2016). Some theorists consider the term modernism to refer to a mode of philosophical thinking that cuts across various novelties in the arts discipline. Some Western scholars view modernism as a progressive approach of an artistic movement that provides human beings with the power of creativity, and innovation to reshape and improve their environment through the use of technology, scientific knowledge, and practical experimentation.

Modernism encouraged the re-examination of all perspectives of human existence from philosophy to commerce to determine the hindrance to the progress of artistic works and replace them with new strategies of getting to the same end. Other proponents of modernism argued that it was an aesthetic introspection that facilitated the consideration of particular reactions to technology use in World War 1, and nihilistic and anti-technological aspects of artistic works of various thinkers and artists between 1844 and 1989. Some theorists predicted that the artistic movement would seep into the 20th century with others arguing that it would evolve with time into high modernism or late modernism. Post-modernism was a departure from modernism and rejected the basic assumptions made by modernists.

The article gives examples of music artists such as Russel who did not attempt to sell fake rap to the target market just to make a profit out of them. The music career of Simmons created a reputation for authenticity in real music. Simmons did not believe in having small dreams and visions. He pursued what he believed in with an inner conviction and was passionate about every project that he undertook. Russell wanted to leave a good legacy by demonstrating to his customers that he listened to their concerns and also stuck to his word. Russell had also been successful because he had the opportunity to develop a dynamic business venture in clothing and music. Russell was able to dedicate his skills and intelligence with the help of his friend Rick Rubin to become one of the most celebrated entrepreneurs in the industry today. Russell had a clear understanding of what the youth wanted from the onset of the business and thus stayed true to "keeping it real." Hip-hop was an underground genre at the time and thence Russell was able to deliver his message effectively to a wider audience.

Russell targeted the urban youth of different races such as the Asians, the Blacks, Hispanics and the White in his business venture. He attempted to appeal to this wide market with cultural congruency and keeping his side of the bargain to attract trust from his customers. Russell did not wish to target African-Americans like him but still wanted to appeal to a larger audience irrespective of race. Russell's target market was hip-hop culture that valued authenticity, excitement, style, comedians, and emotionally honest artists. Russell urban targeted a youthful audience in all his business endeavors. Through his Phat Farm Clothing line and the hand-selected artists, Russell was able to emulate the actual meaning of "real."

Applications have mass appeal and have become popular especially among the youth nowadays. Market research and surveys can be conducted including holding focus groups and obtaining relevant information on the kind of applications that are used by most urban youth. When thinking of a current event that involves social change and music, Kendrick Lamar came to mind. In 2018, Kendrick Lamar was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in Music for his album DAMN. which was the first artist outside of the classical and jazz genre. Pulitzer broad wrote that DAMN. is "...unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life." This moment in history provides recognition and validation of rap outside of states and cities like California, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. Lamar's success uplifts young rappers that these achievements are possible although historically there has not been someone with that type of artistry represented. Including, it showed that rap is more than what other people perceive it to be. In other cultural institutions, there has been recognition and acceptance of hip-hop/rap such as LL Cool J being acknowledged by the Kennedy Center Honors and Jay-Z being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The article involves acceptance of hip-hop in the Pulitzer Awards, which was previously dominated by Classical music genres and jazz genres. Kendrick Lamar is described in the article to influence change through his music, which is presented in the complexities of African-American culture. Kendrick Lamar's influence on changing the presentation of his music and talent has enabled him to acquire recognition from his artistry and activism of presenting rap music as a cohesive force of influencing changes. The article discusses how Kendrick has conquered the world on further exploration of the lives of African-Americans and the various norms practiced in society. The article describes Kendrick as a mirror of exposing the real events that occur within African-American daily struggles and their subsequent practices. He is also described in the article to be among the first activists of ensuring acceptance of hip-hop from reigning institutions concerned with cultural dynamics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the author of the article, Michel Cooper uses the case study of a renowned violinist to describe the external influence of American music that is causing the fading away of popular American music cultures. The appointment of Gilbert by the Philharmonic was a transition away from the conventional orchestra as represented by his predecessors Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, and Lorin Maazel. He was a firebrand in the industry and attempted to uphold the classical ways of doing modern music despite the infiltration by external styles leading to his giving up and the fading up of the proverbial fire. The orchestra was thus compelled to announce the end of his tenure in February 2015 as the music director of New York Philharmonics.

References

Gilbert, A. (2017, May 31). Alan Gilbert Wanted to Save the New York Philharmonic. What Happened? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/31/arts/music/alan-gilbert-wanted-to-save-the-new-york-philharmonic-what-happened.html

Stillman, R. J., (2009). Public Administration: Concepts and Cases. 9th Edition. Cengage Learning