Why we need Classical Music | Rowan James Curtis | TEDxSurreyUniversity

Classical music has been pushed over the edge of what's cool for far too long. In this talk - with clips from some of the greatest composers in history - Rowan explains why all of us need classical music and why the world of Classical music is a bit like Game of Thrones.

Rowan spends his nine-to-fives trying not to blow himself up in a particle accelerator (Diamond Light Source, Oxfordshire). When he's not doing physics, he likes to read, write stories (set in weird places like coral reefs) and do all things musical.
His musical endeavours include gigging and recording in multiple rock bands, playing various instruments (some normal, some very strange) and singing for the University of Surrey Big Band.
He grew up in Southampton and is a lifelong supporter of Saints FC.

[jamien.]

Yes!! I’m 15 and I totally feel the same! There needs to be more recognition for classical music among young people

[projectjayme]

Currently at a cafe, writing a piece titled “Why Classical Music is Revolutionary”. I feel the exact same way. I’ve loved it since I was in my early teens, I’m now only 22. Still, the only young person attending these concerts! I love it! Beautiful speech.

[lucywyndhamread]

Absolutely fantastic and Rowan is a breath of fresh air and an incredible speaker.

[ErraticRock]

Very good talk, but pity about the poor quality of the music played, so loud it was distorted.

[ursulageorgeson]

Maybe the reason Classical ideals are associated with older people is that as one ages we tend to respect endurance and find lasting quality more appealing than attempting to be avant garde.

[romanvoropaevmusic]

Love Classical Music? I'm a composer and make this kind of music too! :)

[dariuschan]

OH WOW. I did not expect shosty's pc 2 to show up here. As a 15 yr old this is possibly one of my favourite pieces of all time, and i wouldnt mind listening to the 2nd movement for the last 7 minutes before i die. The interwoven mix of hope from the piano and despair from the orchestra, blending into this melancholic feeling of acceptance at the end is jus so profound and evocative

[henriwila]

This Video has just made me so happy. I always felt bad, because classical music is my passion and everybody (especially at my age of 16) just looks down on it. That hurts a lot. And I think it's cool if someone just doesn't like classical music. But I believe there are too many people with false assumptions and a false image of the genre on their mind so they do not even really try listening to it. There should be more talks like this.

[apocraphontripp]

Ive always thought... If we cant go out in space physicality we could always send out our soul...in the form of our greatest composers. All they need to know about us is there. A serande to whoever is out there. Imagine being an alien scientist and recieving moonlight sonata. Can you imagine Alien musicians marveling in the precision of Mozart, the surprises of Beethoven the passion of Tchovsky. I think the first signal well get is also their music. Its the perfect message.

[chuckmccroskey]

I was into rock music and in 1972 Jethro Tull moved me to study classical guitar because of a Bach Bouree that Ian Anderson played on the flute. Now, I have played in plenty of rock bands, but today at 67 I still play Bach for 20 minutes daily on my classical guitar. I studied seriously for well over 20 years and still cannot get passed my obsession with classical guitar. I pick it up and play daily.

[applepeel]

The last one just made something click inside me and I felt things I've never felt before

[elevatingnyc]

Hey guys. So, I'm 11 years old. I was introduced to classical music, well, more of it at least, when I started off my piano lessons right? I just realized that classical music is my most favorite genre ever. I just formed this deep connection with the genre, and I'm glad of it. I feel like i was born to love it. I

[matheus]

So good! I’ve never seen classical music this way. And is fascinating to see a young person with that sensibility for music. Thanks a lot!

[basilelton]

I’m a classical music fan, not my only musical taste of course, and I loved you Spotify selection, ¡enhorabuena!

[richardharris]

It's such a shame that the audio quality is so bad. I fear the quality of the music won't be apparent to some viewers. An excellent talk, by the way.

[wacoglee]

Thanks for the playlist. That is smart thinking, Rowan! Great talk at a perfect time for me. I am really trying to increase my knowledge (more importantly, my appreciation) of classical music.

[pd]

Am a big Uk/European heavy metal fan, also a a classical fan...so how...the heavy metal scene has a story to play to, the classical has a story to be made. Love your vid, hope more youngsters relate

[DreamlessSleepwalker]

The bass boosted Elgar made me start laughing.

[alariaaurora]

Im so glad that i listened to classic music when i was 15

[LinhNguyen-dibz]

Sibelius composed his Violin concerto in 1905, when he was only 40, not in his 60s. He continued to write many more pieces after that.