Fred stated to Gordon's question of "objectivity"> Attaining true
human objectivity is probably akin to attaining the speed of
light ... one can continually approach it yet never totally get there. But I
think there are some ideas, concepts, judgments, etc., that can come very
close to objectivity. In artistic terms, it is a nearly objective, nearly
universal, assessment that Joni (or Miles Davis, Beethoven, Shakespeare, what
have you) is a great artist. This has nothing to do with taste ... there are
many people for whom she is not their cup of tea.
Indeed, popularity, in and of itself, is a dangerous test of objective
artistic worth; millions of folks think The Beatles were great artists, and
in a nearly objective sense this is likely true, but millions also think that
Kenny G is a great artist, and in a nearly objective sense this is likely
false. In other words, there are criteria that can be used to measure the
excellence of craft, skill, inspiration, and invention in artistic endeavors,
criteria which can be taught and learned, either formally or informally.
There are reasons why the songs of Richard Rodgers are exceptional, reasons
which are revealed in the very nuts-and-bolts of his work, and reasons why
the songs of Andrew Lloyd Weber fail to meet these standards despite his
massive popularity.
Franklin> Really appreciated these contributions Fred. I couldn't
have said it better myself (the ultimate compliment?? LOL), but then
again, I don't have to: you already have... Well chosen examples to
make points also! Bravo
Franklin
NP Still groovin' on Grusin
- -Fred
