[MD] What's wrong with "schmaltz"?

[T-REXX Techs, Inc.]

The cathedral choir to which I belong has begun rehearsing a major work for
a Lenten concert in March.  It's the oratorio The Crucifixion, by Sir John
Stainer.  Stainer lived from 1840 to 1901 in Victorian England, where he
composed The Crucifixion in 1887.  The music is definitively characteristic
of late Romantic English music in being expressive and emotionally evocative
to the point of being judged "schmaltzy" by today's standards of musical
taste.  

             But I love this music!  Of course it's "schmaltzy"; so what?
What's wrong with "schmaltzy"??  (Yes, I also love Hallmark Christmas
movies, and I cry at chick flicks, and I write sentimental nostalgic poetry.
OK.  Satisfied?)  Why is it considered not quite "hip" to feel things deeply
and to enjoy experiences that are sweet and good and beautiful and to
respond to them with appropriate emotion?

             It seems to me that music and art of this period evokes
memories of simpler times, when humble and sincere piety was not culturally
unfashionable.  Why does contemporary culture regard such patterns of
quality with a certain smug disdain?  I really want to know.

             But should it be that I must choose to be "hip" or to continue
to feel deeply and passionately, "hip" can go hang!  :-)

Kind regards to all,

 

 

John L. McConnell

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