Myth: Classical Music is Old-Fashioned and Irrelevant

A common misconception is that classical music is outdated and has no relevance in modern music culture.

Classical music is far from irrelevant. It remains a vital and influential genre that continues to shape contemporary music. Many modern genres, including jazz, rock, and even hip-hop, have drawn from classical traditions, and composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart still influence composers and musicians today. Classical music has also evolved to stay relevant in modern society, with contemporary classical composers pushing boundaries and exploring new soundscapes. Music festivals, such as the BBC Proms and the Salzburg Festival, demonstrate that classical music still draws large audiences, and orchestras around the world continue to perform classic compositions as well as new works. Furthermore, film scores by composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer owe much of their structure and emotional depth to classical music traditions. Modern artists like Max Richter and Ólafur Arnalds are blending classical with electronic music, showing that classical principles can still produce innovative and relevant sounds. Classical music is timeless and continues to influence new generations of musicians and listeners alike.