tedmaul

On that basis then, if i write a piece that has more 'complexity' than Mozart that makes it 'better' does it? Or if i write a piece using computer sound synthesis to create an aural impression that has probably never been heard before, it's instantly more 'original' than Beethoven (who sounded quite similar to plenty of other composers of that era), and therefore is 'better'? And where do you even start with judging things based on their level of 'sophisitication'? None of these ideas work. You can't provide 'objective' criteria to judge art, it's simply impossible as everything you experience as an individual is just that - your subjective experience. Now people can get together and agree on things along the same lines, based on their own subjective experiences. But that doesn't make it any more factual or 'objective'. It's all just conjecture. All you're left with is a load of opinions. And a lot of people don't like that idea, because it takes away their little crutch that the music they like or the music they write has something inherent to it that makes it superior to stuff other folks like. But just because the idea makes some people uncomfortable and takes away their comfort zone doesn't make it any less true.

So who decides which music is 'quality' and which isn't? And by what objective criteria?

Hey, Thought it was about time i actually posted something on here, so by way of an introduction thought i might put up a bit of my geetar playing: CLICKY: Vai - For The Love of God Frank Zappa - Echidna's Arf Of You Couple of wee mistakes in there, but what the hell....:P Anyway, i attempt to be a guitarist and composer. Have been playing guitar for about 18 years now, on and off, though i don't practice anywhere near as much as i should these days. I also write 'serious' (:whistling:) music too, having majored in orchestral comp at uni, though i've been sorely lacking in my output subsequently. Just recently got my home studio up and running however and have been working away to get some of my pieces in a listenable state. So hopefully should be able to put them up in the compositions section in the near future. Anyway, er, that's all folks....