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FWIW, I think BadOrange does have a point, that classical music does have a problem with its image. Sandow's written about it at length, and Wang is certainly not the first to wear something provocative.
But finding an image that helps classical music feel authentic and relevant to a modern audience doesn't mean buying into the reality TV lowest common denominator high school pushup bra lady gaga in-your-face mentality that pervades the media.
Missy Elliot and Crystal Bowersox don't have to play into the oversexed image hype machine to capture modern audiences. They just wear something that connects them with their audience on a level consistent with what they're trying to say. I think classical musicians should do exactly that. If Yuja Wang wants to wear something that captures the sensual side of the Rachmaninoff concerto, then she absolutely should.
"If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him." (John Holt)
I wouldn't go see her because she was dressed like that.
I wouldn't not go see her because she was dressed like that.
If I were at a recital and the soloist walked out dressed like that, I might be somewhat surprised but I'd sit back and see what they had to say musically.
If they played a good to great recital the way they were dressed wouldn't matter at all.
If they played a mediocre to poor recital I'd think they dressed the way they did because they didn't have the chops to attract an audience otherwise.
I'd have to say that I agree with this the most. Yuja Wang is definitely in the 4th category though..IMO.
Working on: Chopin - Nocturne op. 48 no.1 Debussy - Images Book II
Why are people focusing on that instead of how she plays?
So it's okay for a 10 year old girl to be dressed up like I don't know what for a Vogue photoshoot, but it's not okay for someone to wear a short dress to play a recital? People are so uptight............ I can understand if she sucked, but she's a good pianist, ffs...
In fact I 'm never going to listen to her anymore, period, because she has ceased been a pianist and has become a tramp. Let her dress like a lady, and she will get my attention, but wearing like a cheap hooker is out of a question for me.
You say that this dress shouldn’t matter, and I say it makes All the difference. She has just demonstrated to us what kind of a person she is. Moral people dont dress like that, and yes morality is a huge deal in the overall character and personality of an artist. It makes all the difference.
Why are people focusing on that instead of how she plays?
Because the choice of dress invites that focus.
Would you play the Liszt sonata on stage with a laser light show and a smoke machine? NO. Because it would distract from *the sonata.*
It's not the length of the dress that's the issue, it's the distraction factor.
"If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him." (John Holt)
I wouldn't go see her because she was dressed like that.
I wouldn't not go see her because she was dressed like that.
If I were at a recital and the soloist walked out dressed like that, I might be somewhat surprised but I'd sit back and see what they had to say musically.
If they played a good to great recital the way they were dressed wouldn't matter at all.
If they played a mediocre to poor recital I'd think they dressed the way they did because they didn't have the chops to attract an audience otherwise.
+1
and personally, I'd never wear anything like that.
I wouldn't either. Somehow I don't think it would look very good on me.
I don't find the dress inappropriate at all. In comparison to other dresses worn in other musical fields this is nothing. I think some people are just a bit more old fashioned or used to a specific type of attire. This is definitely a more daring dress for a classical musician, but it is hardly anything bad compared to what other stars in other fields wear. I think people should let loose a little bit more. Also, the dress looks nice in my opinion. I think she wore it cause it looked nice not to attract negative attention.
P.S. to people who says she looks like a tramp or dresses like one probably haven't met or really seen them and the way they dress. Once again, what yuja wears is nothing compared to that.
I don't find the dress inappropriate at all. In comparison to other dresses worn in other musical fields this is nothing. I think some people are just a bit more old fashioned or used to a specific type of attire. This is definitely a more daring dress for a classical musician, but it is hardly anything bad compared to what other stars in other fields wear. I think people should let loose a little bit more. Also, the dress looks nice in my opinion. I think she wore it cause it looked nice not to attract negative attention.
Like a bathing suit, showing most of her body, just hang up a purse and she's a walking tramp, I can't even begin to think how in the world you dont find her dress inappropriate? what's inappropriate then according to your standards?
Total nudity?
What she did was not innocent...
She demonstrated to all that there is nothing wrong with it, and it showed her world outlook and her extreme liberal views, she walked and dressed her 'religion', beliefs and attitudes and viewpoints, a picture says a thousand words, and she has demonstrated in the clearest of terms where her mind and thoughts and beliefs are, and they stand in complete opposition to how I want the world to look. I want more modesty, a more humble spirit, more refined character, and restraint, not the celebration of the human body and the physical but just the opposite, placing the spiritual above the physical...
Don't be naive, these are all messages communicated by those who try to 'wear' their views, ideas, and beliefs...
Why are people focusing on that instead of how she plays?
So it's okay for a 10 year old girl to be dressed up like I don't know what for a Vogue photoshoot, but it's not okay for someone to wear a short dress to play a recital? People are so uptight............ I can understand if she sucked, but she's a good pianist, ffs... AND she's not a child, she's an adult.
Mea culpa.. Mea massima culpa.. Can I take the thread back??!!! or may I please ask the ultra-high moral ground folks to express their opinion once or thrice but not more!!!! And Saul, while the world is in process of changing into the world you want, could you perhaps consider complying with the restraint that you so desire.. You are flirting with racism, bigotry and intolerance, IMHO.
Why are people focusing on that instead of how she plays?
Because the choice of dress invites that focus.
Would you play the Liszt sonata on stage with a laser light show and a smoke machine? NO. Because it would distract from *the sonata.*
It's not the length of the dress that's the issue, it's the distraction factor.
When Thomas Quasthoff sings, isn't the audience very conscious about his physical appearance but does that take AWAY focus from the music? (People are going to be aghast at the analogy but do stop and think non-emotionally about the parallel).
If one cannot focus on the music when a girl wearing a short dress plays the piano, that's the person's problem.. not the girl's. That's what you choose to focus on and that's your problem and your problem alone.
And Saul, while the world is in process of changing into the world you want, could you perhaps consider complying with the restraint that you so desire.. You are flirting with racism, bigotry and intolerance, IMHO.
Yuja is a beautiful person and a near genius pianist. Her technique is mind blowing, her personality is youthful, cute and humorous, and she has a great future ahead of her. I just feel she cheapens herself by dressing that way. She doesn't need to, and I think perhaps when she gets old and wise, she'll be a bit embarrassed over her dresses from her younger days.
Why are people focusing on that instead of how she plays?
So it's okay for a 10 year old girl to be dressed up like I don't know what for a Vogue photoshoot, but it's not okay for someone to wear a short dress to play a recital? People are so uptight............ I can understand if she sucked, but she's a good pianist, ffs... AND she's not a child, she's an adult.
I agree with you 100%. We're probably the only two posters here who are female and around Miss Wang's age. It's pretty interesting that we feel the same way. :P
Really? You wouldn't catch me dead in that dress. I have more self respect than that to go dress myself up like a common [censored] when I perform (not that my parents would let me anyway). To dress tastefully when you perform is to show respect for your teachers, the audience, the music, yourself, the orchestra, etc...
I wouldn't have worn it when I was 14 either. Wearing it doesn't mean that you don't have self-respect though. Everyone has different levels of comfort. People in certain religions and/or cultures would consider what you wear to be indecent because you're showing your face and your hair. People in different times would view your bared ankles as scandalous.
Sadly, I know many 14-year-olds who do dress that way....
I don't find the dress inappropriate at all. In comparison to other dresses worn in other musical fields this is nothing. I think some people are just a bit more old fashioned or used to a specific type of attire. This is definitely a more daring dress for a classical musician, but it is hardly anything bad compared to what other stars in other fields wear. I think people should let loose a little bit more. Also, the dress looks nice in my opinion. I think she wore it cause it looked nice not to attract negative attention.
Like a bathing suit, showing most of her body, just hang up a purse and she's a walking tramp, I can't even begin to think how in the world you dont find her dress inappropriate? what's inappropriate then according to your standards?
Total nudity?
What she did was not innocent...
She demonstrated to all that there is nothing wrong with it, and it showed her world outlook and her extreme liberal views, she walked and dressed her 'religion', beliefs and attitudes and viewpoints, a picture says a thousand words, and she has demonstrated in the clearest of terms where her mind and thoughts and beliefs are, and they stand in complete opposition to how I want the world to look. I want more modesty, a more humble spirit, more refined character, and restraint, not the celebration of the human body and the physical but just the opposite, placing the spiritual above the physical...
Don't be naive, these are all messages communicated by those who try to 'wear' their views, ideas, and beliefs...
Go watch an interview with her - she'd totally be the kind of person to say "wow what a gorgeous dress!!" and then put it on and perform with it. Seriously, I don't think she's out to woo audiences with her looks if that's what you're thinking.
And if you're going to judge her music playing based on her concert attire...well turn up the music and listen without watching - if you didn't like her playing in the first place then why listen? But if you take a listen, then maybe what she's communicating with convince you that she's not some you-know-what that you hate so much.
Working on: Chopin - Nocturne op. 48 no.1 Debussy - Images Book II
An overall good pianist, wears in a modest way, shows us the music, connects us to it in a personal way. This is beauty, not some disgusting pop-like porn infested female denigrating mini skirt...No body wants to look at your legs when they came to the concert, you shoved it up their faces. If they wanted to look at hookers they could have gone to those places where hookers are found. You have shoved yourself onto them forcefully unsolicited, and that's offensive.
People came to listen to music, please let them listen and concentrate on it, and enjoy it. Put your ego aside, and let the people win, and let the music win, be humble and modest, that's how you'll win true fans... for showing your body like that will get you only the bad kind of fans, those who will care only about your legs and not about your fingers.
Mea culpa.. Mea massima culpa.. Can I take the thread back??!!! or may I please ask the ultra-high moral ground folks to express their opinion once or thrice but not more!!!! And Saul, while the world is in process of changing into the world you want, could you perhaps consider complying with the restraint that you so desire.. You are flirting with racism, bigotry and intolerance, IMHO.
I think the preferred Latin phrase in now "malum mihi".
very short.. however....out of naivete I wore a rather attractive red sweater and a black skirt for a 'performance'. I got so many compliments from the other musicians. I was so surprised to have commmitted such a faux pas... never wore red again.
I don't approve of her choice but I welcome innovation in nonconvention.
accompanist/organist.. a non-MTNA teacher to a few
An overall good pianist, wears in a modest way, shows us the music, connects us to it in a personal way. This is beauty, not some disgusting pop-like porn infested female denigrating mini skirt...No body wants to look at your legs when they came to the concert, you shoved it up their faces. If they wanted to look at hooker they could have gone to those places where hookers are found. You have shoved yourself onto them forcefully unsolicited, and that's offensive.
People came to listen to music, please let them listen and concentrate on it, and enjoy it. Put your ego aside, and let the people win, and let the music win, be humble and modest, that's how you'll win true fans... for showing your body like that will get you only the bad kind of fans, those who will care only about your legs and not about your fingers.
So wise up and become a lady...
....lets follow our own advice when it comes to these forums, 'kay? Your popularity is plummeting faster than when you first arrived here preaching religious intolerance...
You've expressed your views well enough - so lets stop now. Please.
Working on: Chopin - Nocturne op. 48 no.1 Debussy - Images Book II
