Classical Hoedowns

I always find it odd when people make classical music versions of folk songs. They are a complete conflict of culture. Folk music, like American hoedowns, are designed to create energy. People are meant to get up and dance around, sing and shout, have a good time all around. Classical music is meant to be listened to in absolute silence until the very end, at which point we may clap our hands.

That said, I have nothing against orchestral variations of folk music itself. It is the culture clash I take issue with. If you are going to do music that invigorates people, then you should encourage them to make use of that energy you inspire. You should make an entire concert that does that instead of playing one song that is and a dozen pieces that are not.

In general terms, all adaptations should still fit the source material. For example, if you were to make a modern-day or science fiction version of The Diary of Anne Frank, it is still a tragic and depressing story. If you ever tried to spin it into a comedy, it would either be a thorough bastardization of the story (like a Disney ending) or it would be the most dark, twisted, black comedy imaginable.

If you are told that somebody is playing a hoedown, you should be expected to dance. If you are going to see The Diary of Anne Frank, you should expect to cry. Adaptation is fine and dandy, but it has to be true to the source material, both in relevance and in spirit.