When Classical Music Was an Alibi

In a recent article for The Atlantic, Amanda Petrusich tells the story of how classical music became the soundtrack for American cities.

Classical music as an alibi

Classical music has long been used as an alibi by the upper class. It provides a sense of refinement and sophistication, something that can be used to distract from less savory activities. For instance, classical music was used as an alibi by the Nazis.

The use of classical music to signify status

For centuries, classical music has been associated with refinement and a certain level of sophistication. It’s no wonder, then, that the genre has often been used as a status symbol.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, classical music was commonly used as an alibi by the upper class. If someone was caught doing something they shouldn’t have been doing, they could simply claim that they were listening to classical music and their behavior was a result of being moved by the music.

This use of classical music as an alibi came to an end in the mid-20th century, when the genre became more democratized and accessible to people from all walks of life. Today, classical music is no longer exclusive to the upper class and is enjoyed by people from all social backgrounds.

The use of classical music to create an air of sophistication

The use of classical music to create an air of sophistication is nothing new. It has been used in everything from high-end fashion shows to retail stores and evenelementary schools.

There are two main ways that classical music can be used as an alibi. The first is by playing it in the background, often at a low volume. This creates an atmosphere of refinement and can make even the most mundane tasks seem more important.

The second way is to use it more overtly, as a sort of soundtrack for whatever activities are taking place. This can be effective in creating a sense of drama or excitement, as well as making the activity seem more important than it might otherwise be.

Of course, not everyone is a fan of classical music. For some, it is simply too boring or pretentious. Others find it relaxing and appreciate its beauty. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to use classical music as an alibi.

The decline of classical music’s use as an alibi

Classical music has long been used as an alibi by those in positions of power. It is a way of signalling refinement and good taste, of indicating that one is cultured and sophisticated. But in recent years, classical music’s role as an alibi has begun to decline.

The rise of other genres of music

In recent years, classical music has lost its place as the go-to alibi for people who want to appear cultured and sophisticated. In the past, people would often use classical music as a way to demonstrate their highbrow taste, but today other genres of music are more commonly used for this purpose.

There are a number of reasons for this shift. First, classical music has become less popular in general, so it’s no longer seen as a sign of good taste. Second, other genres of music, such as jazz and world music, have become more mainstream and are now seen as equally valid forms of highbrow culture. Finally, the use of classical music as an alibi has become a cliche, so people are looking for something new to signal their sophistication.

Whether you like classical music or not, there’s no denying that its decline as an alibi is an interesting trend worth keeping an eye on.

The changing tastes of the general public

The public’s taste in music has changed dramatically over the past few decades, and classical music is no longer as popular as it once was. This is reflected in the declining sales of classical music recordings and the decreasing number of people who go to see classical music concerts. There are several reasons for this change in taste, including the increasing popularity of other genres of music, the declining popularity of formal concerts, and the changing demographics of the classical music audience.

The resurgence of classical music as an alibi

Classical music has always had an air of sophistication and elitism about it. It was the music of the educated and wealthy, and it was used to show off one’s status. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of classical music as an alibi. It is no longer just the music of the upper class; it is now the music of the masses.

The use of classical music in advertising

The use of classical music in advertising is not a new phenomenon. In the early days of radio and television, classical music was often used as background music or to convey a certain image or atmosphere. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence of classical music in advertising, with many companies using it to convey a luxurious, high-end image.

One of the most famous examples of this is the advert for Chanel No. 5 perfume, which features an excerpt from Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Other examples include ads for Lexus cars, which often feature classical music, and ads for financial services companies such as Goldman Sachs, which have used classical music to convey trust and stability.

There are a number of reasons why classical music is being used more frequently in advertising. Firstly, it is seen as being more sophisticated and upmarket than other genres of music. Secondly, it can be used to create a sense of luxury and opulence. And finally, it can be used to convey trust and status.

With the increasing global competition in luxury goods and services, we can expect to see more companies using classical music in their advertising in order to stand out from the crowd.

The use of classical music in film

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use of classical music in film. Whether it’s used to add an air of sophistication or to provide an alibi for criminal behavior, classical music has proven to be a versatile tool for filmmakers.

One of the most notable examples of classical music being used as an alibi is in the film “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. In the scene where Ripley (played by Matt Damon) murders his friend Dickie (Jude Law), he does so while listening to Puccini’s opera “Madama Butterfly”. The choice of music is significant, because it allows Ripley to distance himself emotionally from the act of killing. By choosing to listen to opera, Ripley is effectively using classical music as an alibi for his crime.

Another film that features classical music being used as an alibi is “The Lives of Others”. In this film, a East German secret police officer listens in on the private conversations of citizens suspected of subversion. He does so while sitting in a soundproof room, and the only thing that keep him sane is listening to classical music on headphones. The classical music provides him with an emotional respite from the dark world he inhabits.

So why do filmmakers continue to use classical music as an alibi? Part of it has to do with the fact that classical music can be used to convey a wide range of emotions. It can be used to add an air of sophistication or beauty, or it can be used to create a sense of tension or foreboding. Regardless of how it’s used, classical music has a way of adding depth and nuance to any scene.