ELIZABETH J.

DICKHUT
Beethoven and Yoga
(Music History III, Fall 2014)
assigning classical music the function of background music is a benevolent equivalent
to the toxic misperception that classical music is boring (Castillo, Beethoven Didnt
Write). This quote, from Patrick Castillo in his article Beethoven Didnt Write the Eroica
Symphony For Your Yoga Class criticizes an article by Sheila Regan called "Ten Times When
Classical Music Can Help You Relax. His main problem seems to be with the words relaxing
and boring being seen as synonymous. While this might not necessarily be the intent of
Regans article, it is a valid critique that needs to be discussed. Due to the unique situation of
classical music within the context of history, it is quite possible that there is music that makes for
good background noise. However, situating the entire genre under this context is a grave
mistake, which might be the main focus of Castillos critique. Musical works and composers
should be analyzed individually in order to understand the intent behind the pieces and their
purposes.
Castillo writes: We need the advocates of our art form to grab us by the collar, excitedly,
urgently, You've GOT to hear this-ly not with the meek suggestion that perhaps one might
enjoy some wallpaper Mozart while putting the dishes away (Beethoven Didnt Write).
When writing like this, Castillo negates his own claim by sounding like a music fanatic. The
ordinary person wont just sit down and listen to Wagners Ring cycle for 19 hours straight. Even
breaking up the music into three separate performances is still too much to take in. With the
current development of modern culture, exposing listeners to bits of music periodically is critical
in seducing them completely to a greater understanding and appreciation. In the past, especially

in the Romantic Era, there was a better appreciation for art and beauty. With the distractions of
technology and sports, as well as the exploding genre of entertainment, music has been softly, yet
firmly, brushed away. So while Castillo makes a number of valid arguments about the purpose of
music, he doesnt necessarily take into consideration the modern culture and audience.
That being said, Castillo makes a critical distinction between boring and relaxing.
When connecting classical music with relaxation, like Regans article, a dangerous association
can be made by an innocent bystander. Once again, since the modern audience is quite different
than listeners of the Romantic Era, he or she can make common, uninformed mistakes when
listening to music. If its soft and slow its relaxing, if its fast and loud its exercising music.
Even trained musicians make those assumptions, but those thoughts are usually only detrimental
with impressionable, unknowledgeable audiences. Therefore, understanding the context and
purpose of music is important in order to avoid common stereotypes or generalizations. While
Beethovens symphonies, like Eroica, have many fast and slow parts, there are overarching
themes, historical connotations, and important political connections that can be heard within the
music, even though its instrumental. In understanding these subtle messages, music is
transformed from being slow and boring to slow and a dramatic, emotional portrayal of inner
conflict.
Besides understanding the overt musical themes, Castillo ignores a key message of
Regans article. While basic, does make an effort to give the non-musician potentially avenues to
situate classical music in his or her life. Exposure to classical music will then allow for the
potential transcendence to understanding. This is critical because the real purpose of classical
music is to preserve the history and culture of a now-deceased race of people that will, most
likely, never be reborn or replicated. Music can be a peek into the past, but more importantly it is

the key in understanding our own genesis and development as musicians and a society. While
this may seem like a very dry and historic interpretation, emotional responses to music vary
dramatically, hence why Castillo and Regan have such different opinions. Regan listens to opera,
like La Boheme, and thinks of relaxing while cooking. Castillo would reject that interpretation
and fight to preserve the pure beauty and authenticity of the music. Therefore, in understanding
the historical context, the appreciation of past audiences, and previous societal values, both could
potentially come to an understanding of the purpose of classical music.
So yes, maybe Beethoven could enrich someones experience at yoga. Or maybe Wagner
and Carl Maria von Weber might be used at Halloween to scare small children. While Castillo
might throw a fit, it is important to situate classical music in a modern setting. However,
understanding the original context and meaning behind the music unites the past with the present
for a better understanding of then, but more importantly, now. A synthesis of Castillo and Regan
might give classical music a higher place in modern society and a better appreciation for its real
meaning: a gateway to understanding.

Works Cited

Castillo, Patrick. Beethoven Didnt Write the Eroica Symphony For Your Yoga Class.
Minnesota Public Radio. Music for Living Opinion, 16 Sept. 2014. Web. 15 October
2014.