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Rodney Dangerfields of the Arts
Occasionally, I find myself being introduced to an artist (or some other arts professional with refined sensibilities). My introducer will almost invariably mention my arts marketing work. The reactions, while usually polite, range from the occasional arched eyebrow to a fleeting, disapproving expression usually observed on the face of someone who whiffs covert flatulence.
I always wonder why, in God's name, while we are living lives of quiet desperation trying to build audiences for our artists and organizations with little luck and less money, we are the Rodney Dangerfields of our sector? This morning, my question was answered.
I'd forgotten that in the marketing racket, there is little or nothing we won't try when it comes to building appreciation for the arts. Okay, okay....we bring it on ourselves.
Several days ago, in what I guessed might be a ridiculous & fanciful question, I entitled my blog entry of the day: Will Mozart Man Replace Mighty Mouse?
It would seem that the two have morphed into one. Mozart Mouse lives.
For $6.95, from SheetMusicPlus.com, you too can acquire this foolproof device to entice your family wunderkind into appreciating the stupendous musical genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Mozart Mouse & Beethoven Bear
Mozart Mouse is an adventurous toy mouse who explores the children's Music Room with Beethoven Bear and other toys from the playroom. He likes the piano's high sounds best, saying "I find them quite refreshing!" He is a quick learner who composes beautiful music and enjoys performing at concerts. The course centers on the adventures of Beethoven Bear! and Mozart Mouse! as they learn about music. The plush animals of the two characters are integral to making the course fun for young students. 5 inches tall.
If you prefer an animal from a later period, Beethoven Bear is also available. I assume that Mahler Moose, Bruckner Badger, and Puccini Platypus are in development.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us that "There is no new thing under the sun." I wonder what ruses were deployed in earlier ages to inspire passion for music or at least practice?
Was Monteverdi Mania an annual event during Mozart's early years? Thank goodness there were no tractor pulls or NASCAR in Saltzburg. I might have been blogging about a Salieri Seal this morning.
All humor aside, I really do appreciate all those things that people dream up to focus small minds on Mozart or Beethoven as opposed to Grand Theft Auto.
I must admit, this mouse-bear schtick makes me laugh. I'm ordering mine today.
Posted on March 14, 2006 06:27 AM | Permalink
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Comments
Great entry, Neill. This reminds me of a quote that I came across a couple days ago:
"How important are the visual arts in our society? I feel strongly that the visual arts are of vast and incalculable importance. Of course I could be prejudiced. I am a visual art."
by Kermit the Frog, muppet