Feature: Opinion - How Much Is Our Fault?

Let me begin by saying: Please don't misunderstand-these men are 100% responsible for their actions.

Our society is currently in upheaval as men in positions of power are being unceremoniously thrown from grace-rightfully. Their actions are deplorable and those responsible must be taken to task. Though, the more I thought on these power-drunk men, it made me wonder-how did we get here? How is there a system in place that supports, lauds, and even protects them? And then I realized-it's because of us. We fostered it and allowed it to thrive. We have perpetuated the demigod system for centuries, and by allowing these conductors, coaches, star performers and composers to be treated in a way that defies human fallibility, we are allowing them to live above the law. And, yes, we are a part of that system. We are a part of it because we have ushered it into the 21st century-and it's time we take a stand against it.

No longer can the days of the almighty maestro reign supreme-not when this is what comes of it. Should they be respected? Without a doubt. Should their opinions be held in the highest regard? I wouldn't suggest anything less. But, to allow them to operate outside the realm of morals and decency, outside the confines of the social structure, we cannot. We mustn't stand by and create a container of ignorance so as to protect their fragile egos and monstrous talent, because that's what has been happening. And to imagine that this behavior is only coming from those conductors in the headlines is ignorant. It's as rampant in our community as it is in Hollywood-but our biggest issue is that our history goes deeper.

Our lauded treatment of these brilliant individuals began in the early 19th century. Before this, the role of the dedicated conductor was less prominent and the effort was usually shared amongst ensemble members, depending on the structure of the piece. But as the 19th century progressed, so began the meteoric rise of the conductor-many of whom were also composers. In fact, composer Richard Wagner wrote extensively on the role of the conductor, asserting that their position should no longer merely ensure proper entrances and general ensemble cohesiveness, but they, instead, should infuse their opinions and views on the shape and direction of the performance-thus turning over complete control to the conductor. Power shifted in the 1970s when stage directors began taking the forefront, but the conductor was never rendered useless, and the two have been battling it out ever since-often times striking a balance, and often times finding themselves in pissing matches between downbeats. But even before the praise and obsession with the almighty conductor and stage director, composers served as rock stars of the 18th century, lauded and employed by royalty.

Classical music has always prescribed to a hierarchical hero-worship, but it's now being exposed for the flawed, dangerous system it is. Are we alone? No. The same thing is happening all over our country-but we have the power to change our art form and save it from its history. We have to adjust our approach so that conductors are no longer permitted to harass ensemble members on their way into rehearsal, coaches are no longer allowed to lean in for a kiss at the end of a session-or, worse yet, open the door half-naked-and star performers should no longer be allowed to press themselves against their younger counterparts in an attempt to assert their sexual prowess. It has to stop. The paralyzing fear, the forced trust imbued with blind-abandon, and demigod level hero-worship must come to an end. We can stop this. We have to stop this. No longer is it ok to perpetuate an idea from the 17 and 1800s-we have to learn to respect and honor talent and power without bowing and kowtowing because of old-world tradition. We've tried it the old way-and we've failed.

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