How have the values on which music is based changed?

When I say values, I think I mean inspiration and based on this I would most certainly say that the outside influences on the composer or musician have changed. In my opinion, there is no way to say that they haven't changed--society has changed. Music is influenced by the interests of the society around the composer or musician. To appeal to the masses, you have to know what they find appealing. In classical times, society was more conservative, and seemingly less complex; the music was there as art. It was to be listened to in a performance space, as well as background to social gatherings. The music of the time created the complexity to balance out the slightly more simple way of life. Today's music is less complex in arrangement, but the society is more complex, and in many ways less conservative. Music today is still considered an art form, but isn't meant to just be listened to, it engages people; makes people want to dance along in whatever way the music makes them feel. Whereas the dances created for classical music were studied, practiced, and perfected; an art form in themselves to further enhance the art of the music. The subjects that hold the audience have changed, so of course the values and inspiration of the music created for the audience have changed.

How does classical music compare to contemporary music?

Classical music is seen as more complex than contemporary or music. There are rises and falls, melody and harmony, and tone in classical music that isn't always heard in contemporary music. Contemporary music is based on the beat; it seems that if a song today has a great beat, it becomes popular. In the eyes of Roger Scruton, the music of today is lacking in substance, childish, and primitive. When he speaks of the music, he is also talking about the dances that are associated with it. Those he associates with classical music are ballroom dances like, the foxtrot and waltz; both dances taking hours of practice to perfect. Whereas with contemporary music, people move however they want, there is no need for practice or perfection. In Scruton's opinion, the music of today has lost the value of music as an art form, concluding that classical music as a whole is more valuable and complex than the music as a whole of today.