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.

Is a successful performance more important to the audience than an authentic one?

With this I would think that the answer lies in what kind of taste the audience as a whole has for music. I would think that the need for authenticity in a performance is trumped by that of the success of the performance. Whether or not a performance is authentic, if it was not successful, the audience will not like it as much as they would if it had been successful. So the conclusion would be that a successful performance is more important to the audience than being authentic.

Is it possible to have an “authentic” musical performance?

I suppose the answer to this would depend on your definition of authentic. A Google search gives five examples of definitions: 

1. of undisputed origin; genuine

2. made or done in the traditional or original way or in a way that faithfully resembles an original

3. based on facts; accurate or reliable

4. (in existentialist philosophy) relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life

5. (of a church mode) compromising the notes lying between the principle note or final and the note an octave higher

So then based on this, the performance should be genuine, traditional, original, and, accurate. If these are the criteria, then I would say that it is possible to come close if you base it on the performance. All of these words could be used to describe a performance, making it authentic by this collaboration of definitions. Using the instruments; how they look, sound, and are played, may give you a different answer. The instruments could look authentic, genuine and, accurate, but may not be made of the same materials as the original and traditional ones. Does that hinder the performance's authenticity? What if they don't sound the same? Then again, I'm sure that if a musician is going for an authentic performance that they would get authentic instruments; ones made of the traditional materials. If the instruments did not sound the same, then I would certainly not call the performance authentic because sound is the most important part of the musical experience. So in my opinion, as long as the performance looks and sounds authentic to the piece that is being played, it could be considered authentic.

Is a Chef an Artist?

Creating the perfect dish is similar to painting a masterpiece. For the painting, the colors of paint would be mixed together until the artist creates the right shade. Similar in food, a chef would blend the spices together to create the perfect taste. In the end both creating a painting and a dish of food would be an experience for those who are to view or consume it, the only difference is that the food can only be experienced in such a way once. The chef's art cannot be preserved in same way that the painter's is, however both are capable of leaving a lasting impression on the mind of the one experiencing it. The placement of the food on the plate for some chefs can take on an artistic arrangement; where each food item or sauce is placed intentionally to create a dish that is not only pleasing to the taste buds, but also to the eye. I would say chefs that take the time to get everything visually and tastefully perfect are indeed artists.

Can Food Cause an Emotional Reaction?

My assumption is that the response most people would give is, no. I mean its only food right? I wouldn't say that food can cause the same type of emotional reaction that a painting or seeing a missed loved one might, but I will say that food can cause an emotional reaction. I have personally seen food bring out emotions. It was a simple BLT sandwich, but it brought out the most complex emotions. He had never had a BLT before, he grew up on microwaveable dinners and fast food. That first bite of BLT; with fresh lettuce, garden fresh tomatoes, and warm sizzling bacon, was very overwhelming for him. His senses were experiencing things they had never experienced before. He set down the sandwich after that bite and started to cry. It was the best thing he had ever eaten. So in my opinion, food can cause an emotional reaction, if it creates a new all around experience.