Music has always been a mirror of its era. It expressed emotions, ideas, and moods of its time, transforming under the influence of social, political, and technological changes. Today’s discussion between classical music enthusiasts and fans of modern genres seems to be not just a matter of taste, but a reflection of a deeper cultural dynamic. In Hungary, as in many other European countries, this contrast is particularly noticeable — classical music has strong historical roots here, while the modern scene is actively evolving.
What is considered classical and what is modern?
Before analyzing the differences in perception, it’s important to define the terms. “Classical” most often refers to academic music from the 18th–19th centuries — Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Mozart, Tchaikovsky. In the Hungarian context, it’s impossible not to mention Ferenc Liszt and Béla Bartók, whose works not only shaped the development of classical music but also reflected the national spirit.
Modern music is a much more blurred concept. It includes pop culture, electronic music, rap, indie, and even neoclassicism, which blends elements of the old and the new. The rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube has accelerated the evolution of musical tastes, making music more accessible but also less stable in terms of genre.
The influence of time on perception
Classical — the art of contemplation
For many, classical music remains a symbol of depth, harmony, and eternal value. It requires time, attention, and a certain level of preparation from the listener. Listening to a symphony or an opera is like reading a novel: you can’t just “skip to the chorus” like in a pop song. This is especially true in Hungary, where traditions of classical music performance are supported at the state level — for example, in the Hungarian State Opera House or the Liszt Academy.
Classical music developed in an era when music was not only entertainment but also a means of intellectual self-expression. Today, many young people perceive it as “too complicated” or “outdated,” though its complexity is precisely what gives it power.
Modernity — the rhythm of immediacy
Modern music lives by the laws of speed. Short formats, catchy melodies, rhythms that grab attention immediately — all of this is designed for quick consumption. Platforms like TikTok set their own rules: a track must capture the listener in the first five seconds, or it will simply be skipped. This has created an entire industry of songs that live for a couple of months at most.
However, modernity should not be viewed only negatively. Musical technology has allowed anyone with a laptop to become a composer, expanded the boundaries of self-expression, and given a voice to those who were previously off-stage. Hip-hop, electronic music, and folk fusion are uncovering new layers of culture, including Hungarian.
The meeting point: a new sound for the classics
A fascinating phenomenon of recent years is the emergence of neoclassicism and crossovers. Composers like Ludovico Einaudi or Max Richter combine academic forms with electronic sounds, making music more accessible to a new generation. In Hungary, similar trends can be observed among young pianists and chamber ensembles who experiment with performance formats — playing Bartók in clubs, using visualizations, including elements of improvisation.
This also includes the success of projects like Vitamin String Quartet or 2Cellos, who adapt rock and pop music to classical instrumental sound. This works both ways: classical music gets closer to the listener, and modernity borrows depth from it.
Why is perception changing?
The reasons behind changing perceptions of music are complex. It’s the influence of technology, the acceleration of life’s pace, and the transformation of educational models. Where once music education was part of general cultural upbringing, today it has become optional. Teenagers raised with gadgets don’t have a steady habit of listening to long, complex musical forms — and this is not their fault; it’s a reflection of the times.
Additionally, the status of music itself has shifted. It has stopped being a special event and has become a background — in stores, films, during workouts. This changes the way we perceive it: people analyze music less and “consume” it more.
The future of music lies in synthesis
The opposition of classical and modern music is, to a large extent, artificial. The history of music has always been a history of borrowing, transformation, and dialogue between eras. Bartók’s music, after all, is also a synthesis of folklore and academic tradition. Modern genres continue this path, albeit with different tools.
For Hungarian musical culture, it is especially important to maintain balance. On one hand — to support national traditions, music education, and the performance of great works. On the other — to open up to the new, not reject electronic and pop scenes as “second-rate.” Because it is in the freedom of musical choice that the cultural wealth of a nation lies.