Writers and other artists of 20 century which in your opinion will be remembered

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "dumbledore11214" <dumbledore11214 at ...> wrote:
>
> Hey guys, this is sort of "help me remember" post :). I was having a discussion with a good friend of mine in real life and real time today and he made an argument that 20 century have not produced many (if at all) writers, composers, painters which are destined to be remember forever. ...
> 
> Alla
>


Steve:

Others have made good suggestions so far, but I think we might make a worthy distinction here. Certainly there are many greats in the first part of the 20th Century, but what about the last half? It seems even leaner if we narrow the field in that way. 

Next, many of the greatest of the great died in obscurity and poverty. Like many modern artists, their frame rose, and they, within their lifetime, fell from grace. As an example, both Handel and Mozart died far below the height of their popularity. Handel was literally living poverty when he was talked into composing his most notable work "Messiah" to raise funds for a children's hospital. And despite his own poverty, he donated 100% of the proceeds from that work to the hospital. 

To determine what is truly classic, we have to see into the future well beyond that artist's lifetime, and likely well beyond our own.

So, in the mid to later 20th Century can anyone think of any iconic artists who have the potential to out last the centuries? 

One modern writer comes to mind - Salman Rushdie. He certainly has made a significant contribution, but whether that contribution will endure is uncertain.   

In terms of visual art, meaning painting and sculpting, I think too much of art has moved to the abstract. While I don't deny the talent needed for abstract art, it doesn't seem to have the precision and artistry of more natural works. 

In terms of movies, I'm not sure; I'm not sure this is an enduring medium. It is certainly entertaining, but is it really just like oversize television, or is it possible for modern movies to create classics that will endure over the centuries? I really don't know. 

In terms of music; music is all about money. The art is secondary, I suspect if there are any enduring classics, they will be obscure in the moment, while enduring in the long run. 

Pop music is to transient, and based on the whims and emotions of the public. Justin Beiber, while insanely popular, will fade quickly when the 'cute' wears off. There are countless pop idols who come and go with no more than the tiniest blip on the radar screen of history. But what among modern music will endure, only time and history can tell us. 

To illustrate, a British artist, Edward Sheeran, has recently done a cover of "The Wayfaring Stranger" which has spawned countless YouTube cover videos, all attributing the song to Ed Sheeran. 

I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
I'm traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil nor danger
In that bright land to which I go ...

They see this as a modern song by a modern artist, yet is is an early 19th century spiritual folk ballad. An obscure song that has endured for TWO centuries, and has been covered by countless artists. A 2 century old ballad covered by countless artist of that span of time, yet how many people have actually heard it? There is something somewhat ironic in the obscurity of enduring fame. 

For those a bit long in the tooth, this was the signature song of Burl Ives. Burl Ives ... anyone ... Burl Ives? He was once, not that long ago, a house hold name across America. 

So, what lives and what dies in the field of art, only time and history can really tell. 

For what it is worth. 

Steve/bboyminn