re: Has "classical" music officially died?

The only downside of the fall of the Soviet Union is that no one can write any good, violent symphonic music anymore. The Russians are great at it, and the Soviets spent tons of money supporting the arts.

Classical has become a signifier of wealth. Concerts are expensive, and its one of the last public spaces that enforces a dress code. It runs contrary to our current values, which is a shame. A good classical piece in a great hall is really impressive.

But classical does have one last savor: the movies. Movie scores are most people's major exposure to classical music.