Scott Ross and the paradox of popularity

After seven years my post 'Scott Ross and the paradox of genius' is still one of the most widely read Overgrown Path articles. This popularity at first sight seems pardoxical, as Scott Ross lacks any click bait or celebrity appeal. But his flame is kept alive by thoughtful articles such as the one in today's FranceSoir by Moufid Azmaïesh which links to my 2004 post. 

What is remarkable and heartening is that Moufid Azmaïesh's article is given prominence in a respected international publication without the clickable hook of virtue signalling, an anniversary or a scandal to hang the story on. In his thoughtful appraisal Moufid Azmaïesh avoids the sensationalism that blights so much of today's classical music writing. Instead he ponders on how art, and Scott Ross' art in particular, takes us to a better place beyond today's ailing materialistic culture. Moufid Azmaïesh goes on to explain how at this time of global crisis art exposes us to "the side of the sciences where unpredictable thoughts and emotions will emerge from the pre-conscious". 

We can only hope that in the post-Covid era it will be finally realised that technology alone cannot provide all - or indeed many - of the answers. Then, great art and great music will be viewed once again as more than an entertaining diversion from WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you Moufid Azmaïesh for reminding us of the power of great art. Thank you also for reminding us there is life beyond click bait, and for helping keep Scott Ross' flame burning brightly.

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