The problem, as I see it, is with (as per the thread title) the influence, or to be more precise, the advocacy of total serialism as the musical "way ahead". In the long run, I think strict serialism, and especially total serialism, will turn out to have been a blind alley. It is possible to write masterpieces using serial techniques, when applied by a great musical mind. Unfortunately, in the hands of anyone who is not a great musical mind, serial techniques produce pieces that have no virtue.
Exactly. Slavish adherence to any "method" does not guarantee great results. If you are an untalented hack, no "system" or "method" will elevate you to a more profound level and allow you to produce masterpieces. Garbage in, garbage out.
